Downing hails team effort
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing felt Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Southampton was a true show of
strength
12.02.2015
Stewart Downing had praise for his teammates after West Ham United battled
to a 0-0 draw at Southampton on Wednesday night. The Hammers had to swim
against the tide to make their point, after Adrian was shown a red card in
the 61st minute for handling outside his area, then Andy Carroll became a
virtual passenger when he picked up a knee injury with all three substitutes
having been deployed. Despite those set-backs, the Hammers held out to earn
a scoreless draw at St Mary's for the second year in a row and Downing was
happy with that outcome. He explained: "With the red card and Andy getting
injured towards the end, we knew we would have to defend because they're a
good team who pass it around. "We did that very well and it was a big point
for us in the end. "Jussi came on and made some good saves - when he's
called upon he's always there, so well played to him. "The injury was
disappointing for Andy, but hopefully it's not too bad and we can get him
back as quickly as possible. "He felt it the other day when he got a knock
on it at Liverpool, so it's unfortunate that he came on and got another bang
on it."
The point represented a second successive draw for the Londoners, but one
which felt more rewarding than Sunday's against Manchester United. Downing
added: "We were disappointed to draw against Manchester United on Sunday,
because we thought we should have won the game and because of the way we
conceded. "But on Wednesday, overall we'll take the point. Coming into the
game we were confident we could get the win, but it wasn't to be."
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Hargreaves backs Hammers
WHUFC.com
BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves feels the Hammers will have the edge in
their FA Cup fifth round tie
12.02.2015
Prior to West Ham United's fifth round FA Cup tie with West Bromwich Albion
this Saturday, former Bayern Munich and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves
dropped by Chadwell Heath to interview the in-form Aaron Cresswell. The
two-time Champions League winner and current BT Sport pundit also gave us
his thoughts on Saturday's match, which is live on BT Sport 1 from 12pm.
Owen, welcome to West Ham United, looking ahead to Saturday's game away at
West Bromwich Albion in the fifth round tie of the FA Cup, what is your
assessment of the match?
OH: "I think it's an interesting game. West Ham have changed their style a
little bit. They've brought in some very athletic players, especially Diafra
Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate. Also with Enner Valencia they have real
athleticism and pace up front.
"West Ham have also brought in Aaron Cresswell who is the only player to
have played every minute for the Hammers this season. The manager said they
want to play a more attacking style and I think they've been able to do
that.
"They are a very good side, Alex Song at the heart of midfield has been a
great addition. I think they've strengthened and it will be interesting to
see how they line up against a Tony Pulis side who defensively are very,
very sound."
Recently, West Ham haven't lost many games, but also haven't won many
either. Who are you expecting to prevail on Saturday?
OH: "It will be a close call, neither team will want to lose. At first it
will be quite cagey, but West Ham have the players who can change games, so
I would probably lean toward West Ham. You think the team at home has a
slight advantage, under Pulis they are going to drop off, they are going to
be very organised so it will be up to West Ham to break them down."
There have been a few shock results in the FA Cup this season and the magic
seems to be returning. Do you agree?
OH: "That whole weekend when Manchester United drew with Cambridge and
Middlesbrough beat Manchester City was magical. It was special for
everybody. If you think about any other professional sport or league, it's
very rare that third or fourth division teams can beat top level clubs.
"Bradford City beating Chelsea, who will be champions this season, is
exceptional. Fans love an underdog story and we've had a few of them this
season."
You're busy doing television work for BT Sport these days, are you enjoying
being on the other side of football?
OH: "I mean, I would have loved to be able to play for longer, but I got an
injury that changed my career. By the time I realised that, it was a little
bit too late, I kept trying to come back fit but it didn't happen.
"It was quite humbling, going from winning Champions Leagues and playing for
England to all of a sudden the priorities changing. No one ever says 'you'll
never play again' so the contrast was very humbling, you've got to enjoy it
while it lasts.
"It's a real privilege to play football. It's interesting working at BT
Sport, you see the game in a different way. On Wednesday we were covering
the Chelsea v Everton game, we were there three hours before kick-off
preparing. As a footballer you don't see all the work that goes on behind
the scenes.
"There's a lot of people who make a living out of the game, not just the
players. It's great to see it from the other side, obviously I'd love to
still be playing."
As a former England player, do you see any of the English players at West
Ham having a chance at being recognised by their country?
OH: "There are a lot of young players emerging. Harry Kane and Danny Ings
for example, Jordon Ibe recently too. It's good to see Stewart Downing doing
well, I think he needed to be in the right environment and he certainly is
now.
"Aaron Cresswell is certainly one for the future, he's a young talented
player. The first time I watched him play this season I thought he was a
good player and he's continued to do well. The most important thing is doing
well at club level. If you don't do well, then you won't have a chance."
Coming from a Canadian background, West Ham have just signed Doneil Henry
from Toronto FC, is this a sign that the standard of football over there is
improving?
OH: "I think some of the teams I played with and against from about 14 or 15
years old could have competed with anyone in Europe.
"I think we were missing that development phase, everyone in Canada is sort
of looking for the next big thing. I didn't cost anything when I went to
Bayern Munich, they got me for little more than a ham sandwich.
"There are a lot of athletes in Canada, I think they just need a bit more
coaching, hopefully Doneil can come in and do well. A lot of players try
hard and he's certainly one of them."
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Mediawatch - 12 February
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
12.02.2015
Coverage of last night's 0-0 draw at Southampton centres around the Hammers'
valiant effort to cling on to their point with a man light, with The Times
(£) saying that the ten men did Sam Allardyce proud.
Big Sam did not like referee Craig Pawson's decision to send Adrian off for
handball, however, and he outlines his intention to appeal in the
Independent.
The other major talking point from the game was the injury to Andy Carroll,
who was seen leaving the stadium on crutches, according to this report in
The Sun (£).
Away from the pitch, there are reports on transfer news, with Sky Sports
covering Big Sam's confirmation that any move for midfielder Lassana Diarra
is off, owing to FIFA regulations.
The Daily Star claim West Ham are lining up a shock move for Manchester
United striker Javier Hernandez, who is currently on a season-long loan at
Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, this story in The Wharf details the Club's support for homeless
charity Spitalfields Crypt Trust, who are inviting people to don flip-flops
for their commute on Friday to raise funds for people sleeping rough.
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker's knee injury update on Friday
BBC.co.uk
West Ham will reveal the extent of Andy Carroll's knee injury on Friday
after the striker had a scan. Carroll, playing for the first time since 31
January, picked up the problem in Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Southampton and
left St Mary's on crutches. The 26-year-old was forced to stay on the pitch
with the injury because West Ham were down to 10 men and had made all three
of their substitutions. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce will give an update at
his media briefing on Friday. Hammers goalkeeper Adrian was sent off on 61
minutes after handling the ball outside his box. "[Carroll] stayed up and
was a nuisance," Allardyce said."He got kicked in the back of the knee and
felt something wrong. "I just hope that staying on hasn't done any more
damage." Allardyce also said the club will not be able to sign former Real
Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra as a free agent because of "Fifa
regulations". "We have negotiated for weeks to get the right deal and, now
we've got it, we find we can't get the right paperwork and the right
clearance, so we have wasted his time and our time," he said.
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Sam Allardyce nominated as London Manager of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has been nominated for the 2015 London Manger of the Year
award. The Hammers boss, who has enjoyed a thoroughly successful season in
his fourth year at the club is one of three Hammers nominated for this
year's awards, which take place on 5 March in Battersea.
In Addition to Allardyce, goalkeeper Adrian has been selected as one of the
five nominees for London goalkeeper of the Year whilst Carl Jenkinson is in
the hat for the Young London Player of the Year (Under 23s).
Allardyce, one of only two Premier League managers on the shortlist finds
himself up against Jose Mourinho (Chelsea), Mark Warburton (Brentford), Neal
Ardley (AFC Wimbledon) and the 2014 KUMB Awards headliner Martin Allen, now
at Barnet.
In the goalkeeper category, Adrian is joined by Hugo Lloris (Tottenham),
Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) and former Hammer Robert Green (QPR). Meanwhile
Jenkinson contests the Under 23 category alongside Alex Pritchard
(Brentford), Harry Kane and Ryan Mason (Tottenham).
Further categories to be decided on the night - which include no
representatives from West Ham - are the London Player of the Year, London
Women's Player of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to a London Club and
London Community Project of the Year.
The Hammers trio will be pleased to hear that the expert judging panel
includes lifelong Hammer Tony Cottee. Unfortunately for Messrs Allardyce,
del Castillo and Jenkinson there are 15 other judges on the panel!
The London Football Awards - which covers all 15 London clubs, Arsenal,
Barnet, Brentford, Charlton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Dagenham & Redbridge,
Fulham, Leyton Orient, Millwall, QPR, Tottenham, Watford, West Ham and
Wimbledon - will raise much needed funds for Willow, a national charity that
provides unique and positive Special Days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year
olds.
Willow was founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and sports presenter Bob
Wilson and his wife Megs and in memory of their daughter, Anna, who died of
cancer aged just 31.
To date Willow has fulfilled more than 11,000 Special Days for young people
living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, cystic fibrosis,
motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, organ failure and Huntington's.
Standard tickets to the event, including pre-dinner drinks and a three
course meal, cost £185 per person. Tables of ten are available for £1,750,
Premium tables cost £2,500 and Legend Tables (for ten guests plus a legend)
cost £5,000.
For more information and booking visit www.londonfootballawards.org or
telephone Willow on 01707 259777. For more information about Willow visit
www.willowfoundation.org.uk.
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In brief - Thursday's news round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th February 2015
By: Jack Hammer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
Hammers hold on for point despite Adrian dismissal
SOUTHAMPTON went into last night's match hoping that the right combination
of results would narrow the gap between themselves and second-placed
Manchester City to a single point.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/557688/Match-report-Southampton-0-We
st-Ham-0-Adrian-sent-off
Ten man Hammers hold Saints
en-man West Ham earned a hard-fought point after holding Southampton to a
0-0 draw in their Premier League clash at St Mary's.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/313632/report
Southampton 0-0 West Ham
t may not have been very sophisticated, but Sam Allardyce will care little.
West Ham fought for a valuable point here in a game that will be forgotten
in a hurry, a dull goalless draw that only came to life once the Hammers'
goalkeeper, Adrián, was sent off in the second half for handling the ball
outside the area.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/11/southampton-west-ham-premier
-league-match-report
Allardyce confirms another injury for Andy Carroll
Andy Carroll suffered yet another injury setback in West Ham's clash with
Southampton.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/02/11/allardyce-confirms-another-injury-
for-andy-carroll-four-month-ab/
Allardyce: Draw was like a win
Sam Allardyce praised his West Ham players after their goalless stalemate at
Southampton in the Premier League on Wednesday night, declaring the draw to
be like a victory after they went down to 10 men
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9710965/sam-allardyce-says-wes
t-hams-draw-at-southampton-was-like-a-victory-due-to-red-card
Carroll set for longer spell out
West Ham's Andy Carroll faces several weeks out after leaving Wednesday's
draw at Southampton on crutches.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31433187
West Ham must wait for Diarra
West Ham will have to wait until the end of the season to sign former Real
Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9711057/premier-league-fifa-ru
ling-stops-lassana-diarra-from-joining-west-ham-until-end-of-season
West Ham considering shock move for Javier Hernandez
West Ham United are weighing up a shock summer move for Manchester United
striker Javier Hernandez
http://metro.co.uk/2015/02/11/west-ham-considering-summer-move-for-mancheste
r-united-striker-javier-hernandez-5058996/
West Ham still trying to persuade Tottenham transfer target Winston Reid to
sign a new contract
West Ham have not given up on persuading Winston Reid to stay at Upton Park
despite the fact the defender is yet to sign a new contract.
http://metro.co.uk/2015/02/11/west-ham-still-trying-to-persuade-tottenham-tr
ansfer-target-winston-reid-to-sign-a-new-contract-5058208/
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West Ham's Stewart Downing believes draw at Southampton was 'massive point'
By Luke Marino | Last Updated: 12/02/15 2:16pm
SSN
West Ham United forward Stewart Downing believes their 0-0 draw at
Southampton on Wednesday will prove to be a 'massive point'. The Londoners
currently sit eighth in the Premier League and Downing believes his side
have the quality to break into the European places at the end of the season.
The former Liverpool winger, who has excelled this season in his new role
behind the strikers, said: "I think it will come back at the end of the
season as being a massive point. "I mean, they'll be disappointed not to be
getting three given their home form, that's where they get their points.
"For the league games, we just need to keep chipping away, picking up points
away from home and carry on our home form. We've got a really good chance of
Europe." Sam Allardyce's side have lost just once in their last six outings,
a run of results which included a deserved point at home to Manchester
United last weekend.
'Attacking displays'
However, West Ham were forced to defend deep towards the end of the match
after goalkeeper Adrian was dismissed midway through the second half after
handling the ball outisde his area. Downing, who has scored five goals in
the Premier League this season, said: "I think we showed another side to us.
"Obviously we've been praised for our attacking displays this season, but at
times we had to defend and make it difficult for Southampton. "They had a
couple of chances towards the end but I think Jussi Jaaskelainen made some
good saves and there were some good blocks. "I think overall with the
circumstances during the last half an hour, we'd take a point all day long."
Kevin Nolan (bruised foot) and Mark Noble (virus) missed the trip to the
south coast, while Andy Carroll left the ground on crutches.
However, ahead of their FA Cup fifth round clash at West Brom this weekend,
Downing believes the squad now has enough quality to cope with injuries.
"We're struggling a bit and obviously it was the last minute as well so we
had to change late on," he said, referring to Nolan and Noble. "But it just
shows the squad depth and we didn't have that last season. We'd probably
have struggled to get a team out."
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West Ham striker Andy Carroll facing another spell on sidelines
Last Updated: 12/02/15 10:53am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce expects Andy Carroll to be sidelined for around
three weeks after the striker limped off at the end of the 0-0 draw at
Southampton. Carroll, who came on as a second-half substitute at St Mary's
on Wednesday night, received a kick to the back of his knee and left the
stadium on crutches. He was due to have a scan on the problem on Thursday
but Allardyce said after the game: "The sad thing for us is the injury to
Andy Carroll which we can ill-afford to take with our injury problems. "It's
the same knee. He got kicked on the back of it and felt something was wrong.
He stayed up and was a nuisance but I just hope that staying on hasn't done
any damage.
"He got fit in two-and-a-half weeks but clearly it's going to take longer
this time because it's the same injury." Meanwhile, Allardyce says he
intends to appeal the red card shown to goalkeeper Adrian after he was
dismissed for handling the ball outside his penalty area.
"It was a foul on our goalkeeper before," he said. "There is no doubt Mane
had his hands on Adrian. "Adrian made a mistake in the beginning but the
linesman saw two hands on the ball but not the two hands on the back. "We
will be appealing it and I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't get off."
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SEVEN DAYS THAT SAY MORE ABOUT THE STATE OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE THAN WEST HAM
By Bobby Shovels 12 Feb 2015 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
Manchester United on Sunday, Southampton on Wednesday, West Brom on
Saturday. Seven crucial days for the Hammers but also an insightful week of
fixtures regarding the state of the game.
Firstly, Manchester United. Ultimately, a gutting result we more than
deserved to take three points from. Yet my main take from it was how United
have now lost just once in 17 games in all competitions. That is astonishing
for a team so out of sorts and that scraps by in so many fixtures. There is
something of a dream-like quality to the Red Devils in the two years since
Sir Alex left: those shirts and stadium still invoke fear, yet essentially
they are still there for the taking and everyone knows it and thus many
sides think they can get some points out of them. Yet few have. Why?
Well, one cannot doubt that while their over-spending in the summer was
largely ill thought-out, it no doubt helps to have a large army of stars,
regardless of whether they gel together. At some point, as on Sunday, the
ball will fall to just one talented individual, and he will have the last
laugh. Such is the state of English football, as we have long known it: West
Ham can be applauded for not being a big club and consistently fielding
home-grown talent, as we did on Sunday. But you don't always win points by
sticking to principles. Hence, United, with money and an eye for a
foreigner, are sitting above us in the table.
Secondly, we play Southampton tonight. What does this reveal? Well, we are
yet to see the result but one thing I find about the rise of the Saints is
the level of surprise and slight disdain shown to the team. Even now, as
they continue to do so well, and put the money boys to shame, many pundits
will still write off their chances of claiming a top-four place.
Many still argue that Europe is beyond West Ham too. Essentially, tonight
you have two teams who many believe should not be where they are in the
table currently, and many, despite what they say on the surface, like having
the top four or five teams the same every season. Many may argue against
money's power, yet those same voices don't seem to like it when the natural
equilibrium of the game is disrupted. Liverpool should be above Southampton,
full stop, so goes the argument. Tonight sees two teams, with less money,
relying on young talent, battle it out for a decent place in England's
highest league. It's how it should be.
Finally, away to West Brom on Saturday. Again, many things can be read from
this but two things strike me: where the Cup ranks in importance for teams
and the TV scheduling. Firstly, as seen with Chelsea and Manchester City,
those teams' preference for other trophies (the bigger money prizes,
ultimately) means that this glorious, historic cup has lost its standing.
Secondly, the TV schedulers also stop us from being able to watch and
reinvigorate the romanticism of the Cup – and raising the profile of lower
league sides – by televising all the Premier League teams. I'd much rather
watch Bradford than Aston Villa v Leicester City. Or how about Blackburn
giving Stoke a run for their money? Furthermore, once again, we have become
beholden to the need to have games on Saturday start at 12:45 to please the
TV men, which means that many West Ham fans – due to train repairs – will
have to get up especially early to leave themselves time to get to the game.
TV trumps the fans – we know that. Ticket prices won't go down with the new
£5.14bn TV deal. But we're still expected to watch games at earlier and
later times and get trains and coaches at more unsociable hours. We'll still
live in a world where only five teams matter, or at push, the top 20 in all
four divisions. We'll still struggle to break into an ever-solidifying group
of elite clubs.
Yes, in seven days, the money, the inertia, and the depression of the game
are all too plain to see.
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NEARLY REACH THE SKY BY BRIAN WILLIAMS: A VALEDICTION TO THE BOLEYN
By Iron Liddy 12 Feb 2015 at 13:50
West Ham Till I Die
When Iain emailed me a few weeks ago to ask if I would like to review Brian
William's new book Nearly Reach the Sky: A Farewell to Upton Park I was both
flattered and nervous. I haven't been asked to write a book review since I
was in my Headmistress's Good Readers Club when I was 8. I said yes straight
away as I'm already a fan of Brian's writing and I anticipated a funny,
clever and interesting read. I wasn't disappointed, it was such a good read
that I finished it in a day; my only hope now is that I can do it justice.
I suppose the first thing that a prospective reader might want to know is
which literary genre this book falls under. To be honest it could easily be
categorised as a tragicomedy, a memoir or even a history of sport. The one
category I wasn't expecting was romance.
Nearly Reach the Sky is more than just a collection of one West Ham fan's
musings on his life as a football supporter; it is a billet doux, a letter
to his love of more than 50 years. It's an explanation of his feelings for
his club, which moves through the widest range of emotions – devotion,
disappointment, hope and ambition, joy and elation, grief and anger, humour,
impatience, self-reproach and resignation. They're all there.
It is also a valediction. A claret and blue thread has been a part of the
fabric of Brian's life since 1964 and as he weaves and embroiders his
personal love story of West Ham United it becomes apparent that a snag has
appeared in the cloth. Throughout the book there is the stark realisation
that the club is on the verge of leaving the ground that has been its
physical and spiritual home for more than 100 years. Very soon that small
tear will become a gaping hole and it's clear that a part of the author's
heart will be ripped away forever.
Ultimately this is a paean to West Ham United but the other love of Brian's
life, his wife Di, also appears regularly in the book, together with her
East End family. He has obviously enjoyed a harmonious, if polygamous,
relationship with his two amours. Even so, I can't pretend that I wasn't
shocked and a little horrified to read of Brian's first ménage à trois. In
fact it wasn't a ménage à trois at all but a foursome! West Ham may have
easily seen off other women in Brian's life, including the girl who
distracted him from Tonka's performance on the penalty spot in the 80s and
the lissome 17 year old Sharon and her hotpants; but the admission that I
read in chapter 19 is nothing short of scandalous. Brian is now full of
contrition and guilt for playing away and fortunately for him Di is
obviously a very forgiving woman. I'm not sure that fellow West Ham fans
will let him off quite so lightly and if I were Di I'd keep him on a very
short leash. Despite his repentance he's still singing love songs to other
'birds' to this day, and right under the nose of his true love too!
Not being born within the sound of Bow Bells has obviously caused our hero
some consternation in life and he makes no secret of his delight that
Cupid's arrow landed smack bang in the middle of Beverley Road in East Ham.
Here we meet Brian's future in-laws, including the inimitable Sid, who is
possibly the man originally responsible for the term 'the elephant in the
room.' Fortunately for Brian he'd already lost his heart many years before
to the aptly nicknamed 'Ticker' when he scored twice in the 1964 FA Cup
semi-final against Manchester United, so his claret and blue credentials
stood up to Sid's suspicious scrutiny. Having passed the test with flying
West Ham colours he was welcomed into the bosom of Di's family as an
honorary East Ender. He had found his dream woman who not only shared his
love for West Ham but also lived just streets away from his beloved Boleyn.
