Daily WHUFC News - 11th April 2015

Preview - Stoke City
WHUFC.com

In brief

Ninth-placed West Ham United host Stoke City, currently tenth, as both clubs look to finish impressive seasons as high up the Premier League table as possible. Sam Allardyce's men will be aiming to bounce back from defeat away at Leicester City last weekend, having won their last home game 1-0 against Sunderland. Meanwhile, Stoke are looking to end a run of three games without a win, having narrowly lost to league leaders Chelsea last weekend. The visitors are level on points with the Hammers on 42 points, however the claret and blues have a better goal difference by six goals.

Who are they?

Formed in 1863 as Stoke Ramblers they became Stoke Football Club following a merger with Stoke Victoria Atheltic Club. Having turned professional in 1885 they became Stoke City Football Club in 1925 after Stoke-on-Trent was granted City status. The Potters moved from the Victoria Ground after 119 years to their current home at the Britannia Stadium in 1997. Stoke were one of the twelve founding members of the Football League. Among their club honours is winning the League Cup in 1971/72 as well as being crowned Division Two champions in 1932/33 and 1962/63. More recently Stoke have enjoyed one of their more successful eras having established themselves as a Premier League club since promotion in 2008. They narrowly missed out on being crowned FA Cup winners after losing to Manchester City 1-0 in the 2011 final.

Team news

West Ham United

The Hammers are boosted by the return of Enner Valencia who has trained with the squad over the last few days having recovered from a toe injury. The Ecuadorean international has been out of action since the narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday 4 March. James Tomkins (shoulder) and Andy Carroll (knee) are both making steady progress in their recoveries from injury.

Stoke City

The visitors are waiting to see if Marc Wilson (hand) and Jonathan Walters (knee) have recovered in time for Saturday's kick off. Long term absentees Bojan Krkic and Peter Odemwingie, both ACL knee injuries, are still unavailable for selection.

Referee

Saturday's match referee will be Roger East. The 50-year-old referee is a relative newcomer to the Premier League, making his debut in 2012. Since then, he has gone on to officiate 24 matches, issuing 75 yellow and six red cards.

Saturday will be the first time that East has taken charge of a West Ham game this season however he has been at the helm of two Stoke games – their 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion and a 2-1 win away at Aston Villa.

The assistant referees are Mark Scholes and Richard West, Keith Woolmer is the Fourth Official.

One to watch

West Ham United

Having netted the equaliser in the reverse fixture, Stewart Downing is looking to add to his goal tally of five goals for the season. The 30-year-old is also the club's leading assist contributor with eight and the Hammers will need his creativity in order to break down a resilient Stoke side.

Stoke City

French midfielder Steven Nzonzi is a powerful figure in the centre of the park for Stoke. The dominating 26-year-old is an integral part of Stoke's line up having featured in every league game for the Staffordshire-based club this season. Nzonzi is a competitive midfielder who can create openings for his teammates while not afraid to put himself about and do the unglamorous hard graft.

Tickets

The last remaining tickets for Saturday's game available here, book now to avoid any disappointment.

Travel

There are planned part closures on the Jubliee and London Overground lines this weekend with a good service on all other lines.

To plan your journey, see the TFL website here.

Weather

Saturday is forecast to be a sunny day, with temperature at kick-off 15C (59F). There is a good chance of rain in the morning but it should clear by lunchtime leaving clear sunshine for the rest of the afternoon.

Last home meeting

West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City
Saturday 31 August 2013
Premier League

A largely uneventful game was decided late on by substitute Jermaine Pennant's free kick in the 82nd minute as the Hammers slipped to their first defeat of the new season.

Mark Hughes' side shaded the proceedings, creating the better chances however a draw looked to be the most likely outcome.

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis, Noble (Collison 84), Diame (Lee 88), Downing (Morrison 64), Maiga.
Subs: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Taylor

Stoke City: Begovic, Pieters, Huth, Wilson, Shawcross, Cameron, Nzonzi, Adam (Whelan 76), Etherington (Pennant 76), Jones, Walters
Subs: Sorensen, Muniesa, Assaidi, Crouch, Jerome

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Big Sam on: Stoke City
WHUFC.om

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the press ahead of Saturday's game with Stoke City.

In the press conference, the gaffer talked about bouncing back from the defeat by Leicester, Enner Valencia's return to the squad and plans for next season...

Good morning Sam, what's the team news for Saturday?

SA: "We can welcome Enner Valencia back in the squad, he's had a good few days of training which is always helpful for the strength and depth of the squad. We have to weigh up whether he can play from the start or the bench."

How key is Enner Valencia to the way you want to play?

SA: "I think he gives us more options to play different systems. With him back we have different selection options up front which is always important.

"Recently we've been limited with our options due to injuries, so having him back gives us more frontline options."

Seven games to go, what is the target now?

SA: "I think it will be hard to achieve our re-target that we set at the end of January. We have to make sure we finish higher than we've ever done in the league and get more than 46 points.

"Looking at the table, the maximum we can finish is eighth, unless we go on a brilliant winning streak – which I think we are capable of, it's unlikely we can finish higher than that. Winning on Saturday becomes the all important thing."

David Sullivan said he is disappointed with the last 12 games, do you agree with that?

SA: "The reality is there is a difference between the performances and the results. Having said that the bottom line is winning and getting results and we haven't done enough of that recently.

"We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting."

David Sullivan also said he is still targeting Europe, is that a realistic target?

SA: "I think in order to do that we need to win five out of the last seven games at least, if not more. We do have another alternative by qualifying through the fair play league. The most important thing is Stoke on Saturday and trying to get three points."

With only seven games to go until the end of the season, are you able to plan ahead for next season when you don't know if you're going to be here or not?

SA: "We sat down yesterday and began to plan for next season, when we're coming back for pre-season, where we're going to go and who we're going to play. It's not fully evolved yet but the plans are in place."

People might be surprised to hear that because you don't know if you're going to be here, do you?

SA: "No I don't. But when you're contracted to a club you do the job that you're paid to do, one of those roles is to plan for next season."

In the reverse tie earlier in the season at the Britannia your side refused to accept defeat, do you want to see the same attitude on Saturday?

SA: "No, I want to be leading. I don't want to be in a position where we have to come from behind. I want to get our noses in front and try and build from that.

"Our creative ability has been endless all season, we're creating the same amount of chances as we were when we were in the top four, we're just not finishing as many. Against Leicester we created more than our usual average number of chances. So we need to convert more chances.

"At the other end we need to make sure we keep our concentration and not let the opposition sneak a goal. That as ultimately been our Achilles heel over the last few games."

When you look at some of the tweets from David Gold, do you feel like you have delivered? And are his ambitions a few seasons away?

SA: "I think we're disappointed a little bit because we built up expectations by being in the top four and not managed to maintain that. Realistically it would have been hard to maintain that over a season even before we had injury problems.

"I expected not to lose away at Leicester and try and get a run of wins going, similarly I'm not expecting us to lose on Saturday."

Given the recent results, will you be going more defensive?

SA: "No, I don't think we need to change the system. It's too hard to change the system from week to week, its takes longer than that to implement. I think we've only gone defensive once or twice this season. Even against Manchester United and Chelsea we attacked them and should have got more than one point from them."

Is it hard to remind the players that the performances are good enough?

SA: "That's something we work on every week. From an analysis point of view we examine all areas of the team and assess want went well and what didn't."

Stoke have lost their last three games, how much do you focus on the opposition's form going into a game?

SA: "It's more the formation rather than the form that we look at. Then we look at ways to break their resilience down. I watched their game at Chelsea and it looked like they were going to get an impressive result until an error by one of the best goalkeepers in the league, it shows how costly one lapse of concentration can be at this level."

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Westley wants home-grown talent to grace new Stadium
WHUFC.com

Academy Manager Terry Westley wants to blood a new breed of home-grown West Ham United talent and where better to start than at the Club's new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. To hammer the point home, Westley recently took eight of the Academy's hottest prospects to check out the former Olympic Stadium for themselves, all of whom have been guaranteed scholarships, if not professional contracts. The visit was not just any old school trip, as Westley points out, but rather the incentive of a lifetime for these teenage footballers, armed with the ambition to return to the Stadium's home dressing room as senior pros. "For the young players we've brought, this will be their Stadium if they're lucky enough to play in the team," Westley told West Ham TV. "It should be motivation enough for any young boy to really want to kick on. "I said on the way to the Stadium: 'Don't just use this as a little school outing. Use this as motivation, in terms of this is where my career could be. This is where I could be playing every week for West Ham. In this Stadium, plying my trade, at the highest level possible.' "The Stadium has got a huge value to a player to want to come and play for this football club. We sometimes talk about the vast sums of money in the Premier League, but this isn't about money, this is about wanting to play at one of the best stadiums in Europe, if not the world."

Sixteen-year-old midfielder Joe Powell, who committed his future to the Club alongside Reece Oxford back in January, got the message loud and clear. While there may not be an immaculate playing surface to admire just yet, Powell insists it hardly takes a great leap of the imagination to dream of playing there. "It's a good opportunity for us to come out of school and see where we may actually be playing in the future," Powell confirmed. "We're working hard towards it and I think it will make us knuckle down even more to get that chance to play in the Stadium. "It's great to think of yourself being out there. Obviously the pitch isn't there yet, but it's good to close your eyes and imagine being out on that pitch one day making your debut."

