Westley expecting tough Black Cats test
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy manager and head of coaching and player development Terry Westley is expecting a tough away trip to the North East as the Hammers face Sunderland on Monday. The Development Squad are looking to continue to extent their good run of results after they beat Fulham 2-1 in their last game, a little over a month ago. The vital win over the Cottagers at Rush Green came courtesy of early goals from Josh Cullen and Jordan Brown, both headers at the back post. Speaking ahead of the Hammers' journey to Wearside, Westley said: "We're all looking forward to the game. It's an overnight game, travelling up on Sunday and then give it a right good go on Monday."
Back in September, the Hammers secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 win over the Black Cats, thanks to a brace from top goal scorer Elliot Lee. Come Monday evening, Westley will be hoping for a similar result as they Hammers aim to avoid relegation. "Having beaten them once before this season, that gives us confidence as does the win against Fulham in our last game. "The way we played against Reading should also give us confidence. If we play to our attributes I'm sure we will give Sunderland a game. "As their first team aren't doing so well, you'd think their U21s would be doing all they can to catch the manager's attention and get involved in first team football. I expect them to be very competitive, and to try and impress Gus Poyet to try and get positions in their first team."
The break in games follows a hectic schedule for some of the players who have been also been heavily involved in the U18s, most recently in an impressive 4-0 win over Reading last weekend. "I was really pleased with the U18s' performance against Reading, I thought they played particularly well. We held a great team shape, individually and collectively the team did very well. "Now the focus is on the U21s for Monday, making sure our players, who are all relatively young are able to compete to their best at this level. "The break in fixtures has given us the chance to nail down some individual work and some double sessions. As we're using such young players that brings its own restrictions, particularly some muscle injuries."
Those players who are unlikely to feature include Reece Oxford and Djair Parfitt-Williams, while Elliot Lee and Raphael Spiegel have gone out on loan to Luton Town and Carlisle United respectively. However, while they are missing a few players, the Dev Squad can welcome full-backs Lewis Page and Kyle Knoyle who are both back from injury. "Kyle is back fit and raring to go and we welcome him back. Lewis has done particularly well this season and he's been rewarded with an extension to his current contract. He's been injured for a while, so we're looking forward to having him back."
While Lewis Page's impressive displays have earned him a new contract, Academy prospects Reece Oxford and Joe Powell have also put pen to paper. Westley continued to praise the board's support in producing home grown players. "Reece Oxford has decided to stay with us, when every man and his dog was after him but he decided to sign here, as has Joe Powell. It shows the intent of the board and the club as a whole. "We're delighted to have kept Lewis Page, Reece Oxford and Joe Powell. I've said from the day I got here, we have some talented players here. It's now about finding a pathway into the team for them."
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Ladies look for Devon delight
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies are determined to mark International Women's Day with victory at Plymouth Argyle on Sunday. The Ladies will hope to bounce back from the disappointment of their FA Women's Premier League Plate semi-final defeat at Preston North End by pulling off a win in Devon. This time around, the game is for FA Women's Premier League Southern Division points, with Julian Dicks' side sitting fifth in the table, but with matches in hand on those above them. "The girls have done well and just got through to the final of the London FA County Cup by beating QPR 2-0 in the semi-finals, but unfortunately we lost out at Preston last weekend," the manager began.
"We haven't got a big squad, but the girls have worked incredibly hard, especially considering how things went last season. When I went in there, the girls found it like a holiday camp until I strolled up and let them know what it is all about! They have responded well.
"I have had a few players leave because they can't get in the side but, as I've said to them, if the team are winning then they aren't going to get in until someone is injured. They just have to wait their turn and prove to me what they have got, but some left before getting that opportunity. "It has been hard, but I've got 14 players, including two goalkeepers, so it's like the old days! You just have to get on with what you have got."
One player who has impressed Dicks since the very start was the one whose approach on Twitter led to his appointment – captain Stacey Little. The skipper broke her hand in the semi-final win at QPR, ruling her out of the defeat at Preston, but the manager is hoping to welcome her back before the season is out. "She was closing down the 'keeper and put her hand across her stomach, the ball has hit her and it has bust her hand in two places," Dicks explained. "She has a little cast on, but I'm sure she'll be OK! "Stacey typifies what I want from my players – she works hard, puts a tackle in and gets onto the players when they're not doing their jobs. "She dragged me into this place and it's been good. When you have people like Stacey and one or two others, it makes it an enjoyable place to work."
Little herself may be unable to play at present, but she remains upbeat about how the Ladies have been performing this season. "We're enjoying a really good season compared to the last one," she agreed. "It could only get better, and Julian has come on board and changed the way we play and the way we work. "It has been a good season and we're through to a final already and came close to making a second one. "Julian treats us as he would a men's team. All he wants from us is hard work. If we play for 90 minutes and make it tough for the other team, we've always got a chance of getting a result, and I think the girls needed a shake-up, me included. "I think the girls respect him and know what he wants from us. We also know he will give us a right ticking off if we don't work hard."
Having been denied the chance to defend the Essex FA County Cup for administrative reasons, the London FA Capital Cup offers the Hammers their best chance of silverware, with Charlton Athletic providing the opposition at Haringey Borough FC on 6 May. "We wanted to defend the Essex Cup, but these things happen," Little continued. "We can go for the London Cup, even though it won't be an easy game against Charlton because they're a decent side. "If you want to win cups, you've got to beat the best teams around and that's what we'll be trying to do."
Before then, the Ladies head to Devon to face Plymouth at Elburton Villa FC on Sunday, with kick-off at 2pm.
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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR KEVIN NOLAN?
By Sean Whetstone 7 Mar 2015 at 17:18
West Ham Till I Die
Kevin Nolan has revealed that he is considering his Hammers future after giving an interview to Dave Evans on London 24 after Wednesday's match.
"I have been considering my future, without a shadow of a doubt, I am not one who wants to sit here on the bench, I won't continue to do it, just for the fact that if you are not good enough for one club you move on and you prove to someone else you are. I am not thinking about anything else except West Ham at the minute. I have had a fantastic time here; I love the club and the place. I have got such a great affiliation with everyone at the club and I want it to continue." Said Nolan
"All I have got to do is get the chance to play and I will be happy and we can go on from there. Sometimes you can't make everyone happy and you have to take that on the chin. It has been hard I am not going to deny it, but at the end of the day the only thing I have ever known is playing football, week in week out, so it has been difficult so when I get my chance I am going to try and take it, that is the only thing I can do now.
"I have got nothing to prove to anyone. I have done a lot in my career and a lot of what has been said has been unfair, but that is life. I have come to the stage in my career with all the negativity surrounding me, I have just gone and take it on the chin. It is water off a duck's back for me. Sometimes it hurts of course, but I have got a fantastic family, fantastic support system and not just with family and friends but also within the club. I have just got to keep working hard on the training ground and hopefully I will get a chance"
Maybe he has a point Claret and Hugh have quoted a West Ham source this morning as saying
""It's hardly the most surprising interview in the world.Obviously everything is up for review at the end of the season and all things come to an end. Kevin is a magnificent captain and has been brilliant for us. He's clearly being entirely realistic over everything ahead of the summer which will be a very big one for the club."
Previously Claret and Hugh have quoted a source saying:
"We are looking to the future and will be looking to sign young energetic players. Kevin has been a great player for the club but the summer will be a critical time for various members of the squad – nothing is for ever!"
Nolan turns 33 in June at which point he will have just one year remaining on his contract. Nolan was signed from Newcastle on a five year deal worth a reported £50,000 a week which over five years would have grossed him £12 million. The transfer fee involved was £4 million.
Is it time for Kevin Nolan to move on this summer or has he still got a role to play at West Ham for the final season at the Boleyn ground?
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IT WILL BE AN INTERESTING SUMMER
By Iain Dale 7 Mar 2015 at 11:28
West Ham Till I Die
It seems that the higher echelons of the club are turning their minds to next season already. An 8-10th finish will be seen as a slight disappointment bearing in mind how we started the season and the quality of signings we made, but in the end, it gives us a good springboard for next season. The fact that we have now signed Noble, Tomkins and Reid on very long term contracts is a real positive. If we go from the premise that a good side has to be built from the back, I reckon we need another top class central defender and a goalkeeper to compete with Adrian, who I am still not convinced by. I can't think Jussi will last another season. It may well be that Guy Demel moves on as he's reached a bit of a ripe old age, so it's very important that we make it a priority to sign Carl Jenkinson who would be in my top three for Hammer of the Year so far. And having signed Winston Reid for another six years we should have the money to do it.
In midfield I think it will be curtains for Kevin Nolan and he will move on, and he seems to recognise that himself. The big question is whether we sign Alex Song. His form in the first half of the season was superb but lately he's been a liability. The fact that he was dropped last Saturday said it all. His head seems to be elsewhere. I understand he turned down an offr of £85k a week to sign and since then has deleted all West Ham mentions from his Instagram account. Make of that what you will.Can Diego Poyet step up to the plate? Maybe, but it's in midfield that we need to sign two top class players, I feel.
Up front, Sakho has done well, Carroll looked good when he came back, but he's clearly never going to last a full season. Valencia has shown flashes of brilliance, but sometimes fades from games. I still think he will come good but I wonder whether he could be sacrificed if Chelsea really do want to pay completely over the odds for him. I would seriously consider some sort of swap deal for Loic Remy. We still need a goalscorer in the Remy or Defoe mode.
So, one central defender, one right back, a goalkeeper, two midfielders and a striker. And all for £20 million :).
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West Ham considering Marcelo Bielsa if Sam Allardyce leaves the club this summer
22:30, 7 March 2015 By Dean Jones
The eccentric Argentine has been called "the best coach in the world" by Pep Guardiola, and plays the attractive brand of football desired by the Hammers owners
The Mirror
Marcelo Bielsa is on West Ham's radar - if the club do not agree a new contract with manager Sam Allardyce. The Upton Park board plan talks over Allardyce's future at the end of the season. But West Ham have won just one league game since Christmas and Marseille boss Bielsa will be of the names seriously considered for the job if Big Sam leaves the club. Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are keen that whoever is in charge next season will encourage an exciting brand of football. And 59-year-old Bielsa, who lit up the World Cup with Chile in 2010, fits the bill. He has been labelled "the best coach on the planet" by Pep Guardiola and his attacking philosophy would bring a new edge to the Premier League. Bielsa is has been doing well in charge of Marseille this season, but his contract situation in France beyond this season remains unclear. Real Sociedad boss David Moyes has been touted as the top target for the East Londoners if they search for a successor to Allardyce but Sunday Mirror Sport understands he would not be interested in moving to West Ham. Slaven Bilic, Michael Laudrup and Gus Poyet have also been linked with the Hammers.
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West Ham striker Diafra Sakho should probably stick to football - because he's awful at tennis
15:04, 7 March 2015 By Liam Corless
The Hammers hitman has found the net 11 times for West Ham this season but we're not sure whether he knows that the rules are different in tennis
The Mirror
It should probably come as no surprise but we can quite confidently inform you that Diafra Sakho is not as good at tennis as he is at football. The West Ham striker posted a video onto his Instagram page of him donning a questionable vest and a pair of ridiculously short shorts while floundering around the court with a racket in hand. Despite his obvious enthusiasm for tennis, the 25-year-old clearly lacks the technical skill to, erm... simply hit the ball over the net. The footage of Sakho was shot in Dubai where West Ham are currently taking a mid-season break in a bid to refresh themselves ahead of the end-of-season run-in. The Hammers are in woeful form having won just one of their last 11 Premier League games. West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald spoke of the importance of giving the players a chance to recuperate. He told the club's official website: "Since the start of December it's been full on and we're only just coming up for air at the start of March. "It's been a tough couple of months but what we normally do is go away so the lads can get a bit of sun on their backs. "We do a bit of training in the gym and along the beach, as well as having a couple of football sessions. It's more important that they have a bit of relaxation time and get the sun on their backs. "In the last two or three months everyone's had their tracksuit tops, gloves and hats on and it'll be great to go across there and we'll still be working, but special for the boys that it's in the heat."
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Reid to sponsor grass roots football
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Wellington Phoenix Football Academy in New Zealand have announced that Hammer Winston Reid will sponsor two scholarships a year to the Phoenix' Academy beginning in 2015. One scholarship is for a full football and residential scholarship at Scots College in Wellington and the other is for school and football tuition at any of the three schools in the Academy programme.
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said the partnership had its genesis in the Hammers Football United New Zealand Tour. "When Winston was here with West Ham in July last year he expressed an interest in giving something back and helping promising New Zealand football talent. At that time, we made contact with Aotearoa Football Charitable Trust that he and Leo Bertos have an association with. We started a relationship then and have an on-going association with them and will continue to support them and the excellent work they do in Maori football. These scholarships will draw on that programme and will look at any other promising players from around the country who may need some financial assistance to be part of our Academy. If we find the next Winston Reid out of all this then we'd all be very happy!"
Winston Reid said : "I am very proud of my heritage and country of birth. I've worked hard to get where I am, but I've also been blessed in my career and this is in a small way is my chance to give something back. I want to encourage and give a bit of a hand to those football players who don't have too much and need a little bit of assistance along the way.We talked about this with the Phoenix when I was in New Zealand last July and I'm really pleased to be able to announce this now."
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"Bizarre" Bielsa still on Hammers list
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Marcelo Bielsa remains high on the list of candidates to replace Sam Allardyce as Hammers boss at the end of the season. The Sunday Mirror has this morning confirmed what ClaretandHugh reported in the middle of February – that the Marseille boss is very much in the frame for the Upton Park job. With just one win since Christmas Sam Allardyce, despite watching the team play some fine football at times, remains on the edge. Bielsa has a reputation for producing great footballing teams and has led Marseilles into thrird position behind PSG and Lyon this season. However, he is very much a hands on boss who broaches no interference from above and is considered whacky and a "bit off the wall." A source told ClaretandHugh: "He has had a very strong case made on his behalf and is one we are looking at but he is a guy with a reputation for the bizarre."
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Has Song found the West Ham love again?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There was much speculation when Alex Song deleted all West Ham related posts from his Instagram account ahead of him being dropped to the bench against Chelsea last week about his future. There were rumours he had a big fall out with Sam after he learned he was to dropped after a poor run of form. And it was also doing the rounds that the club were not keen to offer him a permanent deal in the summer with one report claiming he was asking for as much as £100,000 per week to stay.
Whatever the reason, the Barcelona on loan midfielder seems to have found his love for West Ham again by posting a photo of his West Ham shirt on Instagram today to his 635,000 followers. However he is not thought to have travelled with the first team to Dubai for warm weather training.
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Hammers talk on Derby defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have knocked down speculation that they are poised to make a bid for highly impressive Derby County full back Cyrus Christie.
The 22 year old has been a real hit for the Rams since his move from Coventry and although the Irons have watched the player he's unlikely to become a realistic target for the club. The 6ft 2in Republic of Ireland international defender has had rave reviews all season as County have risen to third place in the Championship one point behind joint leaders Bournemouth and Middlesborough. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh this morning (Sat): "He will cost a small fortune anyway but were Derby to go up he wouldn't be for for sale anyway. He's one we like but then we are monitoring up to 50 players at a time."
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Irons respond as Nolan muses future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Kevin Nolan – having brought his West Ham future under the spotlight in a nationally reported interview – will be allowed to move on in the summer should the club get the right offer. With Sam Allardyce's future looking very much on the line anyway, the captain is certain to move on should the manager complete his expected departure. Thirty three years old in June, both Nolan and Guy Demel's future are very much on the line with the captain admitting: "I have been considering my future without a shadow of a doubt. if you are not good enough for one club you move on and you prove to someone else you are."
And that brought an immediate response from a very well placed Hammers insider who told ClaretandHugh this morning (Sat): "It's hardly the most surprising interview in the world. "Obviously everything is up for review at the end of the season and all things come to an end. Kevin is a magnificent captain and has been brilliant for us. "He's clearly being entirely realistic over everything ahead of the summer which will be a very big one for the club."
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Jenks making all the right noises
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carl Jenkinson's attitude towards all things West Ham suggest he WILL become a permanent fixture at the club next season. All season his enthusiasm and readiness to hold a view on the possibilities for next season appear to show a deepening attachment to the club. And with Arsenal – as reported previously on this site – well placed for right backs it will be a surprise if he doesn't become a full time Hammer next season. Sources inside the club have made it clear that Guy Demel can leave and a £6 million deal seems well on the cards for Jenkinson. The Arsenal loanee's latest pronouncement on the teams position remains relentlessly upbeat despite the disappointing run of results. "It's time to regroup and we've still got a very important run-in until the end of the season. A European place is what we've targeted up all season and that's still the case. I think that's realistic. "Our luck will change and things will start going for us, hopefully. And when they do, we'll get some points on the board."
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Roman Abramovich barred himself from West Ham's boardroom - for wearing jeans
Chelsea owner chose not to join fellow directors at Upton Park as he was worried about breaking rules on dress code
By Telegraph Sport
11:01AM GMT 07 Mar 2015
Roman Abramovich refused to go into West Ham's boardroom for Chelsea's Premier League game at Upton Park last week - because he was worried about breaking the dress code. The Russian billionaire's dress sense - or lack of it - has been a talking point ever since he first arrived in English football in 2003. The millions he has in the bank would presumably allow him the pick of designer suits, but the Chelsea owner's preferred look remains steadfast: stone-washed denim, baggy coats and unkempt facial hair.
And his lack of sartorial airs and graces meant he decided to stay outside the Upton Park boardoom, as he did not want the embarrassment of being turned away for not being smarter. It took a personal invitation from West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady to persuade Abramovich to change his mind. Writing in her column in The Sun, Brady said: "He'd arrived at Upton Park and it turned out he was sitting in the cold as he had not wished to enter our boardroom because his flight had been delayed and he was wearing jeans, which is against etiquette. "'I do it often,' I tell one of his security team and Abramovich joins us."