Love blossomed and it was clear that it was going to be a match made in
heaven when their marriage was given the personal blessing of John Lyall.
If you are beginning to worry that Brian has written some kind of Mills &
Boon novel or worse, Sixty-Four Shades of Claret and Blue, fear not! As a
member of the fairer sex I'm perhaps more inclined to focus on the more
human elements of this story but there are more than enough match reports
and reminiscences of seminal goals, games, fouls and finals to dissuade the
average woman from reading it. Equally, if you are one of our more youthful
West Ham fans and you think that this is a tome that would appeal only to
the more decrepit members of our fan base who like to bang on about how much
better it all was in their day, you would be wrong. Whilst this is a very
nostalgic collection of anecdotes the author has seamlessly woven stories of
past glories and defeats with accounts of recent players and games to create
a narrative that every West Ham fan will be able to place themselves in at
some point and say "I was there."
Brian is obviously not a fan of the linear approach, this is not one long
hoof from 1964 to the present day. Instead he weaves nimbly in and out of
the decades, moving from one story to another and back again with a clever
little one-two and some nifty back passes to yesteryear without ever losing
his reader along the way. His story is inevitably populated with all the
West Ham icons, heroes and villains that we all know and love … or hate; but
we are also introduced to some of the people who make up the true heart of
West Ham United ….. the fans. It's these people that elevate this tale from
being 'just another West Ham book.' Of course you'll be expecting to read of
Brian's adulation of Billy Bonds and even the emotional moment when a Wolves
fan broke ranks during the wreath laying ceremony for the late, great Bobby
Moore. But the real pleasure of this book is being able to identify with the
joy and pain of Brian's West Ham supporting family, friends, colleagues and
passing acquaintances. Their stories are as much a part of our club's
history as yours are and they all deserve to be recorded alongside the oft
told tales of the people on the pitch.
This is essentially a very funny book but, like all West Ham fans, Brian
also has a talent for pathos and there is an ever present poignancy between
the lines of humour. His anecdotes evoke the whole gamut of emotions and I
laughed out loud and shed some tears several times before I turned the final
page. As I wiped away the last tear and the final smile faded from my lips I
was left feeling proud and grateful. Proud because I was born a Hammer and
grateful that all the wonderful characters in Brian's book are my kith and
kin. I realised that I am also a part of the same story, we all are. That
sense of belonging is priceless and I can't help but feel that something
will be lost when the doors of The Boleyn are finally closed for the last
time. No matter how positive any West Ham fan feels about our impending
move, I challenge them to read this witty but poignant book without feeling
wistful and nostalgic for a time that will never come again.
For the benefit of any newcomers to the site Brian Williams has supported
West Ham United for the past 50 years and for the last 25 of those years he
has been a journalist for The Guardian newspaper. He also writes a regular
Tuesday column for West Ham Till I Die. This is his first book.
You can order a copy of Brian's book NEARLY REACH THE SKY from…
Biteback Publishing for £8.99 in paperback (Use promotional code WESTHAMBW)
Biteback Publishing for £9.99 as an eBook
Amazon for £12.99 in paperback
Amazon Kindle for £10 as an eBook
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Graham Poll says Hammers will win appeal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former Premier League referee Graham Poll says West Ham will win Adrian red
card appeal if their case is based on it the fact that a goalscoring
opportunity wasn't involved. Speaking on Talksport radio earlier today Poll
suggested the play was going away from goal.
Explaining the rules when former Hammer Robert Green once handled the ball
outside the area in an England game, Poll previously explained:
"The law is very simple on this matter in that when a keeper leaves his
penalty area he is treated as an outfield player. Therefore he cannot handle
the ball so a direct free-kick should be given if he does, Regarding cards,
if the handball denies an opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity then
the keeper should be sent off but if it is merely a handball with defenders
around around then a free-kick is sufficient."
Sam Allardyce confirmed yesterday West Ham would appeal against the red card
awarded against Adrian during the goalless draw at St Mary's last night. "It
was a foul on the goalkeeper before he handled the ball, Mane has his hands
all over Adrian," said Allardyce. "He should have kicked it out but Mane had
two hands on his back. We will appeal. I will be very disappointed if we
don't get it rescinded."
Adrian faces a one match ban for the FA Cup game this Saturday at the
Hawthorns.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers on Hernandez speculation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have made no moves in the direction of Manchester United's Javier
Hernandez. The striker will be available at the end of the season when his
Real Madrid loan spell expires and the Hammers have been linked with him
over the last couple of days via the national media. But ClaretandHugh was
told a few minutes ago that the club have made no moves in the direction of
the 26 year old Mexican who has seen his spell at Real fizzle out after a
promising start. A senior source at the Boleyn admitted he was surprised to
have read the news claiming: "We know nothing about this but anything is
possible in the summer."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diarra deal – what went wrong!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's failure to sign Lassana Diarra is understood to have been as a
result of opposing claims by Lokomotiv Moscow and the player that each owed
the other money. The row between the two sides has been rumbling on for
months and there can be no conclusion until Fifa has ruled on the issue.
Both Inter Milan and Celtic's negotiations are believed to have faltered on
the same problem and it was always highly unlikely that the Irons could
succeed where they had failed. Diarra has been in dispute with Lokomotiv for
months but with no progress made over the issue it was always an unlikely
deal for the club.
ClaretandHugh was told: Neither Inter or Celtic could make the deal happen
so it's hardly surprising it's broken down. There's a Fifa rule that a
player can walk away in the last season of his contract but in Lass' case
that is from this summer."
Sam Allardyce remains upset however that he couldn't make the deal happen
declaring: ""I have to say we have waited and we have negotiated for weeks
to get the right deal and now we've got it, we find we can't get the right
paperwork and the right clearance, so we have wasted his time and our time.
"On the basis of the situation we're in right now, he would have been a very
crucial player for us between now and the end of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll Out for two weeks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Andy Carroll could be out for up to a
fortnight after injuring his knee in the goalless draw with Southampton last
night. Carroll came on from the bench as a 55th minute substitute but was in
discomfort as he took a knock then battled with a problem with his knee that
he has already injured this season. Carroll was immobile for the last twenty
minutes of the match meaning the Hammers were effectively down to nine men
after Adrian's sending off earlier. "The sad thing is the injury to Andy
Carroll", Allardyce told reporters at his press conference after the game.
"It was the same knee – took a kick onto it and we hope that staying on
hasn't done any more damage. It could be two weeks that he is out. We've got
three goal scorers there so I'm not too concerned." Carroll was forced to
leave the ground on crutches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Andy Carroll out for six to eight weeks with recurrence of
knee injury
The England international picked up the injury against Southampton and left
St. Mary's stadium on crutches
The telegraph
West Ham striker Andy Carroll out for six to eight weeks with recurrence of
knee injury
John Percy By John Percy7:05PM GMT 12 Feb 2015
Andy Carroll is set to miss at least six weeks in another shattering blow
for the West Ham United forward. Carroll has suffered a recurrence of a knee
injury and scans have revealed he will be sidelined until the end of March
at the earliest. The England international left Southampton's St. Mary's
stadium on crutches after he picked up the injury in the second half of the
0-0 draw. His appearance as a substitute marked his first appearance since
January 31 but he is now facing further frustration after a scan on
Thursday. Sam Allardyce, the West Ham manager, is expecting to be without
Carroll for between six to eight weeks. He said after the game: "It's the
same knee, he got kicked in the back of the knee and felt something wrong.
He stayed up and was a nuisance. I just hope that staying on hasn't done any
more damage. "He got fit in two and a half weeks after Liverpool but clearly
it's going to take longer this time because it's the same injury."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jaaskelainen: I was surprised this happened when I came on against Saints
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United were forced to bring Jussi Jaaskelainen on in the latter
stages of their match against Southampton. West Ham United's Jussi
Jaaskelainen has told the club's official site that he was nervous when he
came off the substitutes' bench against Southampton on Wednesday night.
Jaaskelainen was required for the final period of the match after Adrian had
been sent off for handling outside the area.
It was a rare situation even for a goalkeeper of Jaaskelainen's experience,
and the Finnish stopper admits he was shocked that nerves affected him.
"That's just the second time in my career I've come on from the bench," he
said. "You just need to keep focused on the bench and it did come as a
surprise on Wednesday because you never expect that to happen. "I was
surprised with the experience I have that I was nervous for the first couple
of minutes. But that got better later in the game."
Despite Jaaskelainen saying that he was anxious, it certainly wasn't evident
in his performance as he looked a picture of calm. The 39-year-old managed
to pull off a couple of notable saves to preserve his side's clean sheet and
help them claim what was an impressive point at St. Mary's. It was a
performance that proved that he still has something to offer the side,
despite his advancing years, and he will be looking to ensure that his
standards do not dip in the coming weeks. Jaaskelainen has still not started
a Premier League match this season, but he should be in the team next time
out, with Adrian suspended, and will delighted if he can make it two clean
sheets out of two.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham already have Winston Reid's replacement in their squad
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United's Cheikhou Kouyate has been in superb form over recent games
playing in the heart of their defence. West Ham United's injury crisis has
highlighted just how important Cheikhou Kouyate is at the Boleyn Ground.
Kouyate arrived at the London club last summer as a relatively unknown
prospect, but he has wasted no time in making an impression and his standing
continues to rise by the game.
Kouyate was signed as a midfield enforcer. Capable of being destructive, but
also gifted in offensive scenarios, Sam Allardyce had spotted him as the
perfect man to push the Hammers on to the next level. He has performed that
function brilliantly, too, strengthening their midfield to great effect, but
it has been at centre-back where he has really shone.
With a clutch of players on the treatment table, Allardyce has been forced
to field makeshift backlines against Manchester United and Southampton in
recent matches, but Kouyate's displays have proved that he is unquestionably
capable of performing a role in the heart of the defence. Kouyate was the
Hammers man of the match in their 1-1 draw with United at the weekend and
was pivotal in helping them secure a clean-sheet against Southampton on
Wednesday night. The Senegalese international made two tackles, completed
six interceptions, won three headers and managed to clear the ball 10 times
in a complete defensive performance. It means that West Ham's need to sign
a centre-back could be significantly reduced. Allardyce has been chasing a
defender throughout the past few transfer windows, with the side preparing
to cope without Winston Reid.
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Friday, February 13
Thursday, February 12
Daily WHUFC News II - 12th February 2015
Big Sam on Saints stalemate
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce felt pride and frustration after Wednesday's goalless draw at
Southampton
11.02.2015
Sam Allardyce felt a mixture of pride and frustration after seeing his
depleted West Ham United side earn a hard-fought 0-0 Barclays Premier League
draw at Southampton. The Hammers, who went into the game without
half-a-dozen first-teamers through injury, lost Adrian to a 61st-minute red
card for handling outside the box, then played out the final 20 minutes with
Andy Carroll rendered immobile by a knee problem. Big Sam claimed his
goalkeeper should not have been sent-off, but praised his replacement Jussi
Jaaskelainen and his outfield players for resiliently playing out time
against a Saints outfit who started the day in third place. "The game was
exactly what we didn't want in terms of how it panned out, but not in terms
of how we played or the football that we tried to play or the effort that we
gave," he began. "The decisions went against us, particularly the
sending-off which was not a sending-off. "From there, having used all our
substitutes, Andy Carroll re-injured the same knee, but I was absolutely
delighted for the players who stopped a Southampton side who have been very
good here this season and got us a very precious point. "It almost feels
like a win after the things we had to endure tonight, so against all the
odds we got a draw. This was a nine-man team that hasn't lost."
To start with the positives, Big Sam was rightly proud of his team's ability
to restrict Southampton to shots from the edge of the penalty area - both
before and after Adrian's dismissal. "It is a feather in our cap and we know
Southampton have been very good here, even though they haven't been as
free-scoring as they were at the start of the season - a bit like ourselves.
"We knew that to get anything out of this game we'd have to get a clean
sheet because Southampton would look at their record, which was eight clean
sheets before tonight and now nine. "We had to get our own defensive play
right and then we started to probe more and more. We knew we'd get some
tired legs late on, as we'd played 4pm on Sunday, so we made the substitutes
accordingly, and then unfortunately the big decision hit us with the goalie
being sent-off and Andy getting injured. "We've still managed to secure a
point, but my fear is unfortunately that the extra effort we have put in
with nine men will maybe take its toll when we play Saturday at 12.45pm in
the FA Cup at West Brom."
One man who will likely feature at The Hawthorns is veteran goalkeeper
Jaaskelainen, who impressed hugely on his first Premier League appearance
since New Year's Day 2014. "He is quality and this is the point of keeping a
man like Jussi, who keeps himself super-fit for his age. He is turning 40
soon, but trains every day and loves training. "He has been frustrated
because he loves to play if he can, but he understands the position and the
form of Adrian this year. This is why you don't throw a man like Jussi away.
You keep him, because he has used every ounce of his experience to make
sure, in the end, he was a key element in us winning a point. "His saves
near the end, his kicking, his handling and his composure were massive in
terms of helping us win a point."
In closing, the manager was asked if any of the injured or, in Mark Noble's
case ill, absentees would be available to play on Saturday at West Brom.
Meanwhile, Big Sam also confirmed that the Club will not be signing France
midfielder Lassana Diarra due to administrative issues. "We are going to
have to if we're going to try to get through to the next round. Andy is out
and there were some real tired legs out there and I saw Cheikhou limping off
at the end after another terrific performance. "I can only hope that Kevin
and Mark are fit. I think it will come just too soon for James Collins and
Reidy, so we'll just have to assess and hope that nothing untoward has
happened when they come in on Thursday. A little strain on a Wednesday night
will keep them out on Saturday. "I have to say [with regard to Diarra] we
have waited and we have negotiated for weeks to get the right deal and now
we've got it, we find we can't get the right paperwork and the right
clearance, so we have wasted his time and our time. "On the basis of the
situation we're in right now, he would have been a very crucial player for
us between now and the end of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi's patience rewarded at St Mary's
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen stepped into the breach to help the Hammers to a 0-0 draw
at Southampton
12.02.2015
When West Ham United visited Southampton last season, Jussi Jaaskelainen
gave a Man of the Match performance to help his side gain a 0-0 draw. That
St Mary's clash came back in September 2013, and after playing just 14
Barclays Premier League games in the intervening 17 months, he was called
upon again to shine on the South Coast on Wednesday. A red card for Adrian
29 minutes from time gave the 39-year-old his first top flight opportunity
this season and he was only too glad to take it. "It's a case of working
hard in training, keeping yourself fit as you can [and being ready]," he
said. "I played the League Cup game earlier in the season and then I was a
bit disappointed that the Gaffer didn't choose me in the FA Cup, but it was
one of those things. "I just wanted to keep going because you never know
what's going to happen, and on Wednesday it happened."
Jaaskelainen had to draw on all his experience to be ready to enter the fray
after Adrian saw red for handling outside his penalty area - especially as
it was just the second time in his lengthy career he had been pressed into
action in that manner. "That's just the second time in my career I've come
on from the bench!" he revealed. "You just need to keep focused on the bench
and it did come as a surprise on Wednesday because you never expect that to
happen. "I was surprised with the experience I have that I was nervous for
the first couple of minutes. But that got better later in the game. "As a
goalkeeper it's always better to start the game and do the warm ups and
preparation that way."
Jaaskelainen needed to make sharp saves to deny Jose Fonte and Dusan Tadic
in stoppage time and now he is keen to help the team again at West Bromwich
Albion on Saturday. "That's what you need to do when you play at this level,
to be ready at any time," he explained.
"It was a great performance. I don't think we had a clean sheet away from
home before Wednesday this season, so we did well. "There's a Cup game
coming up on Saturday so now we need to prepare for that game. I'm excited
for it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham striker injured against Southampton
BBC.co.uk
West Ham's Andy Carroll faces several weeks out after leaving Wednesday's
draw at Southampton on crutches. The 26-year-old striker was playing for the
first time since picking up a knee injury on 31 January, but suffered a
recurrence against the Saints. "He got kicked in the back of the knee and
felt something wrong," said Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "It's going to take
longer (to get fit) this time because it's the same injury (he suffered
against Liverpool)." Carroll was forced to continue playing in the 0-0 draw
at St Mary's, with West Ham down to 10 men after goalkeeper Adrian was sent
off and with all three substitutions made - the former Newcastle and
Liverpool striker being one of those introduced. "He stayed up and was a
nuisance," added Allardyce. "I just hope that staying on hasn't done any
more damage." It completed a frustrating day f or Allardyce, who revealed he
is unable to sign former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra as a free
agent because of "Fifa regulations".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to appeal Adrian red card, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Craig Pawson's decision to dismiss Adrian for hand ball against Southampton
last night will be contested, according to Sam Allardyce.
Speaking minutes after the final whistle had blown at St Mary's, Allardyce
confirmed that he would be appealing against the decision - one that, as it
stands, rules the Spanish goalkeeper out of Saturday lunchtime's FA Cup 5th
Round tie at the Hawthorns. "It was a foul on the goalkeeper before he
handled the ball," insisted Big Sam. "Mane has his hands all over Adrian.
"He should have kicked it out [first], but Mane had two hands on his back.
We will appeal. I will be very disappointed if we don't get it rescinded."
Despite Adrian's 61st minute dismissal, a ten-men Hammers held out for a
point against high-flying Southampton - albeit with considerable assistance
from his replacement Jussi Jaaskelainen, who made two excellent saves in the
closing moments to deny the Saints all three points.
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WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce felt pride and frustration after Wednesday's goalless draw at
Southampton
11.02.2015
Sam Allardyce felt a mixture of pride and frustration after seeing his
depleted West Ham United side earn a hard-fought 0-0 Barclays Premier League
draw at Southampton. The Hammers, who went into the game without
half-a-dozen first-teamers through injury, lost Adrian to a 61st-minute red
card for handling outside the box, then played out the final 20 minutes with
Andy Carroll rendered immobile by a knee problem. Big Sam claimed his
goalkeeper should not have been sent-off, but praised his replacement Jussi
Jaaskelainen and his outfield players for resiliently playing out time
against a Saints outfit who started the day in third place. "The game was
exactly what we didn't want in terms of how it panned out, but not in terms
of how we played or the football that we tried to play or the effort that we
gave," he began. "The decisions went against us, particularly the
sending-off which was not a sending-off. "From there, having used all our
substitutes, Andy Carroll re-injured the same knee, but I was absolutely
delighted for the players who stopped a Southampton side who have been very
good here this season and got us a very precious point. "It almost feels
like a win after the things we had to endure tonight, so against all the
odds we got a draw. This was a nine-man team that hasn't lost."
To start with the positives, Big Sam was rightly proud of his team's ability
to restrict Southampton to shots from the edge of the penalty area - both
before and after Adrian's dismissal. "It is a feather in our cap and we know
Southampton have been very good here, even though they haven't been as
free-scoring as they were at the start of the season - a bit like ourselves.
"We knew that to get anything out of this game we'd have to get a clean
sheet because Southampton would look at their record, which was eight clean
sheets before tonight and now nine. "We had to get our own defensive play
right and then we started to probe more and more. We knew we'd get some
tired legs late on, as we'd played 4pm on Sunday, so we made the substitutes
accordingly, and then unfortunately the big decision hit us with the goalie
being sent-off and Andy getting injured. "We've still managed to secure a
point, but my fear is unfortunately that the extra effort we have put in
with nine men will maybe take its toll when we play Saturday at 12.45pm in
the FA Cup at West Brom."
One man who will likely feature at The Hawthorns is veteran goalkeeper
Jaaskelainen, who impressed hugely on his first Premier League appearance
since New Year's Day 2014. "He is quality and this is the point of keeping a
man like Jussi, who keeps himself super-fit for his age. He is turning 40
soon, but trains every day and loves training. "He has been frustrated
because he loves to play if he can, but he understands the position and the
form of Adrian this year. This is why you don't throw a man like Jussi away.
You keep him, because he has used every ounce of his experience to make
sure, in the end, he was a key element in us winning a point. "His saves
near the end, his kicking, his handling and his composure were massive in
terms of helping us win a point."
In closing, the manager was asked if any of the injured or, in Mark Noble's
case ill, absentees would be available to play on Saturday at West Brom.