Music to the ears of Westley, who has plenty of faith in this latest crop of players. West Ham's Academy is awash with youth internationals these days and Westley plans to reignite the culture and history of his predecessor Tony Carr MBE's tenure.
"This is a talented group of players," Westley continued. "We want them to kick on as a Club and start having West Ham home-grown players playing in this magnificent Stadium. "Home-grown players are special. They understand the importance of it and the pride of playing for your home town. Hopefully, when we watch that first game, some of these young ones will be involved. But with this magnificent Stadium comes pressure and you've got to be some talent to come and play on this pitch."You look back and you look at Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Jimmy Greaves and then I think of Ferdinand, Lampard, Cole, Defoe, Carrick. That is what this lot have got to do, that is now the task. Mark Noble and James Tomkins have carried on that tradition, there's now got to be a new breed of young West Ham players. That's what we hope to bring to the Club in the next three years."

If all goes to plan, Westley will see several an Academy starlet make their mark in those three years, but for the time being, just contemplating that first game at the new Stadium in August 2016 is a thrill in itself. "You can picture the atmosphere here, first game of the season, or first floodlit game, with the lights on and people milling around outside. 50-odd thousand people here, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles playing, and it's actually going to happen. That's the staggering bit. It is something to really cherish and look forward to. "I'm so pleased I've come, I'm so pleased I've seen it. It is awesome. I've got tingles just thinking about it. The old stadium's got great history and great things have happened there, but there's got to be a new legacy made at this Stadium."

Westley himself had not stepped inside the former Olympic Stadium since the Games and, suffice to say, he wasn't disappointed! It's a dream for all of us. The vastness of it. It is like a national stadium, as good as anywhere I've travelled, anywhere I've seen. You think of Wembley, it will be like your first team playing at a national stadium every single home game. It's frightening."

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U18s ready for Wolves test
WHUFC.com

The West Ham United U18s return to Premier League Play-Off action with a difficult away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday lunchtime. Having finished sixth in the Southern Division, the young Hammers qualified for the second tier of the Play Offs among the likes of Liverpool, Sunderland and Leicester City. After two games, the Hammers are currently bottom of the table, drawing 0-0 with Brighton & Hove Albion before slipping to a 2-0 away defeat at Derby County. Saturday's hosts Wolves have been in superb form of late, unbeaten in their last eight games, winning six. That run included the start of their Play Off campaign and after three games, they top the table with five points. The Black Country outfit got off to a flying start by beating Derby County 3-0 in an impressive performance before securing credible away 1-1 draws at Reading and Liverpool.
Saturday's kick off is at 12pm and we will have a match report on www.whufc.com shortly afterward.

Following tomorrow's game, the U18s will face Liverpool, Sunderland, Reading and Leicester City.

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Tactically speaking - Stoke City
WHUFC.com

West Ham United
West Ham United have teamed up with football stats website WhoScored.com to preview Saturday's Barclays Premier League meeting with Stoke City. Sam Allardyce will be keen to make it back-to-back home league wins after they overcame lowly Sunderland 1-0 last time out. The visit of a Stoke team which has lost its last three games gives West Ham the opportunity to do just that. Winning the battle in the middle of the park is likely to be key as to which team comes out on top here, with Cameroonian Alex Song expected to play a key role for the hosts. The on-loan midfielder has impressed for West Ham following his summer switch from Barcelona, attaining an average WhoScored.com rating of 7.01. Stoke have developed a statistically calculated WhoScored.com style of play of 'aggressive', which only increases Song's importance in this fixture. The 27-year-old has gained a style of play of 'likes to tackle' and it is this aspect of his game that will be needed against Hughes' side.

Indeed, Song's average of 3.1 total tackles per game is the highest in the West Ham squad. Furthermore, it is Song's ability on the ball that could be essential against Stoke. The Potters have preferred to attack down the wings this campaign, with only 27% of their offensive moves come through the middle section of the pitch. Given Song has developed a WhoScored.com strength of 'passing', his ability to keep possession moving in midfield could help penetrate Stoke's defence as the visitors seek to attack down the flanks. Only Mark Noble, with 48.7, averages more passes per game than Song's 44.

Winning and recycling possession in the middle of the park is what Song does best and, with his limitless energy levels, the former Cameroon international can make an impact in Saturday's fixture. With just seven games to go this season, West Ham will look to end the campaign on a high, starting on Saturday. Given Song's ability both on and off the ball, the experienced midfielder has a big part to play this weekend.

*WhoScored.com is a website and one of the fastest growing in the sports industry, specialising in the in-depth analysis of detailed football data. Follow @WhoScored on Twitter.


Stoke City
Possible starting XI

Begovic
Cameron Shawcross Wollscheid Wilson
N'Zonzi Whelan
Moses Adam Walters
Diouf

The formation

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes employed a 4-4-2 formation at Chelsea last weekend, but is likely to return to his favoured 4-2-3-1 system against the Hammers. Should he do so, Stoke's formation will see a flat back four with two dominant central defenders and athletic, no-nonsense full-backs. Ahead of them, the all-action Steven N'Zonzi and ball-playing Irishman Glenn Whelan will sit deep, with two wide players lining up either side of a central playmaker – most likely the headline-making Charlie Adam. Up front, Mame Biram Diouf is likely to be preferred to Peter Crouch. However, Hughes could stick with two up front, with Diouf partnered by Jonathan Walters, with Adam moving wide left and N'Zonzi and Whelan taking up more traditional central midfield positions.

The playing style

The days of Stoke being labelled a long-ball, long-throw obsessed team are long gone, with Hughes encouraging his talented side to get the ball down and play. Yes, Stoke do still rely on getting the ball into wide areas and crossing into the box, as they did to such good effect at the Britannia Stadium in October, when Diouf nodded in Stoke's second goal from a Walters cross in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
And 'thrilling' is a word that has summed up a lot of Stoke's play this season, with Hughes putting an emphasis on both style and substance as he establishes himself during his second season in charge. Stoke's average possession (50%) and pass completion (78%) percentages are both up on last season, while the Potters are also unleashing more shots on goal in each game they play. As well as adopting a more attractive approach, Hughes has ensured that the Potters have maintained the aggressive, physical approach that made them such a force under predecessor Tony Pulis. In short, Stoke can play, but they are no pushovers either.

The players

The phrase 'mistake by Begovic' does not appear often in Stoke match reports, but it did last weekend as the Bosnian made a hash of playing out from the back against Chelsea. The 27-year-old is normally a huge and reliable presence in the Stoke goal and catches and punches well under pressure. He also distributes the ball long and accurately off his right foot. Right-back Geoff Cameron is tall – you will notice a recurring theme developing – and strong, making him one of a number of major threats from set plays. Left-back Marc Wilson is a centre-back by trade and is also tall for a full-back at 6'2. He is also right-footed. In the middle, Ryan Shawcross is Stoke's captain and organiser. Dominant in the air and decent in possession, Shawcross leads his team well. Alongside him, German Philipp Wollscheid is taller and slimmer than his skipper, two-footed and is similar in style to fellow countryman Per Mertesacker. In midfield, N'Zonzi has been consistent and ever-present. The tall, athletic Frenchman is deceptively quick over the ground and can hit shots with venom from long range. Next to him, Whelan holds things together in the Stoke midfield, closing his opponents down and using the ball intelligently when in possession. Aside from scoring from inside his own half, Adam has a generally exceptional left foot when given the chance to use it.

The wide midfield roles could be filled by any two of a number of players. Stephen Ireland is a decent passer of the ball, while Victor Moses and Marko Arnautovic are enigmatic players blessed with pace and trickery, and Walters is a hard-working and versatile forward who runs the channels and is decent in the air. Up front, Senegal striker Diouf is mobile, strong and can play both with his back to goal and by running at defenders. As for Crouch, every football supporter knows what he can do!

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Demel: "We need the three points"
WHUFC.com

West Ham United defender Guy Demel insists the Hammers must not underestimate Stoke City when the two sides meet on Saturday 11 April. Both sides have 39 points and after enjoying successful seasons, they look to be on course for top half finishes. With only goal difference separating the two sides, Saturday's result will have a big effect on who finishes highest come the end of the season.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Ivorian international said: "The game with Stoke is going to be a tough one. They had a great game against Chelsea. We're at home so we need to win, it should be a good game and hopefully we are the team with three points at the end of the day. "It's very important that we get the points because we have dropped down the table in the last few games. We know we're better than our recent results. Stoke City are a great side so it should be a good game."

Following the Hammers' flying start to the campaign, which included victories over the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, the claret and blues enjoyed a stint in the top four, peaking in third place after a win over Swansea City in early December. However, since the turn of the year, injuries and a tough fixture list has seen Sam Allardyce's men slide to ninth. Despite a slow start to 2015, the hammers are on course to record their highest points total since being back in the Premier League. Demel reflects on a season of two halves philosophically: "It's always hard to say what is going wrong, I think the manager is right when he says our first half makes the second look worse than it is. We've let ourselves down a bit recently and that's sad for the fans and for us. "Of course we want to finish as high as possible, there are lots of points still to play for. We've been playing offensive this season, our attackers have done very well this season, Enner and Diafra have done well and so did Andy when he was fit. Overall I think we've played attractive football and the fans have enjoyed it."