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Karren Brady on Winston Reid signing a new contract at West Ham United
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
Winston Reid signed a new contract with West Ham United earlier this week. West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has admitted her relief in The Sun at Winston Reid signing a new contract earlier week. The New Zealand international defender signed a six-and-a-half-year deal with the Hammers, as confirmed on the club's official website. Reid's original contract was due to run out at the end of the season, and Premier League duo Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were both interested in the centre-back, according to The Sun. Brady has conceded her relief at Reid finally put pen to paper on a new contract, and credits club co-chairman David Sullivan for making the deal happen. "Winston Reid helps lift the mood around the Boleyn Ground by signing a new 6½-year contract," Brady wrote in her football diary in The Sun. "It feels as though negotiations have been going on for nearly that long, so I must credit my chairman David Sullivan who has played a leading role in seeing the Kiwi captain put pen to paper despite interest from other top teams. "It is a good deal for Winston and a great deal for West Ham as we continue building a side fit to grace our stunning new home next year in the Olympic Stadium."
Good move for both club and player
Reid is rated as one of the better centre-backs in the Premier League, and him remaining at West Ham for the foreseeable future is certainly a boost to the club. SEE ALSO: SkySports pundit explains how West Ham's £19.5m decision has saved them money The London outfit are having a good season in the English top-flight and have ambition of playing European football in the coming years. Keeping hold of a key player is a statement of intent from West Ham, and Reid gets to represent an ambitious club where he is guaranteed playing time
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Karren Brady hints she wants Sam Allardyce to stay as West Ham United manager
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady suggests that she does not want manager Sam Allardyce to leave in the summer. West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady has suggested in The Sun that she will not allow Sam Allardyce to leave the club in the summer. Allardyce's current contract with West Ham runs out at the end of the season, and there have been no talks over a new deal. In fact, all negations over a new contract will happen only at the end of the season, and this has sparked speculation that the Englishman could leave the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season. The Express reported last month that Sunderland manager Gus Poyet would love to succeed Allardyce at West Ham. However, Brady has now suggested that Allardyce will remain as the West Ham boss beyond the summer. "Dinner with a bookmaker," the 45-year-old wrote in her football diary in The Sun. "He would hate that term, probably prefer statistic entrepreneur! "Anyway, he tells me he is currently working out odds on the end-of-season managerial roundabout. His lowest odds are Steve Bruce moving to Fulham (or sightly longer to Wigan), Steve McClaren to Newcastle and another high-profile manager to Sunderland. "I have no idea at all about all this. Except I suspect the boss moving to Sunderland won't happen, especially if I have something to do with it!" Brady does not explicitly say if the 'boss' in question is Allardyce, but she certainly gives a strong hint that it is. If so, then it seems that the West Ham official wants the 60-year-old to remain at the Hammers for the foreseeable future. Allardyce has done a truly brilliant job at West Ham, bringing the club from the Championship and making them competitive in the Premier League. The problem is that the Englishman has not proven himself to be a manager who can take clubs to Europe. West Ham have ambitions to feature in continental competition, and the question is whether Allardyce can take them there.
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David Gold drops hint over permanent West Ham deal for Carl Jenkinson
HITC
Olly Dawes
David Gold's tweets often catch the attention of West Ham fans, and tonight's are no exception. West Ham United co-chairman David Gold is often active on Twitter, responding to questions from Hammers fans on a regular basis. Tonight, he received a question about whether right back Carl Jenkinson could play against Arsenal next weekend, given that the right back is on loan from the Gunners - and his response has caught the eye of West Ham supporters.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
"@juliansheasport: Is Carl Jenkinson available to play v Arsenal or does loan forbid it?
He will not play against Arsenal. This year. dg
As per the Premier League rules, Jenkinson can't face his parent club whilst he is on loan from them, meaning West Ham will need to find an alternative for that game at the Emirates Stadium. However, the interest part is where Gold says he can't face Arsenal this year - with the obvious implication that he would be able to next year. That comments hints that Jenkinson could be set for a permanent stay at Upton Park this summer - even though the Daily Mail recently reported that Arsenal wanted £12m to part with the 23-year-old right back. The tweet naturally set West Ham fans into a frenzy, all picking up Gold's not-so subtle hint that Jenkinson could be staying in East London for good. The performances of Hector Bellerin for Arsenal this season could tempt Arsene Wenger's men into selling Jenkinson this summer - and whilst Gold's tweet is far from confirmation that he'll be staying, it does appear to be a very big hint that a deal could be struck.
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Daily WHUFC News - 7th March 2015
Sam thrilled with Reid contract
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is delighted that Winston Reid has put pen-to-paper on a new six-and-a-half year deal. Speculation had been rife that the 26-year-old could leave the Club this summer, but the New Zealand captain has now committed his future to the Hammers - and Big Sam says it will be a bright future both for the Club and the player. He said: "If you look at where the Club's going, to the new Stadium, and even though we've slipped a bit we've had a great season until now, securing his signing is good. "It will also save the Club an awful lot of money in the transfer market in the summer to replace him if he left. "It's very good business for us and very good from Winston's point of view, because I don't think he's been anything but happy here in the last few years and he's shown that by signing."
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Jenko - 'It's time to regroup'
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson is expecting an upturn in fortunes when West Ham United return to Barclays Premier League action. The 23-year-old could scarcely believe that the Hammers departed the Boleyn Ground empty handed on Wednesday evening and hopes that Lady Luck will soon be smiling on West Ham again. Though the Hammers' European bid may have stalled of late, Jenkinson is hardly about to give up on it altogether and foresees a strong end to the campaign.It's unbelievable that we've not come away with anything," he admitted. "What can I say, it's the way football goes sometimes and it's very frustrating. "It's time to regroup and we've still got a very important run-in until the end of the season. We want to be as high up that table as we possibly can. "A European place is what we've targeted up all season and that's still the case. I think that's realistic. "We started the season fantastically well, we've had a little dip, but performance wise, I think anyone who has watched our games, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, will know these are all games we should have got more points out of. "That happens in football sometimes, but our luck will change and things will start going for us, hopefully. And when they do, we'll get some points on the board."
While Jenkinson and co had nothing to show for their efforts on Wednesday evening, the England U21 international was rightly buoyed by an excellent display against Jose Mourinho's title favourites. All that was missing, of course, was that all-important equaliser, but with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia in tow, Jenkinson reckons the goals will be back in abundance before long. He continued: "I think our performance speaks for itself. As a team we put in a fantastic performance. It's just the way things are going for us at the moment, we're just not getting the rub of the green to be honest. "We had a few chances on Wednesday, it just didn't want to go in the back of the net and that's been the story of the last few games for us. But things will change soon. We were incredibly unlucky with the result on Wednesday but the performance was really encouraging and I think the manager was pleased with us."
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Hammers head for warm weather training camp
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have landed in Dubai for a short warm-weather training camp ahead of the return of Barclays Premier League action at Arsenal next weekend. The first team squad flew out to the Emirate state following Wednesday's gallant effort in defeat to Chelsea as they bid to recharge their batteries for the finishing stretch of the campaign. Manager Sam Allardyce has taken his teams away for mid-season training camps in the sun wherever he has worked, with Dubai the destination for the Hammers over each of his four years with the Club. His squad will undergo gym work as well as football sessions during their time in Dubai, and assistant manager Neil McDonald is sure they will reap the benefits. He explained: "Since the start of December it's been full on and we're only just coming up for air at the start of March. It's been a tough couple of months but what we normally do is go away so the lads can get a bit of sun on their backs.
We do a bit of training in the gym and along the beach, as well as having a couple of football sessions. It's more important that they have a bit of relxation time and get the sun on their backs. "In last two or three months everyone's had their tracksuit tops, gloves and hats on and it'll be great to go across there and we'll still be working, but special for the boys that it's in the heat. "The results have always been good when we've come back. We went at Bolton, Blackburn and West Ham and it's always shown in the results towards the end of the season. "We've had a difficult one before we went and there's a difficult one when we get back, but we'll try to take points as best as we can and hopefully kick on with everyone coming back refreshed and feeling much better about themselves."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Hello,
As I'm sure you will agree it's been a frustrating few weeks in terms of results, however with the exception of Crystal Palace, our performances have been good, especially against Chelsea, where I thought we were superb.
It was one of those nights where we threw everything at them, yet somehow we didn't manage to score. It could've fallen for us four or five times, Diafra had a couple of great chances but it just didn't drop for us, that's the way it's going for us at the moment.
For me, Kevin Nolan was outstanding. As our captain he led by example, from the first minute he set the tone. He worked his socks off, like he always does and was superb throughout. I think he got a kick later on but he battled on, he was fantastic.
I thought Thibaut Courtois was also excellent, he's a big goalie, I think he even caught a corner with one hand. But that's why Chelsea are where they are, because they've got the best players.
You also have to give credit to Chelsea because they scored when they were on top and they showed, with the quality of the players they have, why they are top of the league. I'll be amazed if they're not crowned champions in May, if not sooner.
To come up against the best players around is why I love playing at this level. I want to play against the best as much as possible, and when you come away having held your own against them it's a great feeling.
There were a lot of mixed feelings after the game. Obviously, everyone was gutted not to win. We didn't get what we deserved, and that is always frustrating.
However, to come away having narrowly lost to one of the best teams in Europe, and knowing on a different day we would have got at least one if not three points is very encouraging, especially after Saturday, we can take a lot of positives from Wednesday night.
We've got nine before our next game, another tough fixture away at Arsenal, which gives us the opportunity for a short break in the sun. With no international breaks and our FA Cup run we haven't had a break in quite a while so I think it will all do us some good.
While we're only away for a few days, it really can make a big difference as it allows us a chance to clear our heads and help us focus for the last ten games of the season. In previous seasons, it's worked well for us before so hopefully it will again.
Hopefully we take a similar performance from Wednesday night into our next game against Arsenal. We know it'll be a tough game, but you have to look forward to testing yourself against the best teams, otherwise you're in the wrong job.
After Arsenal, we've got a good run of games. We need to put a similar performance in against them, if we do that, I'm sure we'll pick up some points.
See you soon,
Nobes
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Carlton Cole: West Ham striker accepts charge for Twitter abuse
BBC,co,uk
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has accepted a Football Association charge for directing abusive comments towards a Tottenham supporter on Twitter. Cole's expletive-laden response to the fan followed a 2-2 draw between the Hammers and Spurs on 22 February, a game he had played in. An FA independent commission will now meet to decide his punishment. In April 2011, Cole, 31, was fined £20,000 for comments he made on Twitter during England's friendly with Ghana. On that occasion, he wrote: "Immigration has surrounded the Wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! "The only way to get out safely is to wear an England jersey and paint your face w/ the St George's flag!" He later deleted the comments and apologised, describing them as a "light-hearted joke". Cole has made 17 appearances for the Hammers this season and scored three goals.
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Cole admits charge, FA coffers expand
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has admitted an FA charge after which he was accused of sending an abusive message via Twitter. The West Ham striker told a social media troll to "f off" following West Ham's recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane and was subsequently charged with "bringing the game into disrepute". This morning it was confirmed that the once-capped England international was offering no defence to the charge and a panel will meet in due course to determine Cole's punishment. Despite having proved a vital tool in providing a link between players and supporters, social media has proved problematic for a number of players since it emerged as the primary tool for communicating with the masses. The FA's latest indictment is the second occasion in which Cole has fallen foul of the game's governing body as a result of a message posted on social media. Back in 2011, the 31-year-old was charged with "improper conduct" by the Football Association after making light-hearted comments about immigration following England's friendly with Ghana at Wembley. And just one week after Cole was fined £20,000 for that offence, then-Hammer Danny Gabbidon closed his Twitter account after he was charged and eventually fined £6,000 by the FA for a four-letter outburst. Writing in reaction to criticism by supporters following a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa, the ex-Welsh international wrote: "f*ck the lot of you will never get another tweet from me again". He has remained true to his word, with his account being locked since. The following year, Ravel Morrison landed himself in hot water after referring to a Twitter follower as a "faggot" - an infringement that made the FA another £7,000. And last summer, Diego Poyet was forced to apologise for a two-year old tweet he wrote when his father Gus was manager of Brighton & Hove Albion. Only 16 at the time of writing in April 2012, Poyet used the hashtag '#scum#' to describe West Ham - hours before his father's team were dismantled 6-0. Despite having profited hugely as a result of the advent of social media, the FA have never been shy to bring disrepute charges against players for comments made in the media in general. Although his fine was considerably smaller than any of the aforementioned, John Hartson was hit with a bill for £1,000 in 1997 when he referred to referee Mike Reed as a "shit house" and a "homer" following a Premiership fixture with Leicester.
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West Ham striker Carlton Cole accepts charge from the FA
Last Updated: 06/03/15 10:52am
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has accepted a charge of misconduct from the Football Association. Cole has been taken to task over 'an abusive or offensive' message he sent on social media following the 2-2 draw between Tottenham and West Ham on February 22. The FA commission will now decide on an appropriate punishment for the 31-year-old. Following his charge by the FA earlier this week, Cole has decided against appealing ahead of Friday's 6pm deadline. Cole, who was also fined £20,000 by the FA in 2011 for an identical offence, has made 17 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.
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Reid deal may hail even better news
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
We've had the real good news with the signing of Winston Reid! But believe it or not I reckon this will lead to even better news – the clinching of Carl Jenkinson as a Hammers permanent signing this summer. That David Sullivan worked long and hard on the Reid deal is hardly a big surprise given what was at stake but his determination to and completion of the deal is none the less enormously praiseworthy. JenkFor had he failed it would probably have cost the club around £10 million to find a replacement of the same calibre.
Instead, there seems absolutely no reason why the club can't now move in with a bid which will ensure that Jenks – my leading contender for Player of the Year with Aaron Creswell – comes on board. As we reported earlier in the week on this site he's likely to cost between £5m – £7m and at the price I reckon that's business thanks to Reid being nailed down. It's ironic that at a time too when we have re-signed James Tomkins and a deal is likely to be put in front of James Collins, young Doneil Henry seems set to show that he is one hell of a buy at £1.5 million. He's loan debut for Blackburn Rovers against Sheffield Wednesday was reportedly sensational and man of the match stuff.
As reported elsewhere on the site we get the chance to take a look at him in action against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. So ironically the problem position as many saw of it of this season looks solved given that we also have young Reece Oxford sitting in the background growing up. For me Jenks is the key signing and I believe it's on. The Reid deal was key in so many ways. Give thanks for the persuasive powers on high!
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Hammers linked with Parma winger
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports suggest West Ham are interested in signing Parma winger Jonathan Biaiany if he's released this month to become a free agent.
Last Week Bianiany revealed his distress with the Crociati's financial crisis on social media. The 26-year-old has only made one Serie A appearance this season at the Ennio Tardini, having himself had several months out of action due to an irregular heartbeat. The Frenchman is now back in training, made his issues public via Twitter, asking how the Gialloblu's debt currently hovering just below €100m has gotten so high, and who could come in to clear it. Many words, so many explanations. Who let the debts grow and who will pay to at least save Parma," after they had to postpone their Serie A clash with Udinese prompting Biabiany to demand answers. After two loan spells in Emilia-Romagna, the winger joined Parma permanently in 2012 and has appeared 70 times in Serie A since, scoring seven goals.
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Sam voted a 'dream boss'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By Harry Sherlock
Sam Allardyce has emerged as the dream manager of various footballers across the country in a new poll. FourFourTwo polled 100 footballers across all four divisions, asking them questions such as whether they would ever play for a rival club and whether the transfer window is a good thing. And, when it came to their ideal manager, Allardyce polled 6% – the same number as Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, putting him in joint-fourth position with the wacky German, who has contested a Champions League final and twice won the Bundesliga. Jose Mourinho came out on top – with 48% – while Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger came second and third respectively. It means that Allardyce beat the likes of Louis van Gaal, Brendan Rodgers and Diego Simeone, although he gained one vote – from an unnamed Championship player – because he gives players a day off if they play well! A League One player, though, sounded a somewhat familiar note of caution about Allardyce, having worked with him in the past. The pro – who chose Klopp – said: "I've worked with Sam. He was good, but tough on young kids."
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Bilic man linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
The Hammers are showing interest in the Slaven Bilic-managed Besiktas left winger Olcay Sahan, according to an official of his current Turkish club. Besiktas football administrator Erdal Torunogullari claims that West Ham are one of three clubs in the hunt for the 27-year-old wide player who started against Liverpool in the Europa League last week. Sahan has been a star player for former Hammer Slaven Bilic and that has lead to further speculation that the Croatian coach is favourite spot to take over from Sam Allardyce when his contract runs out in June. The Turkish international has scored six goals in 18 league appearances for Besiktas this season and been a regular in their European campaign, starting all 12 matches for Slaven Bilic's team. But West Ham will face competition from Sevilla and Fiorentina for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen winger who joined Besiktas for £6.5million in 2012.
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Wellington Phoenix Football Academy And Winston Reid To Partner
http://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/
Saturday, 7 March 2015 -
The Wellington Phoenix Football Academy today announced that All Whites Captain Winston Reid will sponsor two scholarships a year to the Phoenix' Academy beginning in 2015. The Wellington Phoenix Football Academy today announced that All Whites Captain Winston Reid will sponsor two scholarships a year to the Phoenix' Academy beginning in 2015. One scholarship is for a full football and residential scholarship at Scots College and the other is for school and football tuition at any of the three schools in the Academy programme.
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said the partnership had its genesis in the Football United Tour. "When Winston was here with West Ham in July last year he expressed an interest in giving something back and helping promising New Zealand football talent.
"At that time, we made contact with Aotearoa Football Charitable Trust that he and Leo Bertos have an association with. We started a relationship then and have an on-going association with them and will continue to support them and the excellent work they do in Maori football. "These scholarships will draw on that programme and will look at any other promising players from around the country who may need some financial assistance to be part of our Academy. "If we find the next Winston Reid out of all this then we'd all be very happy!"