Meanwhile, Big Sam also confirmed that the Club will not be signing France
midfielder Lassana Diarra due to administrative issues. "We are going to
have to if we're going to try to get through to the next round. Andy is out
and there were some real tired legs out there and I saw Cheikhou limping off
at the end after another terrific performance. "I can only hope that Kevin
and Mark are fit. I think it will come just too soon for James Collins and
Reidy, so we'll just have to assess and hope that nothing untoward has
happened when they come in on Thursday. A little strain on a Wednesday night
will keep them out on Saturday. "I have to say [with regard to Diarra] we
have waited and we have negotiated for weeks to get the right deal and now
we've got it, we find we can't get the right paperwork and the right
clearance, so we have wasted his time and our time. "On the basis of the
situation we're in right now, he would have been a very crucial player for
us between now and the end of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jussi's patience rewarded at St Mary's
WHUFC.com
Jussi Jaaskelainen stepped into the breach to help the Hammers to a 0-0 draw
at Southampton
12.02.2015
When West Ham United visited Southampton last season, Jussi Jaaskelainen
gave a Man of the Match performance to help his side gain a 0-0 draw. That
St Mary's clash came back in September 2013, and after playing just 14
Barclays Premier League games in the intervening 17 months, he was called
upon again to shine on the South Coast on Wednesday. A red card for Adrian
29 minutes from time gave the 39-year-old his first top flight opportunity
this season and he was only too glad to take it. "It's a case of working
hard in training, keeping yourself fit as you can [and being ready]," he
said. "I played the League Cup game earlier in the season and then I was a
bit disappointed that the Gaffer didn't choose me in the FA Cup, but it was
one of those things. "I just wanted to keep going because you never know
what's going to happen, and on Wednesday it happened."
Jaaskelainen had to draw on all his experience to be ready to enter the fray
after Adrian saw red for handling outside his penalty area - especially as
it was just the second time in his lengthy career he had been pressed into
action in that manner. "That's just the second time in my career I've come
on from the bench!" he revealed. "You just need to keep focused on the bench
and it did come as a surprise on Wednesday because you never expect that to
happen. "I was surprised with the experience I have that I was nervous for
the first couple of minutes. But that got better later in the game. "As a
goalkeeper it's always better to start the game and do the warm ups and
preparation that way."
Jaaskelainen needed to make sharp saves to deny Jose Fonte and Dusan Tadic
in stoppage time and now he is keen to help the team again at West Bromwich
Albion on Saturday. "That's what you need to do when you play at this level,
to be ready at any time," he explained.
"It was a great performance. I don't think we had a clean sheet away from
home before Wednesday this season, so we did well. "There's a Cup game
coming up on Saturday so now we need to prepare for that game. I'm excited
for it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham striker injured against Southampton
BBC.co.uk
West Ham's Andy Carroll faces several weeks out after leaving Wednesday's
draw at Southampton on crutches. The 26-year-old striker was playing for the
first time since picking up a knee injury on 31 January, but suffered a
recurrence against the Saints. "He got kicked in the back of the knee and
felt something wrong," said Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "It's going to take
longer (to get fit) this time because it's the same injury (he suffered
against Liverpool)." Carroll was forced to continue playing in the 0-0 draw
at St Mary's, with West Ham down to 10 men after goalkeeper Adrian was sent
off and with all three substitutions made - the former Newcastle and
Liverpool striker being one of those introduced. "He stayed up and was a
nuisance," added Allardyce. "I just hope that staying on hasn't done any
more damage." It completed a frustrating day f or Allardyce, who revealed he
is unable to sign former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra as a free
agent because of "Fifa regulations".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to appeal Adrian red card, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Craig Pawson's decision to dismiss Adrian for hand ball against Southampton
last night will be contested, according to Sam Allardyce.
Speaking minutes after the final whistle had blown at St Mary's, Allardyce
confirmed that he would be appealing against the decision - one that, as it
stands, rules the Spanish goalkeeper out of Saturday lunchtime's FA Cup 5th
Round tie at the Hawthorns. "It was a foul on the goalkeeper before he
handled the ball," insisted Big Sam. "Mane has his hands all over Adrian.
"He should have kicked it out [first], but Mane had two hands on his back.
We will appeal. I will be very disappointed if we don't get it rescinded."
Despite Adrian's 61st minute dismissal, a ten-men Hammers held out for a
point against high-flying Southampton - albeit with considerable assistance
from his replacement Jussi Jaaskelainen, who made two excellent saves in the
closing moments to deny the Saints all three points.
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Daily WHUFC News - 12th February 2015
From the Academy
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy Director Terry Westley updates us on all things Academy
11.02.2015
Hello everyone.
It has been a while since I've had the opportunity to update you on all things related to the Academy. As I'm sure you've all noticed, a few of our most exciting talents have been involved with the first team recently, so now is as good a time as any to tell you more about them. Sixteen-year-old defender Reece Oxford was named on the bench against Liverpool and Manchester United. Had he come on, he would have been the youngest-ever Premier League debutant, an outstanding achievement. Elliot Lee and Reece Burke have also been on the fringes of the first-team this season. While some people may point to injuries to first-team players, these are the opportunities and the breaks you need as a young player.
In my 36 years in football, that is always the case. When the opportunity arises, the player then needs to take it. It's our job to give the player all the tools to do well. If for any reason the player is short in any department - tactically, mentally, physically - they'll eat you alive in the Premier League.
I think for everybody involved with the Club it really is fantastic to see young players doing well. For Sam Allardyce to be brave enough to include them, first of all, is a big step. The good thing with the young players who are in the squad for Wednesday night is the fact that they are all training with the first team regularly.
The first team and the Academy are both working together and pulling in the same direction. We now have good communication. Ian Hendon is an important link, telling us what they've been working on and Neil McDonald is also heavily involved, coming to every U21 home game. I truly believe it is only a matter of time before this system bears fruit.
Everyone enjoys cheering on home grown players that bit more, there is sense of pride that comes with a local player coming through the ranks. With that in mind, it was great to see Academy graduate James Tomkins sign a long-term contract with the Club, but we need to make sure this happens more regularly.
There is now a real belief that these players can follow in the footsteps of James and Mark Noble. What we are trying to achieve is incredibly difficult, there is no formula or exact science behind producing Premier League players. One thing it does require is hard work, from not just the player, but his family and all the support staff at the Academy. Take Reece Oxford for example. A lot of people have worked with him, probably the current U18s coach Mark Phillips more than anyone. Head of Academy Recruitment Dave Hunt has put hours and hours of work tracking and following him, going abroad with him. The scout who was on the pitch with him when he signed, as well - they're all important people in helping to secure talented young players stay at the club. The next step is that he needs to play, and it shows all the other younger players - Joe Powell, Antony Scully, Reece Burke, Josh Pask and Vashon Neufville - that they can be involved at that kind of age, they're thinking 'Blimey, he's on the bench'. It's a big plus for all of us, it really is.
On the flip side is the unfortunate reality that most Academy players, up and down the country, don't make it to the first team. It's been a tough week because a group of players have been released. For the released players, it's our challenge to find them new clubs and help them forge a career somewhere else. We don't just discard them and throw them out. We're playing in the hardest league in the world and we're about to move to the Olympic Stadium. The club wants to be around the top six, and to do that you've got to be some player. Our next opponents Southampton have had a terrific turnover of world-class graduates in recent years - Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Luke Shaw to name just three. When you look at the system and culture they have in place, it's no fluke. They have a clear pathway to the first team, and it is working for them. We want to get to that level of productivity, and I believe we've taken the first steps in the that direction.
All the best,
Terry Westley
Academy Manager and Head of Coaching and Player Development
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Southampton 0 West Ham 0
11 February 2015
Last updated at 22:17
By Luke Reddy
BBC Sport
West Ham had goalkeeper Adrian sent off but frustrated Southampton by holding on for a goalless draw at St Mary's. The keeper was red carded when he handled outside his box under pressure from Sadio Mane after a clumsy touch. Mane was denied by a goal-line clearance earlier and Saints pushed for a winner but Maya Yoshida headed over as the Hammers defended bravely. West Ham's point came despite an injury to substitute Andy Carroll who was hobbling badly in the closing stages. The Hammers' first clean sheet in 18 away games means Southampton dropped to fourth, a point ahead of Arsenal. Few Saints' fans could have dreamt their side would be pushing for a top-four finish when players such as Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren left in the summer but this latest result will feel like a missed opportunity.
Ronald Koeman's side failed to create clear-cut chances before Adrian was dismissed but they dominated the remaining 30 minutes without adding the end product to their approach work. Striker Graziano Pelle, now without a goal in eight league games, glanced a header wide in added time and in a frantic finish Dusan Tadic was denied by a Jussi Jaaskelainen save.
West Ham played the closing stages with Carroll limping, effectively reducing them to nine capable players but their determined display leaves them eighth, eight points behind their hosts. Their manager Sam Allardyce this week told reporters "no coach was more sophisticated" than him in the Premier League and he had to make late adjustments to his side, admitting before kick off his staff "haven't had any real practice with those available" since Sunday's draw with Manchester United. Despite being without the injured Kevin Nolan and unwell Mark Noble in midfield, they were still organised throughout. Aside from Mane's run and shot which prompted a Carl Jenkinson clearance in the first half, Adrian was relatively untroubled until the hour mark, where the first sending off of his career arrived.
It was a clear dismissal as his decision to try to wrong-foot Mane backfired, prompting panic which ended with the Spaniard falling on the ball and striking it with his hand. The home side sensed a seventh win in nine league games and introduced January signing Filip Djuricic for his debut but neither he nor fellow substitute Tadic could break the resistance. Southampton attacked in waves and Aaron Cresswell's brave block prevented Nathaniel Clyne's powerful volley, before Yoshida headed over when well placed. Koeman's side have now failed to win at home in five of their last seven league games but have only dropped out of the top four for two weeks since September.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "If you play 30 minutes 11 against 10 then you have to score the goal but we didn't. Everybody was running and we didn't make the pitch wide to make the space. Too many crosses and I think that is the easy way for them to defend. "I said at half time if we kept the organisation the front players have to win the game tonight but they didn't. You have to react and work harder and be sharp in the box."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce on Adrian's sending off: "It's a foul on the goalie. Two hands around him, two around his back. It's bizarre why they cant see it but this is what we have to stomach today and it nearly cost us dearly. It lost us the opportunity to win the game and we had to battle with nine in the end when Carroll got injured to get an unbelievable point."
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Allardyce admits defeat in Diarra bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 11th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's attempt to sign 'free agent' Lassana Diarra has been ended by a considerable amount of very messy, red tape. The former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder has been training with West Ham for a number of weeks, as reported here on KUMB last month, with view to sealing a contract after a planned move to Inter fell through. However the Hammers' attempts to resolve the legal issues Diarra has with his former club, Lokomotiv Moscow, have proved fruitless - with Allardyce conceding tonight that he will not be able to sign the player this season. "It's not going to happen due to administration reasons, which is a real shame," Allardyce revealed in tonight's post-match press conference. FIFA regulations, apparently. "To get a player of his quality, with a lot to prove, would have been a huge bonus for us," he added.
Allardyce was left without a recognised central midfielder on the bench at Southampton tonight, with neither Kevin Nolan nor Mark Noble able to play. Further injury concerns in defence - with Winston Reid and James Collins still sidelined - led to Cheik Kouyate filling in at centre half at St Mary's for a second consecutive match.
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Andy Carroll leaves St Mary's on crutches
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 11th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Andy Carroll left Southampton on crutches tonight following United's goalless draw with Southampton. The striker entered the fray as a second half substitute but pulled up with what appeared to be a re-occurrence of his ankle injury shortly before full time.
As Sam Allardyce had already used his three permitted substitutes, Carroll was forced to remain on the field - although as a passenger, being barely able to move. West Ham - who had already been reduced to ten men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Adrian for deliberate hand ball - will scan the injury tomorrow morning, whilst Carroll must now be considered a major doubt for this weekend's 5th Round FA Cup tie at West Brom.
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Ten-man West Ham hold Southampton to a goalless draw at St Mary's
By Natasha Henry. Last Updated: 11/02/15 10:35pm
SSN
Ten-man West Ham earned a hard-fought point after holding Southampton to a 0-0 draw in their Premier League clash at St Mary's. Adrian was sent off on the hour mark after Sadio Mane got the better of him and he handled the ball outside the area, as the striker attempted to round him. It looked like the home side may get the winning goal their possession deserved but two late saves from substitute Jussi Jaaskelainen left Saints with their first goalless draw since August. Sam Allardyce will be happy with the point but concerned as Andy Carroll, having only returned from injury at the weekend, limped through the last 10 minutes of the game. Southampton started the game like a side keen to cement themselves in the top four of the Premier League and West Ham spent the first 20 minutes with their backs to the wall. It was Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama who had the first chance from 25 yards out, but he swung at the ball and it flew yards over the bar.
Mane followed that up in the 15th minute when he collected Steven Davis' cross from the right and ran into the box. He managed to knock it past Adrian at his near post but Carl Jenkinson was there to clear it. It was the start of a very bad evening for the Spanish goalkeeper. Mane had another chance just moments later and this time Carlton Cole saved his teammate after Adrian completely missed the ball when he came out to clear. Eljero Elia was the next forward to have a go as he beat the offside trap, but Jenkinson was alert to the danger and after being closed down, the Dutch international sent his shot wide. Allardyce made the first changes; bringing on Matt Jarvis for Enner Valencia after the break even though the summer signing had got the Hammers' only shot on target. The visitors altered their shape and it looked like the plan was to send longer balls in for Carroll, who replaced Diafra Sakho in the 55th minute, but the striker spent more time clearing the ball out of his own area. West Ham's chances came on the break, as Adrian's long free-kick found Stewart Downing but he could only send his shot over.
Thirty minutes before the end came Adrian's rush of blood to the head. Mane, who had been lively all game, nicked the ball from his hands. Adrian tried to tackle him and when that didn't work he leapt on the ball as it trickled outside of the area. Jaaskelainen came on in place of Cole and exuded experience as he saved from Graziano Pelle twice. Then on the stroke of full-time he pulled of a low save from Jose Fonte at his right hand post. The result sees Southampton drop one place to fourth on 45 points, but ahead of Arsenal on goal difference. The Hammers stay eighth and have 38 points on the board after 25 games.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce claims he is as good as any other manager in the Premier League
Last Updated: 11/02/15 1:00pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is as good as any other manager in the Premier League. Allardyce takes his team to Southampton on Wednesday night where he comes up against Saints boss Ronald Koeman - who has been widely praised for how well he has taken to managing in England. Koeman's fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal was accused by Allardyce of reverting to direct tactics as his Manchester United side took a last-gasp point from Upton Park on Sunday, as he labelled the Red Devils as "long-ball United" – a tag the Hammers boss has had to live with himself for some time. The accusations of adopting a long-ball policy left van Gaal handing reporters a detailed pamphlet loaded with statistics to rebuff those suggestions ahead of his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, whilst Allardyce chose to look ahead to the trip to St Mary's. And the man who once famously said he would have landed a top European job had he had a name such as 'Allardychi', feels his longevity in the top flight set him aside from all comers. "I don't think there is any coach more sophisticated than me any more," said Allardyce. "That's not trying to criticise any other coaches but there is only Arsene who has done it longer than me. "They may well have gained more experience by managing abroad like Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and people like that but in this country, with the experience they've got I don't think there is any coach that would be in that position (of being more sophisticated than me). I'm just as good as everybody at this stage. "That comes from the amount of time you do the job, how much experience you gain in the job and how much knowledge you strive for on a regular basis to keep the cutting edge. "The cutting edge is what's new in football, what's the next level, where is it going to be, how can you find it, how can you implement it into your club? "I've always been that way inclined. I've never stood still and it's probably why I am still here managing in the Premier League for the last 13-14 years." Allardyce was full of praise for Koeman's work at St Mary's and feels that the Dutchman would be in line to be named manager of the year if he can guide Southampton into the Champions League. "Everybody would see it as such a great achievement and with it being your first appointment in this country, even more so," he said of a potential top-four finish for Saints. "There has been some really good recruitment in new players and that is the key element for us all as managers. We are only as good as the club's recruitment policy and when you get that policy right you improve as a manager because better players come to you. "If you get it wrong, the club declines and you get sacked - it has always been the same, recruitment is the most important thing at the football club. "That player that arrives has to be better than the player that leaves, especially at this level and that is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination."
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Southampton 0-0 West Ham: Saints fail to take advantage of Adrian red card as Hammers hold on
22:13, 11 February 2015 By Neil McLeman
The Hammers stopper was given his marching orders for handling outside the area, but Koeman's side could not take the initiative
The Mirror
Ten-man West Ham hung on for a point after the dismissal of goalkeeper Adrian for handling outside his box. The Spaniard was shown the red card after 61 minutes when he failed to dribble around Saints striker Sadio Mane and then fell on the ball. But despite fierce pressure on the Hammers goal in a frantic finish - and the odd long ball into the box - Southampton could not force a winner. Not even the late introduction of new loan signing Filip Djuricic could break the deadlock in a poor game which only caught alight in the closing stages.
Ronald Koeman's side, who slip down to fourth place behind Manchester United, have now not won at St Mary's in the Premier League since the New Year's Day victory over Arsenal. Sam Allardyce's team have won only one Premier League game in eight but this was their first clean sheet away from home in 18. The first half had started full of promise before petering out. Steven Davis set up Mane with an audacious backheel before Carl Jenkinson cleared his cross while the Northern Ireland midfielder then retreated to head away an Amalfitano shot away. But with referee Craig Pawson having a stinker, the game sank to his level with Jose Fonte getting booked for handling an Aaron Cresswell cross the highlight of the rest of the half. Allardyce reacted at the break by sending on Matt Jarvis - and soon after Andy Carroll - as the match opened up. Graziano Pelle forced the first of the match from Adrian after 54 minutes from a Mane pass. The Senegal striker, who was booked for a first-half challenge on Alex Song, was then lucky to escape a red for another naughty tackle before he was involved in Adrian's careless dismissal. While Jussi Jaaskelainen immediately came on for the Hammers, Koeman sent on Dusan Tadic to take the free kick which was deflected over the bar. The Finn pushed away shots from Fonte and Tadic and Pelle headed wide during five minutes of stoppage time.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is the "most sophisticated" manager in the Premier League
16:44, 11 February 2015 By James Whaling
Big Sam has fanned the flames on his row with Manchester United chief Louis van Gaal after accusing the Red Devils of being a long ball team
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has stepped up his row with Louis van Gaal, claiming he is the most sophisticated manager in the Premier League. The West Ham chief angered the Dutchman after the Hammers played out a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the weekend, claiming it was their long ball tactics which ultimately led to Daley Blind's late equaliser. It prompted Van Gaal to hit back in a rather bizarre press conference yesterday, armed with a dossier of statistics to hand to members of the media to try and disprove Big Sam's claims. However, Allardyce has one one step further, claiming he is the furthest ahead of ALL the Premier League bosses with his managerial nous. "I don't think there is any coach more sophisticated than me anymore," said Allardyce. "That's not trying to criticise any other coaches but there is only Arsene Wenger who has done it longer than me. "They may well have gained more experience by managing abroad like Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and people like that but, in this country, with the experience they've got, I don't think there is any coach that would be in that position as more sophisticated. I'm just as good as everybody at this stage. "That comes from the amount of time you do the job, how much experience you gain in the job and how much knowledge you strive for on a regular basis to keep the cutting edge. "The cutting edge is what's new in football, what's the next level, where is it going to be, how can you find it, how can you implement it into your club.
"I've always been that way inclined. I've never stood still and it's probably why I am still here managing in the Premier League for the last 13-14 years." West Ham travel to Southampton this evening, looking to stay in the hunt for European football, while United host Burnley at Old Trafford.
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Villa could be tempted by Allardyce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce's name is tonight in the frame for the Aston Villa job after Paul Lambert was sacked. The West Ham chief – still without a new offer from the West Ham board – is seen as the man to save Villa from the drop by several inside the Villa Park boardroom. Villa released a simple one line statement statement confirming the manager's exit declaring: "Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert." Locally-born Allardyce with just a few months left on his Hammers contract could become a target along possibly with David Moyes. ClaretandHugh was told several weeks ago that were Lambert to be fired Allardyce – who is believed to have held an ambition to manage the club a couple of years back – could easily be in the frame. We were told by several decent midlands sources that he had to be on the short list because it's all about surival and that's Sam's game. We were told: "He's local and those who know him well have always claimed he has a feel for Villa. It will be all about who is advising the owner Randy Lerner."
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Adrian off but Hammers show true grit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Saints 0 Irons 0
Adrian was red-carded but the Hammers battle for over half an hour with ten men. The keeper made a real ricket when trying dribble round Saints dangerman Mane who half tackled him as the Spaniard flopped onto the ball 'hands first' outside the area. There was a suspicion of a foul from the Saints striker but in the end referee Craig Pawson appeared to have few options but to point to the dressing room.
However, Jussi Jaaskalainen – coming on for Carlton Cole – made some important saves as he made his first appearance since New Year's Day, 2014 to ensure we came away from the south coast with a precious point. There had been no alarms in the first 45 minutes which ended with the home fans booing their team off. That was a tribute to the Irons strong defensive performance which kept the third placed team at bay with relative ease.
Saints went close after 13 minutes when Mane received Davis' pass, drove past Tomkins and clipped towards goal from an acute angle but Jenkinson was well positioned to clear. The hosts followed that three minutes later with a set piece which saw Adrian leave his line but failed to punch clear and a Gardos header was cleared by Cole. Kouyate was again composed at centre half again and turned away very cleverly from Pelle when facing his own by-line. Pelle comes back with a strong but fair challenge but Kouyate had the better of him.