With Carl Jenkinson cementing his place as favoured right-back following a string of eye-catching performances, Demel accepts that he has not played as much as he would have liked. However, the 33-year-old, who is nothing if not professional, admits that spending time out of the starting XI is part of the modern game. "You have to be patient, this is how football is. Obviously I would rather be playing but you have to deal with it. It's the gaffer's decision and you have to respect that. All you can do is work hard in training. "Even if you're not playing you still have an important role. The manager is very clear and honest about everybody's role at the club so that helps you to focus and keep motivated. "You have to realistic, we have a squad of about 27 players and only 11 can play so there are a lot of players in a similar situation."

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Chadwell Chatter - Carlton Cole
WHUFC.com

Hello everybody,

It's Stoke on Saturday and we know we have to kick on and get the next result. It's not been a great period but the manager will tell you that we're working hard on the training ground to improve things and that's what we need to do at the minute. I was so disappointed that those balls into the box didn't quite come to me last Saturday as I wanted to be the hero again! It didn't come, I think Schmeichel made a few good saves and I really wish he had no hands so it could have fallen for me! That's what happens in football, I'll have to wait for my next chance and hopefully it comes really soon. Stoke is a really tough place to go to, but they've got to come here and teams coming to West Ham will say the same thing about the Boleyn Ground. We need to pull our finger out for this game and make sure we're going to score and defend with our lives. That's what we're aiming to do and I think all the people around West Ham want the same as we do and that's a win. I managed to ruffle some feathers when I came on at Stoke and I want to ruffle some feathers any time I get.

I got ten minutes on Saturday. If I can get more that will be great and I'll do my best. It's up to the manager what team he picks, and I can only be the professional I am, do my best and give 100 per cent as soon as I get a chance. We've worked so hard to get to this position and I think we have to go out there and leave an imprint on Stoke to say we're better than you and that we deserve to be in this position. There's no better time than Saturday to do that.

It's the time to prove to ourselves and the manager that we are worthy of being in that position. I went along to a fans' Q&A event at the stadium on Tuesday night and it was a really good evening. There were some decent questions, especially from the young boys they put on the microphone and it was good to give the people a bit of entertainment! I have a great connection with the fans here and everyone wants to hear your opinion at these events. I gave mine on a few subjects and that's what it's all about. It's an intimate crowd, we get to sign autographs and make people happy so it's all good.

Finally, on Sunday I will be hosting a fundraiser for Football Fighting Ebola. My mum is from Sierra Leone and it's a country that has been hit really hard by the crisis. I'm doing an event at Searcy's in Knightsbridge, getting people together to support my idea of fundraising to help the nurses and doctors who are doing a great job out in Sierra Leone already. They need our support to fund what they're doing to eradicate the disease. They've had a lot of help from around the world, but I feel football needs to play a bigger part in eradicating the issue over there because we have a lot of power in the sport. Let's try and use that to make the world a safer place. You can donate yourself by clicking here.

Enjoy Saturday's game!
Carlton

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On this day - 11 April
WHUFC.com

Classic match

Grimsby Town 1-5 West Ham United
Division Two
11 April 1981

David Cross enjoyed an afternoon to remember at Blundell Park on this day in 1981, as the Lancashire-born forward bagged himself four goals in a 5-1 win. John Lyall's Hammers were, by this time, well on course for the Division Two title and victory here saw them extend their lead to eleven points at the top with just five games to play. Cross, meanwhile, was in the midst of his most prolific campaign, finishing the season with 33 goals to show for his 60 appearances in all competitions. Incidentally, he would repeat the four-goal feat just five months later, in a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Cross' impressive haul and a Geoff Pike strike helped the Hammers prolong an unbeaten run dating back to 27 December 1980, one that stood at a formidable 18 games come the season's end.
West Ham went on to win the league at a canter, finishing top by some 13 points and in doing so ending a three-year stay in the second tier.

Complete record - 11 April

1925 Notts. County 4-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1931 West Ham United 3-2 Blackpool (Division One)
1936 Bradford City 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1939 Bradford Park Avenue 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1950 Coventry City 5-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1952 West Ham United 2-1 Notts County (Division Two)
1953 West Ham United 0-1 Huddersfield Town (Division Two)
1955 Fulham 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1959 Leicester City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1960 Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1964 Fulham 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1977 West Ham United 1-0 Norwich City (Division One)
1981 Grimsby Town 1-5 West Ham United (Division Two)
1987 Everton 4-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1989 West Ham United 1-2 Middlesbrough (Division One)
1990 West Ham United 4-1 Bournemouth (Division Two)
1992 West Ham United 4-0 Norwich City (Division One)
1993 West Ham United 3-0 Leicester City (Division One)
1998 West Ham United 0-0 Derby County (Premier League)
2009 Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)

Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 3, Lost 9, Scored 29, Conceded 34

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Own a unique piece of the Boleyn Ground
WHUFC.com

If you book a place at the 2014/15 West Ham United Player Awards, you could leave with a special piece of West Ham United memorabilia.

As part of the live auction on the night, our infamous motivational sign from the home dressing room is up for grabs.

This unique Boleyn Ground item is one of the last things the players see before they do battle for three Barclays Premier League points, reminding them 'Winning – It's what we are here for'.

As we head into what is sure to be a memorable final campaign at the Boleyn Ground, this could be your chance to take a unique corner of the stadium to your own home.

The star-studded awards evening, which is in support of the Academy, will take place at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on Wednesday 6 May 2015, with several more exciting auction items there for the taking.

You could win two Directors Box tickets for every away match in 2015/16, an assistant manager for the day experience at a pre-season match, dinner at your home with two players cooked by England team chef Tim De'ath, a pub lunch with manager Sam Allardyce at the 59 New Street restaurant in Chelmsford, an Argentina shirt signed by stars including Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, an exclusive New Stadium tour and Matchday Announcer for the day!

To climax an eagerly-anticipated evening of entertainment, The Hammer of the Year will be crowned, while the prestigious event, which will see awards presented to the club's brightest current and upcoming stars, will be attended by the first-team squad and coaching staff.

The event presents the perfect opportunity to entertain in style and showcase your company.
Tables for ten are available from just £2,750 plus VAT, while individual packages are priced at £300+VAT. Book now by calling 0871 091 1811!

In addition to the live auction, we will also have a Q&A with Hammers legends alongside a three course luxury meal in the glamorous Grand Ballroom.

Meanwhile, Hammers legend Martin Peters MBE will become the third recipient of the Club's Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by ACL at the Player Awards.

71-year-old Peters came through the famed Academy at West Ham to play a pivotal role in the golden period of the 1960s, even though he missed out on an involvement in the 1964 FA Cup winning effort.

The following year he played a full role as the Hammers lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup and then returned to Wembley a year later to win the World Cup with England.

He would go on to score exactly 100 goals for the Hammers in 364 appearances – a fine record for a midfielder – before enjoying further success with Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, ending a remarkable 22-year professional career with Sheffield United.

The complete midfielder, Peters' versatility was such that he played in every position for the Hammers – including in goal when replacing the injured Brian Rhodes in just his third game for the Club.

Peters was made an MBE in 1978 and follows in the footsteps of Billy Bonds MBE and Sir Trevor Brooking in receiving the Hammers' Lifetime Achievement Award.

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West Ham v Stoke
KO 15:00
10 April 2015
Last updated at 12:04
By John Motson

BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 11 April

TEAM NEWS

West Ham striker Enner Valencia is available to face Stoke after recovering from a toe injury. However, James Collins is expected to miss the rest of the season after dislocating a shoulder.

Stoke are set to recall Victor Moses, who was ineligible against his parent club Chelsea last week. Marc Wilson has a broken hand and will have to wear a protective cast in order to play. Jon Walters has a minor knee injury but his participation is not thought to be in serious doubt.

MATCH PREVIEW

On paper, a game between two clubs in ninth and 10th place - locked together on 42 points - has an end of season feel to it. West Ham's return of 11 points from their last 14 games has somewhat ruined their season, and initially appeared to see their European hopes fade and die - just like the bubbles in their famous anthem.

Lawro's prediction
"Both of these teams are in the top half of the table with the same number of points. But while Stoke boss Mark Hughes has just signed a new contract, it looks unlikely that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will be offered one." Yet the Hammers could still have a route through to the Europa League via the UEFA Fair Play League. The Premier League held one of the three qualifying places amongst all UEFA domestic football at the last check, with West Ham in pole position to claim England's place. The final list is due out next month, once the season has concluded. If West Ham do qualify, that could strengthen Sam Allardyce's claims for a new contract at Upton Park, with his current deal expiring this summer. Allardyce may not know where his future lies but his opposite number Mark Hughes does. He signed a new four-year deal with Stoke only last month and will be targeting at least nine more points from the Potters' remaining games to better last season's Premier League club record total of 50.

Charlie Adam's stunning strike from his own half may have got all the stylistic points in the Potters' 2-1 defeat at Chelsea, but they ultimately left empty-handed. Indeed, they come into this game looking to halt a three-game losing streak. Regardless of how the remainder of Stoke's season pans out, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic's future remains an unwelcome distraction. The club want to sign the Bosnian to a new contract, but he will not make a decision until the summer. It went a little under the radar but back-up keeper Jack Butland, like Hughes, signed a new four-year deal last month. The 22-year-old is the Potters' future; could that be as early as next season?