Winston Reid said that it was very satisfying to be able to give something back to football in New Zealand. "I am very proud of my heritage and country of birth. "I've worked hard to get where I am, but I've also been blessed in my career and this is in a small way is my chance to give something back. "I want to encourage and give a bit of a hand to those football players who don't have too much and need a little bit of assistance along the way. "We talked about this with the Phoenix when I was in New Zealand last July and I'm really pleased to be able to announce this now."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is delighted that Winston Reid has put pen-to-paper on a new six-and-a-half year deal. Speculation had been rife that the 26-year-old could leave the Club this summer, but the New Zealand captain has now committed his future to the Hammers - and Big Sam says it will be a bright future both for the Club and the player. He said: "If you look at where the Club's going, to the new Stadium, and even though we've slipped a bit we've had a great season until now, securing his signing is good. "It will also save the Club an awful lot of money in the transfer market in the summer to replace him if he left. "It's very good business for us and very good from Winston's point of view, because I don't think he's been anything but happy here in the last few years and he's shown that by signing."
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Jenko - 'It's time to regroup'
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson is expecting an upturn in fortunes when West Ham United return to Barclays Premier League action. The 23-year-old could scarcely believe that the Hammers departed the Boleyn Ground empty handed on Wednesday evening and hopes that Lady Luck will soon be smiling on West Ham again. Though the Hammers' European bid may have stalled of late, Jenkinson is hardly about to give up on it altogether and foresees a strong end to the campaign.It's unbelievable that we've not come away with anything," he admitted. "What can I say, it's the way football goes sometimes and it's very frustrating. "It's time to regroup and we've still got a very important run-in until the end of the season. We want to be as high up that table as we possibly can. "A European place is what we've targeted up all season and that's still the case. I think that's realistic. "We started the season fantastically well, we've had a little dip, but performance wise, I think anyone who has watched our games, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, will know these are all games we should have got more points out of. "That happens in football sometimes, but our luck will change and things will start going for us, hopefully. And when they do, we'll get some points on the board."
While Jenkinson and co had nothing to show for their efforts on Wednesday evening, the England U21 international was rightly buoyed by an excellent display against Jose Mourinho's title favourites. All that was missing, of course, was that all-important equaliser, but with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia in tow, Jenkinson reckons the goals will be back in abundance before long. He continued: "I think our performance speaks for itself. As a team we put in a fantastic performance. It's just the way things are going for us at the moment, we're just not getting the rub of the green to be honest. "We had a few chances on Wednesday, it just didn't want to go in the back of the net and that's been the story of the last few games for us. But things will change soon. We were incredibly unlucky with the result on Wednesday but the performance was really encouraging and I think the manager was pleased with us."
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Hammers head for warm weather training camp
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have landed in Dubai for a short warm-weather training camp ahead of the return of Barclays Premier League action at Arsenal next weekend. The first team squad flew out to the Emirate state following Wednesday's gallant effort in defeat to Chelsea as they bid to recharge their batteries for the finishing stretch of the campaign. Manager Sam Allardyce has taken his teams away for mid-season training camps in the sun wherever he has worked, with Dubai the destination for the Hammers over each of his four years with the Club. His squad will undergo gym work as well as football sessions during their time in Dubai, and assistant manager Neil McDonald is sure they will reap the benefits. He explained: "Since the start of December it's been full on and we're only just coming up for air at the start of March. It's been a tough couple of months but what we normally do is go away so the lads can get a bit of sun on their backs.
We do a bit of training in the gym and along the beach, as well as having a couple of football sessions. It's more important that they have a bit of relxation time and get the sun on their backs. "In last two or three months everyone's had their tracksuit tops, gloves and hats on and it'll be great to go across there and we'll still be working, but special for the boys that it's in the heat. "The results have always been good when we've come back. We went at Bolton, Blackburn and West Ham and it's always shown in the results towards the end of the season. "We've had a difficult one before we went and there's a difficult one when we get back, but we'll try to take points as best as we can and hopefully kick on with everyone coming back refreshed and feeling much better about themselves."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Hello,
As I'm sure you will agree it's been a frustrating few weeks in terms of results, however with the exception of Crystal Palace, our performances have been good, especially against Chelsea, where I thought we were superb.
It was one of those nights where we threw everything at them, yet somehow we didn't manage to score. It could've fallen for us four or five times, Diafra had a couple of great chances but it just didn't drop for us, that's the way it's going for us at the moment.
For me, Kevin Nolan was outstanding. As our captain he led by example, from the first minute he set the tone. He worked his socks off, like he always does and was superb throughout. I think he got a kick later on but he battled on, he was fantastic.
I thought Thibaut Courtois was also excellent, he's a big goalie, I think he even caught a corner with one hand. But that's why Chelsea are where they are, because they've got the best players.
You also have to give credit to Chelsea because they scored when they were on top and they showed, with the quality of the players they have, why they are top of the league. I'll be amazed if they're not crowned champions in May, if not sooner.
To come up against the best players around is why I love playing at this level. I want to play against the best as much as possible, and when you come away having held your own against them it's a great feeling.
There were a lot of mixed feelings after the game. Obviously, everyone was gutted not to win. We didn't get what we deserved, and that is always frustrating.
However, to come away having narrowly lost to one of the best teams in Europe, and knowing on a different day we would have got at least one if not three points is very encouraging, especially after Saturday, we can take a lot of positives from Wednesday night.
We've got nine before our next game, another tough fixture away at Arsenal, which gives us the opportunity for a short break in the sun. With no international breaks and our FA Cup run we haven't had a break in quite a while so I think it will all do us some good.
While we're only away for a few days, it really can make a big difference as it allows us a chance to clear our heads and help us focus for the last ten games of the season. In previous seasons, it's worked well for us before so hopefully it will again.
Hopefully we take a similar performance from Wednesday night into our next game against Arsenal. We know it'll be a tough game, but you have to look forward to testing yourself against the best teams, otherwise you're in the wrong job.
After Arsenal, we've got a good run of games. We need to put a similar performance in against them, if we do that, I'm sure we'll pick up some points.
See you soon,
Nobes
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Carlton Cole: West Ham striker accepts charge for Twitter abuse
BBC,co,uk
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has accepted a Football Association charge for directing abusive comments towards a Tottenham supporter on Twitter. Cole's expletive-laden response to the fan followed a 2-2 draw between the Hammers and Spurs on 22 February, a game he had played in. An FA independent commission will now meet to decide his punishment. In April 2011, Cole, 31, was fined £20,000 for comments he made on Twitter during England's friendly with Ghana. On that occasion, he wrote: "Immigration has surrounded the Wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! "The only way to get out safely is to wear an England jersey and paint your face w/ the St George's flag!" He later deleted the comments and apologised, describing them as a "light-hearted joke". Cole has made 17 appearances for the Hammers this season and scored three goals.
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Cole admits charge, FA coffers expand
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 6th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has admitted an FA charge after which he was accused of sending an abusive message via Twitter. The West Ham striker told a social media troll to "f off" following West Ham's recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane and was subsequently charged with "bringing the game into disrepute". This morning it was confirmed that the once-capped England international was offering no defence to the charge and a panel will meet in due course to determine Cole's punishment. Despite having proved a vital tool in providing a link between players and supporters, social media has proved problematic for a number of players since it emerged as the primary tool for communicating with the masses. The FA's latest indictment is the second occasion in which Cole has fallen foul of the game's governing body as a result of a message posted on social media. Back in 2011, the 31-year-old was charged with "improper conduct" by the Football Association after making light-hearted comments about immigration following England's friendly with Ghana at Wembley. And just one week after Cole was fined £20,000 for that offence, then-Hammer Danny Gabbidon closed his Twitter account after he was charged and eventually fined £6,000 by the FA for a four-letter outburst. Writing in reaction to criticism by supporters following a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa, the ex-Welsh international wrote: "f*ck the lot of you will never get another tweet from me again". He has remained true to his word, with his account being locked since. The following year, Ravel Morrison landed himself in hot water after referring to a Twitter follower as a "faggot" - an infringement that made the FA another £7,000. And last summer, Diego Poyet was forced to apologise for a two-year old tweet he wrote when his father Gus was manager of Brighton & Hove Albion. Only 16 at the time of writing in April 2012, Poyet used the hashtag '#scum#' to describe West Ham - hours before his father's team were dismantled 6-0. Despite having profited hugely as a result of the advent of social media, the FA have never been shy to bring disrepute charges against players for comments made in the media in general. Although his fine was considerably smaller than any of the aforementioned, John Hartson was hit with a bill for £1,000 in 1997 when he referred to referee Mike Reed as a "shit house" and a "homer" following a Premiership fixture with Leicester.
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West Ham striker Carlton Cole accepts charge from the FA
Last Updated: 06/03/15 10:52am
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has accepted a charge of misconduct from the Football Association. Cole has been taken to task over 'an abusive or offensive' message he sent on social media following the 2-2 draw between Tottenham and West Ham on February 22. The FA commission will now decide on an appropriate punishment for the 31-year-old. Following his charge by the FA earlier this week, Cole has decided against appealing ahead of Friday's 6pm deadline. Cole, who was also fined £20,000 by the FA in 2011 for an identical offence, has made 17 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.
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Reid deal may hail even better news
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
We've had the real good news with the signing of Winston Reid! But believe it or not I reckon this will lead to even better news – the clinching of Carl Jenkinson as a Hammers permanent signing this summer. That David Sullivan worked long and hard on the Reid deal is hardly a big surprise given what was at stake but his determination to and completion of the deal is none the less enormously praiseworthy. JenkFor had he failed it would probably have cost the club around £10 million to find a replacement of the same calibre.
Instead, there seems absolutely no reason why the club can't now move in with a bid which will ensure that Jenks – my leading contender for Player of the Year with Aaron Creswell – comes on board. As we reported earlier in the week on this site he's likely to cost between £5m – £7m and at the price I reckon that's business thanks to Reid being nailed down. It's ironic that at a time too when we have re-signed James Tomkins and a deal is likely to be put in front of James Collins, young Doneil Henry seems set to show that he is one hell of a buy at £1.5 million. He's loan debut for Blackburn Rovers against Sheffield Wednesday was reportedly sensational and man of the match stuff.
As reported elsewhere on the site we get the chance to take a look at him in action against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. So ironically the problem position as many saw of it of this season looks solved given that we also have young Reece Oxford sitting in the background growing up. For me Jenks is the key signing and I believe it's on. The Reid deal was key in so many ways. Give thanks for the persuasive powers on high!
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Hammers linked with Parma winger
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports suggest West Ham are interested in signing Parma winger Jonathan Biaiany if he's released this month to become a free agent.
Last Week Bianiany revealed his distress with the Crociati's financial crisis on social media. The 26-year-old has only made one Serie A appearance this season at the Ennio Tardini, having himself had several months out of action due to an irregular heartbeat. The Frenchman is now back in training, made his issues public via Twitter, asking how the Gialloblu's debt currently hovering just below €100m has gotten so high, and who could come in to clear it. Many words, so many explanations. Who let the debts grow and who will pay to at least save Parma," after they had to postpone their Serie A clash with Udinese prompting Biabiany to demand answers. After two loan spells in Emilia-Romagna, the winger joined Parma permanently in 2012 and has appeared 70 times in Serie A since, scoring seven goals.
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Sam voted a 'dream boss'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By Harry Sherlock
Sam Allardyce has emerged as the dream manager of various footballers across the country in a new poll. FourFourTwo polled 100 footballers across all four divisions, asking them questions such as whether they would ever play for a rival club and whether the transfer window is a good thing. And, when it came to their ideal manager, Allardyce polled 6% – the same number as Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, putting him in joint-fourth position with the wacky German, who has contested a Champions League final and twice won the Bundesliga. Jose Mourinho came out on top – with 48% – while Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger came second and third respectively. It means that Allardyce beat the likes of Louis van Gaal, Brendan Rodgers and Diego Simeone, although he gained one vote – from an unnamed Championship player – because he gives players a day off if they play well! A League One player, though, sounded a somewhat familiar note of caution about Allardyce, having worked with him in the past. The pro – who chose Klopp – said: "I've worked with Sam. He was good, but tough on young kids."
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Bilic man linked with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
The Hammers are showing interest in the Slaven Bilic-managed Besiktas left winger Olcay Sahan, according to an official of his current Turkish club. Besiktas football administrator Erdal Torunogullari claims that West Ham are one of three clubs in the hunt for the 27-year-old wide player who started against Liverpool in the Europa League last week. Sahan has been a star player for former Hammer Slaven Bilic and that has lead to further speculation that the Croatian coach is favourite spot to take over from Sam Allardyce when his contract runs out in June. The Turkish international has scored six goals in 18 league appearances for Besiktas this season and been a regular in their European campaign, starting all 12 matches for Slaven Bilic's team. But West Ham will face competition from Sevilla and Fiorentina for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen winger who joined Besiktas for £6.5million in 2012.
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Wellington Phoenix Football Academy And Winston Reid To Partner
http://www.wellingtonphoenix.com/
Saturday, 7 March 2015 -
The Wellington Phoenix Football Academy today announced that All Whites Captain Winston Reid will sponsor two scholarships a year to the Phoenix' Academy beginning in 2015. The Wellington Phoenix Football Academy today announced that All Whites Captain Winston Reid will sponsor two scholarships a year to the Phoenix' Academy beginning in 2015. One scholarship is for a full football and residential scholarship at Scots College and the other is for school and football tuition at any of the three schools in the Academy programme.
Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome said the partnership had its genesis in the Football United Tour. "When Winston was here with West Ham in July last year he expressed an interest in giving something back and helping promising New Zealand football talent.
"At that time, we made contact with Aotearoa Football Charitable Trust that he and Leo Bertos have an association with. We started a relationship then and have an on-going association with them and will continue to support them and the excellent work they do in Maori football. "These scholarships will draw on that programme and will look at any other promising players from around the country who may need some financial assistance to be part of our Academy. "If we find the next Winston Reid out of all this then we'd all be very happy!"
Winston Reid said that it was very satisfying to be able to give something back to football in New Zealand. "I am very proud of my heritage and country of birth. "I've worked hard to get where I am, but I've also been blessed in my career and this is in a small way is my chance to give something back. "I want to encourage and give a bit of a hand to those football players who don't have too much and need a little bit of assistance along the way. "We talked about this with the Phoenix when I was in New Zealand last July and I'm really pleased to be able to announce this now."
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Friday, March 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th March 2015
Nolan praises team performance
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan praised his team's performance against Chelsea in an agonising
1-0 defeat to the league leaders at the Boleyn Ground. In a highly
entertaining game, the Hammers had 18 shots to the Blues' 12, however they
could not find a way past an inspired Thibaut Courtois, while Eden Hazard's
close range header was enough to take all three points. Speaking after the
game, the 32-year-old captain, who was voted West Ham's man-of-the-match on
Twitter, said: "We're disappointed that we didn't get the result to match
the performance. The lads were fantastic tonight and we thoroughly deserved
something from the game. "We had so much pressure but it didn't quite fall
for us. They've got a world class keeper that you have to beat and I thought
he was top notch tonight. "He made some massive, massive saves at times. In
the next few games we got teams in and around us and hopefully we can keep
that level of performance and start getting up that table again."
Due to the good form of Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble, Nolan has had
limited starting opportunities of late, however the experienced midfielder
took his opportunity with both hands as he put in a typically hard-working
performance, keeping the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Oscar relatively quiet.
In an impressive display, Nolan made four of his side's 15 tackles as well
as boasting an 86% passing accuracy and his efforts were almost rewarded as
Courtois saved his effort from near point balnk range. "It's been a tough
couple of months for me, it's been hard and I'm not going to deny it. The
only thing I've ever known is playing football regularly. When I get my
chance I'm going to try and take it, that's the only thing I can do. I've
done a lot in my career, I don't need to prove myself to anyone. "I'm not
thinking about anything else other than West Ham, I've had a fantastic time
here so far, I love the place, I love the club. I've got a great affiliation
with everyone involved with the club, I want it to continue and hopefully
the opportunities will come. "The second half was arguably the best football
we've played all season, and we've put in some fantastic performances
against some big teams. Tonight was just so unfortunate that we couldn't put
the ball in the back of the net. I think if we had scored one, we probably
would've scored more, but it just wasn't to be."
Following a run of tough fixtures which has seen the Hammers play all the
top seven teams since Christmas, except Manchester City, they now find
themselves tenth in the Premier League. However, Nolan was firm in his
belief that the results will come if they can repeat the level of
performances seen against Chelsea. "We've ten games to go, there's no doubt
in my mind that if we perform like we did today we'll get back up the league
and get points on the board. "I don't think the season will slip away. We've
got a lot of games coming that we can win and get points from. We've got
Arsenal and Manchester City but then everyone else is in or around us and
it's up to us to get the points from those games. "We've had a fantastic
start to the season, what we've got to do is make sure we have a fantastic
end to the season as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom - Matty Lawless
WHUFc.com
The Mail Online's Matty Lawless writes...
It didn't come as a surprise when Jose Mourinho announced his plans to
sleep-in until midday today after last night's thriller. The relief of
Chelsea's manager was palpable. After the final whistle, he joined his
players on their triumphant march towards the away end in the Sir Trevor
Brooking lower. Mourinho nor his players went over-the-top in their
jubilation. Yet, in truth, they would have been forgiven for celebrating
like they had just won the league. The likelihood is that the 1-0 win over
West Ham will probably propel them to title. But boy, were they made to work
hard for it. No wonder Mourinho, fresh from his Capital One Cup success too,
punched the air in delight. His counterpart, Sam Allardyce, might have been
excused if he'd have punched a wall, however.
A wretched run of one win in 11 Barclays Premier League games continues for
West Ham. From top four day dreamers at Christmas they have sunk to tenth
place. Any lingering hopes of European football will fade and die at this
rate. But this defeat was certainly not one to be alarmed by. West Ham
didn't look like a team in freefall. Granted, they did against Crystal
Palace. Not here against Chelsea, though. Certainly not in the second half.
The opening 45 minutes served as a reminder as to why Chelsea comfortably
cruised five points clear at the summit.
They played at high intensity, executed slick tiki-taka-esque passing, their
movement in the final third was intelligent, their defending resolute and
they were well-organised throughout. Eden Hazard's 22nd minute-winning
header was deserved for their efforts - even if it was fractionally offside.
Yet West Ham responded magnificently. They deserved a draw. And Mourinho
knew it. "I want to sleep tomorrow until midday,' he said last night.