Mane had a real chance as half time approached but his curling effort sailed a couple of feet wide of Adrian's left hand post. Valencia had worked hard and, finding some space to shoot for the Hammers, saw his effort blocked as the half came to its end. There was nothing in it at all until Adrian's departure saw Saints charge forward with real purpose. Pelle had a couple of chances, thrashing over the top before a looping effort was held by JJ. For all their pressure the hosts didn't create a real chance until Jaaskalainen saved well from Fonte low to his left and claimed a clipped ball into the box. Tadic then found space on the right and crossed towards Pelle who got there but saw the ball slid off his forehead and wide. Jaaskalainen topped a fine 30 odd minutes right at the end when he did brilliantly to sharply push away a low Davis drive to safety. It was a scrappy affair from the start and in the end a draw was probably a fair result as the Irons showed real grit.
Adrian 4 Jenkinson 7 Tomkins 7 Kouyate 7 Cresswell 7; Song 7 Amafitano 6, Downing 6, Valencia 5, Sakho 6, Cole 5
Subs: Jaaskalainen 7 Jarvis 5 Carroll 5
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Diarra move blocked by FIFA
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Lassana Diarra has claimed his move to West Ham has been blocked by FIFA In a series of three tweets, Diarra announced: "Thanks to the FIFA again you did a great job you don't let me play in France, Germany, Italy and England so maybe in Jamaica you will…In fews days I will explain everything the real story with my ex-team with the FIFA everything not the fake version since the beginning of this story I received a lot of support from you guys thanks a lot i really appreciate one love G5″
The tweets have since been deleted by the player.Just a few days ago Sam Allardyce told a press confrence "I'm not so sure we've finalised a deal yet, but he has been doing a little bit of training with us and a deal is very close. On the basis where we are at the minute with our squad picking up a few injuries, as soon as we get him fit he would be a very good addition based on his previous record. He won't be in the right state in terms of being fit for the Southampton game, or for Saturday's game against West Brom, but I certainly hope with a good few days training with the lads, he'll be close within seven or 10 days if he finally signs the contract."
The 29-year-old French man who has been training with the Hammers for a few weeks previously played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid but is now a free agent.
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West Ham are 21st richest club in the world
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are the 21st Richest club in the world. In it's 18th edition Deloitte profiles the highest earning clubs in the world in the Football Money League.
1. Real Madrid – £459.5m
2. Manchester United – £433.2m
3. Bayern Munich – £407.7m
4. Barcelona – £405.2m
5. Paris Saint-Germain – £396.5m
6. Manchester City – £346.5m
7. Chelsea – £324.4m
8. Arsenal – £300.5m
9. Liverpool – £255.8m
10. Juventus – £233.6m
11. Borussia Dortmund – £218.7m
12. AC Milan – £208.8m
13. Tottenham – £180.5m
14. Schalke 04 – £178.9m
15. Atletico Madrid – £142.1m
16. Napoli £137.8m
17. Inter Milan – £137.1m
18. Galatasaray – £135.4m
19. Newcastle United – £129.7m
20. Everton £120.5m
21. West Ham United – £105.3m
22. Aston Villa – £101.9m
23. Marseille – £100m
24. Roma – £97.7m
25. Southampton – £97.3
The full report can be downloaded from the link report
http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/sports-business-group/deloitte-football-money-league-2015.PDF
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy Director Terry Westley updates us on all things Academy
11.02.2015
Hello everyone.
It has been a while since I've had the opportunity to update you on all things related to the Academy. As I'm sure you've all noticed, a few of our most exciting talents have been involved with the first team recently, so now is as good a time as any to tell you more about them. Sixteen-year-old defender Reece Oxford was named on the bench against Liverpool and Manchester United. Had he come on, he would have been the youngest-ever Premier League debutant, an outstanding achievement. Elliot Lee and Reece Burke have also been on the fringes of the first-team this season. While some people may point to injuries to first-team players, these are the opportunities and the breaks you need as a young player.
In my 36 years in football, that is always the case. When the opportunity arises, the player then needs to take it. It's our job to give the player all the tools to do well. If for any reason the player is short in any department - tactically, mentally, physically - they'll eat you alive in the Premier League.
I think for everybody involved with the Club it really is fantastic to see young players doing well. For Sam Allardyce to be brave enough to include them, first of all, is a big step. The good thing with the young players who are in the squad for Wednesday night is the fact that they are all training with the first team regularly.
The first team and the Academy are both working together and pulling in the same direction. We now have good communication. Ian Hendon is an important link, telling us what they've been working on and Neil McDonald is also heavily involved, coming to every U21 home game. I truly believe it is only a matter of time before this system bears fruit.
Everyone enjoys cheering on home grown players that bit more, there is sense of pride that comes with a local player coming through the ranks. With that in mind, it was great to see Academy graduate James Tomkins sign a long-term contract with the Club, but we need to make sure this happens more regularly.
There is now a real belief that these players can follow in the footsteps of James and Mark Noble. What we are trying to achieve is incredibly difficult, there is no formula or exact science behind producing Premier League players. One thing it does require is hard work, from not just the player, but his family and all the support staff at the Academy. Take Reece Oxford for example. A lot of people have worked with him, probably the current U18s coach Mark Phillips more than anyone. Head of Academy Recruitment Dave Hunt has put hours and hours of work tracking and following him, going abroad with him. The scout who was on the pitch with him when he signed, as well - they're all important people in helping to secure talented young players stay at the club. The next step is that he needs to play, and it shows all the other younger players - Joe Powell, Antony Scully, Reece Burke, Josh Pask and Vashon Neufville - that they can be involved at that kind of age, they're thinking 'Blimey, he's on the bench'. It's a big plus for all of us, it really is.
On the flip side is the unfortunate reality that most Academy players, up and down the country, don't make it to the first team. It's been a tough week because a group of players have been released. For the released players, it's our challenge to find them new clubs and help them forge a career somewhere else. We don't just discard them and throw them out. We're playing in the hardest league in the world and we're about to move to the Olympic Stadium. The club wants to be around the top six, and to do that you've got to be some player. Our next opponents Southampton have had a terrific turnover of world-class graduates in recent years - Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Luke Shaw to name just three. When you look at the system and culture they have in place, it's no fluke. They have a clear pathway to the first team, and it is working for them. We want to get to that level of productivity, and I believe we've taken the first steps in the that direction.
All the best,
Terry Westley
Academy Manager and Head of Coaching and Player Development
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Southampton 0 West Ham 0
11 February 2015
Last updated at 22:17
By Luke Reddy
BBC Sport
West Ham had goalkeeper Adrian sent off but frustrated Southampton by holding on for a goalless draw at St Mary's. The keeper was red carded when he handled outside his box under pressure from Sadio Mane after a clumsy touch. Mane was denied by a goal-line clearance earlier and Saints pushed for a winner but Maya Yoshida headed over as the Hammers defended bravely. West Ham's point came despite an injury to substitute Andy Carroll who was hobbling badly in the closing stages. The Hammers' first clean sheet in 18 away games means Southampton dropped to fourth, a point ahead of Arsenal. Few Saints' fans could have dreamt their side would be pushing for a top-four finish when players such as Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren left in the summer but this latest result will feel like a missed opportunity.
Ronald Koeman's side failed to create clear-cut chances before Adrian was dismissed but they dominated the remaining 30 minutes without adding the end product to their approach work. Striker Graziano Pelle, now without a goal in eight league games, glanced a header wide in added time and in a frantic finish Dusan Tadic was denied by a Jussi Jaaskelainen save.
West Ham played the closing stages with Carroll limping, effectively reducing them to nine capable players but their determined display leaves them eighth, eight points behind their hosts. Their manager Sam Allardyce this week told reporters "no coach was more sophisticated" than him in the Premier League and he had to make late adjustments to his side, admitting before kick off his staff "haven't had any real practice with those available" since Sunday's draw with Manchester United. Despite being without the injured Kevin Nolan and unwell Mark Noble in midfield, they were still organised throughout. Aside from Mane's run and shot which prompted a Carl Jenkinson clearance in the first half, Adrian was relatively untroubled until the hour mark, where the first sending off of his career arrived.
It was a clear dismissal as his decision to try to wrong-foot Mane backfired, prompting panic which ended with the Spaniard falling on the ball and striking it with his hand. The home side sensed a seventh win in nine league games and introduced January signing Filip Djuricic for his debut but neither he nor fellow substitute Tadic could break the resistance. Southampton attacked in waves and Aaron Cresswell's brave block prevented Nathaniel Clyne's powerful volley, before Yoshida headed over when well placed. Koeman's side have now failed to win at home in five of their last seven league games but have only dropped out of the top four for two weeks since September.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "If you play 30 minutes 11 against 10 then you have to score the goal but we didn't. Everybody was running and we didn't make the pitch wide to make the space. Too many crosses and I think that is the easy way for them to defend. "I said at half time if we kept the organisation the front players have to win the game tonight but they didn't. You have to react and work harder and be sharp in the box."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce on Adrian's sending off: "It's a foul on the goalie. Two hands around him, two around his back. It's bizarre why they cant see it but this is what we have to stomach today and it nearly cost us dearly. It lost us the opportunity to win the game and we had to battle with nine in the end when Carroll got injured to get an unbelievable point."
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Allardyce admits defeat in Diarra bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 11th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's attempt to sign 'free agent' Lassana Diarra has been ended by a considerable amount of very messy, red tape. The former Real Madrid and Arsenal midfielder has been training with West Ham for a number of weeks, as reported here on KUMB last month, with view to sealing a contract after a planned move to Inter fell through. However the Hammers' attempts to resolve the legal issues Diarra has with his former club, Lokomotiv Moscow, have proved fruitless - with Allardyce conceding tonight that he will not be able to sign the player this season. "It's not going to happen due to administration reasons, which is a real shame," Allardyce revealed in tonight's post-match press conference. FIFA regulations, apparently. "To get a player of his quality, with a lot to prove, would have been a huge bonus for us," he added.
Allardyce was left without a recognised central midfielder on the bench at Southampton tonight, with neither Kevin Nolan nor Mark Noble able to play. Further injury concerns in defence - with Winston Reid and James Collins still sidelined - led to Cheik Kouyate filling in at centre half at St Mary's for a second consecutive match.
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Andy Carroll leaves St Mary's on crutches
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 11th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's Andy Carroll left Southampton on crutches tonight following United's goalless draw with Southampton. The striker entered the fray as a second half substitute but pulled up with what appeared to be a re-occurrence of his ankle injury shortly before full time.
As Sam Allardyce had already used his three permitted substitutes, Carroll was forced to remain on the field - although as a passenger, being barely able to move. West Ham - who had already been reduced to ten men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Adrian for deliberate hand ball - will scan the injury tomorrow morning, whilst Carroll must now be considered a major doubt for this weekend's 5th Round FA Cup tie at West Brom.
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Ten-man West Ham hold Southampton to a goalless draw at St Mary's
By Natasha Henry. Last Updated: 11/02/15 10:35pm
SSN
Ten-man West Ham earned a hard-fought point after holding Southampton to a 0-0 draw in their Premier League clash at St Mary's. Adrian was sent off on the hour mark after Sadio Mane got the better of him and he handled the ball outside the area, as the striker attempted to round him. It looked like the home side may get the winning goal their possession deserved but two late saves from substitute Jussi Jaaskelainen left Saints with their first goalless draw since August. Sam Allardyce will be happy with the point but concerned as Andy Carroll, having only returned from injury at the weekend, limped through the last 10 minutes of the game. Southampton started the game like a side keen to cement themselves in the top four of the Premier League and West Ham spent the first 20 minutes with their backs to the wall. It was Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama who had the first chance from 25 yards out, but he swung at the ball and it flew yards over the bar.
Mane followed that up in the 15th minute when he collected Steven Davis' cross from the right and ran into the box. He managed to knock it past Adrian at his near post but Carl Jenkinson was there to clear it. It was the start of a very bad evening for the Spanish goalkeeper. Mane had another chance just moments later and this time Carlton Cole saved his teammate after Adrian completely missed the ball when he came out to clear. Eljero Elia was the next forward to have a go as he beat the offside trap, but Jenkinson was alert to the danger and after being closed down, the Dutch international sent his shot wide. Allardyce made the first changes; bringing on Matt Jarvis for Enner Valencia after the break even though the summer signing had got the Hammers' only shot on target. The visitors altered their shape and it looked like the plan was to send longer balls in for Carroll, who replaced Diafra Sakho in the 55th minute, but the striker spent more time clearing the ball out of his own area. West Ham's chances came on the break, as Adrian's long free-kick found Stewart Downing but he could only send his shot over.
Thirty minutes before the end came Adrian's rush of blood to the head. Mane, who had been lively all game, nicked the ball from his hands. Adrian tried to tackle him and when that didn't work he leapt on the ball as it trickled outside of the area. Jaaskelainen came on in place of Cole and exuded experience as he saved from Graziano Pelle twice. Then on the stroke of full-time he pulled of a low save from Jose Fonte at his right hand post. The result sees Southampton drop one place to fourth on 45 points, but ahead of Arsenal on goal difference. The Hammers stay eighth and have 38 points on the board after 25 games.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce claims he is as good as any other manager in the Premier League
Last Updated: 11/02/15 1:00pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is as good as any other manager in the Premier League. Allardyce takes his team to Southampton on Wednesday night where he comes up against Saints boss Ronald Koeman - who has been widely praised for how well he has taken to managing in England. Koeman's fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal was accused by Allardyce of reverting to direct tactics as his Manchester United side took a last-gasp point from Upton Park on Sunday, as he labelled the Red Devils as "long-ball United" – a tag the Hammers boss has had to live with himself for some time. The accusations of adopting a long-ball policy left van Gaal handing reporters a detailed pamphlet loaded with statistics to rebuff those suggestions ahead of his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, whilst Allardyce chose to look ahead to the trip to St Mary's. And the man who once famously said he would have landed a top European job had he had a name such as 'Allardychi', feels his longevity in the top flight set him aside from all comers. "I don't think there is any coach more sophisticated than me any more," said Allardyce. "That's not trying to criticise any other coaches but there is only Arsene who has done it longer than me. "They may well have gained more experience by managing abroad like Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and people like that but in this country, with the experience they've got I don't think there is any coach that would be in that position (of being more sophisticated than me). I'm just as good as everybody at this stage. "That comes from the amount of time you do the job, how much experience you gain in the job and how much knowledge you strive for on a regular basis to keep the cutting edge. "The cutting edge is what's new in football, what's the next level, where is it going to be, how can you find it, how can you implement it into your club? "I've always been that way inclined. I've never stood still and it's probably why I am still here managing in the Premier League for the last 13-14 years." Allardyce was full of praise for Koeman's work at St Mary's and feels that the Dutchman would be in line to be named manager of the year if he can guide Southampton into the Champions League. "Everybody would see it as such a great achievement and with it being your first appointment in this country, even more so," he said of a potential top-four finish for Saints. "There has been some really good recruitment in new players and that is the key element for us all as managers. We are only as good as the club's recruitment policy and when you get that policy right you improve as a manager because better players come to you. "If you get it wrong, the club declines and you get sacked - it has always been the same, recruitment is the most important thing at the football club. "That player that arrives has to be better than the player that leaves, especially at this level and that is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination."
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Southampton 0-0 West Ham: Saints fail to take advantage of Adrian red card as Hammers hold on
22:13, 11 February 2015 By Neil McLeman
The Hammers stopper was given his marching orders for handling outside the area, but Koeman's side could not take the initiative
The Mirror
Ten-man West Ham hung on for a point after the dismissal of goalkeeper Adrian for handling outside his box. The Spaniard was shown the red card after 61 minutes when he failed to dribble around Saints striker Sadio Mane and then fell on the ball. But despite fierce pressure on the Hammers goal in a frantic finish - and the odd long ball into the box - Southampton could not force a winner. Not even the late introduction of new loan signing Filip Djuricic could break the deadlock in a poor game which only caught alight in the closing stages.
Ronald Koeman's side, who slip down to fourth place behind Manchester United, have now not won at St Mary's in the Premier League since the New Year's Day victory over Arsenal. Sam Allardyce's team have won only one Premier League game in eight but this was their first clean sheet away from home in 18. The first half had started full of promise before petering out. Steven Davis set up Mane with an audacious backheel before Carl Jenkinson cleared his cross while the Northern Ireland midfielder then retreated to head away an Amalfitano shot away. But with referee Craig Pawson having a stinker, the game sank to his level with Jose Fonte getting booked for handling an Aaron Cresswell cross the highlight of the rest of the half. Allardyce reacted at the break by sending on Matt Jarvis - and soon after Andy Carroll - as the match opened up. Graziano Pelle forced the first of the match from Adrian after 54 minutes from a Mane pass. The Senegal striker, who was booked for a first-half challenge on Alex Song, was then lucky to escape a red for another naughty tackle before he was involved in Adrian's careless dismissal. While Jussi Jaaskelainen immediately came on for the Hammers, Koeman sent on Dusan Tadic to take the free kick which was deflected over the bar. The Finn pushed away shots from Fonte and Tadic and Pelle headed wide during five minutes of stoppage time.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is the "most sophisticated" manager in the Premier League
16:44, 11 February 2015 By James Whaling
Big Sam has fanned the flames on his row with Manchester United chief Louis van Gaal after accusing the Red Devils of being a long ball team
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has stepped up his row with Louis van Gaal, claiming he is the most sophisticated manager in the Premier League. The West Ham chief angered the Dutchman after the Hammers played out a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the weekend, claiming it was their long ball tactics which ultimately led to Daley Blind's late equaliser. It prompted Van Gaal to hit back in a rather bizarre press conference yesterday, armed with a dossier of statistics to hand to members of the media to try and disprove Big Sam's claims. However, Allardyce has one one step further, claiming he is the furthest ahead of ALL the Premier League bosses with his managerial nous. "I don't think there is any coach more sophisticated than me anymore," said Allardyce. "That's not trying to criticise any other coaches but there is only Arsene Wenger who has done it longer than me. "They may well have gained more experience by managing abroad like Louis van Gaal, Ronald Koeman and people like that but, in this country, with the experience they've got, I don't think there is any coach that would be in that position as more sophisticated. I'm just as good as everybody at this stage. "That comes from the amount of time you do the job, how much experience you gain in the job and how much knowledge you strive for on a regular basis to keep the cutting edge. "The cutting edge is what's new in football, what's the next level, where is it going to be, how can you find it, how can you implement it into your club.
"I've always been that way inclined. I've never stood still and it's probably why I am still here managing in the Premier League for the last 13-14 years." West Ham travel to Southampton this evening, looking to stay in the hunt for European football, while United host Burnley at Old Trafford.
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Villa could be tempted by Allardyce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce's name is tonight in the frame for the Aston Villa job after Paul Lambert was sacked. The West Ham chief – still without a new offer from the West Ham board – is seen as the man to save Villa from the drop by several inside the Villa Park boardroom. Villa released a simple one line statement statement confirming the manager's exit declaring: "Aston Villa Football Club has parted company this evening with manager Paul Lambert." Locally-born Allardyce with just a few months left on his Hammers contract could become a target along possibly with David Moyes. ClaretandHugh was told several weeks ago that were Lambert to be fired Allardyce – who is believed to have held an ambition to manage the club a couple of years back – could easily be in the frame. We were told by several decent midlands sources that he had to be on the short list because it's all about surival and that's Sam's game. We were told: "He's local and those who know him well have always claimed he has a feel for Villa. It will be all about who is advising the owner Randy Lerner."
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Adrian off but Hammers show true grit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Saints 0 Irons 0
Adrian was red-carded but the Hammers battle for over half an hour with ten men. The keeper made a real ricket when trying dribble round Saints dangerman Mane who half tackled him as the Spaniard flopped onto the ball 'hands first' outside the area. There was a suspicion of a foul from the Saints striker but in the end referee Craig Pawson appeared to have few options but to point to the dressing room.
However, Jussi Jaaskalainen – coming on for Carlton Cole – made some important saves as he made his first appearance since New Year's Day, 2014 to ensure we came away from the south coast with a precious point. There had been no alarms in the first 45 minutes which ended with the home fans booing their team off. That was a tribute to the Irons strong defensive performance which kept the third placed team at bay with relative ease.
Saints went close after 13 minutes when Mane received Davis' pass, drove past Tomkins and clipped towards goal from an acute angle but Jenkinson was well positioned to clear. The hosts followed that three minutes later with a set piece which saw Adrian leave his line but failed to punch clear and a Gardos header was cleared by Cole. Kouyate was again composed at centre half again and turned away very cleverly from Pelle when facing his own by-line. Pelle comes back with a strong but fair challenge but Kouyate had the better of him.
Mane had a real chance as half time approached but his curling effort sailed a couple of feet wide of Adrian's left hand post. Valencia had worked hard and, finding some space to shoot for the Hammers, saw his effort blocked as the half came to its end. There was nothing in it at all until Adrian's departure saw Saints charge forward with real purpose. Pelle had a couple of chances, thrashing over the top before a looping effort was held by JJ. For all their pressure the hosts didn't create a real chance until Jaaskalainen saved well from Fonte low to his left and claimed a clipped ball into the box. Tadic then found space on the right and crossed towards Pelle who got there but saw the ball slid off his forehead and wide. Jaaskalainen topped a fine 30 odd minutes right at the end when he did brilliantly to sharply push away a low Davis drive to safety. It was a scrappy affair from the start and in the end a draw was probably a fair result as the Irons showed real grit.