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Stoke are unbeaten in three games against West Ham. They did the double over them last season, with a Jermaine Pennant free-kick handing them a 1-0 win at Upton Park.
West Ham have kept only one clean sheet in their last six top-flight home matches against Stoke.
West Ham
The Hammers have lost four of their last five matches and won only once in their last nine (W1, D3, L5).
They have kept only one clean sheet in 15 games against other sides in the top half of the table.
Sam Allardyce's side are yet to concede at home inside the opening 15 minutes, a record only Arsenal can match.
West Ham have scored a league-high 15 headers so far this season.
The Hammers are the only side in the Premier League yet to score from a penalty this season.
Stoke
Stoke could equal their worst Premier League run of four successive defeats, last suffered in February 2012.
Mark Hughes' side have lost seven of 13 games against clubs in the top half of the table.
The Potters are yet to be involved in a goalless draw, a record only matched by free-scoring Arsenal and Manchester City.
Hughes has won six and lost only one of his last 10 Premier League encounters with Sam Allardyce.
Charlie Adam has had 25 shots from outside the penalty area in the league this season. His only goal was last weekend's effort from inside his own half.
Peter Crouch is one headed goal away from setting a new Premier League record. He currently shares the record of 46 with Alan Shearer.

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Sam Allardyce plans for next season with West Ham
BBC.co.uk

Manager Sam Allardyce says he is planning for next season with West Ham despite his contract at Upton Park expiring in the summer. Media speculation has claimed Allardyce is set to leave, with Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa among those reportedly lined up to replace him.
"I don't know I am going to be here next season," admitted Allardyce. "But when you're contracted to a club, you do the job. One of those roles is to plan for next season" In May, West Ham's owners set Allardyce a target of a top-10 finish this season, along with a more attractive attacking style after criticism from some of the club's fans. With seven games of their current campaign remaining, the Hammers - who move into the Olympic Stadium for the start of the 2016-17 campaign - are ninth in the Premier League and have scored 41 goals.
They scored 45 goals in the 2012-13 season and 40 in 2013-14. However, their form has dipped markedly in recent months with only two league wins since Christmas. Allardyce has been at the club since June 2011, earning promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge and securing 10th and 13th-place finishes in the past two top-flight campaigns.

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Hughes wants revenge for November slip-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Stoke may be arriving at the Boleyn on the back of three consecutive defeats - but are also unbeaten in their last two visits to east London. City, who won eight in 11 before losing three in a row to West Brom, Crystal Palace and Chelsea arrive in the capital tomorrow full of confidence, having secured a win and a draw against Sam Allardyce's side in their two most recent visits. And striker Jon Walters, who scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw at the Boleyn in November 2012 believes his side have the ability to extend that sequence to three games. "We've had good results there before so hopefully we get the win and leapfrog them into ninth," he said. "Everyone seems to be fit and healthy so it's going well and hopefully we'll come out all guns blazing against West Ham. "We need to get back to winning ways on Saturday off the back of three defeats. We can take certain patterns of play out of the Chelsea game and take them into the West Ham game."

Meanwhile Stoke boss Mark Hughes believes the time is right to take advantage of West Ham's recent poor run of form, one that has resulted in the Irons managing just two wins in the Premier League since Christmas. "Saturday is an opportunity for us to go to a side we are competing with, who are having a bit of an indifferent time themselves, and hopefully win the game to put us in a really strong position," he told the press. "It is an important fixture for us, just as it is for West Ham, but if we can take the three points then it will keep us moving in the direction that we want to go and keep one or two sides above us firmly within our sights too."

Hughes also admitted that he was keen to get revenge for the corresponding fixture last November, in which the hosts threw away a two-goal lead after Stewart Downing and Enner Valencia scored last on for Allarydyce's side to rescue a point. "Up until they scored their first goal we were absolutely flying, and were arguably producing our best performance of the season up until that point," he recalled. "We allowed them back into the game by being slightly naïve and allowing them to catch us on the break. "Then there was a bit of a scramble in our penalty area and the ball then fell to Stuart Downing, somebody you never like to see free on the edge of the box given the technical qualities he possesses. "Frustratingly for us, he managed to tuck it away and leave us all with a sense of disappointment at the end of the game having not taken maximum points from a game that we were in total control of."

* West Ham face Stoke at the Boleyn Ground at 3pm on Saturday. The match will be refereed by Roger East, who will be assisted by linesmen M Scholes and R West.

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Allardyce: 'I don't know if I'll be here next year'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce claimed this morning that he has no idea whether he'll still be employed by West Ham come next season. The managerial incumbent faced a barrage of questions regarding his future during this morning's pre-match press conference - and readily admitted that he had no idea where he'd be working next season, as things stand. When asked directly whether he knew if he'd still be at West Ham for the beginning of the 2015/16 season, Allardyce replied: "No I don't. But when you're contracted to a club you do the job that you're paid to do, one of those roles is to plan for next season. "We sat down yesterday and began to plan for next season, when we're coming back for pre-season, where we're going to go and who we're going to play. It's not fully evolved yet but the plans are in place."

And when asked to comment on David Sullivan's recent revelation in which he claimed to be "disappointed" by the team's recent form, he added: "We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. "I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting. "I think we're a little bit disappointed because we built up expectations by being in the top four and haven't managed to maintain that. Realistically it would have been hard to maintain that over a season even before we had injury problems. "I expected not to lose away at Leicester and try and get a run of wins going. Similarly, I'm not expecting us to lose on Saturday."

Despite pleading innocence, Allardyce is only too aware of the club's plans to replace him this summer. Current Real Sociedad manager David Moyes is the most likely candidate to become Big Sam's successor, as revealed here on KUMB yesterday.

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Liverpool linked with Jenkinson bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for West Ham United's on-loan full back Carl Jenkinson. The tabloids claim this morning that the Reds have joined West Ham in the chase for the once-capped England international, who is likely to be allowed to leave Arsenal this summer. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB back in January, Jenkinson's parent club Arsenal value the 23-year-old defender at circa £8million - a figure that would easily trump West Ham's record fee paid for a defender (£6million for Matthew Upson back in 2007).

However the move could be in jeopardy should West Ham part company with current boss Sam Allardyce this summer, with whom Jenkinson has developed a close-working relationship. Speaking at Christmas, the full-back declared that Allarcyce had been "absolutely brilliant", adding that "I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I'm definitely doing that here at West Ham."

West Ham United's most expensive defenders

1. Matthew Upson - £6m, Birmingham (2007)
2. Tomas Repka - £5.5m, Fiorentina (2001)
3. Aaron Cresswell - £4m, Ipswich Town (2014)
4. Calum Davenport - £3m, Tottenham (2007)
4. Winston Reid - £3m, Midtjylland (2011)
6. Rigobert Song - £2.5m, Liverpool (2000)
7. Herita Ilunga - £2.4m, Toulouse (2009)
8. Ian Pearce - £2.3m, Blackburn (1997)
9. Paul Konchesky - £2m, Charlton (2005)
9. Manuel Da Costa - £2m, Fiorentina (2009)

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Stoke a 'must-win', says Gold
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Co-chairman David Gold has hailed Saturday's clash with Stoke City as a must-win game. The 78-year-old co-owner of West Ham took to Twitter late last night to agree with a supporter who claimed that the team's recent form has been below par.

Iain Tait @RitaitIain
@davidgold Mr Chairman, thought I would point out, last 12 game form guide has us 2nd from bottom, only Newcastle r worse. NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!

David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Yes I agree, it's not good enough. We must beat now beat Stoke on Saturday. dg


Gold, who has previously backed current managerial incumbent Sam Allardyce is now thought to agree with co-owner David Sullivan with regards to making a change this summer. With that obstacle removed, Allardyce is living on borrowed time with the end of the season just over a month away.

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Allardyce admits he may not be at West Ham next season
Last Updated: 10/04/15 8:02pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has admitted he does not know if he will be at the club next season. Allardyce is out of contract at the end of the season and so far there have been no talks with the board about extending his deal beyond the summer. The lack of talks has fuelled speculation that Allardyce may leave the club with a host of names like David Moyes, Rafa Benitez, Marcelo Bielsa, Steve McClaren, Slaven Bilic and Eddie Howe all being touted as possible replacements. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday's game with Stoke, Allardyce said: "No, I don't know if I'm going to be here. "But I don't see any other way, that in my position, when you are contracted at a football club, you do the job that you are paid to do."

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said this week that he was exceedingly disappointed with the last 12 games and when this was put to Allardyce, he said: "Is he really?" No I don't know if I'm going to be here next season - he bottom line is the game is all about winning
"The reality is there is a difference between the performances and the results. Having said that the bottom line is winning and getting results and we haven't done enough of that recently," he said. "We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. "I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting."

West Ham won 10 of their first 22 games this season but the Hammers have gone on a poor recent run that has heaped pressure on Allardyce. The East London side have won just one game in their last nine, scoring just six times and taking only six points from a possible 27.
Allardyce understands the need for a positive finish, with Stoke level on 42 points in the battle for a place in the top 10. "We have to make sure we finish higher than we have ever done in the league and get more than 46 points," said the Hammers boss, whose side were beaten by bottom club Leicester last weekend. "Looking at the table, the maximum we can finish is eighth, unless we go on a brilliant winning streak - which I think we are capable of, it is unlikely we can finish higher than that, so winning on Saturday becomes the all-important thing."

Allardyce added: "Our creative ability has been endless all season, we're creating the same amount of chances as we were when we were in the top four, we're just not finishing as many. Against Leicester we created more than our usual average number of chances. So we need to convert more chances. "At the other end we need to make sure we keep our concentration and not let the opposition sneak a goal. That has ultimately been our Achilles heel over the last few games."