"Today, easily you lose two points." The experience and leadership of Kevin
Nolan was a welcome boost for West Ham. The captain produced a fine
performance to silence any of his doubters. It was arguably his best of the
season so far. Nolan helped break down Chelsea in the central battleground
and compensated for the outstanding Cheikhou Kouyate to probe through the
middle. It was a pity that his night was ended after a nasty collision with
John Terry. He may have made the difference in the final moments of the
game.
Adrian was again in inspired form but would have been disappointed by the
manner of how easy Chelsea managed to carve open his defence to complete a
close-range winner. The best teams simply don't require an invitation from
six-yards out. Ultimately that proved to be the deciding factor of the game.
From the same range, Diafra Sakho was guilty of wasting West Ham's best
opportunity. Prolific upon his arrival, he was profligate last night. How he
needs a goal to restore his lethal confidence again. It will come soon, no
doubt, as will West Ham's next win. Maybe not at the Emirates next weekend.
After all, it has been eight years since the Hammers' last win over Arsenal.
But the signs of a good end to the season are no less promising for the
claret and blue faithful. Allardyce not only craves a performance but a
performance with victory. On the evidence of last night's display, they
deserve one. And will get one. Of West Ham's remaining eight games,
following next Saturday's fourth consecutive London derby, only Manchester
City away in April looks to be the most troubling of all. So there is hope
and the applause - not jeers - at the final whistle from the home faithful
was indicative that the season isn't over yet and a top seven, top eight
finish is not out of West Ham's reach.
Now, could someone go and wake up, Jose, please...
Matty Lawless
Mail Online
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Like most other West Ham fans, I am really pleased to see Winston Reid sign
a contract that will see him spend all but the rest of his playing career at
West Ham United. I am delighted for the Club but I also take an immense
amount of personal satisfaction after taking such a hands on role in the
negotiations with Winston and his advisors. It has probably been the longest
running set of talks I have ever been involved in and, yes, I was worried we
would not find a positive conclusion. I do not blame Winston, though, as it
was important he took his time as this was such a big decision for him and
his family. But I have learned in life that you should never give up and our
perseverance in this instance has paid off by signing up one of the top
defenders in the Premier League to a contract that will see him spend his
peak years with West Ham United in our stunning new Stadium.
It is that Stadium and the progress we have seen on the pitch this season
that helped me convince Winston that West Ham were the Club for him
long-term. There was a lot of speculation in the media about Winston's
future and I know that some of Europe's top sides were taking a look at him
and understandably he wanted to play for a Club that would be challenging
for and competing in Europe over the coming years.
As a Board we firmly believe that we will be doing that once we have settled
in to our new home and signing Winston up alongside James Tomkins gives us a
platform to base our defence around for the next five to six years. Mark
Noble has also pledged his future and I am pushing ahead to see a couple
more first-team players follow suit by the end of the season.
These are incredibly exciting times on and off the pitch at West Ham and the
fact that we have been able to sign up someone of Winston's stature and
ambition is a statement of where we are going as a Club. I cannot wait to
see what we can achieve during the course of his stay here.
David Sullivan
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ryan Nelsen says West Ham keeping Winston Reid is a coup
Last Updated: 05/03/15 8:02pm
SSN
Ryan Nelsen believes West Ham have issued a statement of intent by tying
Winston Reid to a new six-and-a-half year deal. Nelsen insists Reid is
proven quality in the Premier League and told Sky Sports News HQ that he
expects the defender to see his career out with Sam Allardyce's side. "I
think West Ham have had a fantastic year this season for Sam and the
ownership have got a new stadium to come and their fans are amazing," said
the former New Zealand international on Reid, who was linked with a move to
London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal but opted to stay with West Ham. It's an
absolutely fantastic signing, especially since I think in the market it's
very hard to find proven quality centre-backs. There is a huge history at
the club and they want to go places and this is a real statement to sign an
absolute quality defender, proven in the Premier League and he will there
obviously for his career now. It's exciting for both parties.
"Obviously there is no hiding place in this league and it takes a bit of
time. For Winston, what was great about him is that year they had in the
Championship, I think he's learned his trade there and every year he has
gone up and up. He's only 26 and he's still probably not as his prime.
"It's an absolutely fantastic signing, especially since I think in the
market it's very hard to find proven quality centre-backs, for relatively
low cost and in terms of not having to pay for a transfer and getting him on
a six and-a-half year deal."
Sky Sports have won the rights to broadcast exclusively live Major League
Soccer (MLS) from the US for the first time, and Nelsen, who coached Toronto
for the 2013 season before being sacked, praised the league's recent
developments. The Kiwi added: "It is a growing league. It has got some
really exciting young talent, most of the clubs have got the academies
sorted out and their infrastructure sorted out. It is not about publicity or
anything like that it is just about winning football games and producing
good players. "They are producing a good product on the field and the fans,
buying into this and the crowds are fantastic over there. The majority of
clubs sell out and they are soccer specific stadiums. There is an underlying
belief that this is just going to grow and grow."
Nelsen worked with John Carver in Toronto and believes Newcastle will
benefit from his expertise as they look to secure a top 10 Premier League
finish. "John is a fantastic football man and Newcastle is in really good
hands. He was an absolute pleasure to speak to and a really knowledgeable
guy. I see him on the sidelines and I can only imagine the pressure guys
like him are under."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A magnifient debut
Posted: Thu 05 Mar 2015
Author: rovers.co.uk
Rovers manager Gary Bowyer was full of praise for the way Doneil Henry took
his first outing in English football in his stride in the win over Sheffield
Wednesday. It was a hectic day for the young Canadian, that started as being
part of a 20-man squad as West Ham United prepared to take on Chelsea, and
ended with 90 minutes and a win under his belt for Blackburn Rovers. Signed
on a month's loan that lunchtime, a hamstring injury to Alex Baptiste meant
Henry was thrust straight into the action at Hillsborough and he didn't
disappoint with an outstanding debut performance. "He got on a train at
1.30pm from London and arrived in Sheffield at four o'clock," explained
Bowyer. "He came and met the boys at 4.30pm, had some tea, did pre-match,
got his tracksuit on, got on the bus and went and played a magnificent
debut. That was his day. "We have to thank everybody at West Ham that has
helped to make it possible, but what a performance from him. "He deserves an
unbelievable amount of credit. He's 21 years of age, he isn't 22 until
April, but the way he just went about it was immense - absolutely immense -
against one of the toughest strikers in the division in Nuhiu for the way he
plays the game. "In the first 5-10 minutes you expect him to be nervous and
rightly so, but he grew into the game and he was immense, he and Killa were
terrific.
"He's a competitor, he's agressive, he is quick and he's a defender, you saw
that. "The lad can play when he needs to and he's got an unbelievable
character as well. I've said that all along about the people that we bring
in, he's a top lad."
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Hammers jet out to warm weather training
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Cheikhou Kouyate posted a picture of Sakho, Valencia and Adrian in the
Emirates airport lounge at 9am this morning eating breakfast as the first
team prepare to jet out to the Middle East for warm weather training. Sam
Allardyce says he believes the short winter breaks in Dubai are vital to his
team's fortunes in the Premier League season run-in. A Hammers source told
ClaretandHugh "A few players are staying behind to work on fitness." In
previous years the Hammers have stayed at Dubai Sports City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watch out Maiga's about!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Modibo Maiga looks set for an Upton Park return next season unless the club
can work a sizeable miracle by finding him a loan or permanent club. Should
that prove impossible the super flop striker will pick up around nearly £2
million for his last season as a Hammer unless he decides to take a pay-off
from the club. Maiga – currently on £40k a week – has been as ineffective at
Metz on loan as he was with Queens Park Rangers and it's highly unlikely the
French outfit will want to keep him on the books. He has managed four goals
in ten appearances and was disciplined after going AWOL ahead of a match
earlier in the season. Maiga refused all pay-offs offered by the Irons board
ahead of the move to France where Metz picked up a small percentage of his
wages. And a Hammers source told ClaretandHugh exclusively today: "It's
likely he will be offered some sort of pay-off but on the strength of what
we saw last summer it may be difficult to get him off the wage bill."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: Referee decisions cost us game
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce claims we could have got something from last night's game
against Chelsea if it weren't for match officials getting crucial decisions
wrong. "Some poor officiating on their offside goal, then maybe on another
day we might have got a penalty for the Gary Cahill handball [from Nene's
late shot], we would have got something." said Allardyce on WHUFC.com. The
image on the right has been doing the rounds on social media which seems to
clearly indicate that Sam is right and the match officials got it horribly
wrong with Hazzard offside. Last week during an 'You Are The Ref' event in
central London Sam Allardyce called for a tennis style challenge system
which would allow managers to challenge two referee decisions per match.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers line up deals for squad members
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are ready to let Carlton Cole and Guy Demel move on in the summer
but deals are likely to be handed to Morgan Amalfitano and James Collins.
With three key players – Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid tied
down to new deals – Collins looks certain to be offered a new contract. His
current deal runs out next summer but such has been his form this season in
particular the central defender could get a two year extension which will
take him to 33 years of age. Amalfitano is likely to be offered at least
another year after impressing in a series of cameo performances during the
current campaign. Cole could yet become a West Bromwich Albion player with
Tony Pulis claiming he could come back for the veteran Hammer in the summer
and the club will entertain offers for 33 year old Demel. As reported on
this site earlier this week Diafra Sakho's improved deal will also kick in
during the summer. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "James
has another year and then an option in our favour which we may trigger early
whilst we are thinking over the sort of deal will offer Morgan. Diafra's
improved deal will kick in at the end of the season."
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WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan praised his team's performance against Chelsea in an agonising
1-0 defeat to the league leaders at the Boleyn Ground. In a highly
entertaining game, the Hammers had 18 shots to the Blues' 12, however they
could not find a way past an inspired Thibaut Courtois, while Eden Hazard's
close range header was enough to take all three points. Speaking after the
game, the 32-year-old captain, who was voted West Ham's man-of-the-match on
Twitter, said: "We're disappointed that we didn't get the result to match
the performance. The lads were fantastic tonight and we thoroughly deserved
something from the game. "We had so much pressure but it didn't quite fall
for us. They've got a world class keeper that you have to beat and I thought
he was top notch tonight. "He made some massive, massive saves at times. In
the next few games we got teams in and around us and hopefully we can keep
that level of performance and start getting up that table again."
Due to the good form of Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble, Nolan has had
limited starting opportunities of late, however the experienced midfielder
took his opportunity with both hands as he put in a typically hard-working
performance, keeping the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Oscar relatively quiet.
In an impressive display, Nolan made four of his side's 15 tackles as well
as boasting an 86% passing accuracy and his efforts were almost rewarded as
Courtois saved his effort from near point balnk range. "It's been a tough
couple of months for me, it's been hard and I'm not going to deny it. The
only thing I've ever known is playing football regularly. When I get my
chance I'm going to try and take it, that's the only thing I can do. I've
done a lot in my career, I don't need to prove myself to anyone. "I'm not
thinking about anything else other than West Ham, I've had a fantastic time
here so far, I love the place, I love the club. I've got a great affiliation
with everyone involved with the club, I want it to continue and hopefully
the opportunities will come. "The second half was arguably the best football
we've played all season, and we've put in some fantastic performances
against some big teams. Tonight was just so unfortunate that we couldn't put
the ball in the back of the net. I think if we had scored one, we probably
would've scored more, but it just wasn't to be."
Following a run of tough fixtures which has seen the Hammers play all the
top seven teams since Christmas, except Manchester City, they now find
themselves tenth in the Premier League. However, Nolan was firm in his
belief that the results will come if they can repeat the level of
performances seen against Chelsea. "We've ten games to go, there's no doubt
in my mind that if we perform like we did today we'll get back up the league
and get points on the board. "I don't think the season will slip away. We've
got a lot of games coming that we can win and get points from. We've got
Arsenal and Manchester City but then everyone else is in or around us and
it's up to us to get the points from those games. "We've had a fantastic
start to the season, what we've got to do is make sure we have a fantastic
end to the season as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom - Matty Lawless
WHUFc.com
The Mail Online's Matty Lawless writes...
It didn't come as a surprise when Jose Mourinho announced his plans to
sleep-in until midday today after last night's thriller. The relief of
Chelsea's manager was palpable. After the final whistle, he joined his
players on their triumphant march towards the away end in the Sir Trevor
Brooking lower. Mourinho nor his players went over-the-top in their
jubilation. Yet, in truth, they would have been forgiven for celebrating
like they had just won the league. The likelihood is that the 1-0 win over
West Ham will probably propel them to title. But boy, were they made to work
hard for it. No wonder Mourinho, fresh from his Capital One Cup success too,
punched the air in delight. His counterpart, Sam Allardyce, might have been
excused if he'd have punched a wall, however.
A wretched run of one win in 11 Barclays Premier League games continues for
West Ham. From top four day dreamers at Christmas they have sunk to tenth
place. Any lingering hopes of European football will fade and die at this
rate. But this defeat was certainly not one to be alarmed by. West Ham
didn't look like a team in freefall. Granted, they did against Crystal
Palace. Not here against Chelsea, though. Certainly not in the second half.
The opening 45 minutes served as a reminder as to why Chelsea comfortably
cruised five points clear at the summit.
They played at high intensity, executed slick tiki-taka-esque passing, their
movement in the final third was intelligent, their defending resolute and
they were well-organised throughout. Eden Hazard's 22nd minute-winning
header was deserved for their efforts - even if it was fractionally offside.
Yet West Ham responded magnificently. They deserved a draw. And Mourinho
knew it. "I want to sleep tomorrow until midday,' he said last night.
"Today, easily you lose two points." The experience and leadership of Kevin
Nolan was a welcome boost for West Ham. The captain produced a fine
performance to silence any of his doubters. It was arguably his best of the
season so far. Nolan helped break down Chelsea in the central battleground
and compensated for the outstanding Cheikhou Kouyate to probe through the
middle. It was a pity that his night was ended after a nasty collision with
John Terry. He may have made the difference in the final moments of the
game.
Adrian was again in inspired form but would have been disappointed by the
manner of how easy Chelsea managed to carve open his defence to complete a
close-range winner. The best teams simply don't require an invitation from
six-yards out. Ultimately that proved to be the deciding factor of the game.
From the same range, Diafra Sakho was guilty of wasting West Ham's best
opportunity. Prolific upon his arrival, he was profligate last night. How he
needs a goal to restore his lethal confidence again. It will come soon, no
doubt, as will West Ham's next win. Maybe not at the Emirates next weekend.
After all, it has been eight years since the Hammers' last win over Arsenal.
But the signs of a good end to the season are no less promising for the
claret and blue faithful. Allardyce not only craves a performance but a
performance with victory. On the evidence of last night's display, they
deserve one. And will get one. Of West Ham's remaining eight games,
following next Saturday's fourth consecutive London derby, only Manchester
City away in April looks to be the most troubling of all. So there is hope
and the applause - not jeers - at the final whistle from the home faithful
was indicative that the season isn't over yet and a top seven, top eight
finish is not out of West Ham's reach.
Now, could someone go and wake up, Jose, please...
Matty Lawless
Mail Online
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom
WHUFC.com
Like most other West Ham fans, I am really pleased to see Winston Reid sign
a contract that will see him spend all but the rest of his playing career at
West Ham United. I am delighted for the Club but I also take an immense
amount of personal satisfaction after taking such a hands on role in the
negotiations with Winston and his advisors. It has probably been the longest
running set of talks I have ever been involved in and, yes, I was worried we
would not find a positive conclusion. I do not blame Winston, though, as it
was important he took his time as this was such a big decision for him and
his family. But I have learned in life that you should never give up and our
perseverance in this instance has paid off by signing up one of the top
defenders in the Premier League to a contract that will see him spend his
peak years with West Ham United in our stunning new Stadium.
It is that Stadium and the progress we have seen on the pitch this season
that helped me convince Winston that West Ham were the Club for him
long-term. There was a lot of speculation in the media about Winston's
future and I know that some of Europe's top sides were taking a look at him
and understandably he wanted to play for a Club that would be challenging
for and competing in Europe over the coming years.
As a Board we firmly believe that we will be doing that once we have settled
in to our new home and signing Winston up alongside James Tomkins gives us a
platform to base our defence around for the next five to six years. Mark
Noble has also pledged his future and I am pushing ahead to see a couple
more first-team players follow suit by the end of the season.
These are incredibly exciting times on and off the pitch at West Ham and the
fact that we have been able to sign up someone of Winston's stature and
ambition is a statement of where we are going as a Club. I cannot wait to
see what we can achieve during the course of his stay here.
David Sullivan
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ryan Nelsen says West Ham keeping Winston Reid is a coup
Last Updated: 05/03/15 8:02pm
SSN
Ryan Nelsen believes West Ham have issued a statement of intent by tying
Winston Reid to a new six-and-a-half year deal. Nelsen insists Reid is
proven quality in the Premier League and told Sky Sports News HQ that he
expects the defender to see his career out with Sam Allardyce's side. "I
think West Ham have had a fantastic year this season for Sam and the
ownership have got a new stadium to come and their fans are amazing," said
the former New Zealand international on Reid, who was linked with a move to
London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal but opted to stay with West Ham. It's an
absolutely fantastic signing, especially since I think in the market it's
very hard to find proven quality centre-backs. There is a huge history at
the club and they want to go places and this is a real statement to sign an
absolute quality defender, proven in the Premier League and he will there
obviously for his career now. It's exciting for both parties.
"Obviously there is no hiding place in this league and it takes a bit of
time. For Winston, what was great about him is that year they had in the
Championship, I think he's learned his trade there and every year he has
gone up and up. He's only 26 and he's still probably not as his prime.
"It's an absolutely fantastic signing, especially since I think in the
market it's very hard to find proven quality centre-backs, for relatively
low cost and in terms of not having to pay for a transfer and getting him on
a six and-a-half year deal."