Adrian 4 Jenkinson 7 Tomkins 7 Kouyate 7 Cresswell 7; Song 7 Amafitano 6, Downing 6, Valencia 5, Sakho 6, Cole 5
Subs: Jaaskalainen 7 Jarvis 5 Carroll 5
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Diarra move blocked by FIFA
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Lassana Diarra has claimed his move to West Ham has been blocked by FIFA In a series of three tweets, Diarra announced: "Thanks to the FIFA again you did a great job you don't let me play in France, Germany, Italy and England so maybe in Jamaica you will…In fews days I will explain everything the real story with my ex-team with the FIFA everything not the fake version since the beginning of this story I received a lot of support from you guys thanks a lot i really appreciate one love G5″
The tweets have since been deleted by the player.Just a few days ago Sam Allardyce told a press confrence "I'm not so sure we've finalised a deal yet, but he has been doing a little bit of training with us and a deal is very close. On the basis where we are at the minute with our squad picking up a few injuries, as soon as we get him fit he would be a very good addition based on his previous record. He won't be in the right state in terms of being fit for the Southampton game, or for Saturday's game against West Brom, but I certainly hope with a good few days training with the lads, he'll be close within seven or 10 days if he finally signs the contract."
The 29-year-old French man who has been training with the Hammers for a few weeks previously played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid but is now a free agent.
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West Ham are 21st richest club in the world
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 11, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are the 21st Richest club in the world. In it's 18th edition Deloitte profiles the highest earning clubs in the world in the Football Money League.
1. Real Madrid – £459.5m
2. Manchester United – £433.2m
3. Bayern Munich – £407.7m
4. Barcelona – £405.2m
5. Paris Saint-Germain – £396.5m
6. Manchester City – £346.5m
7. Chelsea – £324.4m
8. Arsenal – £300.5m
9. Liverpool – £255.8m
10. Juventus – £233.6m
11. Borussia Dortmund – £218.7m
12. AC Milan – £208.8m
13. Tottenham – £180.5m
14. Schalke 04 – £178.9m
15. Atletico Madrid – £142.1m
16. Napoli £137.8m
17. Inter Milan – £137.1m
18. Galatasaray – £135.4m
19. Newcastle United – £129.7m
20. Everton £120.5m
21. West Ham United – £105.3m
22. Aston Villa – £101.9m
23. Marseille – £100m
24. Roma – £97.7m
25. Southampton – £97.3
The full report can be downloaded from the link report
http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/sports-business-group/deloitte-football-money-league-2015.PDF
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Wednesday, February 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th February 2015
Preview - Southampton
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about Wednesday's trip to Southampton
10.02.2015
SOUTHAMPTON v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
ST MARY'S STADIUM
WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: CRAIG PAWSON
In brief
West Ham United travel to the south coast to face in form Southampton just
four days after drawing with Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. Earlier
in the season, the Saints won 3-1 in the reverse fixture and Sam Allardyce's
men will be looking for revenge come Wednesday eveing. Ronald Koeman's
Southampton have defied all the odds and proved the doubters wrong as they
currently sit in third, having taken 45 points from 24 games. However, the
Saints have lost their last two home league games, a 3-2 defeat by Crystal
Palace and a 1-0 defeat by Swansea City.
Who are they?
Southampton were formed in 1885 and have been known as the Saints ever since
due to their history as a church side, being known as St Mary's YMA in their
early days. Their high point was winning the FA Cup in 1976, famously
beating Manchester United in the final, while they also reached the final in
1900, 1902 and 2003 - when they were defeated by Arsenal. The Saints'
highest ever league finish is second in 1983/84 and, like the Hammers, they
are in their third season back in the top flight after being promoted from
the Championship in 2012. Other honours include the Football League Trophy,
which they won at Wembley in 2010, and the Southern League - which they won
six times around the turn of the 20th century prior to becoming a Football
League club.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will still be without defenders James Collins and Winston Reid
who missed Sunday's draw with Manchester United. Likewise, Diego Poyet and
Doneil Henry are also likely to miss out. Captain Kevin Nolan faces a race
against time to overcome a foot injury sustained against Manchester United.
England international Andy Carroll faces a late fitness test to determine
whether is able to feature or not.
Southampton
Toby Alderweireld (hamstring) and Matt Targett (concussion) are unlikely to
feature as are Shane Long and Lloyd Isgrove. Jay Rodriguez is Southampton's
long term absentee while Ryan Bertrand is suspended.
Referee
The man in the middle for Wednesday's fixture is Craig Pawson. The Sheffield
based official has been in charge of one West Ham game this season - the
Hammers' 3-1 win over Liverpool in September. The 35-year-old referee also
refereed the Saints' 2-0 New Year's Day victory over Arsenal. The assistant
referees are Ian Hussin and Adrian Holmes, Neil Swarbrick is the fourth
official.
One to watch
West Ham United
Following his terrific display at centre-back against Manchester United
Cheikhou Kouyate has somewhat eased Sam Allardyce's defensive injury
problems. The Senegalese international was unfazed at the prospect of
marking Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, capping an excellent
performance with a quality goal which almost gave the Hammers a deserved
win.
Southampton Kouyate's Senegalese teammate Sadio Mane has been in impressive
form for the Saints this season, scoring six goals, most recently in the 1-0
away win at Queens Park Rangers. The Saints have never lost when Mane scores
so the Hammers will need to stop him in order to get a result at St. Mary's
Stadium.
Tickets
All Standard Tickets for this fixture have SOLD OUT. Wheelchair/Carer
Tickets are available but must be purchased in advance of the fixture.
Travel
For all your travel information on how to get to and from St Mary's please
click here.
Weather
Wednesday evening is set to be a cloudy night with a chance of rain starting
into the night. Temperatures at kick-off of are forecast to be 5C (41F).
Last away meeting
Southampton 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
15 September 2013
Southampton: Boruc, Clyne, Lovren, Fonte, Shaw (Chambers 77), Schneiderlin,
Wanyama, Lallana (Ward-Prowse 72), Lambert, Rodriguez, Osvaldo
Subs: Davis, Hooiveld, Davis, Ramirez, Do Prado
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel (Rat 61) Nolan,
Jarvis, Morrison (Taylor 77) Noble, Diame, Maiga (Vaz Te 68)
Subs: Adrian, Tomkins, Collison, Lee
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Adrian keen to overcome late blow
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian says the Hammers will take inspiration
from Sunday's performance
09.02.2015
Adrian may have been beaten late on by Manchester United's Daley Blind on
Sunday as Louis van Gaal's team snatched a point at the Boleyn Ground, but
the Spanish stopper will be focusing on the many positive aspects of the
Hammers' performance as they build towards Southampton. Sam Allardyce's men
travel to the South Coast on Wednesday looking for the maximum point haul
which eluded them at the weekend, despite taking the lead through Cheikhou
Kouyate and holding it right up until the final minute. While admitting that
came as a blow, Adrian said observers only had to look at how much busier
his opposite number was to show who should have won. "It was a good
challenge between Spanish keepers," he explained. "De Gea made some very
good saves on Sunday - he saved them really. "We absolutely deserved the
three points. "We played well and showed a good performance, but this is
football. "We didn't score the second goal to kill the game. They have good
players and scored in the last minute. "Of course it was difficult to come
off the pitch with a 1-1 draw after they scored in the 92nd minute, but we
felt good and deserved the three points. "We need to take that into the next
game against Southampton now because that will be a tough game."
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Big Sam on: Southampton
WHUFC.com
The manager talks to the press ahead of Wednesday's trip to Southampton
10.02.2015
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Tuesday ahead of West Ham United's Barclays
Premier League trip to Southampton. The Hammers are looking for maximum
points after only being denied at the death by Manchester United at the
weekend. Big Sam provided an update on injury news, his team's prospects at
St Mary's and more.
Hi Sam, is there any news on the injured players who weren't available for
United on Sunday?
SA: "The possibility would be Andy Carroll. He may be fit but it'll be touch
and go right up until we leave tomorrow morning. Kevin Nolan has a bruised
instep which is causing us some concern, at the moment we don't know if
he'll be able to but his boots on or not. That's obviously a blow to us and
the rest who were unavailable are still out. We're short on numbers but very
high on confidence."
James Tomkins took a bit of a bashing, and was talking about Robin van
Persie perhaps getting a red card for an elbow. What did you think of that
argument?
SA: "He broke his nose but it's not serious enough to keep him out. From a
challenge point of view I thought it was pretty naughty, he had a look to
see where the defender was and then took him out basically. The assistant
referee gave a foul but he didn't think it was more serious. Tomkins should
be fit to play tomorrow night which is the most important thing for us."
Your comments about long ball Manchester United have certainly created a
buzz. Are you surprised at how much of a fuss has been made out of it?
SA: "No. The media love a bit of a tale, something to write about. It was a
fact and everyone loves facts. On Sunday it was Man United playing direct
football to try and overcome a defeat and it paid off for them. That's how
they got back into the game and sadly for us there wasn't time for us to
react."
Playing Southampton on Wednesday tonight. West Ham have never won at St.
Mary's, what would a win do for your season?
SA: "I think for us, it's just trying to take each game as it comes. With 14
games left we're coming to the end of the season, we've done so well and
come far. We want to get more wins than draws because we've slipped down the
table a little bit. Southampton have managed to keep on winning, but we've
let leads slip and ended up drawing too many times. They've lost their last
league game against Swansea City which we've studied."
Is there any more news about your contract situation?
SA: "Not yet. There's still a way to go but we'll talk when the time is
right."
Would you like to be here next season?
SA: "We'll have to see what the contract says! But seriously, there's a lot
of work to be done here and the potential of the squad is very exciting. The
way the club is going with the new stadium round the corner it is an
exciting time."
Lassana Diarra has been training with you for a few weeks, what is the
situation with Diarra at the moment?
SA: "I'm not sure what the state of negotiations are but he has been
training with us recently. As soon as he is fit and ready he'll be a great
addition to our squad."
He's a vastly experienced player and he's played at several big clubs, what
is his state of fitness at the moment?
SA: "He's not ready to be involved in first team but hopefully he's not too
far away. We're not in any rush but he would be a good addition if and when
it happens."
A disappointing result in the end, but plenty of positives to take from
Sunday games?
SA: "Exactly, and we have to pick up from where we left against United. They
gave everything they possibly had and we want to maintain that level in
every game for the rest of the season. The main difficulty is recovery,
because we haven't had much time. Southampton playing on Saturday have also
had an extra day to recover. So Wednesday night is all about our attitude
and determination. We're going to
need to push ourselves in order to win. We had a bit of a lull in our
performances recently but to see us back to near our best was a big
boost. We don't want our season to fade away."
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Hammers to honour Peters
WHUFC.com
Martin Peters MBE will become the third recipient of the Club's Lifetime
Achievement Award at the annual Player Awards
10.02.2015
West Ham United are pleased to announce that Martin Peters MBE will become
the third recipient of the Club's Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 1966 World Cup winner will be honoured at the annual Player Awards
brought to you by Betway and in aid of the Academy, which this year take
place on Wednesday 6 May at the London Hilton on Park Lane. 71-year-old
Peters came through the famed Academy at West Ham to play a pivotal role in
the golden period of the 1960s, even though he missed out on an involvement
in the 1964 FA Cup winning effort. The following year he played a full role
as the Hammers lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup and then returned to
Wembley a year later to win the World Cup with England. He would go on to
score exactly 100 goals for the Hammers in 364 appearances - a fine record
for a midfielder - before enjoying further success with Tottenham Hotspur
and Norwich City, ending a remarkable 22-year professional career with
Sheffield United. The complete midfielder, Peters' versatility was such that
he played in every position for the Hammers - including in goal when
replacing the injured Brian Rhodes in just his third game for the Club.
Peters was made an MBE in 1978 and follows in the footsteps of Billy Bonds
MBE and Sir Trevor Brooking in receiving the Hammers' Lifetime Achievement
Award. Born in Plaistow on 8 November 1943, Peters came through the ranks at
his local Club to sign as an apprentice under manager Ted Fenton in 1959. He
would make his first team debut on Good Friday 1962 in a 4-1 home victory
against Cardiff City. Peters' first goal for the Club would follow in
September of that year.
Peters made 36 League appearances in 1962/63 and 32 in 1963/64, but would
not be involved as the Hammers won their first FA Cup that year. He would
not miss out twelve months later as West Ham defeated TSV 1860 Munich to win
the European Cup Winners' Cup. A further chance for Hammers silverware
arrived in 1966 when they reached the League Cup final, in those days played
over two legs. Peters scored in the second game, but West Bromwich Albion
triumphed 5-3 on aggregate. However, Peters, Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst
bounced back from that disappointment to lead England to World Cup glory.
The 1968/69 season would be Peters' most prolific for the Hammers, as he
knocked in 24 goals from 48 matches, and a year later he was on the move to
north London, as Tottenham Hotspur paid £200,000 for his services.
Peters' run of success would continue at White Hart Lane as he won the
League Cup in 1971 and 1973 and the UEFA Cup in 1972. Five-and-a-half years
with Norwich and a half-season at Sheffield United followed, before he
ventured into a brief foray in management with the Blades. In total he made
882 appearances in professional football, scoring 220 goals and adding a
further 20 to that in 67 England caps.
Following football, he moved into the insurance business and still works as
a matchday host to this day with the Hammers.
Martin Peters' Lifetime Achievement Award will be one of a host of
prestigious trophies awarded at the 2014/15 Player Awards, bought to you by
Betway, in Aid of the Academy.
Who will take the honours this season? You can be there at the Hilton London
on Park Lane on Wednesday 6 May to find out!
Our annual Player Awards night promises a night of fine dining and Hammers
entertainment as we look back at the highlights of the year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins signs new contract
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has signed a new long-term contract with West Ham United
10.02.2015
West Ham United are delighted to announce that James Tomkins has signed a
new contract with the Club until summer 2020. The new deal will take the
Academy of Football graduate past 20 years of service to the Hammers, who he
joined as a seven-year-old schoolboy in 1996.
The Basildon-born centre-back has been in outstanding form this season,
helping the Hammers to a record-breaking Barclays Premier League start and
the FA Cup fifth round. "I think it's brilliant that the Club has shown
faith in me and offered me this deal and I'm delighted to sign it," said the
25-year-old, who made his first-team debut at 18 in March 2008. "I've been
here since I was seven and this is a long-term deal which is going to take
me up until I'm in my thirties, so it's nice to commit my future here. "It's
been a good season, but it's still got a little way to go yet and the job is
not done. We've had a good year so far and we want to continue it. I feel
like my performances have come along a lot this year and I am just enjoying
playing really."
While in previous decades West Ham might have allowed a home-grown hero like
Tomkins to leave the Club, the Hammers are now committed to keeping their
best players for the future. With excitement growing around the move to the
Club's 54,000-capacity new home in 2016, the defender says it is a great
time to be part of West Ham United. "Being a West Ham fan, I want to spend
my future here as it is exciting times with the Olympic Stadium move coming
up in 2016," continued Tomkins, who has played 205 times in Claret and Blue.
"The Club is going in the direction I wanted it to go and I want to be
involved in. It's exciting all-round, for the Club and for me. "It's a good
time and this year has been a great step forward. Now we just need to see it
out. I look back at all the times I've been in the team, from when I made my
debut at 18-years-old, and this is as well as we've done. Now we need to
keep it going until the end of the season, because we have a lot of hard
games coming up. "What the Board and everyone at the Club has done to get
the new Stadium shows the direction we want to be taking - we want to be
going forwards and not backwards and that's certainly where we're heading.
It's a great time for us. We want to leave Upton Park on a high, so it's
important we do the very best we can over the next 18 months leading up to
the move."
Looking to the more immediate future, West Ham face two exciting and
challenging fixtures on the back of Sunday's thrilling draw with Manchester
United. On Wednesday, the Hammers go to Southampton in the Barclays Premier
League ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion. "Southampton
are doing really well at the moment and they're obviously a great team,
which they are proving week in, week out with their consistency," Tomkins
observed. "It's a hard place to go as they don't concede many goals, but
it's a game we're all looking forward to on the back of a good performance
against Manchester United. "We showed signs of where we are at the minute by
competing against such a good team, and now we face another one in
Southampton and we need to approach it in the right way. "It's hard to focus
on the FA Cup just yet because of the game on Wednesday, but it's exciting
being involved in an FA Cup run. West Brom will be hard to beat with Tony
Pulis in charge and you know his teams don't give away much. It's going to
be tough but hopefully we can get a win. If we get to a quarter-final, who
knows how far we can go?"
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James Tomkins: West Ham defender signs new deal until 2020
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender James Tomkins has signed a new contract at the
club, which will keep him at Upton Park until 2020. The 25-year-old joined
West Ham as a schoolboy in 1996 and is a graduate of the club's academy.
"It's brilliant that the club has shown faith in me and I'm delighted to
sign [this contract]," Tomkins said. Tomkins, whose new deal will take him
past 20 years of service at West Ham, has made 205 appearances for the club.
He suffered a broken nose in Sunday's draw against Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Louis van Gaal uses diagrams to defend Man Utd 'long-ball' claims
BBC.co.uk
Louis van Gaal displayed a series of diagrams to journalists as he hit back
at Sam Allardyce's claim that Manchester United are a long-ball team. West
Ham boss Allardyce described Van Gaal's side as "long-ball United" after the
teams drew 1-1 at Upton Park.
But Van Gaal disputed the assertion. "Because I expected this question, I
have made an interpretation of the data for this game and then I have to say
that it is not a good interpretation from Big Sam," said the Dutchman. "You
have to look at the data and then you will see that we did play long balls,
but long balls wide rather than to the striker."
The statistics, contained in four A4 sheets of paper, were put together by
Van Gaal's analysis team. They claim West Ham sent a higher percentage of
their long passes forward than the visitors. According to the figures, West
Ham attempted a total of 200 passes during the game and United 343. Of those
passes, 45 (22.5%) of West Ham's were long - more than 25 metres - compared
to 83 (24.2%) of United's.
However, United claim fewer than half of their 83 long passes went forward
(49.9%), compared to almost three-quarters (71.1%) of West Ham's 45.
Diagrams generated by United showed that many of the visitors' passes went
sideways or diagonally, rather than forward. Van Gaal insisted his team only
started playing long balls forward after 6ft 4in Marouane Fellaini came on
in the 76th minute of the draw at Upton Park. Daley Blind rescued a point
with a 93rd-minute equaliser after Cheikhou Kouyate's volley put West Ham
ahead. According to Opta, Van Gaal's United do play more long balls - under
their definition "launches of the ball by a team that have no clear aim" -
than the sides of David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson during the previous two
seasons.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Lassana Diarra close to Hammers deal - Sam Allardyce
BBc.co.uk
Former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is training with West Ham and
close to signing a deal with them. The Frenchman, 29, has been without a
club since being released by Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in August 2014.
"He is training with us," said Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "The deal is very
close to being finalised. "Once fit he will be a good addition. I hope, with
a good few days' training, he will be close in seven to 10 days - if he
finally signs the contract." Diarra has previously had spells at Arsenal,
Chelsea and Portsmouth during spells in England. "He won't be in any good
shape in terms of being on the bench on Wednesday or on the bench on
Saturday against West Brom," added Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Southampton v West Ham
KO 19:45
10 February 2015
Last updated at 12:46
By Simon Brotherton
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St Mary's Stadium Date: Wednesday, 11 February
TEAM NEWS
Southampton have problems at left-back with Ryan Bertrand still suspended
and Matt Targett out with a head injury. Morgan Schneiderlin is an injury
doubt, but new signing Filip Djuricic could play after receiving his work
permit.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll is "touch and go" to return
from a knee injury, while Kevin Nolan could miss out with a foot problem.
James Tomkins is available despite breaking his nose on Sunday as Winston
Reid and James Collins remain absent.
MATCH PREVIEW
Whatever happens at St Mary's, it's highly unlikely we'll hear Sam Allardyce
talking about any long-ball tactics from Southampton in his post-match
interviews. He was left lamenting how Manchester United had found a
93rd-minute equaliser on Sunday but was right to feel so positive about how
his team had played. Injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations haven't helped
lately, but this was a timely return to form for West Ham, who haven't
performed at quite the same level since Christmas.
Lawro's prediction
"Southampton were not great against QPR at the weekend but they still won.
They have key players like Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama coming
back to full fitness too, and it will make a big difference when they get
the heartbeat of their team back."
Predictions: Lawro v Arsenal Ladies star Kelly Smith I've seen them on the
road twice in the last three weeks and felt they were professional in
overcoming a potentially awkward fixture at Bristol City in the FA Cup, but
struggled in a 2-0 league defeat against Liverpool.