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West Ham United v Stoke City preview: Both teams out to end slumps
Last Updated: 10/04/15 10:59pm
SSN

West Ham welcome Stoke to Upton Park on Saturday with both sides looking to end recent slumps in form. The Hammers have lost three of their last four, including a 2-1 reverse at Leicester last weekend, while Stoke have lost three on the bounce following a run of three successive wins prior to that. The sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw earlier in the season, with Victor Moses and Mame Biram Diouf putting the Potters 2-0 up before Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing rescued a point for West Ham.

Team news

West Ham will have Ecuador forward Valencia available again following a toe injury, but fellow striker Andy Carroll (knee) remains sidelined. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce will also be without defenders Doneil Henry (hamstring) and James Tomkins (shoulder). Tomkins has undergone shoulder surgery and hopes to be in contention again before the end of the season.

Stoke defender Marc Wilson is available despite a broken hand. Wilson complained of a problem after last week's clash against Chelsea and scans have revealed a crack, but he will be able to play if wearing protection. Striker Jon Walters has had a knee problem but has been training and is also in contention.

Opta facts

West Ham are winless in three against the Potters, losing two and drawing the other.
West Ham have won only one of their last nine Premier League games (D3 L5).
Charlie Adam has had 25 shots (including blocked) from outside the box in the Premier League this season, but has scored only with one of those.
Harry Redknapp has urged West Ham to offer Sam Allardyce a new contract and says he cannot see himself ever returning to the club as a manager
Peter Crouch has the same number of Premier League goals as Ruud van Nistelrooy (95) but has played 238 games more.
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has lost only one of his last 10 Premier League encounters with Sam Allardyce (W6 D3).

Merson's prediction

I don't like going against Stoke, as they are hard to beat. I think they will finish higher in the table than West Ham because they are very consistent. If Stoke were where West Ham were four months ago, I think they would be much higher in the league than where they are now. Both teams are exactly where they should be in the league. You forget with West Ham that they only came up two years ago. Sam Allardyce has done a great job.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds: 4/1)

Betting

So safe are these two sides, Sky Bet have stopped taking bets on whether or not they'll avoid the drop. Home side West Ham are the favourites, though, with odds of 6/5 for three points, while Stoke can be backed to win at 23/10, the same price as a draw. Diafra Sakho is the first-goal favourite at 5/1 and Sky Bet tipster Phil Thompson has backed him to break the deadlock in a 1-1 draw at odds of 25/1.

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West Ham vs Stoke City: Jon Walters is our iron man insists Mark Hughes
22:30, 10 April 2015 By Ian Baker
Sparky says the Republic of Ireland forward will not be deterred by wearing a protective mask for rest of season after smashing a cheekbone
The Mirror

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has hailed his "old school" man of steel Jon Walters. Republic of Ireland forward Walters has battled a knee injury and still has a fractured cheekbone. But he will play on with a mask at West Ham and Hughes reckons his attitude is beyond the call of duty. Sparky said: "He will still have the mask on, quite possibly for the rest of the season. But it does not affect him. "Jon is old school in terms of his attitude. Where it was the norm a few years ago, it is the exception now. "Certain players can do that. Jon can play with bangs or if he is still tired he can still play. "For other players it is more difficult."

Walters, 31, once made 102 consecutive starts for the Potters but Hughes reckons he may need to handle him better to preserve his longevity. He said: "It has been to his detriment in the past. When he has needed a rest he has not had one. "He is maturing now as a Premier League player and understands he can't play to his maximum all the time. He had an incredible feat but it was unsustainable.
"Jon understands if he gets niggles we need to protect him. "There were some question marks over him when we added to the squad. People assumed wrongly he would not play. But he's stuck at it."

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Carl Jenkinson 'on Liverpool's radar' as West Ham face competition for Arsenal right-back
23:53, 9 April 2015 By Liam Prenderville
The emergence of Hector Bellerin appears to have dented Jenkinson's future at the Emirates with Liverpool reportedly set to rival the Hammers for his signature
The Mirror

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson. The England Under-21 full-back is on a season-long loan at West Ham and has impressed at Upton Park, featuring in 25 of their Premier League games. The Hammers have been tipped to try make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign, but now look to face competition. With Glen Johnson set to depart Anfield, Brendan Rodgers has identified Jenkinson as an ideal replacement, according to the Sun. He currently has three years left remaining on his deal with Arsenal but in Hector Bellerin, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, Arsene Wenger has multiple options at right-back. Spanish youngster Bellerin, who has emerged as first-choice this term, is set to pen a new deal with the Gunners, seemingly paving the way for Jenkinson to move on permanently. Earlier this season, the 23-year-old admitted he had to leave the Emirates on loan to prevent his career from stagnating.
"I didn't want to have another season sitting on the bench," he said. "It was starting to drive me up the wall a little bit, I wanted to get out and play football, and I've realised that I'm happiest when I'm playing regular football. "I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I'm definitely doing that here at West Ham." Jenkinson is set to be in action for the Hammers against Stoke on Saturday as they bid to get back on track after winning just one of their last nine matches.

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Hammers WILL accept FPL Europa spot!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold has given the strongest indication yet that the Hammers WILL take part in the early Europa Cup stages if they gain a spot via the Fair Play League. There is no obligation to do so and and a club may refuse to take part. And given it means a return to training a month early plus extensive travelling and little financial return it had been thought the Irons board may decide to give it a miss. But DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It has to be given great consideration for the sake of the fans. They want a taste of Europe and if we can provide it via the Fair Play League I think we will do so. "Yes, it does mean an early return, much travelling and there's no real financial return involved early on but if we have a chance of reaching the later stages of the Europa League I think we will probably vote to take it. I think the fans would expect that. "Obviously we will need to protect players like Andy Carroll who have been injured but I think we can put out teams capable of winning those early games."

Co chairman David Sullivan is also in favour of taking part. Three spots are given to federations that finish above a certain level in Uefa's Fair Play table. The top three federations automatically receive a Fair Play entry if their rating is at least 8.0. The berth goes to the highest-placed team in the Fair Play table of that country's top league that has not already qualified for Europe. The Hammers are currently on top of the Premier league Fair Play Table with an average of 8.3.

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Do we want Europe? The fans speak out
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Euro trophy
Claret & Hugh

The two Davids are preparing to send the team into the opening stages of the Europa League competition should we qualify via the Fair Play League. David Gold told ClaretandHugh excssuively last night that he believes the club would owe it to the fans to enter but do the supporters believe it's a great idea or that it would stretch the squad resources and put our league position at risk.

We put the question to them at the Claretandhugh Facebook forum - https://www.facebook.com/groups/363174467150521/ – and here's a selection of comments from the very mixed response.

Stephen Smith Rather have league position. Can't see us having the squad to sustain a serious challenge in the Europa League Cup.

Neil McCarthy Yes as long as we have a strong enough squad to compete in both the league and cup.

Sean Oakley I don't think Europe will benefit us next season…..extra games starting very early on in the year……a new manager hopefully with new players that will need the summer to prepare the team for the premiership….give the new manager next season without Europe and let's move to the new stadium earning a spot in Europe with a solid and memorable season in the premiership!

Lord Emlyn Underhill Could the management/owners come up with their own stipulations. Say only 3 first teamers can play a game. 4 u-21 and 4 players who only got a few games this season. Come out and announce this, say we taking part but don't want it to distract us. Then the fans aren't under the impression the first team will play.

Kenneth Vereycken Yes ! Our home really deserves a big farewell ! Finishing out last season with some European matches would be really nice !

Joe Emery No. Not unless we sign at least 6 players GOOD enough for the first team.

Stuart Absolon No squad too shallow

Tom McAllister Seriously why on earth would anyone not want us to compete in europe in our last season at the boleyn? Early start but worth it to see some European nights.

Darren 父 Walne Yes, although my bosses and bank manager would disagree I imagine !

Mark John Candler I'm very divided on this my heart says yes what a way to end our last season at Upton park, but my head says do we have the squad to play Thursday and Sunday?? Will it put our premiership status at risk?? It would be great for revenue and attracting players but I'm still unsure if its a couple of seasons to soon, I'd rather get into Europe on merit not fair play!!

Rob Usher Next season is probably the most important for many years. We need to have a strong season and finish In the top 8. We will not achieve this if we play in Europe, we are not ready YET!

Bobby Djokovic No definitely not. Risk getting involved in a relegation battle?? We can't sustain a high level of performance in the league for a whole season without the commitment of Europe. I'd prefer an FA Cup win.

James Milne Yes – of course we want European football. If we want to keep our best players and attract the best young players, it's a must! Sullivan has dreams of gatecrashing the top four when we move to the OS.

Andy Day Would we actually compete? Personally I think not, although its clear the quality of the squad has improved, we lack the nouse to close games out. Assuming BFS has had his day, then a new manager coming in has to find his feet.

Nick Gilbert No. We aren't ready.

Warren Arend Can't cope with the games we have let alone Europe

Graham Hatt Yes, and get the majority of our U21's to play in the early stages.

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CandH Iron of the Year Poll result!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Outstanding Aaron Cresswell has run out a clear winner in the ClaretandHugh Iron of the Year award. The fabulous left back – already being tipped for England honours – has been a near ever present this season and to pick up the award in his first season is a brilliant achievement. Cressie ran out with 35.19 of the votes and was followed in second place by Cheik Kouyate who gathered 19.29 pc of the poll. The midfielder's Senegalese team mate, striker Diafra Sakho took third spot with 18.34 per cent. Of the other contenders, goalkeeper Adrian took 15.08 per cent, James Collins 5,84 with the others gathering less than three per cent each. A total of 736 people had voted in the poll when voting was closed this afternoon (Fri). Thanks to all of you who took the time to cast your vote!