Sky Sports have won the rights to broadcast exclusively live Major League
Soccer (MLS) from the US for the first time, and Nelsen, who coached Toronto
for the 2013 season before being sacked, praised the league's recent
developments. The Kiwi added: "It is a growing league. It has got some
really exciting young talent, most of the clubs have got the academies
sorted out and their infrastructure sorted out. It is not about publicity or
anything like that it is just about winning football games and producing
good players. "They are producing a good product on the field and the fans,
buying into this and the crowds are fantastic over there. The majority of
clubs sell out and they are soccer specific stadiums. There is an underlying
belief that this is just going to grow and grow."
Nelsen worked with John Carver in Toronto and believes Newcastle will
benefit from his expertise as they look to secure a top 10 Premier League
finish. "John is a fantastic football man and Newcastle is in really good
hands. He was an absolute pleasure to speak to and a really knowledgeable
guy. I see him on the sidelines and I can only imagine the pressure guys
like him are under."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A magnifient debut
Posted: Thu 05 Mar 2015
Author: rovers.co.uk
Rovers manager Gary Bowyer was full of praise for the way Doneil Henry took
his first outing in English football in his stride in the win over Sheffield
Wednesday. It was a hectic day for the young Canadian, that started as being
part of a 20-man squad as West Ham United prepared to take on Chelsea, and
ended with 90 minutes and a win under his belt for Blackburn Rovers. Signed
on a month's loan that lunchtime, a hamstring injury to Alex Baptiste meant
Henry was thrust straight into the action at Hillsborough and he didn't
disappoint with an outstanding debut performance. "He got on a train at
1.30pm from London and arrived in Sheffield at four o'clock," explained
Bowyer. "He came and met the boys at 4.30pm, had some tea, did pre-match,
got his tracksuit on, got on the bus and went and played a magnificent
debut. That was his day. "We have to thank everybody at West Ham that has
helped to make it possible, but what a performance from him. "He deserves an
unbelievable amount of credit. He's 21 years of age, he isn't 22 until
April, but the way he just went about it was immense - absolutely immense -
against one of the toughest strikers in the division in Nuhiu for the way he
plays the game. "In the first 5-10 minutes you expect him to be nervous and
rightly so, but he grew into the game and he was immense, he and Killa were
terrific.
"He's a competitor, he's agressive, he is quick and he's a defender, you saw
that. "The lad can play when he needs to and he's got an unbelievable
character as well. I've said that all along about the people that we bring
in, he's a top lad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers jet out to warm weather training
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Cheikhou Kouyate posted a picture of Sakho, Valencia and Adrian in the
Emirates airport lounge at 9am this morning eating breakfast as the first
team prepare to jet out to the Middle East for warm weather training. Sam
Allardyce says he believes the short winter breaks in Dubai are vital to his
team's fortunes in the Premier League season run-in. A Hammers source told
ClaretandHugh "A few players are staying behind to work on fitness." In
previous years the Hammers have stayed at Dubai Sports City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watch out Maiga's about!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Modibo Maiga looks set for an Upton Park return next season unless the club
can work a sizeable miracle by finding him a loan or permanent club. Should
that prove impossible the super flop striker will pick up around nearly £2
million for his last season as a Hammer unless he decides to take a pay-off
from the club. Maiga – currently on £40k a week – has been as ineffective at
Metz on loan as he was with Queens Park Rangers and it's highly unlikely the
French outfit will want to keep him on the books. He has managed four goals
in ten appearances and was disciplined after going AWOL ahead of a match
earlier in the season. Maiga refused all pay-offs offered by the Irons board
ahead of the move to France where Metz picked up a small percentage of his
wages. And a Hammers source told ClaretandHugh exclusively today: "It's
likely he will be offered some sort of pay-off but on the strength of what
we saw last summer it may be difficult to get him off the wage bill."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: Referee decisions cost us game
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce claims we could have got something from last night's game
against Chelsea if it weren't for match officials getting crucial decisions
wrong. "Some poor officiating on their offside goal, then maybe on another
day we might have got a penalty for the Gary Cahill handball [from Nene's
late shot], we would have got something." said Allardyce on WHUFC.com. The
image on the right has been doing the rounds on social media which seems to
clearly indicate that Sam is right and the match officials got it horribly
wrong with Hazzard offside. Last week during an 'You Are The Ref' event in
central London Sam Allardyce called for a tennis style challenge system
which would allow managers to challenge two referee decisions per match.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers line up deals for squad members
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are ready to let Carlton Cole and Guy Demel move on in the summer
but deals are likely to be handed to Morgan Amalfitano and James Collins.
With three key players – Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid tied
down to new deals – Collins looks certain to be offered a new contract. His
current deal runs out next summer but such has been his form this season in
particular the central defender could get a two year extension which will
take him to 33 years of age. Amalfitano is likely to be offered at least
another year after impressing in a series of cameo performances during the
current campaign. Cole could yet become a West Bromwich Albion player with
Tony Pulis claiming he could come back for the veteran Hammer in the summer
and the club will entertain offers for 33 year old Demel. As reported on
this site earlier this week Diafra Sakho's improved deal will also kick in
during the summer. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "James
has another year and then an option in our favour which we may trigger early
whilst we are thinking over the sort of deal will offer Morgan. Diafra's
improved deal will kick in at the end of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Thursday, March 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th March 2015 II
Reid commits future to Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Winston Reid has signed a new
six-and-a-half year contract with the Club. The centre-back has put pen to
paper on a deal until the summer of 2021, becoming the third first-team
regular to sign a new contract in the last month after James Tomkins and
Mark Noble. News that the 26-year-old has pledged his long-term future to
the Hammers will be welcomed by everyone associated with the Club after
several leading European teams expressed in interest in acquiring his
services. The popular No2 said: "It's one of those things that took a bit of
time, but we got there in the end and I'm very happy to be here for the next
part of my career. I'm looking forward to it. "At the end of the day, for
myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here. He was clearly very
committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the Club, so I'd like
to thank him for that and I'm delighted to sign for the next six years. "My
family are happy living here too. We've been part of the Club living in
London, so we weighed all the factors up and I'm delighted to be staying
here."
Reid has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the
Barclays Premier League in recent seasons, with his composure, reading of
the game, strength and commitment earning rave reviews. Born in the city of
Auckland, New Zealand, of Māori heritage, Reid moved to Denmark as a child
and initially established himself as a professional with FC Midtjylland. It
was his performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, where he scored a
dramatic late equaliser against Slovakia, that saw Reid catch the Hammers'
eye, and he completed a move to east London in August of that year. After
finding opportunities limited as West Ham were relegated in his first
season, Reid showed his determination to force his way into Sam Allardyce's
starting XI, and he played a central role in the Club's return to the top
flight. Back in the Barclays Premier League and Reid has blossomed into a
fantastic centre-half in recent years, being voted Hammer of the Year by
supporters and named as his country's national-team captain in 2013.
To go alongside his outstanding defending, Reid has also developed a knack
of scoring popular goals, netting in a Championship win over Millwall in
February 2012 and in the 3-0 Premier League victory at Tottenham Hotspur in
October 2013. With his future now secure, West Ham fans now know their Kiwi
hero will be All White in Claret and Blue for many seasons to come.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid thrilled to sign long-term deal
WHUFC.com4
Winston Reid was thrilled to put pen-to-paper on a new long-term deal with
West Ham United on Thursday as he looks to take the next forward step in his
career at the Hammers. Reid has committed his future to the Club until the
summer of 2021, and having already spent half-a-decade at West Ham, is ready
to play the peak years of his career in east London. He explained: "It's one
of those things that took a bit of time, but we got there in the end and I'm
very happy to be here for the next part of my career. I'm looking forward to
it.
"At the end of the day, for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking
with the Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was
valued here. He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and
keeping me at the Club, so I'd like to thank him for that and I'm delighted
to sign for the next six years. "My family are happy living here too. We've
been part of the Club living in London, so we weighed all the factors up and
I'm delighted to be staying here."
Reid will form an integral part of the Hammers squad as they move to the new
Stadium in 2016 and he admitted playing at the 54,000 capacity venue was a
factor in extending his stay. He continued: "It's exciting times for the
Club with the Stadium move too and that was a factor. It's not just that, in
general the people around the Club and the way everything works, I'm
delighted we got it done. "With the Club I'm looking forward to exciting
times ahead and hoping to be a big part of it. "I came here in a sticky
period – the first year we got relegated, but since then it's gradually got
better. The team has improved, the organisation as a Club has improved as
well and we need to do that if we want to go places. "I've grown massively
over that time too. Coming here five years ago I was only a young kid, but
now I'm kind of a Londoner I guess! It's a second home for me and I'm
delighted. "This season we've worked very hard but to break into the upper
level does take a bit of time. Hopefully every single year we will improve
and I'm sure we will go in the right direction."
Reid becomes one of a trio of Hammers players to sign new long-term deals in
recent weeks alongside James Tomkins and Mark Noble and the 2013 Hammer of
the Year is looking forward to continuing to play alongside them. He added:
"For James Tomkins and Mark Noble they've been here all their lives. I've
not been here quite as long as them, but come the end of this contract I
will have been here for a fair bit. "It's nice for them to be here and I'm
looking forward to the next six years of my life." Unfortunately, Reid's
involvement against Chelsea ended early due to a hamstring problem, but he
is hoping it won't keep him out for long. "It's just one of those things
with the injury," he concluded. "I had it a little after Crystal Palace and
unfortunately it flared up again. It's just part of the game I guess. "We've
got some time to recover now, which is much needed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam laments 'offside' goal
WHUFC.com
The reaction of the West Ham United supporters at the final whistle of
Wednesday's 1-0 home Barclays Premier League defeat said it all.
The home fans applauded the Hammers off after a determined, all-action
display, but jeered the match officials in the belief that Eden Hazard's
goal was wrongly allowed to stand. Manager Sam Allardyce agreed with the
crowd's sentiments, pointing to images that appeared to show Hazard in an
offside position as he moved to head in Ramires' cross. "Their reaction was
about right, apart from the fact they should have gone home a lot happier
than they are!" said the manager. "Yes, they love seeing a performance, but
we all love positive results. "Everybody who came to the game beforehand
would have expected a performance and accepted a draw as a great result, and
in many parts of the game we did enough and created enough to win the game
if we had been as deadly as we normally are. "I know at one end we're
letting goals in and we've got to stop that, but this goal was offside so
that's gone against us, which is disappointing."
The boss said that now, after a run of one victory in eleven league matches
and a host of frustrating near misses, the challenge for him is to keep his
players believing that they can win football matches. "It was a great
performance and I said to the players that, if they believe they can play
like that consistently until the end of the season, then victories are going
to come our way," he continued. "The thing is, it is important we try to get
the victory as soon as possible, because it ebbs away at the confidence in
the end. The players begin to worry if it's going to happen, rather than it
happening naturally. We're playing well but they're asking why? "Us not
scoring at home is very unusual for us, right when we needed a goal. The
amount of chances we created against a team that is top of the Premier
League and rarely gives chances away like we created was fantastic. "But for
some poor finishing, good goalkeeping and some poor officiating on their
offside goal, then maybe on another day we might have got a penalty for the
Gary Cahill handball [from Nene's late shot], we would have got something.
"We have just got to keep believing in ourselves and keep repeating
performances like we did against Chelsea."
Big Sam also pointed to the loss of Winston Reid to an early hamstring
injury and the absences of Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole through injury and
Morgan Amalfitano through suspension. "We're short of numbers because
Winston has now got injured and there are no alternatives there or up front
– maybe bringing an Andy or Carlton on would have brought the goal, because
while we were playing so well we couldn't break through. "Everybody who
started playing the best they could play, but a change might have seen us
play a different way and Andy might have gone up against them and broken
through. That's why we want the players fit and to have options available.
"It's a disappointment but I have to give the lads a lot of credit for how
they have performed."
Finally, the manager had words of praise for captain Kevin Nolan, who led
from the front with an outstanding display in central midfield.
"Kevin and the rest of the team, as team, played exceptionally well against
one of the most expensively assembled teams in the country," he added.
"Sadly we have got no points when we really did deserve some. We got the
moral victory, maybe, but when I wake up tomorrow morning we still lost. I'm
very proud of the players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid: West Ham defender signs six-and-a-half-year deal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United centre-half Winston Reid has signed a new
six-and-a-half-year contract. The New Zealand international, 26, was linked
with a move to London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal but said he "felt valued"
at the Hammers. "It's one of those things that took a bit of time, but we
got there in the end," said Reid. Back in January, Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce said it was "highly unlikely" Reid would remain at the club. He
also claimed rival clubs may have broken transfer rules by trying to entice
the defender. "You hear rumours," said Allardyce. "But can you prove it?"
Reid, whose previous deal was due to finish at the end of the season,
praised joint-chairman David Sullivan after agreeing to stay.
"He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at
the club, so I'd like to thank him for that," said Reid. The former
Midtjylland defender joined the Hammers in 2010 after impressing at the
World Cup in South Africa. Reid is the third first-team regular to sign a
new contract in the last month, following James Tomkins and Mark Noble.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid pens new long-term contract
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has committed his long-term future to West Ham by signing a new
six-and-a-half year contract. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB earlier
in the week, Reid put pen to paper on the new deal before the squad fly out
to the Middle East for a short training break.
Speaking to whufc.com, Reid said: ""It's one of those things that took a bit
of time, but we got there in the end and I'm very happy to be here for the
next part of my career. I'm looking forward to it. "At the end of the day,
for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the Joint-Chairman
David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here. He was clearly
very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the Club, so I'd
like to thank him for that and I'm delighted to sign for the next six years.
"My family are happy living here too. We've been part of the Club living in
London, so we weighed all the factors up and I'm delighted to be staying
here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid signs whopping £20m contract
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have officially confirmed that Winston Reid has signed a new
six-and-a-half year contract with the Club.
The centre-back has a deal until the summer of 2021. The deal is though to
be worth £55,000 per week plus add ons which could take his weekly pay
package as high as £60,000 per week. Over six and a half years this could be
worth as much £20 million to Winston and his family. He becomes the third
first-team player to sign a new long term contract in the last month after
James Tomkins signed a five and a half year deal worth £35,000 per week
and Mark Noble signed a five and a half year deal worth £45,000 per week.
The total investment means the Hammers board have invested a total of £43
million in these three players over the next six and a half years.
The New Zealand centre back told WHUFC.com "It's one of those things that
took a bit of time, but we got there in the end and I'm very happy to be
here for the next part of my career. I'm looking forward to it. At the end
of the day, for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here.
He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the
Club, so I'd like to thank him for that and I'm delighted to sign for the
next six years.My family are happy living here too. We've been part of the
Club living in London, so we weighed all the factors up and I'm delighted to
be staying here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Winston Reid has signed a new
six-and-a-half year contract with the Club. The centre-back has put pen to
paper on a deal until the summer of 2021, becoming the third first-team
regular to sign a new contract in the last month after James Tomkins and
Mark Noble. News that the 26-year-old has pledged his long-term future to
the Hammers will be welcomed by everyone associated with the Club after
several leading European teams expressed in interest in acquiring his
services. The popular No2 said: "It's one of those things that took a bit of
time, but we got there in the end and I'm very happy to be here for the next
part of my career. I'm looking forward to it. "At the end of the day, for
myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here. He was clearly very
committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the Club, so I'd like
to thank him for that and I'm delighted to sign for the next six years. "My
family are happy living here too. We've been part of the Club living in
London, so we weighed all the factors up and I'm delighted to be staying
here."
Reid has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the
Barclays Premier League in recent seasons, with his composure, reading of
the game, strength and commitment earning rave reviews. Born in the city of
Auckland, New Zealand, of Māori heritage, Reid moved to Denmark as a child
and initially established himself as a professional with FC Midtjylland. It
was his performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, where he scored a
dramatic late equaliser against Slovakia, that saw Reid catch the Hammers'
eye, and he completed a move to east London in August of that year. After
finding opportunities limited as West Ham were relegated in his first
season, Reid showed his determination to force his way into Sam Allardyce's
starting XI, and he played a central role in the Club's return to the top
flight. Back in the Barclays Premier League and Reid has blossomed into a
fantastic centre-half in recent years, being voted Hammer of the Year by
supporters and named as his country's national-team captain in 2013.
To go alongside his outstanding defending, Reid has also developed a knack
of scoring popular goals, netting in a Championship win over Millwall in
February 2012 and in the 3-0 Premier League victory at Tottenham Hotspur in
October 2013. With his future now secure, West Ham fans now know their Kiwi
hero will be All White in Claret and Blue for many seasons to come.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid thrilled to sign long-term deal
WHUFC.com4
Winston Reid was thrilled to put pen-to-paper on a new long-term deal with
West Ham United on Thursday as he looks to take the next forward step in his
career at the Hammers. Reid has committed his future to the Club until the
summer of 2021, and having already spent half-a-decade at West Ham, is ready
to play the peak years of his career in east London. He explained: "It's one
of those things that took a bit of time, but we got there in the end and I'm
very happy to be here for the next part of my career. I'm looking forward to
it.
"At the end of the day, for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking
with the Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was
valued here. He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and
keeping me at the Club, so I'd like to thank him for that and I'm delighted
to sign for the next six years. "My family are happy living here too. We've
been part of the Club living in London, so we weighed all the factors up and
I'm delighted to be staying here."
Reid will form an integral part of the Hammers squad as they move to the new
Stadium in 2016 and he admitted playing at the 54,000 capacity venue was a
factor in extending his stay. He continued: "It's exciting times for the
Club with the Stadium move too and that was a factor. It's not just that, in
general the people around the Club and the way everything works, I'm
delighted we got it done. "With the Club I'm looking forward to exciting
times ahead and hoping to be a big part of it. "I came here in a sticky
period – the first year we got relegated, but since then it's gradually got
better. The team has improved, the organisation as a Club has improved as
well and we need to do that if we want to go places. "I've grown massively
over that time too. Coming here five years ago I was only a young kid, but
now I'm kind of a Londoner I guess! It's a second home for me and I'm
delighted. "This season we've worked very hard but to break into the upper
level does take a bit of time. Hopefully every single year we will improve
and I'm sure we will go in the right direction."