After winning only one of their last seven in the Premier League, the
Hammers go looking for a first win at Southampton in nearly 15 years. They
weren't the only team to concede in the 93rd minute at the weekend - QPR did
too against Southampton . Sadio Mane's late goal secured all three points
and he's a man in form in front of goal, having scored in his last four
Premier League starts. Saturday's result moved Ronald Koeman's team up to
third in the table and they've now won six of the last eight in the league,
which has left their pre-Christmas blip firmly in the rearview mirror.
Southampton strolled to a 3-1 victory when the teams last met at the end of
August, giving Koeman his first league win as manager. West Ham's campaign
hadn't made it out of first gear at the time, with defeat by Saints meaning
they had started the season with three in a row at home in all competitions.
Things have clearly moved on and, while Southampton have the meanest defence
in the Premier League and are in fine form, this could be a really good game
if West Ham can play as well as they did against Manchester United on
Sunday.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have gone five games without a win at Southampton since a 3-2
victory in November 2000.
Southampton can do the double over West Ham in the Premier League for the
first time since 1997-98.
Southampton
Following five successive wins, Southampton have lost three of their last
six Premier League home matches (W2, D1, L3).
Southampton have conceded the fewest Premier League goals this season (17)
and no side has kept more clean sheets. Both Saints and league leaders
Chelsea have 11.
Ronald Koeman's side have dropped just two points from a winning position
this season, the fewest in the Premier League.
Saints have hit the woodwork 14 times in the league this season, more than
any other team. Graziano Pelle is responsible for six of these.
Top scorer Pelle has not found the net in seven league games.
West Ham United
The Hammers have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games
(W1, D3, L3).
They haven't kept a clean sheet away from home in 17 league games.
West Ham have 37 points from 24 matches, their best tally at this stage of a
top-flight season since 1985-86 (48pts), when they finished third.
They have scored a league-high 14 headed goals this season. Diafra Sakho has
scored five of those - two more than any other player in the league.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Five more years for James Tomkins
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's James Tomkins has signed a new five-year deal with West
Ham. The 25-year-old Basildon born defender has been at the club since the
age of seven and has since made 205 first team appearances for the club -
the same as legendary sixties striker Johhny 'Budgie' Byrne (205) and more
than eighties legend Frank McAvennie (191). His existing four year deal was
set to expire next summer (2016) and whilst West Ham had the option of
triggering a further 12 months, they opted instead to secure Tomkins' future
with a new five-year deal that potentially keeps him at the club until 2020.
"I think it's brilliant that the Club has shown faith in me and offered me
this deal - and I'm delighted to sign it," Tomkins told whufc.com this
afternoon. "I've been here since I was seven and this is a long-term deal
which is going to take me up until I'm in my thirties, so it's nice to
commit my future. "Being a West Ham fan, I want to spend my future here as
it is exciting times with the Olympic Stadium move coming up in 2016. The
club is going in the direction I wanted it to go and I want to be involved
in. It's exciting all-round, for the club and for me. "It's a good time and
this year has been a great step forward. Now we just need to see it out. I
look back at all the times I've been in the team, from when I made my debut
at 18-years-old, and this is as well as we've done. Now we need to keep it
going until the end of the season, because we have a lot of hard games
coming up. "We want to be going forwards, not backwards - and that's
certainly where we're heading. It's a great time for us. We want to leave
Upton Park on a high, so it's important we do the very best we can over the
next 18 months leading up to the move."
James Tomkins: season stats
2007/08: Pld 6 Bkd 0 Red 0 Gls 0
2008/09: Pld 15 Bkd 0 Red 1 Gls 1 (Derby Pld 8 Bkd 1 Red 1 Gls 0)
2009/10: Pld 26 Bkd 0 Red 0 Gls 0
2010/11: Pld 28 Bkd 3 Red 0 Gls 1
2011/12: Pld 47 Bkd 6 Red 0 Gls 4
2012/13: Pld 29 Bkd 5 Red 0 Gls 1
2013/14: Pld 35 Bkd 6 Red 1 Gls 0
2014/15: Pld 19 Bkd 5 Red 0 Gls 1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Koeman cool on Carroll threat
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Ronald Koeman admits his tactical approach to Wednesday's clash with West
Ham depends much upon the potential inclusion of one player.
Southampton's 51-year-old Dutch manager admitted today that if Andy Carroll
plays at St Mary's on Wednesday, his entire game plan will change - due to
the distinct styles which he believes West Ham employ when either with or
without the big target man. According to Koeman, whose team are currently
third in the Premier League having enjoyed a fantastic season so far, the
Hammers are far more likely to play direct should Carroll feature in the
side. However he admitted that Sam Allardyce's side have the ability to mix
it up and play more possession-based football - as was the case against
Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday afternoon. "It'll be a
difficult game. I watched the game last Sunday and I think they played very
well and were physically strong," he said during this morning's pre-match
press conference. "Much depends on whether they start with [Andy] Carroll,
as with him they can play a little bit more direct. [On Sunday] they showed
they can play good football without him. It was difficult but they had very
good opportunities to kill the game and very a little bit unlucky to only
get one point. "West Ham always have options to play in a different style.
What you have to do as a manager is to play with the best qualities the
players have. The easiest way to attack is a long ball - like we do.
Sometimes we play a long ball to [Graziano] Pelle because in one pass,
you're close to the opponent's box. Then you can begin pressing your
opponent. "I always prefer to play football but sometimes it's a good
option, if you have a player like [Andy] Carroll or [Marouane] Fellaini at
Manchester United, to do something different. To try a different way to
score goals is allowed."
With specific regard to Carroll - who failed a late-fitness test before
Sunday's game but is expected to be available tomorrow - and the threat
posed by the England international -Koeman plans to keep him as far away
from goal as possible. "We'll try to keep him out of the box. We know we
have to prepare ourselves for that," he surmised. "If he is playing then we
have to press the goalkeeper, we have to press the defenders and try to keep
out the long ball they like to play. "If he's not playing that means a
different style with Sakho and Valencia. They are very fast; good players,
good attackers. That means we'll need to defend against our opponents a
different way. "It's two different styles of playing. With Carroll it's more
long ball and second ball, without it's much more about ball possession and
much more movement from the two fast attackers. That means we have to defend
differently, but it's no so difficult [to change]."
* West Ham face Southampton at St Mary's tomorrow night (Wednesday). 7.45pm
(GMT) kick off.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Press officer gives the game away
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
There was a priceless moment at this morning's Manchester United press
conference when the club's Media Officer presented documents relating to
Sunday's game with West Ham to the press. Red Devils boss Louis Van Gaal had
insisted that a series of documents, setting out why Manchester United
should not be hailed as a 'long ball' team be distributed to journalists
present at a club press conference this morning. However his media officer
appeared to inadvertently expose her true feelings about the matter when she
grimaced visibly when handing the documents from Van Gaal to the press - as
you may see in the video below! West Ham manager Sam Allardyce referred to
last weekend's opponents as 'long ball United' during his post-match press
conference on Sunday evening (which you may read exclusively in full here).
West Ham took the lead in Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester
United through Cheik Kouyate four minutes into the second half - before the
visitors snatched a point they barely deserved thorough a 93rd-minute Daley
Blind effort.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Did we touch a nerve? Van Gaal takes umbrage to 'long ball' claim
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's cheeky reference to last weekend's opponents as 'long ball
United' may have raised a few smiles amongst Hammers fans - although
Manchester United's Louis Van Gaal was far from impressed by the tag. The
under-pressure Dutch manager was so incensed by Allardyce's jibe that he
arrived at a press conference today armed with sheets of data designed to
counter Big Sam's claims - which were the subject of the first question
asked of the 63-year-old. "When a colleague of mine is saying this kind of
thing then you have to put the data in the right context," he said. "I think
the media is also coming to the match and you have a lot of opinions about
me. "You have to look at the data and then you will see that we did play
long balls, but long balls wide, rather than to the striker. A ball to the
forward striker is mainly caused by long-ball play. "Because I expected
this question, I have made an interpretation of the data for this game and
then I have to say that it is not a good interpretation from Big Sam. "I am
sorry, but we are playing ball possession play and after 70 minutes we did
not succeed, in spite of many chances in the second half, so I changed my
playing style. Then, of course, with the quality of Fellaini we played more
forward balls and we scored from that, so I think it was a very good
decision of the manager.
"But, when you see the overall long ball percentage, West Ham have played 71
per cent of their long balls to the forwards and we 49. When you have 60 per
cent ball possession you cannot play long balls. "So again, they did it 71
and we 49, and I give it you, you can copy it and then maybe you can go to
Big Sam and he will get a good interpretation."
According to stats site Who Scored, Manchester United enjoyed 57 per cent
possession to West Ham's 43 per cent during Sunday's match, which ended 1-1
- making a total of 414 passes to the Hammers' 284. Whilst West Ham made 57
long passes, Manchester United made 86 - regardless of the direction.
Additionally 49 of West Ham's passes were played aerially, compared to 65
from Manchester United.
West Ham made a total of 226 forward passes compared to the Red Devils' 316
- playing the ball back 105 times, in contract to the visitors' 152 passes
toward their own goal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet learning his trade, happy as back-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diego Poyet has revealed he is happy being a squad member at West Ham - for
now. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who would no doubt be banging down
the manager's door demanding a place in the first team, the 19-year-old
midfielder displayed a refreshing attitude to life as a Premier League
footballer. And instead of complaining about his lack of opportunities -
Poyet has featured on just five occasions for West Ham so far - the
youngster insists that he is enjoying his time learning from his peers. "I'm
really enjoying it at West Ham," he told kicca.com. "People sometimes think
I'm not enjoying it as I'm not playing as much as I was last year at
Charlton, but I'm part of a great team and a great club who are doing well
in the Premier League and the FA Cup.
"I'm very, very happy here and happy to be a squad player for now and wait
for my chance. If I need game time I play for the club's Under-21 side so it
keeps me ticking over, get minutes under my belt and then I'll be ready
should my chance come. "I'm only 19 and there a lot of quality players in
front of me, but I'll just keep training and be prepared when I get my
chance. Quality-wise it's been a big step up from Charlton but now I've got
used to it. It was quite tough as a new player at the start but now I really
feel part of it."
The Zaragoza-born Poyet, who learnt to speak both English and Spanish as a
child - the result of his father Gus' Uruguayan roots - also revealed that
he has developed a close relationship with fellow Spanish speaker Enner
Valencia, who along wih Diafra Sakho "have been on fire".
But it is another Spanish speaker in the squad - on loan Barca star Alex
Song - who he feels mostly connected to as a player. "He's a fantastic
person as well as a fantastic player," added Poyet. "Although he plays in
the same position as me and limits my chances I learn so much off him.
"When I watch the games I just watch him as that can only help me. He
assists more than people think, has got a great pass on him and is so
comfortable on the ball. He's a very important player for us."
Poyet's five appearances for West Ham since making the switch from Charlton
last summer have included three in the Premier League (at Crystal Palace,
Manchester United and Swansea), one in the FA Cup (Everton away) and just
the one appearance in front of the Boleyn faithful (Sheffield United in the
Capital One Cup). He also featured twice for Huddersfield during a
month-long loan spell last November.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham closing in on former Chelsea star Lassana Diarra
Last Updated: 10/02/15 11:39am
SSN
Former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is training with West Ham with
a view to earning a short-term contract. Diarra is a free agent after having
his contract at Lokomotiv Moscow terminated last August following a fall-out
with coach Leonid Kuchuk. The 29-year-old has been linked with Newcastle,
Queens Park Rangers and Celtic in the last few months. But the former
Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth player hopes to secure a deal at West Ham
until the end of the campaign. Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce confirmed the
news at his press conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match at
Southampton. "He is training with us," he said. "I'm not so sure whether
we've finalised a deal yet but he has been doing a little bit of training
with us. "I think the deal is very close to being finalised and I think on
the basis of where we are at the minute with our squad and the injuries, as
soon as we get him fit he'll be a really good addition based on his previous
record as a footballer. "He won't be on the bench on Wednesday or Saturday
against West Brom but I certainly hope with a few good days training with
the lads he'll be close in seven or 10 days... if he signs the contract."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
High-flying Southampton take on West Ham at St Mary's Stadium
Last Updated: 10/02/15 4:20pm
SSN
High-flying Southampton will look to maintain their challenge for Champions
League football when they host West Ham at St Mary's Stadium.
Saints needed a stoppage-time goal from Sadio Mane to beat Queens Park
Rangers 1-0 at Loftus Road at the weekend and are now third in the Premier
League table with 14 matches remaining after Manchester United, Arsenal and
Liverpool all dropped points over the weekend.
The Hammers will hope to respond from a result which felt like a loss after
they were denied maximum points when Daley Blind cancelled out Cheikhou
Kouyate's opener at Upton Park on Super Sunday. Sam Allardyce's side have
been hit by a spate of injuries over the last few weeks and have slipped
from fourth spot in late December to eighth in the table with just one win
in their last seven league games.
United will also face Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal before the middle of
March, but the Hammers will take heart from their display against United as
they head to the south coast.
Team news
Southampton will be once again be without Ryan Bertrand (suspension) and
Toby Alderweireld (hamstring). Matt Targett deputised for Bertrand at QPR,
but is doubtful after suffering a first-half head injury, even though
manager Ronald Koeman confirmed the youngster had escaped serious damage.
Sam Allardyce will be forced to field James Tomkins, despite the defender
suffering from a broken nose. Tomkins was caught by Robin van Persie's arm
in Sunday's draw with Manchester United but, with fellow central defenders
Winston Reid and James Collins (both hamstring) still missing, he will again
partner stand-in Cheikhou Kouyate at St Mary's. Allardyce was full of praise
for the Senegal international's performance, which he crowned with a
delightful goal that saw him juggle the ball twice before volleying home.
Allardyce is hopeful Andy Carroll may be available after recovering from an
ankle injury but captain Kevin Nolan (foot) is a doubt whilst Diego Poyet
and Doneil Henry are missing with unspecified problems. Former Real Madrid
midfielder Lassana Diarra is training with the club who are considering
offering the Frenchman a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Opta stats
Southampton have won only one of their last seven home Premier League
matches where the opposition has scored.
The Hammers have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games
(W1 D3 L3).
Following five successive wins, Southampton have lost three of their last
six Premier League home matches (W2 D1 L3).
Southampton have hit the woodwork 14 times in the Premier League this
season; more often than any other team. Graziano Pelle is responsible for
six of these.
West Ham's next Premier League defeat will be their 300th in the
competition.
Merson's prediction
There's not a lot between these two teams. Southampton are still up there,
playing well, and they've had a bit of luck at the same time, but the games
are reeling off now. Before you know it, we'll be down to single-figure
games, and if they're up there, they have a big chance. This is a test for
both teams, who have been surprise packages this term. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce backs James Tomkins' claim Robin van Persie deliberately
elbowed him
14:35, 10 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers boss has come out to support his player, while he has also
confirmed that the club are close to landing Lassana Diarra on a free
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has has backed James Tomkins' claim that he was deliberately
elbowed by Robin van Persie and accused the Dutchman of trying to "take him
out". Mirror Sport revealed earlier on Tuesday that Tomkins has been left
annoyed by the challenge - which took place in West Ham's 1-1 draw at home
to Manchester United on Sunday. Tomkins, 25, had his nose accidentally
broken by Reds midfielder Marouane Fellaini during the match. But he was
left more incensed by what he described as a "malicious" act by Van Persie.
Allardyce said: "I thought it was pretty naughty. The old: 'Have a little
look see where the defender is' then take him out. "But the assistant
referee decided to flag for a foul and I thought it was much more than
that."
Tomkins had said: "It is tough to say he does it deliberately. But with the
Van Persie one, I think he has a look at me first then he has gone for me."
The Hammers are also frustrated by the lack of action taken by the officials
over the incident. The FA have already confirmed there will be no
retrospective punishment as it was seen by the assistant referee. Allardyce
revealed Tomkins remains in line to play in tomorrow night's crunch clash at
Southampton with both clubs pushing for the top four. He added: "He has
broken his nose but I dont think its severe enough to concern us abut
leaving him out. So that's okay. "As long as he is fit and available to play
on Wednesday that's the most important thing for us."
Meanwhile Allardyce is hopeful of signing ex-Real Madrid midfielder Lassana
Diarra on a free transfer after confirming the France international is
training with the Hammers. Diarra, 29, has been without a club since a
bust-up saw him quit Lokomotiv Moscow in August. He was close to signing for
QPR last summer but the deal was blocked by the Russian club who still held
his registration. Once that situation was resolved West Ham tried to do a
deal with the ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth star. But they balked at
his wage demands and turned their attentions to Manchester United's Darren
Fletcher. With that deal breaking down, however, the Hammers have turned
back to Diarra who has worked hard to impress in training and is close to
match fitness. A deal is expected to be completed in the coming days.
Allardyce said: "He is training with us. "I'm not so sure whether we have
finalised a deal yet but he is doing a little bit of training with us. The
deal is very close to being finalised and on the basis of where we are with
our squad and the injuries, once we have him fit he will be a very good
addition based on his previous record as a footballer." "He won't be in any
good shape in terms of being on the bench on Wednesday or on the bench on
Saturday against West Brom," added Allardyce. "But I certainly hope that,
with a good few days training with the lads, he will be close in seven to 10
days if he finally signs the contract."
If the move comes off, it could be seen as something of a coup for the
Hammers as Diarra brings experience and has also tasted trophy success,
winning the FA Cup with both Chelsea and Portsmouth and the Spanish title at
Madrid.
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Robin van Persie deserved FA ban for his elbow on James Tomkins, claims Jose
Mourinho
14:20, 10 February 2015 By Adrian Kajumba
Chelsea boss says Manchester United striker should have been punished for
clash with West Ham defender during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Upton Park
The Mirror
Jose Mourinho believes Robin van Persie deserved to be hit with an FA ban -
just like his star striker Diego Costa was. Chelsea boss Mourinho was
stunned Manchester United frontman Van Persie escaped punishment for
catching West Ham defender James Tomkins with a flailing arm in Sunday's 1-1
draw. Mourinho hit out at the inconsistency after seeing Costa receive a
retrospective three-game ban for stamping on Liverpool midfielder Emre Can
last month Referee Mark Clattenburg saw Van Persie's clash with Tomkins and
decided to only award West Ham a free-kick. Mourinho said: "I need a little
bit more time to forget why my player was suspended, to understand why some
people are punished and others aren't. "I need a little bit more time to
process that. I was with (had) lots of attention this weekend.
The same people who suspended my player didn't want to suspend a player this
weekend, and a player could have been suspended this weekend and he wasn't.
"I'm still processing that information."
Mourinho didn't name Van Persie but when asked who he was referring to, the
Blues boss mimicked the Dutchman's action at Upton Park by swinging his arm
in the air. The Special One said: "Somebody who did this in the face of
somebody, and nothing happened. I know that if it was one of mine…" And
Mourinho brought up two more cases from last season to back up his claims of
double standards when it comes to Chelsea and the punishments dished out.
That came after Manchester City's Yaya Toure was let off despite being
caught on camera kicking Norwich's Ricky van Wolfswinkel in another incident
missed by the officials. Mourinho said: "Last season, the same thing
happened when Ramires was suspended but a Man City player kicked a player at
Norwich who was on the floor and nothing happened. I'm used to it."
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West Ham set for multi million windfall
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
It has just been announced that Premier League TV Rights have been sold for
£5.136 billion for 2016-2019 up from £3.018 billion for the current deal
with Sky and BT. Sky will pay £4.176 billion – £11.04m per game while BT
will pay £960m – £7.6m per game The extra £2.1 billion will be shared by the
20 Premier League clubs meaning each club could receive as much as £33
million per season. Although a formula is yet to be worked out the money
will be divided according to an equal share, facility fees depending on the
number of games shown on TV plus a merit payment based on your final league
position. Last season the Hammers earned £21,631,444 in an equal share,
£11,584,228 in facility fees and £9,888,664 in a merit payment for finishing
13th in UK rights plus another £26,295,817 for overseas rights and
£4,270,850 from commercial rights. The total of £73,671,003 for last season
will be completely blown away by the new TV rights deal and as long as we
can stay in the Premier League for the 2016/2017 in the Olympic Stadium we
could be in line for as much as £150m of TV rights money for that season,
maybe more!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Landslide could affect fans travel to Hawthorns
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Following a landslide on the rail route between London and Birmingham,
Chiltern Railways are currently unable to run direct trains from Marylebone
to the West Midlands. Trains are running from London to Banbury, and from
Leamington Spa to the West Midlands. Between Banbury and Leamington Spa a
"step-straight-on" replacement bus operates. Chiltern Railways say they are
aware that this may affect some West Ham fans that are travelling to the
Hawthorns on the 14th February who have already purchased train tickets, and
can provide the following advice below:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: "Nothing's changed with Sam"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has told Tony Cottee there will be no contract talks with Sam
Allardyce until the end of the season! The former Hammers striker had used
this website to blast the two Davids for not getting a deal sorted out now
claiming the manager has done everything that could have been expected of
him. And he believes the end of season is thew wrong time anyway explaining
that it creates a climate of uncertainty throughout the club. But speaking
exclsuively to ClaretandHugh, the co chairman said: "It's the way we do our
business – it's the way things work with us and nothing will change.