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Hammers legends applaud 'Iron of Year'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Former Irons Tony Gale and Leroy Rosenior have applauded the ClaretandHugh followers who made Aaron Cresswell our Iron of the Year.
'Galey' was the first to react eclaring: "You have a very wise readership. He's the obvious choice. He's had a brilliant season, I can't speak highly enough of him. "There's been the odd moment but to play as many games as he has done in his first Premier League season tells you a lot about him. The best is yet to come and for the money we paid (£3.5 million) it was a fantastic deal. He's knocking on the England door and it's not his fault there are so many decent left sided defenders around at the minute. I think he'll make it anyway and my Iron of the Year by a country mile. Leroy has been equally impressed saying: Even though I was a striker and would like to have given it to Sakho, Cressie has been superb. A very worthy winner."

And Tony Cottee made it three out of three for Cressie saying: "Only serious contender – he's been fantastic."

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Sam still planning despite uncertain future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce claimed in his morning press conference that it's business as usual at Upton Park despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. The manager – answering some pretty straight questioning – made it clear he would continue to act professionally until the decision over his future was made. The official website reported that he was asked: 'With only seven games to go until the end of the season, are you able to plan ahead for next season when you don't know if you're going to be here or not?' Allardyce responded: "We sat down yesterday and began to plan for next season, when we're coming back for pre-season, where we're going to go and who we're going to play. It's not fully evolved yet but the plans are in place." The follow-up question was: 'People might be surprised to hear that because you don't know if you're going to be here, do you?' The manager replied: "No I don't. But when you're contracted to a club you do the job that you're paid to do, one of those roles is to plan for next season." Reminded that David Sullivan had said the last 12 games had been very disappointing he added: "The reality is there is a difference between the performances and the results. Having said that the bottom line is winning and getting results and we haven't done enough of that recently. "We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting." And asked whether Sullivan's desire for a European campaign was on, he added: "We need to win five out of the last seven games at least, if not more.
"We do have another alternative by qualifying through the fair play league. The most important thing is Stoke on Saturday and trying to get three points."

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Leroy: Stoke clash shows how far we've slipped
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

More with optimism than expectation I'm going to tip the Irons to run out 2-1 winners over Stoke tomorrow (Sat). But the fact that we are meeting Stoke City who are level with us on points really does demonstrate just how far we have slipped this season. We shouldn't be fighting to stay above them after being up there in the top four.

If we are brutally honest about it the slide has been terrible and this team needs to pick it up fast if we are to believe all the hype that surrounded it – and to which I perhaps contributed – earlier on. Many reasons have been given an airing from managerial tactics to the form of certain players and I'm not going there this time as I've given my views in the past. But for us to now be battling to stay above Stoke City tells us all we need to know about how this season has been allowed to slip away.

David Gold said in his own piece on here that the fans deserve no less than 100 per cent and he's right but we also need to see people playing to their full capacity and skill level and that's up to them rather than the manager! Mark Hughes has done a great job up at Stoke. He has built on what Tony Pulis left him but has also produced a team that can entertain at times. Not dissimilar to West Ham in the early part of the season but as I say we have allowed it to slip away so let's get things back on the straight and narrow with a nice home win. It's odd but when the weather turns warmer at Upton Park we always seem to be a different side so I'm going for a 2-1 win but as I say more in hope than confidence.

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DG: "100 pc is least our fans deserve"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold has told the Hammers fans: "You have every right to demand everything from this squad of players over the rest of the season." And speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he declared: "Stoke is a massive match. it's a six pointer and we are on the same number of points – we can't slip beneath them. "The fans are 100 per cent right to call on the players to give it everything. It's not only about the money they pay – although that's very important – it's their right. It's the club they love. It's their life. "The players have their pride on the line and at stake. After a defeat by bottom of the table Leicester, they need to win. We are looking up, not down. We need to win. "We've been on a very poor run and we need to pick it up against Stoke. The fans have that right to expect maximum effort. That's a given. 100 per cent effort is the least they deserve"

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I want Bielsa so I guess it will be Moyes!
Posted by bubbles fanzine on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Richard Oses is the founder of Bubbles Fanzine and a regular blogger for ClaretandHugh Find his site @ https://www.facebook.com/bubblesfanzine?fref=ts

If you're following the managerial situation at West Ham, you best be strapped in and have a helmet on because the stories are coming out at break-neck speed and they are not showing any signs of slowing down.

What to conclude? It looks like Sam is on his way and we will end up with Rafa, Moyes or Bielsa.

The thing is, I just cannot make up my mind what is for the best, (not that I am tasked with having to decide) this seems a massive decision, the biggest managerial appointment in the club's history.

There are those that think keep Sam for another year, he will steady us into the OS without us worrying about relegation.

Yes, Sam has made us progress, but a lot has been done behind the scenes to help this progress. He certainly did what was asked initially with promotion and safety.

But debate as we might, it seems that the Daves are getting rid so, no point in flogging that horse again, that debate is well left alone.

So who to pick out of that shortlist? This is where I really start to worry. To me, Moyes is another Sam but a bit better.

He did a great job for Everton but he is another Mr Safe and boring. Not that it is a bad thing per-say, he will further steady the ship and also bring on some of the youth we all so desperately want to see.

Then there's Rafa who is a natural winner and excites me no end, but as has been made public knowledge, he wants a bigger gig and lots of money so it might not happen.

Marcel Bielsa, my knee-jerk favourite due to his eccentric nature and the well publicised fact Tevez dubbed him one of the best. However his man-marking bonkers formations and the fact he seems to be described as someone who starts well but fizzles out has an all to familiar sound for my liking.

This has to be the right choice, as for me, we need a long-term manager who will have a project and work with the board to get our club to the next level and keep us there. And hopefully a cup or two on the way.

The more I think about it, the more it scares me, but Sam has to go and the board need to get their next appoinment spot on. My money was on Bielsa, I now think Rafa is the best choice, so naturally, they'll appoint Moyes.

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Jenks in dubious Liverpool link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

This really must be a first! This morning we read that Carl Jenkinson is fancied by Liverpool but excuse us if we don't take it too seriously because it appears in the Mirror who reveal their source as being The Sun! The story claims that Liverpool are "weighing up" a summer move for the right back – just as they were for Winston Reid of course!!! The only back up in the story is that former Iron Glen Johnson is set to depart Anfield and that Brendan Rodgers has identified Jenkinson as an ideal replacement and that, they say, is according to the Sun. However, even were there to be any truth in the story the fact remains that the Hammers are well in front of anyone in the negotiating stakes. Jenks has admitted publicly and privately that he loves West Ham and it is known he wants to remain in London.
He is seen as a priority target with David Sullivan having a close relationship with his agent and talks will start at around £5 million.

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Moyes Hammers destiny in his own hands
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Reports that David Moyes' arrival as West Ham's new manager depend on Real Sociedad giving him permission are wide of the mark.
Various media outlets and websites are now catching on to the fact that Sam Allardyce is as they report it "coming to the end of his West Ham reign." Regular readers of ClaretandHugh will have known that several weeks back when we made it clear the writing was firmly on the wall.

Indeed, David Sullivan in a brief question and answer session with WHUFCTV.com a couple of days back declared: "​The last 12 games have been exceedingly disappointing." Moyes has been the No 1 choice since work started on the finding an Allardyce replacement but that Real Sociedad hold the key to him joining us is not the case. Moyes only signed an 18 month deal with the Spanish club last November and had a clause inserted that he could speak to a Premier League club if an approach was made for his services. The Hammers believe that Tony Henry, their recruitment officer to the board and Moyes' former Everton chief scout is a key player, in trying to attract the Scot to the Boleyn. It is however, true, as reported elsewhere, that the co owners David Gold, and Sullivan are set to call time on Allardyce's reign.

Moyes has his future in his own hands and has said that he is extremely happy where he is but Sullivan is a persuasive negotiator and will hope to talk him round. Marcelo Bielsa has been recommended to the board by numerous 'faces' inside the game and could yet move in as the next boss if Moyes rejects the club as he is reported to have done last summer.

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Daily WHUFC News - 10tt April 2015

Downing keen to distance Stoke
WHUFC.com

Stewart Downing sees Saturday's visit of Stoke City as a key game in the Hammers' bid to secure a top-eight Barclays Premier League finish. West Ham and the Potters go into the Boleyn Ground clash locked together on 42 points, so a victory could prove key in pulling away from the opponents. After playing a central role in helping the Hammers come from 2-0 down at Stoke in October to claim a point - Downing scored one and set the other up - he is keen to go one better and win on Saturday. "We're on the same number of points, so it's a massive game," Downing explained. "It was a difficult one when we played there and we got a draw out of it, but we're at home now and I think Enner's back for the weekend. Diafra is there too so we can have a right good go at them and get the goalscorers back in the team.
"It was a good game for me when we played earlier in the season, scoring one and setting Ener up too. It was a game of two halves – in the first half we were poor and didn't get going, but in the second half we were really good. "We need to get back to winning ways on Saturday because we don't want the season to tail off – we want to finish as strongly as we can."