Reid becomes one of a trio of Hammers players to sign new long-term deals in
recent weeks alongside James Tomkins and Mark Noble and the 2013 Hammer of
the Year is looking forward to continuing to play alongside them. He added:
"For James Tomkins and Mark Noble they've been here all their lives. I've
not been here quite as long as them, but come the end of this contract I
will have been here for a fair bit. "It's nice for them to be here and I'm
looking forward to the next six years of my life." Unfortunately, Reid's
involvement against Chelsea ended early due to a hamstring problem, but he
is hoping it won't keep him out for long. "It's just one of those things
with the injury," he concluded. "I had it a little after Crystal Palace and
unfortunately it flared up again. It's just part of the game I guess. "We've
got some time to recover now, which is much needed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam laments 'offside' goal
WHUFC.com
The reaction of the West Ham United supporters at the final whistle of
Wednesday's 1-0 home Barclays Premier League defeat said it all.
The home fans applauded the Hammers off after a determined, all-action
display, but jeered the match officials in the belief that Eden Hazard's
goal was wrongly allowed to stand. Manager Sam Allardyce agreed with the
crowd's sentiments, pointing to images that appeared to show Hazard in an
offside position as he moved to head in Ramires' cross. "Their reaction was
about right, apart from the fact they should have gone home a lot happier
than they are!" said the manager. "Yes, they love seeing a performance, but
we all love positive results. "Everybody who came to the game beforehand
would have expected a performance and accepted a draw as a great result, and
in many parts of the game we did enough and created enough to win the game
if we had been as deadly as we normally are. "I know at one end we're
letting goals in and we've got to stop that, but this goal was offside so
that's gone against us, which is disappointing."
The boss said that now, after a run of one victory in eleven league matches
and a host of frustrating near misses, the challenge for him is to keep his
players believing that they can win football matches. "It was a great
performance and I said to the players that, if they believe they can play
like that consistently until the end of the season, then victories are going
to come our way," he continued. "The thing is, it is important we try to get
the victory as soon as possible, because it ebbs away at the confidence in
the end. The players begin to worry if it's going to happen, rather than it
happening naturally. We're playing well but they're asking why? "Us not
scoring at home is very unusual for us, right when we needed a goal. The
amount of chances we created against a team that is top of the Premier
League and rarely gives chances away like we created was fantastic. "But for
some poor finishing, good goalkeeping and some poor officiating on their
offside goal, then maybe on another day we might have got a penalty for the
Gary Cahill handball [from Nene's late shot], we would have got something.
"We have just got to keep believing in ourselves and keep repeating
performances like we did against Chelsea."
Big Sam also pointed to the loss of Winston Reid to an early hamstring
injury and the absences of Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole through injury and
Morgan Amalfitano through suspension. "We're short of numbers because
Winston has now got injured and there are no alternatives there or up front
– maybe bringing an Andy or Carlton on would have brought the goal, because
while we were playing so well we couldn't break through. "Everybody who
started playing the best they could play, but a change might have seen us
play a different way and Andy might have gone up against them and broken
through. That's why we want the players fit and to have options available.
"It's a disappointment but I have to give the lads a lot of credit for how
they have performed."
Finally, the manager had words of praise for captain Kevin Nolan, who led
from the front with an outstanding display in central midfield.
"Kevin and the rest of the team, as team, played exceptionally well against
one of the most expensively assembled teams in the country," he added.
"Sadly we have got no points when we really did deserve some. We got the
moral victory, maybe, but when I wake up tomorrow morning we still lost. I'm
very proud of the players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid: West Ham defender signs six-and-a-half-year deal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United centre-half Winston Reid has signed a new
six-and-a-half-year contract. The New Zealand international, 26, was linked
with a move to London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal but said he "felt valued"
at the Hammers. "It's one of those things that took a bit of time, but we
got there in the end," said Reid. Back in January, Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce said it was "highly unlikely" Reid would remain at the club. He
also claimed rival clubs may have broken transfer rules by trying to entice
the defender. "You hear rumours," said Allardyce. "But can you prove it?"
Reid, whose previous deal was due to finish at the end of the season,
praised joint-chairman David Sullivan after agreeing to stay.
"He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at
the club, so I'd like to thank him for that," said Reid. The former
Midtjylland defender joined the Hammers in 2010 after impressing at the
World Cup in South Africa. Reid is the third first-team regular to sign a
new contract in the last month, following James Tomkins and Mark Noble.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid pens new long-term contract
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has committed his long-term future to West Ham by signing a new
six-and-a-half year contract. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB earlier
in the week, Reid put pen to paper on the new deal before the squad fly out
to the Middle East for a short training break.
Speaking to whufc.com, Reid said: ""It's one of those things that took a bit
of time, but we got there in the end and I'm very happy to be here for the
next part of my career. I'm looking forward to it. "At the end of the day,
for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the Joint-Chairman
David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here. He was clearly
very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the Club, so I'd
like to thank him for that and I'm delighted to sign for the next six years.
"My family are happy living here too. We've been part of the Club living in
London, so we weighed all the factors up and I'm delighted to be staying
here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid signs whopping £20m contract
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 5, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have officially confirmed that Winston Reid has signed a new
six-and-a-half year contract with the Club.
The centre-back has a deal until the summer of 2021. The deal is though to
be worth £55,000 per week plus add ons which could take his weekly pay
package as high as £60,000 per week. Over six and a half years this could be
worth as much £20 million to Winston and his family. He becomes the third
first-team player to sign a new long term contract in the last month after
James Tomkins signed a five and a half year deal worth £35,000 per week
and Mark Noble signed a five and a half year deal worth £45,000 per week.
The total investment means the Hammers board have invested a total of £43
million in these three players over the next six and a half years.
The New Zealand centre back told WHUFC.com "It's one of those things that
took a bit of time, but we got there in the end and I'm very happy to be
here for the next part of my career. I'm looking forward to it. At the end
of the day, for myself I feel comfortable here. I was speaking with the
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and everybody and felt like I was valued here.
He was clearly very committed to getting the deal done and keeping me at the
Club, so I'd like to thank him for that and I'm delighted to sign for the
next six years.My family are happy living here too. We've been part of the
Club living in London, so we weighed all the factors up and I'm delighted to
be staying here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Daily WHUFC News - 5th March 2015
West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea
A first-half Eden Hazard header saw Chelsea claim the spoils at the Boleyn
Ground on Wednesday evening, though West Ham United gave every bit as good
as they got against the Barclays Premier League leaders. In a game neither
lacking in chances nor incident, Belgian Hazard stooped to nod home Ramires'
cross midway through the opening period. That it proved to be the game's
only goal owed plenty to two exceptional goalkeepers. Diafra Sakho had
several an opportunity to square matters after the break, as the hosts tried
everything to claw back Jose Mourinho's title favourites. At the other end,
Ramires was denied both by the woodwork and Adrian, as Chelsea succeeded in
preserving a five point lead over Manchester City at the Barclays Premier
League summit. A crunching Aaron Cresswell challenge on Diego Costa set the
tone after 45 seconds. West Ham looked sharp. But there was an early
reshuffle to contend with when Winston Reid pulled up inside ten minutes.
James Collins got the call.
All the while, Chelsea were fizzing it around the Hammers' 18-yard box.
Oscar squared for Costa and the Spaniard stabbed it over the top. At the
other end, Enner Valencia was hauled to the floor by John Terry. The Chelsea
skipper earned a caution for his troubles and Valencia slammed the free-kick
into the travelling fans behind the goal. West Ham now looked the more
likely. Stewart Downing picked up the pieces from his own corner and fed
Nolan. The skipper cushioned it into the path of Kouyate, who drew a smart
stop from Courtois at his near post. With 20 gone, Kouyate again
threatened in the opposition box. This time he sprayed it in the direction
of Sakho, who tried and failed to divert it goalwards.
But Chelsea hit the front against the run of play, with the simplest of
goals. Cesc Fabregas rolled it out wide to Ramires, who duly plonked it
straight onto the forehead of Hazard and, with the freedom of the Hammers'
six-yard box, he could hardly miss. West Ham arms went up for a flag that
never came. It looked close. Costa might have doubled the visitors' lead as
he bore down on goal. But he dwelt on it. Cue Carl Jenkinson, who made up
several yards to plant a boot on it and deny the Spaniard a strike on
Adrian's goal.
The Arsenal loanee was instrumental at the other end too. His inviting
centre picked out Sakho, but his downward header from seven yards was
straight at Courtois, who parried. West Ham began the second period with
intensity and intent. It so nearly brought an equaliser. Kouyate's snapshot
fell at the feet of Sakho and his drive cannoned into the stanchion behind
the goal. Then Downing's centre caused havoc, as it bobbled around the
Chelsea box. Sakho swiped at it and Courtois needed every inch of his
massive frame to palm it away and out of Kevin Nolan's reach. Seconds later
and there were Chelsea heads in hands. Ramires broke away down the right,
cut inside Collins and aimed the far post. And the far post he hit, but
thankfully for the Hammers, it rolled straight back in to the grateful arms
of Adrian.
Ramires was denied again after 58 minutes, but this by time by Adrian.
Hazard's deft centre was met with full force by the Brazilian and West Ham's
custodian had to be at his very best to keep it out with his feet. By now
a compelling see-saw affair, West Ham burst straight back up the other end.
Downing's run was direct and Sakho kept up with him. The Senegal man would
then collect on the left edge of the box, before watching Courtois plunge to
his left to keep out his latest effort.
Still the hosts pressed and they came closer still. Valencia's angled drive
was too hot to hold and though Sakho looked favourite to score the rebound,
a combination of defender and 'keeper blocked it behind. As the clock
ticked down, Sakho headed Downing's inviting centre wastefully over the top,
while late substitute Nene saw his goalbound effort charged down. Willian
almost settled it deep into six minutes of added time, but Cresswell was
there on to line to prevent further damage.
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid (Collins 8), Cresswell,
Noble, Kouyate (Nene 87), Nolan (c), Downing, Valencia, Sakho
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Song, Jarvis
Booked: Kouyate, Collins, Nolan
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta, Ramires, Zouma,
Fabregas, Oscar (Willian 74), Hazard (Remy 90+5), Costa (Drogba 90+3)
Subs: Cech, Luis, Cuadrado, Loftus-Cheek
Goal: Hazard 22
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henry loaned to Rovers
WHUFC.com
Doneil Henry has been loaned to Blackburn Rovers
Doneil Henry is hoping to make his mark after joining Blackburn Rovers on
loan. The West Ham United defender has linked up with the Championship club
until 6 April 2015 and is in line to make his debut at Sheffield Wednesday
on Wednesday evening. A further glance down Rovers' fixture list shows an FA
Cup quarter-final at Liverpool on Sunday and a midweek Lancashire derby with
Bolton Wanderers next Wednesday evening. The Canada international, who
joined the Hammers on a permanent basis in January, is naturally excited
about the prospect of playing first-team football in front of large crowds –
just as he did in his 70-plus appearances for MLS side Toronto FC.
"I'm definitely looking forward to playing some first-team football," said
the 22-year-old, who has featured twice for the Development Squad. "I think
it's very important for me that I stay sharp and get back in the routine of
playing regularly. Hopefully I can play a lot for Blackburn and do well for
them. "I'm looking forward to my debut, which I hope to make at Sheffield
Wednesday. Playing in front of big crowds is where I get a lot of enjoyment
out of playing football. I just hope I can help the team. "I know [my old
Toronto FC manager] Ryan Nelsen played at Blackburn, but that's pretty much
what I know about them. I talked to the manager [Gary Bowyer] and some of
the staff there and they were all very welcoming. I'm excited to be on board
and hopefully can help them achieve what they want to achieve."
After Wednesday's league game at Hillsborough, Henry could be handed the
challenge of shackling Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli
when Bowyer's side make the short trip to Anfield in the FA Cup last-eight.
There, he hopes to prove to Hammers boss Sam Allardyce that he can handle
Barclays Premier League football. "I'm very excited about the possibility of
playing against Liverpool this weekend in the FA Cup. Hopefully I can come
up against some top players and impress the manager back here at West
Ham.""As much as I want to play [at West Ham], I'm sure the manager will put
me in when he thinks I'm ready. I'm on a steep learning curve here in
Europe, I just want to keep on improving and take it from there. "So far so
good, I like living in London. The football has been great, it's a new
experience and I'm always open to new challenges, like this one at
Blackburn."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0 Chelsea 1
4 March 2015
Last updated at 21:55
By Andy Cryer
BBC Sport
Chelsea stayed five points clear at the top of the Premier League as a
hard-fought win at West Ham kept them on course for a first title in five
years. Eden Hazard headed the visitors ahead from Ramires's right-wing
cross. Ramires shot against the post for the visitors after the break before
having a header brilliantly saved by Adrian. West Ham troubled Chelsea
throughout but wayward finishing ensured the visitors survived a nervy
second half to hold on to another crucial victory. Manchester City's win at
home to Leicester means there is no change at the top of the Premier League
and, with a game in hand, the title is Chelsea's to lose. They were made to
fight all the way for the three points, especially in a frenetic second half
that saw the Hammers squander a host of opportunities. Chelsea's League Cup
final win over Tottenham on Sunday was their first trophy since Jose
Mourinho's return as manager in 2013, and they will hope there are more to
come this campaign. With only one defeat in their last 11 Premier League
games, they looked on track again as, after dominating possession for 20
minutes, Hazard beat the offside trap to head in Ramires's pinpoint cross.
Mourinho's men have not had everything their own way in recent months,
including an FA Cup exit to Bradford and a league draw with Burnley, but
only a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Carl Jenkinson stopped Diego Costa
from doubling the lead soon after. Chelsea's minor slips are nothing
compared to West Ham's league slump, having won only once in 10 league games
before kick-off, falling from fourth to ninth. Manager Sam Allardyce will
point to the fact his side went into the match eight points better off than
they were last season but they are in danger of their European hopes
disappearing. They had no shortage of chances at an atmospheric Upton Park
though and, with better finishing from Sakho and Enner Valencia, they could
easily have been level as they raised the tempo to rattle a below-par
Chelsea.
In the second half, Ramires was denied by the post and Adrian, while Sakho
was kept out by the impressive Thibaut Courtois as the Hammers put their
visitors under heavy pressure. Chelsea's big celebrations at the final
whistle showed how hard they were made to work.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Blackburn Rovers secure Doneil Henry loan
BBC.co.uk
Blackburn have signed defender Doneil Henry on a month-long loan deal from
West Ham United. The 21-year-old Canada international joined the Hammers
from Cypriot side Apollon Limassol but has not yet made an appearance in
English football. Henry was part of the Blackburn squad that travelled to
face Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night. He is also eligible to play in
the FA Cup quarter-final tie with Liverpool on Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In brief - Wednesday's news round-up
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th March 2015
By: Jack Hammer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
Big Sam eyes Hammers improvement
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce knows his team will need to produce a
markedly better performance against Chelsea if they are to bounce back from
Saturday's defeat to Crystal Palace.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/4-March/Big-Sam-eyes-Hammers-i
mprovement
The Big Interview - Nene
Nene is hoping to build on an impressive debut when West Ham United take on
Chelsea on Wednesday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/3-March/The-Big-Interview-Nene
Winston Reid looks set to snub Tottenham and Arsenal and sign new deal at
West Ham
Winston Reid is ready to sign a new contract with West Ham after all,
following his latest round of talks.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2976680/Winston-Reid-looks
-set-snub-Tottenham-Arsenal-sign-new-deal-West-Ham.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel
=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Sam Allardyce tells his West Ham players: There's no point trying to wind up
Diego Costa... it only makes him better
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes it would be counter-productive if
his defenders attempt to provoke or intimidate Chelsea striker Diego Costa
on Wednesday night.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2978348/Sam-Allardyce-tell
s-West-Ham-players-s-no-point-trying-wind-Diego-Costa-makes-better.html?ITO=
1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
West Ham and Liverpool unsure over summer Alex Song move after midfielder's
downturn in form
The Cameroonian was expected to be in demand at the end of the season but
recent displays have given his suitors food for thought
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-liverpool-unsu
re-over-5266784
West Ham's Sam Allardyce blames Chelsea transfer talk for Enner Valencia
going off the boil
£12m Ecuador striker set to face the Blues to Wednesday got off to a flying
start after summer move but has scored just twice since the end of October
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-hams-sam-allardyce-blames-5
266226
West Ham striker Carlton Cole charged by the FA over abusive tweet to
Tottenham fan
The Hammers forward was responding to a message from a Spurs fan following
the sides' 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane last weekend
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-ham-striker-carlton-cole-52
66667
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eden Hazard on target as Blues maintain momentum with dogged win
21:45, 4 March 2015 By Dave Kidd
Jose Mourinho's side were not at their best at Upton Park but went home with
maximum points thanks to the Belgian's header
The Mirror
The anti-Chelsea campaigners must have had the evening off. Jose Mourinho's
conspiracy theories had to go on the back-burner as a controversial Eden
Hazard winner earned the Premier League leaders a victory they had to
sustain a battering to achieve. Had West Ham's Diafra Sakho not failed to
convert EIGHT glaring chances, they could have blown the bloody doors off
the title race. After an old-school East End night, when a crackling
atmosphere fuelled a vibrant performance from Sam Allardyce's side, Mourinho
knew his team had overcome a serious obstacle. The odds are not always
stacked against his club – a Wembley victory over a knackered Tottenham team
was another example. But Hazard's first-half winner looked narrowly offside
and so Chelsea head down the final straight five points clear with a game in
hand. Jose Mourinho had given his team precisely 20 minutes to celebrate
Sunday's Capital One Cup Final victory before they began preparations for a
trip to their old chums across the city. The Chelsea boss restored Thibaut
Courtois and Oscar to the starting line-up but kept Kurt Zouma in the
midfield enforcer's role as Nemanja Matic completed his two-match ban.
Diego Costa squandered one early chance, blazing over a cross from Oscar.