"Whether we are top of the league or bottom we talk at the end of the
season. It's very simple and very straightforward and that's how it will be
again. "Sam Allardyce's west Ham future will be sorted out when the campaign
comes to an end – that's the top and bottom of it."
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Cottee blast for owners over Allardyce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tony Cottee has delivered an icy "what are you waiting for" blast at the two
Davids following Sam Allardyce's admission that there has been no contract
offer to him yet! Asked in his morning presser whether there had been any
discussions Allardyce said: "Not yet. There's still a way to go but we'll
talk when the time is right." And Cottee -talking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh admitted: "I don't get it – what are the owners waiting for?
They are playing Russian roulette with the club. "It's not what's right for
them, Karren Brady, Sam Allardyce or anyone else but what's best for West
Ham United. "I really don't know what else Sam and Neil McDonald have to do
to get a new deal. They have done everything required and this idea that the
owners only do business at the end of the season is wrong. "There are
pre-season tours to be organised and why would Sam be interested if he isn't
sure whether he will be here.
"The fact is he is standing there with a fantastic record and nobody has
made a move in his direction – I just don't get it because there are plenty
of clubs who will want Sam Allardyce . "He keeps teams in the division and
it's desperately important we stay up next season and the one after that as
our first in the new stadium. The owners need to get the deal done."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about Wednesday's trip to Southampton
10.02.2015
SOUTHAMPTON v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
ST MARY'S STADIUM
WEDNESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: CRAIG PAWSON
In brief
West Ham United travel to the south coast to face in form Southampton just
four days after drawing with Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. Earlier
in the season, the Saints won 3-1 in the reverse fixture and Sam Allardyce's
men will be looking for revenge come Wednesday eveing. Ronald Koeman's
Southampton have defied all the odds and proved the doubters wrong as they
currently sit in third, having taken 45 points from 24 games. However, the
Saints have lost their last two home league games, a 3-2 defeat by Crystal
Palace and a 1-0 defeat by Swansea City.
Who are they?
Southampton were formed in 1885 and have been known as the Saints ever since
due to their history as a church side, being known as St Mary's YMA in their
early days. Their high point was winning the FA Cup in 1976, famously
beating Manchester United in the final, while they also reached the final in
1900, 1902 and 2003 - when they were defeated by Arsenal. The Saints'
highest ever league finish is second in 1983/84 and, like the Hammers, they
are in their third season back in the top flight after being promoted from
the Championship in 2012. Other honours include the Football League Trophy,
which they won at Wembley in 2010, and the Southern League - which they won
six times around the turn of the 20th century prior to becoming a Football
League club.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will still be without defenders James Collins and Winston Reid
who missed Sunday's draw with Manchester United. Likewise, Diego Poyet and
Doneil Henry are also likely to miss out. Captain Kevin Nolan faces a race
against time to overcome a foot injury sustained against Manchester United.
England international Andy Carroll faces a late fitness test to determine
whether is able to feature or not.
Southampton
Toby Alderweireld (hamstring) and Matt Targett (concussion) are unlikely to
feature as are Shane Long and Lloyd Isgrove. Jay Rodriguez is Southampton's
long term absentee while Ryan Bertrand is suspended.
Referee
The man in the middle for Wednesday's fixture is Craig Pawson. The Sheffield
based official has been in charge of one West Ham game this season - the
Hammers' 3-1 win over Liverpool in September. The 35-year-old referee also
refereed the Saints' 2-0 New Year's Day victory over Arsenal. The assistant
referees are Ian Hussin and Adrian Holmes, Neil Swarbrick is the fourth
official.
One to watch
West Ham United
Following his terrific display at centre-back against Manchester United
Cheikhou Kouyate has somewhat eased Sam Allardyce's defensive injury
problems. The Senegalese international was unfazed at the prospect of
marking Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, capping an excellent
performance with a quality goal which almost gave the Hammers a deserved
win.
Southampton Kouyate's Senegalese teammate Sadio Mane has been in impressive
form for the Saints this season, scoring six goals, most recently in the 1-0
away win at Queens Park Rangers. The Saints have never lost when Mane scores
so the Hammers will need to stop him in order to get a result at St. Mary's
Stadium.
Tickets
All Standard Tickets for this fixture have SOLD OUT. Wheelchair/Carer
Tickets are available but must be purchased in advance of the fixture.
Travel
For all your travel information on how to get to and from St Mary's please
click here.
Weather
Wednesday evening is set to be a cloudy night with a chance of rain starting
into the night. Temperatures at kick-off of are forecast to be 5C (41F).
Last away meeting
Southampton 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
15 September 2013
Southampton: Boruc, Clyne, Lovren, Fonte, Shaw (Chambers 77), Schneiderlin,
Wanyama, Lallana (Ward-Prowse 72), Lambert, Rodriguez, Osvaldo
Subs: Davis, Hooiveld, Davis, Ramirez, Do Prado
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel (Rat 61) Nolan,
Jarvis, Morrison (Taylor 77) Noble, Diame, Maiga (Vaz Te 68)
Subs: Adrian, Tomkins, Collison, Lee
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian keen to overcome late blow
WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian says the Hammers will take inspiration
from Sunday's performance
09.02.2015
Adrian may have been beaten late on by Manchester United's Daley Blind on
Sunday as Louis van Gaal's team snatched a point at the Boleyn Ground, but
the Spanish stopper will be focusing on the many positive aspects of the
Hammers' performance as they build towards Southampton. Sam Allardyce's men
travel to the South Coast on Wednesday looking for the maximum point haul
which eluded them at the weekend, despite taking the lead through Cheikhou
Kouyate and holding it right up until the final minute. While admitting that
came as a blow, Adrian said observers only had to look at how much busier
his opposite number was to show who should have won. "It was a good
challenge between Spanish keepers," he explained. "De Gea made some very
good saves on Sunday - he saved them really. "We absolutely deserved the
three points. "We played well and showed a good performance, but this is
football. "We didn't score the second goal to kill the game. They have good
players and scored in the last minute. "Of course it was difficult to come
off the pitch with a 1-1 draw after they scored in the 92nd minute, but we
felt good and deserved the three points. "We need to take that into the next
game against Southampton now because that will be a tough game."
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Big Sam on: Southampton
WHUFC.com
The manager talks to the press ahead of Wednesday's trip to Southampton
10.02.2015
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Tuesday ahead of West Ham United's Barclays
Premier League trip to Southampton. The Hammers are looking for maximum
points after only being denied at the death by Manchester United at the
weekend. Big Sam provided an update on injury news, his team's prospects at
St Mary's and more.
Hi Sam, is there any news on the injured players who weren't available for
United on Sunday?
SA: "The possibility would be Andy Carroll. He may be fit but it'll be touch
and go right up until we leave tomorrow morning. Kevin Nolan has a bruised
instep which is causing us some concern, at the moment we don't know if
he'll be able to but his boots on or not. That's obviously a blow to us and
the rest who were unavailable are still out. We're short on numbers but very
high on confidence."
James Tomkins took a bit of a bashing, and was talking about Robin van
Persie perhaps getting a red card for an elbow. What did you think of that
argument?
SA: "He broke his nose but it's not serious enough to keep him out. From a
challenge point of view I thought it was pretty naughty, he had a look to
see where the defender was and then took him out basically. The assistant
referee gave a foul but he didn't think it was more serious. Tomkins should
be fit to play tomorrow night which is the most important thing for us."
Your comments about long ball Manchester United have certainly created a
buzz. Are you surprised at how much of a fuss has been made out of it?
SA: "No. The media love a bit of a tale, something to write about. It was a
fact and everyone loves facts. On Sunday it was Man United playing direct
football to try and overcome a defeat and it paid off for them. That's how
they got back into the game and sadly for us there wasn't time for us to
react."
Playing Southampton on Wednesday tonight. West Ham have never won at St.
Mary's, what would a win do for your season?
SA: "I think for us, it's just trying to take each game as it comes. With 14
games left we're coming to the end of the season, we've done so well and
come far. We want to get more wins than draws because we've slipped down the
table a little bit. Southampton have managed to keep on winning, but we've
let leads slip and ended up drawing too many times. They've lost their last
league game against Swansea City which we've studied."
Is there any more news about your contract situation?
SA: "Not yet. There's still a way to go but we'll talk when the time is
right."
Would you like to be here next season?
SA: "We'll have to see what the contract says! But seriously, there's a lot
of work to be done here and the potential of the squad is very exciting. The
way the club is going with the new stadium round the corner it is an
exciting time."
Lassana Diarra has been training with you for a few weeks, what is the
situation with Diarra at the moment?
SA: "I'm not sure what the state of negotiations are but he has been
training with us recently. As soon as he is fit and ready he'll be a great
addition to our squad."
He's a vastly experienced player and he's played at several big clubs, what
is his state of fitness at the moment?
SA: "He's not ready to be involved in first team but hopefully he's not too
far away. We're not in any rush but he would be a good addition if and when
it happens."
A disappointing result in the end, but plenty of positives to take from
Sunday games?
SA: "Exactly, and we have to pick up from where we left against United. They
gave everything they possibly had and we want to maintain that level in
every game for the rest of the season. The main difficulty is recovery,
because we haven't had much time. Southampton playing on Saturday have also
had an extra day to recover. So Wednesday night is all about our attitude
and determination. We're going to
need to push ourselves in order to win. We had a bit of a lull in our
performances recently but to see us back to near our best was a big
boost. We don't want our season to fade away."
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Hammers to honour Peters
WHUFC.com
Martin Peters MBE will become the third recipient of the Club's Lifetime
Achievement Award at the annual Player Awards
10.02.2015
West Ham United are pleased to announce that Martin Peters MBE will become
the third recipient of the Club's Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 1966 World Cup winner will be honoured at the annual Player Awards
brought to you by Betway and in aid of the Academy, which this year take
place on Wednesday 6 May at the London Hilton on Park Lane. 71-year-old
Peters came through the famed Academy at West Ham to play a pivotal role in
the golden period of the 1960s, even though he missed out on an involvement
in the 1964 FA Cup winning effort. The following year he played a full role
as the Hammers lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup and then returned to
Wembley a year later to win the World Cup with England. He would go on to
score exactly 100 goals for the Hammers in 364 appearances - a fine record
for a midfielder - before enjoying further success with Tottenham Hotspur
and Norwich City, ending a remarkable 22-year professional career with
Sheffield United. The complete midfielder, Peters' versatility was such that
he played in every position for the Hammers - including in goal when
replacing the injured Brian Rhodes in just his third game for the Club.
Peters was made an MBE in 1978 and follows in the footsteps of Billy Bonds
MBE and Sir Trevor Brooking in receiving the Hammers' Lifetime Achievement
Award. Born in Plaistow on 8 November 1943, Peters came through the ranks at
his local Club to sign as an apprentice under manager Ted Fenton in 1959. He
would make his first team debut on Good Friday 1962 in a 4-1 home victory
against Cardiff City. Peters' first goal for the Club would follow in
September of that year.
Peters made 36 League appearances in 1962/63 and 32 in 1963/64, but would
not be involved as the Hammers won their first FA Cup that year. He would
not miss out twelve months later as West Ham defeated TSV 1860 Munich to win
the European Cup Winners' Cup. A further chance for Hammers silverware
arrived in 1966 when they reached the League Cup final, in those days played
over two legs. Peters scored in the second game, but West Bromwich Albion
triumphed 5-3 on aggregate. However, Peters, Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst
bounced back from that disappointment to lead England to World Cup glory.
The 1968/69 season would be Peters' most prolific for the Hammers, as he
knocked in 24 goals from 48 matches, and a year later he was on the move to
north London, as Tottenham Hotspur paid £200,000 for his services.
Peters' run of success would continue at White Hart Lane as he won the
League Cup in 1971 and 1973 and the UEFA Cup in 1972. Five-and-a-half years
with Norwich and a half-season at Sheffield United followed, before he
ventured into a brief foray in management with the Blades. In total he made
882 appearances in professional football, scoring 220 goals and adding a
further 20 to that in 67 England caps.
Following football, he moved into the insurance business and still works as
a matchday host to this day with the Hammers.
Martin Peters' Lifetime Achievement Award will be one of a host of
prestigious trophies awarded at the 2014/15 Player Awards, bought to you by
Betway, in Aid of the Academy.
Who will take the honours this season? You can be there at the Hilton London
on Park Lane on Wednesday 6 May to find out!
Our annual Player Awards night promises a night of fine dining and Hammers
entertainment as we look back at the highlights of the year.
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Tomkins signs new contract
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has signed a new long-term contract with West Ham United
10.02.2015
West Ham United are delighted to announce that James Tomkins has signed a
new contract with the Club until summer 2020. The new deal will take the
Academy of Football graduate past 20 years of service to the Hammers, who he
joined as a seven-year-old schoolboy in 1996.
The Basildon-born centre-back has been in outstanding form this season,
helping the Hammers to a record-breaking Barclays Premier League start and
the FA Cup fifth round. "I think it's brilliant that the Club has shown
faith in me and offered me this deal and I'm delighted to sign it," said the
25-year-old, who made his first-team debut at 18 in March 2008. "I've been
here since I was seven and this is a long-term deal which is going to take
me up until I'm in my thirties, so it's nice to commit my future here. "It's
been a good season, but it's still got a little way to go yet and the job is
not done. We've had a good year so far and we want to continue it. I feel
like my performances have come along a lot this year and I am just enjoying
playing really."
While in previous decades West Ham might have allowed a home-grown hero like
Tomkins to leave the Club, the Hammers are now committed to keeping their
best players for the future. With excitement growing around the move to the
Club's 54,000-capacity new home in 2016, the defender says it is a great
time to be part of West Ham United. "Being a West Ham fan, I want to spend
my future here as it is exciting times with the Olympic Stadium move coming
up in 2016," continued Tomkins, who has played 205 times in Claret and Blue.
"The Club is going in the direction I wanted it to go and I want to be
involved in. It's exciting all-round, for the Club and for me. "It's a good
time and this year has been a great step forward. Now we just need to see it
out. I look back at all the times I've been in the team, from when I made my
debut at 18-years-old, and this is as well as we've done. Now we need to
keep it going until the end of the season, because we have a lot of hard
games coming up. "What the Board and everyone at the Club has done to get
the new Stadium shows the direction we want to be taking - we want to be
going forwards and not backwards and that's certainly where we're heading.
It's a great time for us. We want to leave Upton Park on a high, so it's
important we do the very best we can over the next 18 months leading up to
the move."
Looking to the more immediate future, West Ham face two exciting and
challenging fixtures on the back of Sunday's thrilling draw with Manchester
United. On Wednesday, the Hammers go to Southampton in the Barclays Premier
League ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion. "Southampton
are doing really well at the moment and they're obviously a great team,
which they are proving week in, week out with their consistency," Tomkins
observed. "It's a hard place to go as they don't concede many goals, but
it's a game we're all looking forward to on the back of a good performance
against Manchester United. "We showed signs of where we are at the minute by
competing against such a good team, and now we face another one in
Southampton and we need to approach it in the right way. "It's hard to focus
on the FA Cup just yet because of the game on Wednesday, but it's exciting
being involved in an FA Cup run. West Brom will be hard to beat with Tony
Pulis in charge and you know his teams don't give away much. It's going to
be tough but hopefully we can get a win. If we get to a quarter-final, who
knows how far we can go?"
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James Tomkins: West Ham defender signs new deal until 2020
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender James Tomkins has signed a new contract at the
club, which will keep him at Upton Park until 2020. The 25-year-old joined
West Ham as a schoolboy in 1996 and is a graduate of the club's academy.
"It's brilliant that the club has shown faith in me and I'm delighted to
sign [this contract]," Tomkins said. Tomkins, whose new deal will take him
past 20 years of service at West Ham, has made 205 appearances for the club.
He suffered a broken nose in Sunday's draw against Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Louis van Gaal uses diagrams to defend Man Utd 'long-ball' claims
BBC.co.uk
Louis van Gaal displayed a series of diagrams to journalists as he hit back
at Sam Allardyce's claim that Manchester United are a long-ball team. West
Ham boss Allardyce described Van Gaal's side as "long-ball United" after the
teams drew 1-1 at Upton Park.
But Van Gaal disputed the assertion. "Because I expected this question, I
have made an interpretation of the data for this game and then I have to say
that it is not a good interpretation from Big Sam," said the Dutchman. "You
have to look at the data and then you will see that we did play long balls,
but long balls wide rather than to the striker."
The statistics, contained in four A4 sheets of paper, were put together by
Van Gaal's analysis team. They claim West Ham sent a higher percentage of
their long passes forward than the visitors. According to the figures, West
Ham attempted a total of 200 passes during the game and United 343. Of those
passes, 45 (22.5%) of West Ham's were long - more than 25 metres - compared
to 83 (24.2%) of United's.
However, United claim fewer than half of their 83 long passes went forward
(49.9%), compared to almost three-quarters (71.1%) of West Ham's 45.
Diagrams generated by United showed that many of the visitors' passes went
sideways or diagonally, rather than forward. Van Gaal insisted his team only
started playing long balls forward after 6ft 4in Marouane Fellaini came on
in the 76th minute of the draw at Upton Park. Daley Blind rescued a point
with a 93rd-minute equaliser after Cheikhou Kouyate's volley put West Ham
ahead. According to Opta, Van Gaal's United do play more long balls - under
their definition "launches of the ball by a team that have no clear aim" -
than the sides of David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson during the previous two
seasons.
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West Ham: Lassana Diarra close to Hammers deal - Sam Allardyce
BBc.co.uk
Former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is training with West Ham and
close to signing a deal with them. The Frenchman, 29, has been without a
club since being released by Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow in August 2014.
"He is training with us," said Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "The deal is very
close to being finalised. "Once fit he will be a good addition. I hope, with
a good few days' training, he will be close in seven to 10 days - if he
finally signs the contract." Diarra has previously had spells at Arsenal,
Chelsea and Portsmouth during spells in England. "He won't be in any good
shape in terms of being on the bench on Wednesday or on the bench on
Saturday against West Brom," added Allardyce.
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Southampton v West Ham
KO 19:45
10 February 2015
Last updated at 12:46
By Simon Brotherton
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St Mary's Stadium Date: Wednesday, 11 February
TEAM NEWS
Southampton have problems at left-back with Ryan Bertrand still suspended
and Matt Targett out with a head injury. Morgan Schneiderlin is an injury
doubt, but new signing Filip Djuricic could play after receiving his work
permit.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll is "touch and go" to return
from a knee injury, while Kevin Nolan could miss out with a foot problem.
James Tomkins is available despite breaking his nose on Sunday as Winston
Reid and James Collins remain absent.
MATCH PREVIEW
Whatever happens at St Mary's, it's highly unlikely we'll hear Sam Allardyce
talking about any long-ball tactics from Southampton in his post-match
interviews. He was left lamenting how Manchester United had found a
93rd-minute equaliser on Sunday but was right to feel so positive about how
his team had played. Injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations haven't helped
lately, but this was a timely return to form for West Ham, who haven't
performed at quite the same level since Christmas.
Lawro's prediction
"Southampton were not great against QPR at the weekend but they still won.
They have key players like Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama coming
back to full fitness too, and it will make a big difference when they get
the heartbeat of their team back."
Predictions: Lawro v Arsenal Ladies star Kelly Smith I've seen them on the
road twice in the last three weeks and felt they were professional in
overcoming a potentially awkward fixture at Bristol City in the FA Cup, but
struggled in a 2-0 league defeat against Liverpool.
After winning only one of their last seven in the Premier League, the
Hammers go looking for a first win at Southampton in nearly 15 years. They
weren't the only team to concede in the 93rd minute at the weekend - QPR did
too against Southampton . Sadio Mane's late goal secured all three points
and he's a man in form in front of goal, having scored in his last four
Premier League starts. Saturday's result moved Ronald Koeman's team up to
third in the table and they've now won six of the last eight in the league,
which has left their pre-Christmas blip firmly in the rearview mirror.
Southampton strolled to a 3-1 victory when the teams last met at the end of
August, giving Koeman his first league win as manager. West Ham's campaign
hadn't made it out of first gear at the time, with defeat by Saints meaning
they had started the season with three in a row at home in all competitions.
Things have clearly moved on and, while Southampton have the meanest defence
in the Premier League and are in fine form, this could be a really good game
if West Ham can play as well as they did against Manchester United on
Sunday.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have gone five games without a win at Southampton since a 3-2
victory in November 2000.
Southampton can do the double over West Ham in the Premier League for the
first time since 1997-98.
Southampton
Following five successive wins, Southampton have lost three of their last
six Premier League home matches (W2, D1, L3).
Southampton have conceded the fewest Premier League goals this season (17)
and no side has kept more clean sheets. Both Saints and league leaders
Chelsea have 11.
Ronald Koeman's side have dropped just two points from a winning position
this season, the fewest in the Premier League.
Saints have hit the woodwork 14 times in the league this season, more than
any other team. Graziano Pelle is responsible for six of these.
Top scorer Pelle has not found the net in seven league games.