Downing laid on a superb diving header for Enner Valencia at the Britannia Stadium and the No11 says having the Ecuador man back will be a major boost. He added: "He's a goal threat. He's got pace, he's powerful and he's a threat to the other team. I thought he played ever so well, especially in the second half, at Stoke. Their defenders will know they're in for a game. "Him and Sakho have been a good partnership when Andy's been out so it'll be interesting what team the manager picks but I'm sure he'll be in his thoughts and it's nice to have him back. "I'm sure the manager is happy to have those options. He has Carlton as well who will be itching to play. He did well when he came on against Sunderland at home."

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Moyes moves closer - but Real hold the key
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

David Moyes is likely to become West Ham's manager next season - but only if current club Real Sociedad grant him permission to leave.
As widely predicted, current boss Sam Allardyce is almost certainly coming to the end of an eventful four-year tenure at the club, in which he has taken West Ham from the Championship to the top ten of the Premier League. Although he was saved from the sack last summer when the Board were split over a change, that barrier is understood to have been removed now with all three key parties - David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady - in agreement that a new appointment is necessary. Much has been written in recent weeks regarding Allardyce's potential replacement, with Moyes, Rafa Benitiez, Slaven Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa highly touted as likely candidates. However David Sullivan is thought to favour signing a manager with Premier League experience. That would essentially rule out both Croatian Bilic and Argentine Bielsa - neither of whom have managed in England before. And although he may be making waves in Ligue 1 at Marseille this season 59-year-old Bielsa's inability to speak English would also rule him out of contention, with the owners considering that a priority.
Benitez, as reported on KUMB in May 2014 was, like Moyes, sounded out by West Ham last summer. Yet the Spaniard is reluctant to join a club outside of England's established top four - especially with the Manchester City position likely to become available at the end of the season.

Whilst that essentially leaves Moyes as the default 'top drawer' choice, the former Everton man is highly-regarded by the Hammers board and, just as importantly, Tony Henry who is leading the hunt for Allardyce's successor. Henry, who was placed in charge of player and staff recruitment by the Board last autumn previously worked with Scot Moyes at Goodison Park and the two developed a close working relationship which could yet be renewed at the Boleyn Ground. However that rests upon West Ham being able to reach agreement with Moyes' current club Real Sociedad, to whom the 51-year-old is contracted until the end of the 2015/16 seasons after signing an 18-month contract last November.

Moyes has guided the Basque club to ninth place in this season's La Liga following a disappointing start to the campaign under Jagoba Arrasate. He is understood to be keen on a return to England to resurrect a domestic career that faltered at Manchester United, from where he was fired after just 10 months in the post (a blow softened by a £5million golden handshake). West Ham's Board are also keen on making at least two marquee signings this summer to supplement the new manager's planned arrival and mark the club's final season at the Boleyn Ground before moving to Stratford. One player on the club's wish list is Carlos Tevez, who has just one more year of a three-year contract left to run at Juventus. The 31-year-old has previously signalled his intention to return to childhood club Boca, but West Ham hope they can persuade the 31-year-old crowd favourite to return to east London for a swansong.

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Chelsea preparing double swoop?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Chelsea are being linked with a multi-million pound move for Aaron Cresswell - just a matter of weeks since it was claimed they were hoping to lure Enner Valencia across the city. The Express were one of several sources to report this morning that Jose Mourinho may turn to the former Ipswich full-back, who only moved to the Boleyn Ground last summer, as a potential replacement for Filipe Luis who is tipped to return to Portugal this summer. And that comes just two months after the Blues were reported to be prepared to pay up to £25million to take Enner Valencia from the Boleyn to Stamford Bridge. Cresswell cost West Ham £4million when signing from the Championship club last summer. Arsenal have also previously expressed an interest in the defender, who is currently valued around the £10-15m mark. Luis, who only joined Chelsea from Athletico Madrid a year ago is being linked with a return to Spain with current La Liga champions Real Madrid.

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Moyes Hammers destiny in his own hands
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Reports that David Moyes' arrival as West Ham's new manager depend on Real Sociedad giving him permission are wide of the mark.
Various media outlets and websites are now catching on to the fact that Sam Allardyce is as they report it "coming to the end of his West Ham reign." Regular readers of ClaretandHugh will have known that several weeks back when we made it clear the writing was firmly on the wall. Indeed, David Sullivan in a brief question and answer session with WHUFCTV.com a couple of days back declared: "​The last 12 games have been exceedingly disappointing." Moyes has been the No 1 choice since work started on the finding an Allardyce replacement but that Real Sociedad hold the key to him joining us is not the case. Moyes only signed an 18 month deal with the Spanish club last November and had a clause inserted that he could speak to a Premier League club if an approach was made for his services.
The Hammers believe that Tony Henry, their recruitment officer to the board and Moyes' former Everton chief scout is a key player, in trying to attract the Scot to the Boleyn. It is however, true, as reported elsewhere, that all three board members -co owners David Gold, Sullivan and Karren Brady – are now agreed that a change is necessary. Moyes has his future in his own hands and has said that he is extremely happy where he is but Sullivan is a persuasive negotiator and will hope to talk him round. Marcelo Bielsa has been recommended to the board by numerous 'faces' inside the game and could yet move in as the next boss if Moyes rejects the club as he is reported to have done last summer.

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Hammers WILL accept FPL Europa spot!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold has given the strongest indication yet that the Hammers WILL take part in the early Europa Cup stages if they gain a spot via the Fair Play League. There is no obligation to do so and and a club may refuse to take part. And given it means a return to training a month early plus extensive travelling and little financial return it had been thought the Irons board may decide to give it a miss.
But DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It has to be given great consideration for the sake of the fans. They want a taste of Europe and if we can provide it via the Fair Play League I think we will do so. "Yes, it does mean an early return, much travelling and there's no real financial return involved early on but if we have a chance of reaching the later stages of the Europa League I think we will probably vote to take it. I think the fans would expect that. "Obviously we will need to protect players like Andy Carroll who have been injured but I think we can put out teams capable of winning those early games."

Co chairman David Sullivan is also in favour of taking part. Three spots are given to federations that finish above a certain level in Uefa's Fair Play table. The top three federations automatically receive a Fair Play entry if their rating is at least 8.0. The berth goes to the highest-placed team in the Fair Play table of that country's top league that has not already qualified for Europe. The Hammers are currently on top of the Premier league Fair Play Table with an average of 8.3.

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Chelsea told to get eyes of 'Cressie'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh

West Ham have warned that Aaron Cresswell is off limits for a summer move after reports arose that Chelsea were eyeing him as a possible target were Felipe Luis to move on from Stamford Bridge this summer. The Brazilian international has found it hard to hold down a regular spot and speculation has mounted over his future with Cresswell named as a potential replacement. Manchester City have also been linked with our left back but a Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "He's had a brilliant first season and is locked into a long term contract. He's not available. "Manchester City have also been linked with him apparently but they are watching 50 players at any one time. Cressie is very much part of our future – we're not interested in offers."

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Bonzo on season and what comes next!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7Hugh

Hammers hero Bill Bonds doesn't believe "the state of the season" dictates how players approach games and added: "I always took my A game out – there was no B or C." Stewart Downing and Aaron Cresswell have both declared that they will be as fired up for the rest of the season as they have been throughout the campaign. And Bonzo – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh said: "That's precisely how it must be because whatever the state of the season the fans expect you to go out, give the lot and win." Reviewing the season so far Billy said: "I think it all went wrong in the FA Cup against West Brom. Hopes were so high and it was a bad defeat. "To lose 4-0 after that night against Everton in the Upton Park replay was so disappointing but in reality it hasn't been a bad season "We remain in the top ten but obviously after such a great start when hopes were so high it feels as if it's all gone wrong. In fact it's been quite a successful campaign."

Bonzo is entirely ambivalent about the apparent uncertainty surrounding the manager saying: "Oh the whole managerial thing is just a merry-go-round! What will be will be. "People are saying the board should have made it's mind up by now but it's their club, their money and they will do what they want. I don't have a problem with that. "And to be perfectly honest I really can't believe there hasn't been a dialogue between them by now. They aren't gonna tell the fans absolutely everything are they? There's no reason why they should. "Whatever happens Sam won't be short of offers if he doesn't get one from West Ham and we have to leave it with owners. End of.
"We need to end the season giving everything and gaining as many points as possible. After that the big decisions will be on the table. A little patience is now required."

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Brave Downing pledges Stoke attack
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh

Stoke City have been warned the Hammers are going to have "a right good go at them" this weekend. In an encouraging declaration of intent, Stewart Downing has spoken the words we have all been waiting to hear and hoping to see fulfilled. Aaron Cresswell has said similar things declaring earlier the team will scrap for every point and although we appear to have only league position to play for, it's good to hear such positivity. All we need now is for it to actually happen! Downing has bravely put his head on the block by claiming that with the two main strikers now fit the team can carry the attack to a Stoke City team. Ultimately, of course, that will be the manager's decision but the winger none the less declared: We're on the same number of points, so it's a massive game,
"It was a difficult one when we played there and we got a draw out of it, but we're at home now and I think Enner's back for the weekend. Diafra is there too so we can have a right good go at them and get the goalscorers back in the team. "It was a good game for me when we played earlier in the season, scoring one and setting Enner up too. It was a game of two halves – in the first half we were poor and didn't get going, but in the second half we were really good.