But the Hammers enjoyed a spell of intense pressure – Wembley hero John
Terry booked for hauling down Enner Valencia, Cheikhou Kouyate having a shot
blocked by Thibaut Courtois at point-blank range and then supplying a cross
which Diafro Sakho somehow failed to put a boot on from eight yards. So it
was almost inevitable that Chelsea should break and score midway through the
half. Cesc Fabregas swept out a pass to Ramires, who centred from the right
for Hazard to nod home after the home defence – with Winston Reid lost to an
early injury - had nodded off. Costa ought to have made it two when Oscar
and Hazard combined to send him clean through – but the Spain striker was
denied by an outstanding last-ditch tackle from Carl Jenkinson before he
could pull the trigger.
If Costa was having a shocker in front of goal, then so too was Sakho. When
Jenkinson motored down the right and centred, the unmarked Senegalese could
only aim a weak header at Courtois. It all began to get a bit naughty when
James Collins clattered Zouma with a challenge out of the Alan Hutton manual
and Costa gave Aaron Cresswell an arm in the face, off the ball. Sakho
drilled one narrowly wide on the turn, then had a close-range effort clawed
away brilliantly by Courtois as the bubble-blowers turned up the amp. Hazard
teed up Ramires twice and the Brazilian could not have come closer to
doubling Chelsea's lead – first he shot against the inside of the post after
the Belgian had led a breakaway, then he saw a downward header saved
instinctively by Adrian's feet.
Courtois, though, was the busier keeper and he denied Sakho with another
plunging effort. And Sakho was left kicking in the goalpost in frustration
when an intervention from Cahill denied him a goal after Courtois had
spilled a Kouyate shot. By the time he had skied a header from Stewart
Downing's cross, Sakho realised this simply wasn't his night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho ranked 7th in Europe!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
CIES Football Observatory has published their rankings of the best
performing players among new signings per area of the game in Europe.
West Ham's Diafra Sakho has been ranked 7th in Europe for his shooting
ability ahead of 12th place Alexis Sánchez as the only other Premier League
striker to be included in the list. The full list can be found here
http://www.football-observatory.com/IMG/pdf/wp101_eng.pdf The Football
Observatory is a research group within the International Centre for Sports
Studies (CIES), a private foundation affiliated to the University of
Neuchâtel, in Switzerland. CIES Football Observatory publishes annual
reports on clubs and players at European level. It has regularly been
mandated to undertake original research by FIFA and UEFA.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Soccer AM wants Hammers fans
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
FansSky Sports Soccer AM is looking for eight West Ham fans to occupy the
Luther Blissett stand on Saturday 14th March Every Saturday a group of fans
of the week take to the now world famous stand in the Soccer AM studios and
raise the roof! The fans play a key role on the show as they provide the
atmosphere in the studio as well as a bit of banter and if you think you and
a group of mates are up to the task then why not apply to come on the show.
All you have to do is copy the questionnaire below into an email and send it
back to us with your name, the team you support and why you would like to
come on at socceram@bskyb.com and put 'Fans of the week' in the subject
field.
The questionnaire can be found here
http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/soccer-am/news/4090811/fans-appeal
Back in December 2012 I was lucky to have the same experience in the Luther
Blissett stand and can recommend it to any group of Hammers fans interested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: "Reid signs six year deal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports are circulating tonight that Winston Reid has agreed a new six year
deal with the Irons. They remain unconfirmed but are in line with what has
been reported in the national media and on ClaretandHugh over the last 24
hours. Goal-com's Graham Bailey tweeted: "Winston Reid has signed a new
six-year contract with West Ham, Goal understands." ClaretandHugh sources
were extremely confident yesterday that a deal would be done and we were
told: "There have been intensive talks over several days and we are very
hopeful. We hope to know more in 72 hours, The unconfirmed news broke this
evening as the Hammers went into action against Chelsea and sadly coincided
with Reid hobbling off after five minutes to be replaced by James Collins.
The Hammers went into the break 1-0 down to a 22nd minute Eden Hazard goal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers battle hard but still on the slide
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Irons 0 Chelsea 1
Let's get rid of the bottom line first…it's another defeat, one win in 10
League games and the team sliding further down the Premier League into tenth
spot. Once again we played some great football, dropped bombs all over
Chelski but couldn't explode a defence which has conceded just 22 goals in
26 games. We were undone in the 22nd minute by a simple Eden Hazard goal
which saw the most dangerous player on the Blues side run un-tracked to head
home a Ramires cross. Poor defending.
Hazard continued to pose all sorts of problems but the Irons were deeply
grateful for a sensational Carl Jenkinson tackle on Diego Costa as the
striker broke into the box looking certain to score. The Hammers had lost
Reid – whom unconfirmed stories say has signed a six year deal – with a
muscle inury to be replaced by Collins after five minutes. Ramires fired
over and Valencia did the same from a free kick in the early exchanges
before the soft Hazard goal put the Hammers on the back foot. The Irons were
never outclassed and after Jenkinson's brilliant work at the back he broke
forward to cross for Sakho but keeper Courtois stretched out a hand to save.
The boys really pressed forward at the start of the second and Sakho again
went close when firing narrowly wide of the near post before producing a
wonder save from the Chelsea keeper which rebounded to Nolan who just
failed. The visitors' stopper made yet another fine stop from the Senegal
striker and Cahill was forced to make an amazing block from the top
goalscorer. It just wasn't Sak's night and he nodded over from Downing's
cross. Late sub Nene saw a thunderbolt blocked before Cresswell cleared off
the line from Willian. The Hammers played for their lives but their very
best just wasn't enough and it's on to Arsenal with the side still sliding.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: "I'm not talking about my future again"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has laughed off more questions about his future after again
being questioned about his West Ham future. He was once again asked about
his situation at the club and declined the opportunity. Instead he smiled:
"No, the media have to have something to write about so they can write
about me. "All publicity is good publicity, so write as much as you want, we
can't explain the situation more than we have already explained it and I am
not going to explain it again!" Sam Allardyce remains the bookies favourite
to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post with odds as short
as 2/1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mourinho on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Jose Mourinho goes round the houses as he attempts to avoid unwittingly
mentioning 19th-century football. Read what the Chelsea boss had to say in
his post-match press conference...
Jose: Was that a bit nail-biting?
Sorry?
A bit nail-biting - a bit nervous?
I understand what you mean and I agree totally. It's not the best game to
play after the Final. The Final is more than a game because pressure and
emotions normally pay a price. To play West Ham after that is not the best
game, it's really difficult.
The quality of the game doesn't matter when the emotion and the tempo is so
high and the players are so fantastic in their commitment; when the referee
is so good letting the game flow and controlling the game. He showed four or
five yellow cards, enough to control the game but letting the game follow
the normal direction.
West Ham are the best team at playing the way they play. they are the best,
no doubt about it. To cope with it and to adapt to it defensively is really
difficult and the players gave everything to cope with it. We had chances to
kill the game and we were expecting that; we were expecting to have good
opportunities to attack the space and try to score more goals.
But, we didn't - and when you don't do that against West Ham you are in
permanent danger. They are very dangerous, so a great victory for us.
There's always big games in title races. Do you see this one as significant?
No, what I see is that in every title race you have different matches to
play. There are matches where you need your quality to win and you have
other matches where you need luck to win. You have other matches where you
need to adapt to your opponents and today was one of those.
You have to adapt for the direct football and John {Terry], Cahill and
Zouma... Courtois, amazing in everything; the midfield trying to keep the
ball and trying to reach attacking players to kill the game. In the end we
had some periods where we had to defend with everything. It's a game where
you can easily lose two points and I'm happy with the fact that we won.
They've just said on TV that the goal was offside and that it may have been
a penalty against Cahill for hand ball. And a second yellow for John Terry.
Somebody asked me about the goal as I was told that. In the game, it didn't
look like it for me because Eden starts the action outside the box and then
moves the ball. Fabregas passed to Ramires; I don't think Ramires is
offside? After that, Eden cam in from outside the box and I don't think he's
offside. But I haven't seen it on television; maybe Sam in his office saw it
but for me, no.
What I have to say is that this football must be the most difficult match
for a referee. In many matches the referees are always in comfort zones; the
ball is wide, the ball is moved in midfield. Slow football, the referee's
always in control. I think this match must be a nightmare for a referee.
Balls in the box, first ball, second ball, physicality; I think it's very
difficult for a referee. Without television, for me Andre and the assistants
had a good game.
Part 2 to follow...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
A disappointed Sam Allardyce is determined to take the positive aspects from
tonight's defeat against title-favourites Chelsea. Read his short-but-sweet,
post-match press conference in its entirety here...
Sam: Jose Mourinho said West Ham were the better team tonight. I think you'd
agree with that, wouldn't you?
Would he have said that if we'd have won?
Possibly not! But he was gracious in victory.
[laughs] I thought we gave a fantastic performace today. The disappointing
thing for the players is not to have bounced back with a result or even a
victory against Chelsea. Based on the disappointment we've had recently -
not just the fact that we lost to Palace, but the fact that we lost a win at
Tottenham in the last few seconds and then [against] Man United - we really
wanted something out of the game. We got a great performance and we've got
to take a lot of positives out of that.
We very rarely fail to score here. Creating so many chances again Chelsea,
which we did, is difficult to do because of how good they are - not only
offensively, but defensively too. We created an awful lot of chances but a
little bit of poor finishing and some great goalkeeping has kept at least a
draw from us.
I've looked at the goal and it's offside. I say it's offside because Kevin
Nolan was [ruled] offside at Old Trafford when he scored to make it 2-2;
there was half-an-inch of his nose offside and they said that was offside.
There was about six inches of his [Hazard's] body offside this time and they
said it was onside. So that's disappointing.
But, it was a good performance. I couldn't have asked for any more and I
don't think anyone could have asked for any more entertainment. This was a
terrific game of football and a fabulous effort from both sets of players.
Sadly, we were on the wrong side of the result. We'll pick ourselves up and
if we keep playing like that, we'll start winning again.
What's Winston Reid's problem?
Hamstring. It happened so early on in the game as well. Ginge came on and
did a really good job so that's fine, but we are running short of options.
We've had a brilliant game today but maybe with 20 minutes to go [you might
want an] Andy Carroll coming off the bench.
You think like that as a manager, alternatives. You look at your options on
the bench and at the moment we've got good players there. We've got options
in terms of attacking options, [although] not so many because Carlton Cole's
out as well. I can't criticise any of the players for the way we played
today, although it's rare that we don't score a goal here.
Thank you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce upset with Eden Hazard strike in Chelsea win
Last Updated: 05/03/15 12:18am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists Eden Hazard's first-half goal should not
have stood after Chelsea claimed victory at Upton Park.
The league leaders were severely tested in east London and needed an
inspired Thibaut Courtois, as well as Hazard's header, to maintain their
five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. However, Allardyce
contested the goal, claiming Chelsea were fortunate to take the lead.. "I've
looked at the goal and it was offside, " Allardyce told Sky Sports. Sam
Allardyce says West Ham played exceptionally well and deserved something out
of the game despite losing 1-0 to Chelsea. "Kevin Nolan was offside at Old
Trafford (in September) when we scored for 2-2. There was half an inch of
his nose offside and they said that was offside. "There was about six inches
of his (Hazard's) body offside this time and they said it's onside. That's
disappointing."
Allardyce also bemoaned his side's poor finishing as Diafro Sakho missed a
host of chances to earn his side a point. But despite fluffing their lines
in front of goal, Allardyce was full of praise for his players' efforts
against Jose Mourinho's men. "It was a terrific performance by the players,"
Allardyce added. "They played a team that's got so much quality and did
exceptionally well. They really deserved something out the
game."Unfortunately for us all that effort and desire and all that quality
we showed today by taking the game to Chelsea was thwarted by some poor
finishing and some great saves from the goalkeeper." West Ham now have 10
days until their next Premier League engagement – a trip to Arsenal – and
Allardyce insists the pressure is on for his side to get a positive result
after slipping down to 10th in the standings. "We need a result," the
Hammers boss said. "We should have beaten Manchester United, we should have
beat Tottenham, we could have got a point tonight and when we go to Arsenal
there's a huge amount of pressure on us. "People will look at the points
total and think we are not playing well. We're playing as well now as we've
done all season but what we're not doing is converting good performances
into victories. "We've got to keep these performances up and we will start
winning if we keep playing like that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea
A first-half Eden Hazard header saw Chelsea claim the spoils at the Boleyn
Ground on Wednesday evening, though West Ham United gave every bit as good
as they got against the Barclays Premier League leaders. In a game neither
lacking in chances nor incident, Belgian Hazard stooped to nod home Ramires'
cross midway through the opening period. That it proved to be the game's
only goal owed plenty to two exceptional goalkeepers. Diafra Sakho had
several an opportunity to square matters after the break, as the hosts tried
everything to claw back Jose Mourinho's title favourites. At the other end,
Ramires was denied both by the woodwork and Adrian, as Chelsea succeeded in
preserving a five point lead over Manchester City at the Barclays Premier
League summit. A crunching Aaron Cresswell challenge on Diego Costa set the
tone after 45 seconds. West Ham looked sharp. But there was an early
reshuffle to contend with when Winston Reid pulled up inside ten minutes.
James Collins got the call.
All the while, Chelsea were fizzing it around the Hammers' 18-yard box.
Oscar squared for Costa and the Spaniard stabbed it over the top. At the
other end, Enner Valencia was hauled to the floor by John Terry. The Chelsea
skipper earned a caution for his troubles and Valencia slammed the free-kick
into the travelling fans behind the goal. West Ham now looked the more
likely. Stewart Downing picked up the pieces from his own corner and fed
Nolan. The skipper cushioned it into the path of Kouyate, who drew a smart
stop from Courtois at his near post. With 20 gone, Kouyate again
threatened in the opposition box. This time he sprayed it in the direction
of Sakho, who tried and failed to divert it goalwards.
But Chelsea hit the front against the run of play, with the simplest of
goals. Cesc Fabregas rolled it out wide to Ramires, who duly plonked it
straight onto the forehead of Hazard and, with the freedom of the Hammers'
six-yard box, he could hardly miss. West Ham arms went up for a flag that
never came. It looked close. Costa might have doubled the visitors' lead as
he bore down on goal. But he dwelt on it. Cue Carl Jenkinson, who made up
several yards to plant a boot on it and deny the Spaniard a strike on
Adrian's goal.
The Arsenal loanee was instrumental at the other end too. His inviting
centre picked out Sakho, but his downward header from seven yards was
straight at Courtois, who parried. West Ham began the second period with
intensity and intent. It so nearly brought an equaliser. Kouyate's snapshot
fell at the feet of Sakho and his drive cannoned into the stanchion behind
the goal. Then Downing's centre caused havoc, as it bobbled around the
Chelsea box. Sakho swiped at it and Courtois needed every inch of his
massive frame to palm it away and out of Kevin Nolan's reach. Seconds later
and there were Chelsea heads in hands. Ramires broke away down the right,
cut inside Collins and aimed the far post. And the far post he hit, but
thankfully for the Hammers, it rolled straight back in to the grateful arms
of Adrian.
Ramires was denied again after 58 minutes, but this by time by Adrian.
Hazard's deft centre was met with full force by the Brazilian and West Ham's
custodian had to be at his very best to keep it out with his feet. By now
a compelling see-saw affair, West Ham burst straight back up the other end.
Downing's run was direct and Sakho kept up with him. The Senegal man would
then collect on the left edge of the box, before watching Courtois plunge to
his left to keep out his latest effort.
Still the hosts pressed and they came closer still. Valencia's angled drive
was too hot to hold and though Sakho looked favourite to score the rebound,
a combination of defender and 'keeper blocked it behind. As the clock
ticked down, Sakho headed Downing's inviting centre wastefully over the top,
while late substitute Nene saw his goalbound effort charged down. Willian
almost settled it deep into six minutes of added time, but Cresswell was
there on to line to prevent further damage.
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid (Collins 8), Cresswell,
Noble, Kouyate (Nene 87), Nolan (c), Downing, Valencia, Sakho
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Song, Jarvis
Booked: Kouyate, Collins, Nolan
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta, Ramires, Zouma,
Fabregas, Oscar (Willian 74), Hazard (Remy 90+5), Costa (Drogba 90+3)
Subs: Cech, Luis, Cuadrado, Loftus-Cheek
Goal: Hazard 22
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henry loaned to Rovers
WHUFC.com
Doneil Henry has been loaned to Blackburn Rovers
Doneil Henry is hoping to make his mark after joining Blackburn Rovers on
loan. The West Ham United defender has linked up with the Championship club
until 6 April 2015 and is in line to make his debut at Sheffield Wednesday
on Wednesday evening. A further glance down Rovers' fixture list shows an FA
Cup quarter-final at Liverpool on Sunday and a midweek Lancashire derby with
Bolton Wanderers next Wednesday evening. The Canada international, who
joined the Hammers on a permanent basis in January, is naturally excited
about the prospect of playing first-team football in front of large crowds –
just as he did in his 70-plus appearances for MLS side Toronto FC.
"I'm definitely looking forward to playing some first-team football," said
the 22-year-old, who has featured twice for the Development Squad. "I think
it's very important for me that I stay sharp and get back in the routine of
playing regularly. Hopefully I can play a lot for Blackburn and do well for
them. "I'm looking forward to my debut, which I hope to make at Sheffield
Wednesday. Playing in front of big crowds is where I get a lot of enjoyment
out of playing football. I just hope I can help the team. "I know [my old
Toronto FC manager] Ryan Nelsen played at Blackburn, but that's pretty much
what I know about them. I talked to the manager [Gary Bowyer] and some of
the staff there and they were all very welcoming. I'm excited to be on board
and hopefully can help them achieve what they want to achieve."
After Wednesday's league game at Hillsborough, Henry could be handed the
challenge of shackling Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli
when Bowyer's side make the short trip to Anfield in the FA Cup last-eight.