West Ham United
The Hammers have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games
(W1, D3, L3).
They haven't kept a clean sheet away from home in 17 league games.
West Ham have 37 points from 24 matches, their best tally at this stage of a
top-flight season since 1985-86 (48pts), when they finished third.
They have scored a league-high 14 headed goals this season. Diafra Sakho has
scored five of those - two more than any other player in the league.
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Five more years for James Tomkins
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's James Tomkins has signed a new five-year deal with West
Ham. The 25-year-old Basildon born defender has been at the club since the
age of seven and has since made 205 first team appearances for the club -
the same as legendary sixties striker Johhny 'Budgie' Byrne (205) and more
than eighties legend Frank McAvennie (191). His existing four year deal was
set to expire next summer (2016) and whilst West Ham had the option of
triggering a further 12 months, they opted instead to secure Tomkins' future
with a new five-year deal that potentially keeps him at the club until 2020.
"I think it's brilliant that the Club has shown faith in me and offered me
this deal - and I'm delighted to sign it," Tomkins told whufc.com this
afternoon. "I've been here since I was seven and this is a long-term deal
which is going to take me up until I'm in my thirties, so it's nice to
commit my future. "Being a West Ham fan, I want to spend my future here as
it is exciting times with the Olympic Stadium move coming up in 2016. The
club is going in the direction I wanted it to go and I want to be involved
in. It's exciting all-round, for the club and for me. "It's a good time and
this year has been a great step forward. Now we just need to see it out. I
look back at all the times I've been in the team, from when I made my debut
at 18-years-old, and this is as well as we've done. Now we need to keep it
going until the end of the season, because we have a lot of hard games
coming up. "We want to be going forwards, not backwards - and that's
certainly where we're heading. It's a great time for us. We want to leave
Upton Park on a high, so it's important we do the very best we can over the
next 18 months leading up to the move."
James Tomkins: season stats
2007/08: Pld 6 Bkd 0 Red 0 Gls 0
2008/09: Pld 15 Bkd 0 Red 1 Gls 1 (Derby Pld 8 Bkd 1 Red 1 Gls 0)
2009/10: Pld 26 Bkd 0 Red 0 Gls 0
2010/11: Pld 28 Bkd 3 Red 0 Gls 1
2011/12: Pld 47 Bkd 6 Red 0 Gls 4
2012/13: Pld 29 Bkd 5 Red 0 Gls 1
2013/14: Pld 35 Bkd 6 Red 1 Gls 0
2014/15: Pld 19 Bkd 5 Red 0 Gls 1
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Koeman cool on Carroll threat
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Ronald Koeman admits his tactical approach to Wednesday's clash with West
Ham depends much upon the potential inclusion of one player.
Southampton's 51-year-old Dutch manager admitted today that if Andy Carroll
plays at St Mary's on Wednesday, his entire game plan will change - due to
the distinct styles which he believes West Ham employ when either with or
without the big target man. According to Koeman, whose team are currently
third in the Premier League having enjoyed a fantastic season so far, the
Hammers are far more likely to play direct should Carroll feature in the
side. However he admitted that Sam Allardyce's side have the ability to mix
it up and play more possession-based football - as was the case against
Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday afternoon. "It'll be a
difficult game. I watched the game last Sunday and I think they played very
well and were physically strong," he said during this morning's pre-match
press conference. "Much depends on whether they start with [Andy] Carroll,
as with him they can play a little bit more direct. [On Sunday] they showed
they can play good football without him. It was difficult but they had very
good opportunities to kill the game and very a little bit unlucky to only
get one point. "West Ham always have options to play in a different style.
What you have to do as a manager is to play with the best qualities the
players have. The easiest way to attack is a long ball - like we do.
Sometimes we play a long ball to [Graziano] Pelle because in one pass,
you're close to the opponent's box. Then you can begin pressing your
opponent. "I always prefer to play football but sometimes it's a good
option, if you have a player like [Andy] Carroll or [Marouane] Fellaini at
Manchester United, to do something different. To try a different way to
score goals is allowed."
With specific regard to Carroll - who failed a late-fitness test before
Sunday's game but is expected to be available tomorrow - and the threat
posed by the England international -Koeman plans to keep him as far away
from goal as possible. "We'll try to keep him out of the box. We know we
have to prepare ourselves for that," he surmised. "If he is playing then we
have to press the goalkeeper, we have to press the defenders and try to keep
out the long ball they like to play. "If he's not playing that means a
different style with Sakho and Valencia. They are very fast; good players,
good attackers. That means we'll need to defend against our opponents a
different way. "It's two different styles of playing. With Carroll it's more
long ball and second ball, without it's much more about ball possession and
much more movement from the two fast attackers. That means we have to defend
differently, but it's no so difficult [to change]."
* West Ham face Southampton at St Mary's tomorrow night (Wednesday). 7.45pm
(GMT) kick off.
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Press officer gives the game away
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
There was a priceless moment at this morning's Manchester United press
conference when the club's Media Officer presented documents relating to
Sunday's game with West Ham to the press. Red Devils boss Louis Van Gaal had
insisted that a series of documents, setting out why Manchester United
should not be hailed as a 'long ball' team be distributed to journalists
present at a club press conference this morning. However his media officer
appeared to inadvertently expose her true feelings about the matter when she
grimaced visibly when handing the documents from Van Gaal to the press - as
you may see in the video below! West Ham manager Sam Allardyce referred to
last weekend's opponents as 'long ball United' during his post-match press
conference on Sunday evening (which you may read exclusively in full here).
West Ham took the lead in Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester
United through Cheik Kouyate four minutes into the second half - before the
visitors snatched a point they barely deserved thorough a 93rd-minute Daley
Blind effort.
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Did we touch a nerve? Van Gaal takes umbrage to 'long ball' claim
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's cheeky reference to last weekend's opponents as 'long ball
United' may have raised a few smiles amongst Hammers fans - although
Manchester United's Louis Van Gaal was far from impressed by the tag. The
under-pressure Dutch manager was so incensed by Allardyce's jibe that he
arrived at a press conference today armed with sheets of data designed to
counter Big Sam's claims - which were the subject of the first question
asked of the 63-year-old. "When a colleague of mine is saying this kind of
thing then you have to put the data in the right context," he said. "I think
the media is also coming to the match and you have a lot of opinions about
me. "You have to look at the data and then you will see that we did play
long balls, but long balls wide, rather than to the striker. A ball to the
forward striker is mainly caused by long-ball play. "Because I expected
this question, I have made an interpretation of the data for this game and
then I have to say that it is not a good interpretation from Big Sam. "I am
sorry, but we are playing ball possession play and after 70 minutes we did
not succeed, in spite of many chances in the second half, so I changed my
playing style. Then, of course, with the quality of Fellaini we played more
forward balls and we scored from that, so I think it was a very good
decision of the manager.
"But, when you see the overall long ball percentage, West Ham have played 71
per cent of their long balls to the forwards and we 49. When you have 60 per
cent ball possession you cannot play long balls. "So again, they did it 71
and we 49, and I give it you, you can copy it and then maybe you can go to
Big Sam and he will get a good interpretation."
According to stats site Who Scored, Manchester United enjoyed 57 per cent
possession to West Ham's 43 per cent during Sunday's match, which ended 1-1
- making a total of 414 passes to the Hammers' 284. Whilst West Ham made 57
long passes, Manchester United made 86 - regardless of the direction.
Additionally 49 of West Ham's passes were played aerially, compared to 65
from Manchester United.
West Ham made a total of 226 forward passes compared to the Red Devils' 316
- playing the ball back 105 times, in contract to the visitors' 152 passes
toward their own goal.
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Poyet learning his trade, happy as back-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diego Poyet has revealed he is happy being a squad member at West Ham - for
now. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who would no doubt be banging down
the manager's door demanding a place in the first team, the 19-year-old
midfielder displayed a refreshing attitude to life as a Premier League
footballer. And instead of complaining about his lack of opportunities -
Poyet has featured on just five occasions for West Ham so far - the
youngster insists that he is enjoying his time learning from his peers. "I'm
really enjoying it at West Ham," he told kicca.com. "People sometimes think
I'm not enjoying it as I'm not playing as much as I was last year at
Charlton, but I'm part of a great team and a great club who are doing well
in the Premier League and the FA Cup.
"I'm very, very happy here and happy to be a squad player for now and wait
for my chance. If I need game time I play for the club's Under-21 side so it
keeps me ticking over, get minutes under my belt and then I'll be ready
should my chance come. "I'm only 19 and there a lot of quality players in
front of me, but I'll just keep training and be prepared when I get my
chance. Quality-wise it's been a big step up from Charlton but now I've got
used to it. It was quite tough as a new player at the start but now I really
feel part of it."
The Zaragoza-born Poyet, who learnt to speak both English and Spanish as a
child - the result of his father Gus' Uruguayan roots - also revealed that
he has developed a close relationship with fellow Spanish speaker Enner
Valencia, who along wih Diafra Sakho "have been on fire".
But it is another Spanish speaker in the squad - on loan Barca star Alex
Song - who he feels mostly connected to as a player. "He's a fantastic
person as well as a fantastic player," added Poyet. "Although he plays in
the same position as me and limits my chances I learn so much off him.
"When I watch the games I just watch him as that can only help me. He
assists more than people think, has got a great pass on him and is so
comfortable on the ball. He's a very important player for us."
Poyet's five appearances for West Ham since making the switch from Charlton
last summer have included three in the Premier League (at Crystal Palace,
Manchester United and Swansea), one in the FA Cup (Everton away) and just
the one appearance in front of the Boleyn faithful (Sheffield United in the
Capital One Cup). He also featured twice for Huddersfield during a
month-long loan spell last November.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham closing in on former Chelsea star Lassana Diarra
Last Updated: 10/02/15 11:39am
SSN
Former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra is training with West Ham with
a view to earning a short-term contract. Diarra is a free agent after having
his contract at Lokomotiv Moscow terminated last August following a fall-out
with coach Leonid Kuchuk. The 29-year-old has been linked with Newcastle,
Queens Park Rangers and Celtic in the last few months. But the former
Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth player hopes to secure a deal at West Ham
until the end of the campaign. Upton Park boss Sam Allardyce confirmed the
news at his press conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match at
Southampton. "He is training with us," he said. "I'm not so sure whether
we've finalised a deal yet but he has been doing a little bit of training
with us. "I think the deal is very close to being finalised and I think on
the basis of where we are at the minute with our squad and the injuries, as
soon as we get him fit he'll be a really good addition based on his previous
record as a footballer. "He won't be on the bench on Wednesday or Saturday
against West Brom but I certainly hope with a few good days training with
the lads he'll be close in seven or 10 days... if he signs the contract."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
High-flying Southampton take on West Ham at St Mary's Stadium
Last Updated: 10/02/15 4:20pm
SSN
High-flying Southampton will look to maintain their challenge for Champions
League football when they host West Ham at St Mary's Stadium.
Saints needed a stoppage-time goal from Sadio Mane to beat Queens Park
Rangers 1-0 at Loftus Road at the weekend and are now third in the Premier
League table with 14 matches remaining after Manchester United, Arsenal and
Liverpool all dropped points over the weekend.
The Hammers will hope to respond from a result which felt like a loss after
they were denied maximum points when Daley Blind cancelled out Cheikhou
Kouyate's opener at Upton Park on Super Sunday. Sam Allardyce's side have
been hit by a spate of injuries over the last few weeks and have slipped
from fourth spot in late December to eighth in the table with just one win
in their last seven league games.
United will also face Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal before the middle of
March, but the Hammers will take heart from their display against United as
they head to the south coast.
Team news
Southampton will be once again be without Ryan Bertrand (suspension) and
Toby Alderweireld (hamstring). Matt Targett deputised for Bertrand at QPR,
but is doubtful after suffering a first-half head injury, even though
manager Ronald Koeman confirmed the youngster had escaped serious damage.
Sam Allardyce will be forced to field James Tomkins, despite the defender
suffering from a broken nose. Tomkins was caught by Robin van Persie's arm
in Sunday's draw with Manchester United but, with fellow central defenders
Winston Reid and James Collins (both hamstring) still missing, he will again
partner stand-in Cheikhou Kouyate at St Mary's. Allardyce was full of praise
for the Senegal international's performance, which he crowned with a
delightful goal that saw him juggle the ball twice before volleying home.
Allardyce is hopeful Andy Carroll may be available after recovering from an
ankle injury but captain Kevin Nolan (foot) is a doubt whilst Diego Poyet
and Doneil Henry are missing with unspecified problems. Former Real Madrid
midfielder Lassana Diarra is training with the club who are considering
offering the Frenchman a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Opta stats
Southampton have won only one of their last seven home Premier League
matches where the opposition has scored.
The Hammers have won just one of their last seven Premier League away games
(W1 D3 L3).
Following five successive wins, Southampton have lost three of their last
six Premier League home matches (W2 D1 L3).
Southampton have hit the woodwork 14 times in the Premier League this
season; more often than any other team. Graziano Pelle is responsible for
six of these.
West Ham's next Premier League defeat will be their 300th in the
competition.
Merson's prediction
There's not a lot between these two teams. Southampton are still up there,
playing well, and they've had a bit of luck at the same time, but the games
are reeling off now. Before you know it, we'll be down to single-figure
games, and if they're up there, they have a big chance. This is a test for
both teams, who have been surprise packages this term. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce backs James Tomkins' claim Robin van Persie deliberately
elbowed him
14:35, 10 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers boss has come out to support his player, while he has also
confirmed that the club are close to landing Lassana Diarra on a free
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has has backed James Tomkins' claim that he was deliberately
elbowed by Robin van Persie and accused the Dutchman of trying to "take him
out". Mirror Sport revealed earlier on Tuesday that Tomkins has been left
annoyed by the challenge - which took place in West Ham's 1-1 draw at home
to Manchester United on Sunday. Tomkins, 25, had his nose accidentally
broken by Reds midfielder Marouane Fellaini during the match. But he was
left more incensed by what he described as a "malicious" act by Van Persie.
Allardyce said: "I thought it was pretty naughty. The old: 'Have a little
look see where the defender is' then take him out. "But the assistant
referee decided to flag for a foul and I thought it was much more than
that."
Tomkins had said: "It is tough to say he does it deliberately. But with the
Van Persie one, I think he has a look at me first then he has gone for me."
The Hammers are also frustrated by the lack of action taken by the officials
over the incident. The FA have already confirmed there will be no
retrospective punishment as it was seen by the assistant referee. Allardyce
revealed Tomkins remains in line to play in tomorrow night's crunch clash at
Southampton with both clubs pushing for the top four. He added: "He has
broken his nose but I dont think its severe enough to concern us abut
leaving him out. So that's okay. "As long as he is fit and available to play
on Wednesday that's the most important thing for us."
Meanwhile Allardyce is hopeful of signing ex-Real Madrid midfielder Lassana
Diarra on a free transfer after confirming the France international is
training with the Hammers. Diarra, 29, has been without a club since a
bust-up saw him quit Lokomotiv Moscow in August. He was close to signing for
QPR last summer but the deal was blocked by the Russian club who still held
his registration. Once that situation was resolved West Ham tried to do a
deal with the ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth star. But they balked at
his wage demands and turned their attentions to Manchester United's Darren
Fletcher. With that deal breaking down, however, the Hammers have turned
back to Diarra who has worked hard to impress in training and is close to
match fitness. A deal is expected to be completed in the coming days.
Allardyce said: "He is training with us. "I'm not so sure whether we have
finalised a deal yet but he is doing a little bit of training with us. The
deal is very close to being finalised and on the basis of where we are with
our squad and the injuries, once we have him fit he will be a very good
addition based on his previous record as a footballer." "He won't be in any
good shape in terms of being on the bench on Wednesday or on the bench on
Saturday against West Brom," added Allardyce. "But I certainly hope that,
with a good few days training with the lads, he will be close in seven to 10
days if he finally signs the contract."
If the move comes off, it could be seen as something of a coup for the
Hammers as Diarra brings experience and has also tasted trophy success,
winning the FA Cup with both Chelsea and Portsmouth and the Spanish title at
Madrid.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robin van Persie deserved FA ban for his elbow on James Tomkins, claims Jose
Mourinho
14:20, 10 February 2015 By Adrian Kajumba
Chelsea boss says Manchester United striker should have been punished for
clash with West Ham defender during Sunday's 1-1 draw at Upton Park
The Mirror
Jose Mourinho believes Robin van Persie deserved to be hit with an FA ban -
just like his star striker Diego Costa was. Chelsea boss Mourinho was
stunned Manchester United frontman Van Persie escaped punishment for
catching West Ham defender James Tomkins with a flailing arm in Sunday's 1-1
draw. Mourinho hit out at the inconsistency after seeing Costa receive a
retrospective three-game ban for stamping on Liverpool midfielder Emre Can
last month Referee Mark Clattenburg saw Van Persie's clash with Tomkins and
decided to only award West Ham a free-kick. Mourinho said: "I need a little
bit more time to forget why my player was suspended, to understand why some
people are punished and others aren't. "I need a little bit more time to
process that. I was with (had) lots of attention this weekend.
The same people who suspended my player didn't want to suspend a player this
weekend, and a player could have been suspended this weekend and he wasn't.
"I'm still processing that information."
Mourinho didn't name Van Persie but when asked who he was referring to, the
Blues boss mimicked the Dutchman's action at Upton Park by swinging his arm
in the air. The Special One said: "Somebody who did this in the face of
somebody, and nothing happened. I know that if it was one of mine…" And
Mourinho brought up two more cases from last season to back up his claims of
double standards when it comes to Chelsea and the punishments dished out.
That came after Manchester City's Yaya Toure was let off despite being
caught on camera kicking Norwich's Ricky van Wolfswinkel in another incident
missed by the officials. Mourinho said: "Last season, the same thing
happened when Ramires was suspended but a Man City player kicked a player at
Norwich who was on the floor and nothing happened. I'm used to it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set for multi million windfall
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
It has just been announced that Premier League TV Rights have been sold for
£5.136 billion for 2016-2019 up from £3.018 billion for the current deal
with Sky and BT. Sky will pay £4.176 billion – £11.04m per game while BT
will pay £960m – £7.6m per game The extra £2.1 billion will be shared by the
20 Premier League clubs meaning each club could receive as much as £33
million per season. Although a formula is yet to be worked out the money
will be divided according to an equal share, facility fees depending on the
number of games shown on TV plus a merit payment based on your final league
position. Last season the Hammers earned £21,631,444 in an equal share,
£11,584,228 in facility fees and £9,888,664 in a merit payment for finishing
13th in UK rights plus another £26,295,817 for overseas rights and
£4,270,850 from commercial rights. The total of £73,671,003 for last season
will be completely blown away by the new TV rights deal and as long as we
can stay in the Premier League for the 2016/2017 in the Olympic Stadium we
could be in line for as much as £150m of TV rights money for that season,
maybe more!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Landslide could affect fans travel to Hawthorns
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Following a landslide on the rail route between London and Birmingham,
Chiltern Railways are currently unable to run direct trains from Marylebone
to the West Midlands. Trains are running from London to Banbury, and from
Leamington Spa to the West Midlands. Between Banbury and Leamington Spa a
"step-straight-on" replacement bus operates. Chiltern Railways say they are
aware that this may affect some West Ham fans that are travelling to the
Hawthorns on the 14th February who have already purchased train tickets, and
can provide the following advice below:
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Gold: "Nothing's changed with Sam"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has told Tony Cottee there will be no contract talks with Sam
Allardyce until the end of the season! The former Hammers striker had used
this website to blast the two Davids for not getting a deal sorted out now
claiming the manager has done everything that could have been expected of
him. And he believes the end of season is thew wrong time anyway explaining
that it creates a climate of uncertainty throughout the club. But speaking
exclsuively to ClaretandHugh, the co chairman said: "It's the way we do our
business – it's the way things work with us and nothing will change.
"Whether we are top of the league or bottom we talk at the end of the
season. It's very simple and very straightforward and that's how it will be
again. "Sam Allardyce's west Ham future will be sorted out when the campaign
comes to an end – that's the top and bottom of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cottee blast for owners over Allardyce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tony Cottee has delivered an icy "what are you waiting for" blast at the two
Davids following Sam Allardyce's admission that there has been no contract
offer to him yet! Asked in his morning presser whether there had been any
discussions Allardyce said: "Not yet. There's still a way to go but we'll
talk when the time is right." And Cottee -talking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh admitted: "I don't get it – what are the owners waiting for?
They are playing Russian roulette with the club. "It's not what's right for
them, Karren Brady, Sam Allardyce or anyone else but what's best for West
Ham United. "I really don't know what else Sam and Neil McDonald have to do
to get a new deal. They have done everything required and this idea that the
owners only do business at the end of the season is wrong. "There are
pre-season tours to be organised and why would Sam be interested if he isn't
sure whether he will be here.
"The fact is he is standing there with a fantastic record and nobody has
made a move in his direction – I just don't get it because there are plenty
of clubs who will want Sam Allardyce . "He keeps teams in the division and
it's desperately important we stay up next season and the one after that as
our first in the new stadium. The owners need to get the deal done."
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