There, he hopes to prove to Hammers boss Sam Allardyce that he can handle
Barclays Premier League football. "I'm very excited about the possibility of
playing against Liverpool this weekend in the FA Cup. Hopefully I can come
up against some top players and impress the manager back here at West
Ham.""As much as I want to play [at West Ham], I'm sure the manager will put
me in when he thinks I'm ready. I'm on a steep learning curve here in
Europe, I just want to keep on improving and take it from there. "So far so
good, I like living in London. The football has been great, it's a new
experience and I'm always open to new challenges, like this one at
Blackburn."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0 Chelsea 1
4 March 2015
Last updated at 21:55
By Andy Cryer
BBC Sport
Chelsea stayed five points clear at the top of the Premier League as a
hard-fought win at West Ham kept them on course for a first title in five
years. Eden Hazard headed the visitors ahead from Ramires's right-wing
cross. Ramires shot against the post for the visitors after the break before
having a header brilliantly saved by Adrian. West Ham troubled Chelsea
throughout but wayward finishing ensured the visitors survived a nervy
second half to hold on to another crucial victory. Manchester City's win at
home to Leicester means there is no change at the top of the Premier League
and, with a game in hand, the title is Chelsea's to lose. They were made to
fight all the way for the three points, especially in a frenetic second half
that saw the Hammers squander a host of opportunities. Chelsea's League Cup
final win over Tottenham on Sunday was their first trophy since Jose
Mourinho's return as manager in 2013, and they will hope there are more to
come this campaign. With only one defeat in their last 11 Premier League
games, they looked on track again as, after dominating possession for 20
minutes, Hazard beat the offside trap to head in Ramires's pinpoint cross.
Mourinho's men have not had everything their own way in recent months,
including an FA Cup exit to Bradford and a league draw with Burnley, but
only a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Carl Jenkinson stopped Diego Costa
from doubling the lead soon after. Chelsea's minor slips are nothing
compared to West Ham's league slump, having won only once in 10 league games
before kick-off, falling from fourth to ninth. Manager Sam Allardyce will
point to the fact his side went into the match eight points better off than
they were last season but they are in danger of their European hopes
disappearing. They had no shortage of chances at an atmospheric Upton Park
though and, with better finishing from Sakho and Enner Valencia, they could
easily have been level as they raised the tempo to rattle a below-par
Chelsea.
In the second half, Ramires was denied by the post and Adrian, while Sakho
was kept out by the impressive Thibaut Courtois as the Hammers put their
visitors under heavy pressure. Chelsea's big celebrations at the final
whistle showed how hard they were made to work.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Blackburn Rovers secure Doneil Henry loan
BBC.co.uk
Blackburn have signed defender Doneil Henry on a month-long loan deal from
West Ham United. The 21-year-old Canada international joined the Hammers
from Cypriot side Apollon Limassol but has not yet made an appearance in
English football. Henry was part of the Blackburn squad that travelled to
face Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night. He is also eligible to play in
the FA Cup quarter-final tie with Liverpool on Sunday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In brief - Wednesday's news round-up
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th March 2015
By: Jack Hammer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
Big Sam eyes Hammers improvement
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce knows his team will need to produce a
markedly better performance against Chelsea if they are to bounce back from
Saturday's defeat to Crystal Palace.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/4-March/Big-Sam-eyes-Hammers-i
mprovement
The Big Interview - Nene
Nene is hoping to build on an impressive debut when West Ham United take on
Chelsea on Wednesday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/3-March/The-Big-Interview-Nene
Winston Reid looks set to snub Tottenham and Arsenal and sign new deal at
West Ham
Winston Reid is ready to sign a new contract with West Ham after all,
following his latest round of talks.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2976680/Winston-Reid-looks
-set-snub-Tottenham-Arsenal-sign-new-deal-West-Ham.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel
=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Sam Allardyce tells his West Ham players: There's no point trying to wind up
Diego Costa... it only makes him better
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes it would be counter-productive if
his defenders attempt to provoke or intimidate Chelsea striker Diego Costa
on Wednesday night.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2978348/Sam-Allardyce-tell
s-West-Ham-players-s-no-point-trying-wind-Diego-Costa-makes-better.html?ITO=
1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
West Ham and Liverpool unsure over summer Alex Song move after midfielder's
downturn in form
The Cameroonian was expected to be in demand at the end of the season but
recent displays have given his suitors food for thought
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-liverpool-unsu
re-over-5266784
West Ham's Sam Allardyce blames Chelsea transfer talk for Enner Valencia
going off the boil
£12m Ecuador striker set to face the Blues to Wednesday got off to a flying
start after summer move but has scored just twice since the end of October
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-hams-sam-allardyce-blames-5
266226
West Ham striker Carlton Cole charged by the FA over abusive tweet to
Tottenham fan
The Hammers forward was responding to a message from a Spurs fan following
the sides' 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane last weekend
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-ham-striker-carlton-cole-52
66667
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Eden Hazard on target as Blues maintain momentum with dogged win
21:45, 4 March 2015 By Dave Kidd
Jose Mourinho's side were not at their best at Upton Park but went home with
maximum points thanks to the Belgian's header
The Mirror
The anti-Chelsea campaigners must have had the evening off. Jose Mourinho's
conspiracy theories had to go on the back-burner as a controversial Eden
Hazard winner earned the Premier League leaders a victory they had to
sustain a battering to achieve. Had West Ham's Diafra Sakho not failed to
convert EIGHT glaring chances, they could have blown the bloody doors off
the title race. After an old-school East End night, when a crackling
atmosphere fuelled a vibrant performance from Sam Allardyce's side, Mourinho
knew his team had overcome a serious obstacle. The odds are not always
stacked against his club – a Wembley victory over a knackered Tottenham team
was another example. But Hazard's first-half winner looked narrowly offside
and so Chelsea head down the final straight five points clear with a game in
hand. Jose Mourinho had given his team precisely 20 minutes to celebrate
Sunday's Capital One Cup Final victory before they began preparations for a
trip to their old chums across the city. The Chelsea boss restored Thibaut
Courtois and Oscar to the starting line-up but kept Kurt Zouma in the
midfield enforcer's role as Nemanja Matic completed his two-match ban.
Diego Costa squandered one early chance, blazing over a cross from Oscar.
But the Hammers enjoyed a spell of intense pressure – Wembley hero John
Terry booked for hauling down Enner Valencia, Cheikhou Kouyate having a shot
blocked by Thibaut Courtois at point-blank range and then supplying a cross
which Diafro Sakho somehow failed to put a boot on from eight yards. So it
was almost inevitable that Chelsea should break and score midway through the
half. Cesc Fabregas swept out a pass to Ramires, who centred from the right
for Hazard to nod home after the home defence – with Winston Reid lost to an
early injury - had nodded off. Costa ought to have made it two when Oscar
and Hazard combined to send him clean through – but the Spain striker was
denied by an outstanding last-ditch tackle from Carl Jenkinson before he
could pull the trigger.
If Costa was having a shocker in front of goal, then so too was Sakho. When
Jenkinson motored down the right and centred, the unmarked Senegalese could
only aim a weak header at Courtois. It all began to get a bit naughty when
James Collins clattered Zouma with a challenge out of the Alan Hutton manual
and Costa gave Aaron Cresswell an arm in the face, off the ball. Sakho
drilled one narrowly wide on the turn, then had a close-range effort clawed
away brilliantly by Courtois as the bubble-blowers turned up the amp. Hazard
teed up Ramires twice and the Brazilian could not have come closer to
doubling Chelsea's lead – first he shot against the inside of the post after
the Belgian had led a breakaway, then he saw a downward header saved
instinctively by Adrian's feet.
Courtois, though, was the busier keeper and he denied Sakho with another
plunging effort. And Sakho was left kicking in the goalpost in frustration
when an intervention from Cahill denied him a goal after Courtois had
spilled a Kouyate shot. By the time he had skied a header from Stewart
Downing's cross, Sakho realised this simply wasn't his night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho ranked 7th in Europe!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
CIES Football Observatory has published their rankings of the best
performing players among new signings per area of the game in Europe.
West Ham's Diafra Sakho has been ranked 7th in Europe for his shooting
ability ahead of 12th place Alexis Sánchez as the only other Premier League
striker to be included in the list. The full list can be found here
http://www.football-observatory.com/IMG/pdf/wp101_eng.pdf The Football
Observatory is a research group within the International Centre for Sports
Studies (CIES), a private foundation affiliated to the University of
Neuchâtel, in Switzerland. CIES Football Observatory publishes annual
reports on clubs and players at European level. It has regularly been
mandated to undertake original research by FIFA and UEFA.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Soccer AM wants Hammers fans
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
FansSky Sports Soccer AM is looking for eight West Ham fans to occupy the
Luther Blissett stand on Saturday 14th March Every Saturday a group of fans
of the week take to the now world famous stand in the Soccer AM studios and
raise the roof! The fans play a key role on the show as they provide the
atmosphere in the studio as well as a bit of banter and if you think you and
a group of mates are up to the task then why not apply to come on the show.
All you have to do is copy the questionnaire below into an email and send it
back to us with your name, the team you support and why you would like to
come on at socceram@bskyb.com and put 'Fans of the week' in the subject
field.
The questionnaire can be found here
http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/soccer-am/news/4090811/fans-appeal
Back in December 2012 I was lucky to have the same experience in the Luther
Blissett stand and can recommend it to any group of Hammers fans interested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: "Reid signs six year deal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports are circulating tonight that Winston Reid has agreed a new six year
deal with the Irons. They remain unconfirmed but are in line with what has
been reported in the national media and on ClaretandHugh over the last 24
hours. Goal-com's Graham Bailey tweeted: "Winston Reid has signed a new
six-year contract with West Ham, Goal understands." ClaretandHugh sources
were extremely confident yesterday that a deal would be done and we were
told: "There have been intensive talks over several days and we are very
hopeful. We hope to know more in 72 hours, The unconfirmed news broke this
evening as the Hammers went into action against Chelsea and sadly coincided
with Reid hobbling off after five minutes to be replaced by James Collins.
The Hammers went into the break 1-0 down to a 22nd minute Eden Hazard goal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers battle hard but still on the slide
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Irons 0 Chelsea 1
Let's get rid of the bottom line first…it's another defeat, one win in 10
League games and the team sliding further down the Premier League into tenth
spot. Once again we played some great football, dropped bombs all over
Chelski but couldn't explode a defence which has conceded just 22 goals in
26 games. We were undone in the 22nd minute by a simple Eden Hazard goal
which saw the most dangerous player on the Blues side run un-tracked to head
home a Ramires cross. Poor defending.
Hazard continued to pose all sorts of problems but the Irons were deeply
grateful for a sensational Carl Jenkinson tackle on Diego Costa as the
striker broke into the box looking certain to score. The Hammers had lost
Reid – whom unconfirmed stories say has signed a six year deal – with a
muscle inury to be replaced by Collins after five minutes. Ramires fired
over and Valencia did the same from a free kick in the early exchanges
before the soft Hazard goal put the Hammers on the back foot. The Irons were
never outclassed and after Jenkinson's brilliant work at the back he broke
forward to cross for Sakho but keeper Courtois stretched out a hand to save.
The boys really pressed forward at the start of the second and Sakho again
went close when firing narrowly wide of the near post before producing a
wonder save from the Chelsea keeper which rebounded to Nolan who just
failed. The visitors' stopper made yet another fine stop from the Senegal
striker and Cahill was forced to make an amazing block from the top
goalscorer. It just wasn't Sak's night and he nodded over from Downing's
cross. Late sub Nene saw a thunderbolt blocked before Cresswell cleared off
the line from Willian. The Hammers played for their lives but their very
best just wasn't enough and it's on to Arsenal with the side still sliding.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: "I'm not talking about my future again"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has laughed off more questions about his future after again
being questioned about his West Ham future. He was once again asked about
his situation at the club and declined the opportunity. Instead he smiled:
"No, the media have to have something to write about so they can write
about me. "All publicity is good publicity, so write as much as you want, we
can't explain the situation more than we have already explained it and I am
not going to explain it again!" Sam Allardyce remains the bookies favourite
to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post with odds as short
as 2/1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mourinho on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 5th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Jose Mourinho goes round the houses as he attempts to avoid unwittingly
mentioning 19th-century football. Read what the Chelsea boss had to say in
his post-match press conference...
Jose: Was that a bit nail-biting?
Sorry?
A bit nail-biting - a bit nervous?
I understand what you mean and I agree totally. It's not the best game to
play after the Final. The Final is more than a game because pressure and
emotions normally pay a price. To play West Ham after that is not the best
game, it's really difficult.
The quality of the game doesn't matter when the emotion and the tempo is so
high and the players are so fantastic in their commitment; when the referee
is so good letting the game flow and controlling the game. He showed four or
five yellow cards, enough to control the game but letting the game follow
the normal direction.
West Ham are the best team at playing the way they play. they are the best,
no doubt about it. To cope with it and to adapt to it defensively is really
difficult and the players gave everything to cope with it. We had chances to
kill the game and we were expecting that; we were expecting to have good
opportunities to attack the space and try to score more goals.
But, we didn't - and when you don't do that against West Ham you are in
permanent danger. They are very dangerous, so a great victory for us.
There's always big games in title races. Do you see this one as significant?
No, what I see is that in every title race you have different matches to
play. There are matches where you need your quality to win and you have
other matches where you need luck to win. You have other matches where you
need to adapt to your opponents and today was one of those.
You have to adapt for the direct football and John {Terry], Cahill and
Zouma... Courtois, amazing in everything; the midfield trying to keep the
ball and trying to reach attacking players to kill the game. In the end we
had some periods where we had to defend with everything. It's a game where
you can easily lose two points and I'm happy with the fact that we won.
They've just said on TV that the goal was offside and that it may have been
a penalty against Cahill for hand ball. And a second yellow for John Terry.
Somebody asked me about the goal as I was told that. In the game, it didn't
look like it for me because Eden starts the action outside the box and then
moves the ball. Fabregas passed to Ramires; I don't think Ramires is
offside? After that, Eden cam in from outside the box and I don't think he's
offside. But I haven't seen it on television; maybe Sam in his office saw it
but for me, no.
What I have to say is that this football must be the most difficult match
for a referee. In many matches the referees are always in comfort zones; the
ball is wide, the ball is moved in midfield. Slow football, the referee's
always in control. I think this match must be a nightmare for a referee.
Balls in the box, first ball, second ball, physicality; I think it's very
difficult for a referee. Without television, for me Andre and the assistants
had a good game.
Part 2 to follow...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th March 2015
By: Staff Writer
A disappointed Sam Allardyce is determined to take the positive aspects from
tonight's defeat against title-favourites Chelsea. Read his short-but-sweet,
post-match press conference in its entirety here...
Sam: Jose Mourinho said West Ham were the better team tonight. I think you'd
agree with that, wouldn't you?
Would he have said that if we'd have won?
Possibly not! But he was gracious in victory.
[laughs] I thought we gave a fantastic performace today. The disappointing
thing for the players is not to have bounced back with a result or even a
victory against Chelsea. Based on the disappointment we've had recently -
not just the fact that we lost to Palace, but the fact that we lost a win at
Tottenham in the last few seconds and then [against] Man United - we really
wanted something out of the game. We got a great performance and we've got
to take a lot of positives out of that.
We very rarely fail to score here. Creating so many chances again Chelsea,
which we did, is difficult to do because of how good they are - not only
offensively, but defensively too. We created an awful lot of chances but a
little bit of poor finishing and some great goalkeeping has kept at least a
draw from us.
I've looked at the goal and it's offside. I say it's offside because Kevin
Nolan was [ruled] offside at Old Trafford when he scored to make it 2-2;
there was half-an-inch of his nose offside and they said that was offside.
There was about six inches of his [Hazard's] body offside this time and they
said it was onside. So that's disappointing.
But, it was a good performance. I couldn't have asked for any more and I
don't think anyone could have asked for any more entertainment. This was a
terrific game of football and a fabulous effort from both sets of players.
Sadly, we were on the wrong side of the result. We'll pick ourselves up and
if we keep playing like that, we'll start winning again.
What's Winston Reid's problem?
Hamstring. It happened so early on in the game as well. Ginge came on and
did a really good job so that's fine, but we are running short of options.
We've had a brilliant game today but maybe with 20 minutes to go [you might
want an] Andy Carroll coming off the bench.
You think like that as a manager, alternatives. You look at your options on
the bench and at the moment we've got good players there. We've got options
in terms of attacking options, [although] not so many because Carlton Cole's
out as well. I can't criticise any of the players for the way we played
today, although it's rare that we don't score a goal here.
Thank you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce upset with Eden Hazard strike in Chelsea win
Last Updated: 05/03/15 12:18am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce insists Eden Hazard's first-half goal should not
have stood after Chelsea claimed victory at Upton Park.
The league leaders were severely tested in east London and needed an
inspired Thibaut Courtois, as well as Hazard's header, to maintain their
five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. However, Allardyce
contested the goal, claiming Chelsea were fortunate to take the lead.. "I've
looked at the goal and it was offside, " Allardyce told Sky Sports. Sam
Allardyce says West Ham played exceptionally well and deserved something out
of the game despite losing 1-0 to Chelsea. "Kevin Nolan was offside at Old
Trafford (in September) when we scored for 2-2. There was half an inch of
his nose offside and they said that was offside. "There was about six inches
of his (Hazard's) body offside this time and they said it's onside. That's
disappointing."
Allardyce also bemoaned his side's poor finishing as Diafro Sakho missed a
host of chances to earn his side a point. But despite fluffing their lines
in front of goal, Allardyce was full of praise for his players' efforts
against Jose Mourinho's men. "It was a terrific performance by the players,"
Allardyce added. "They played a team that's got so much quality and did
exceptionally well. They really deserved something out the
game."Unfortunately for us all that effort and desire and all that quality
we showed today by taking the game to Chelsea was thwarted by some poor
finishing and some great saves from the goalkeeper." West Ham now have 10
days until their next Premier League engagement – a trip to Arsenal – and
Allardyce insists the pressure is on for his side to get a positive result
after slipping down to 10th in the standings. "We need a result," the
Hammers boss said. "We should have beaten Manchester United, we should have
beat Tottenham, we could have got a point tonight and when we go to Arsenal
there's a huge amount of pressure on us. "People will look at the points
total and think we are not playing well. We're playing as well now as we've
done all season but what we're not doing is converting good performances
into victories. "We've got to keep these performances up and we will start
winning if we keep playing like that."
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