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"We haven't gone on holiday"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Aaron Cresswell has denied the widespread suggestion that the Irons have "gone on holiday." The Hammers have been at the centre of accusations that with nothing left to play for they are more concerned with vacation destinations and sun loungers. It's a cheap shot and not really worth considering, nor whould players be put in a position where they need to defend themselves from such a criticism of the professionalism. The inspirational left back and leading contender for Hammer of the Year has made it crystal clear the side will be fighting for every single point over the last games. He said: "We are all winners and we all want to finish as high as we can in the league. We have seven games to not let our season fizzle out and that is what we intend to do." He was obviously unhappy at the Leicester city defeat and told London24.com: "Their early goal helped the crowd too and if they had gone 2-0 up with the penalty, you sort of felt that the game might be over. But Adrian saved it which kept us in it and I think we took control of the match after that." "We had plenty of chances," added Cresswell. "Cheikhou hit the post and we had a couple of other really good chances and on another day they go into the back of the net. "But we didn't take them and in the end they got the sucker punch goal."

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Valencia Stoke start poser
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Enner Valencia is ready for the Stoke City match! And that means only Andy Carroll, James Tomkins and Doneil Henry remian on the injury list as the Irons head into the final crucial games of the season. Valencia has played a full part in training this week but whether he starts remains to be seen. The manager appears to prefer to re-introduce those who have been on the injury list from the bench so that will be an interesting decision. Stijn Vandenbroucke, Head of Medical and Sports Science reports on the official website: "Enner will be available to be selected to play against Stoke City on Saturday. "Andy Carroll (knee), James Tomkins (shoulder) and Doneil Henry (hamstring) are continuing their rehabilitation following their respective surgeries."

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Daily WHUFC News - 9th April 2015

The Big Interview - Kevin Nolan
WHUFC.com

Kevin Nolan has his eyes on his 100th career league goal – and wants to
reach the landmark this Saturday against Stoke City. The West Ham United
skipper has been stuck on 99 since nodding the Hammers level in December's
2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion and is ready to end the wait.

We caught up with him at Tuesday's Open Training day for this week's Big
Interview…

Looking back at Saturday, clearly a frustrating result but on reflection was
it a game that could have gone either way?

KN: "Yes, definitely. That's the most frustrating thing because we thought
we did enough to at least get something out of the game and we should have
won. It's the old chestnut of if you don't put your chances away, you could
succumb to a defeat. That's what happened to us, we missed chances where
earlier in the season they would have gone in for us. That's what we have to
get back to."

There has been a few late goals recently in either net. Can you put a finger
on why that's been the case?

KN: "You can never put your finger on it. It's just that time of year now.
Everyone's battling for their lives and going for things. Leicester are
battling to stay in the Premier League. Over the last few months it's been
difficult to have that run, but it's something we want to put right and
we're working hard to make the fortunes change."

For yourself you came close to that 100th goal in the first half. It's
coming isn't it?

KN: "Yes. I'm glad I got a couple of chances on Saturday and I'm hoping that
the next chance goes in. It's starting to become a bit of a burden as people
are starting to mention it a bit more. I've just got to keep working hard
and hopefully something will fall for me. Hopefully one will go in off my
backside or something!"

It would be nice if it came against Stoke as they're a team in a similar
position to us…

KN: "Yes. It's a home game where we feel we can beat everyone. It's a
massive game as if we beat them we can put three points into them. It's all
on us and we've got to keep going and doing what we're doing."

The manager has spoken of the target of beating our highest points tally
since returning to the Premier League. How big a target is that for you?

KN: "It's massive. We want to have the best season we've had since we've
been back in the Premier League. I think we deserve it after the start we
had. It will be a disappointment if we didn't hit that target, but we're all
very confident that we will."

We've had Open Training this week with a big turnout – it's always great to
see so many young kids supporting the team isn't it?

KN: "It's brilliant. It's been a fantastic day and it's always nice when the
weather is as good as it has been so the kids can stay around. I've had a
few of these when it's been a bit rainy and you feel sorry for them sitting
there watching us in that weather.

"But Tuesday was a fabulous day and these kids are the future of what
hopefully will be a successful period for the Club as it moves to the
Olympic Stadium.

"It's nice to give something back and all the lads were really happy with
how it went. They've all gone out of their way to make sure the fans got
what they deserved.

There's been a few events this Easter – shop signings, this and a Fans'
Forum – so the Club are giving fans plenty of chance to get involved.

KN: "That's important, because at the end of the day they're the ones who
matter to us most. We're all more than happy to do it."

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View on the Visitors - Stoke City
WHUFC.com

Stoke Sentinel's Stoke City reporter Peter Smith lifts the lid on Saturday's
visitors.

What have you made of Stoke's recent form?

"It's been a bit up and down really. While they've lost the last three games
they haven't played that badly. They were unlucky against Crystal Palace, a
few decisions went against them and they played very well against Chelsea."

Mark Hughes has recently a new contract at the club, do you think that was a
good move?

"Yes, I think it's been a long time coming as the negotiations started in
January. I think he has done a very good job, they're playing good,
attacking football and getting results at the same time. The news has gone
done really well with the fans. There's a sense he is just at the start of
his journey with Stoke."

Which players have stood out this season?

"Every player who started the season well then got injured. Steven Nzonzi
has been the key man in the middle. I think he is very likely to win the
Player of the Season award, he's played every game and has done well
throughout the season.

"Jonathan Walters has also done well recently. He fell down the pecking
order at the start of the season but he has won his place back. His attitude
and work rate is superb and you definitely notice the impact when he doesn't
play."

It was a 2-2 draw in this fixture at the Britannia, what do you remember
from that game?

"I remember Stoke played well that day. Even at 2-0 they were still
attacking which left them vulnerable and West Ham capitalised. After the
game Mark Hughes was furious that his team had let a 2-0 lead slip when they
were on top and probably should have won the match."

What have you made on West Ham more generally this season?

"They certainly started with a bang and I've been very impressed with Diafra
Sakho and Enner Valencia up top. It's sort of fizzled out in recent weeks
but overall I think they've done well."

What is your prediction for Saturday's score?

"I'd take a draw as Upton Park is always a tough place to come to. Both
teams can score goals, so I'll say 2-2 again."

Where do you think Stoke will finish come the end of the season?

"I think they'll finish eighth, top of this mini league with Swansea in
tenth and West Ham in ninth. Eighth would represent a very good season."

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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com

Hello everybody,

We start with Enner Valencia, who has returned to full training with the
first-team squad this week, as those of you who attended the Open Training
Day will have seen! Enner will be available to be selected to play against
Stoke City on Saturday.

Andy Carroll (knee), James Tomkins (shoulder) and Doneil Henry (hamstring)
are continuing their rehabilitation following their respective surgeries.

Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science

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Tomkins hails successful surgery
WHUFC.com

James Tomkins is hoping to return to action before the end of the season
after undergoing successful surgery to repair his dislocated shoulder. The
No5 suffered the injury in a freak incident while in training at Chadwell
Heath, putting a spanner in the works of what had been a fantastic campaign
for the centre-back. However, the defender is remaining positive and would
love to pull on a Claret and Blue shirt at least one more time before
2014/15 draws to a close. "I was in the gym doing some exercises like I
normally do, but just went a bit too far with one of them and unfortunately
I dislocated my shoulder," confirmed Tomkins, who dislocated his shoulder
once before as an Academy player. "I'd have been frustrated if I had done it
on the pitch, so to do it in the gym made it even more frustrating. "I had
the operation about two weeks ago and it has settled down. I'm progressing
with my rehab and getting more movement and hopefully I can get back as soon
as I can. "I am pleased the surgery went well. I went to see a top surgeon
who has done a lot of operations on other Premier League footballers and it
went well for myself, so hopefully this time it will stay in place for good.
It's even stronger than it was before now and fingers crossed it all goes to
plan. "I never thought about it when I was going out to play and I became
more and more confident with every game I played after it happened before. I
was always confident after training and I know when I come back this time I
will be the same. "Hopefully it will not set me back and I will be able to
play a couple of games before the end of the season, you never know. It
depends on how well it goes. I'm preparing myself mentally that I won't play
again this season, so if I come back earlier then it's a bonus."

Tomkins' injury came at an inopportune moment for both the player and the
team, with the Essex-born youngster enjoying arguably his most dominant
season yet in the Barclays Premier League. One statistic revealed that the
defender has not made a single mistake this season that led to the
opposition scoring – one which put a smile on Tomkins' face. "That makes me
feel a bit better, actually!" he said. "It's depressing knowing that you are
out, so those sort of stats are always nice to hear. I felt my season was
going well before I got injured. "I'm gutted for myself that I couldn't
progress because who knows where I could have got by the end of the season.
That's depressing, but those stats will keep me in good stead for next year.
"When I have played, I felt I have been very consistent and that's the main
thing I wanted to get in my game this year. I felt that I did that and I was
getting better and better. "Setbacks like this happen in football all the
time, but it won't hold me back too much. Hopefully I'll kick-on next
season."

While he may not be available, Tomkins hopes his teammates can finish the
season strongly. "When you look at the fixtures, we have got quite winnable
games, so I am confident the lads can get a lot of points from them with the
squad we have got. "I hope the lads stay injury-free and can push on and
secure at least a top-half finish – that's definitely our aim."

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Joint-Chairman 'spellbound' by new Stadium
WHUFC.com

Joint-Chairman David Gold is no stranger to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
even if it is utterly unrecognisable from the place he knew so well as a
young man. Mr Gold was a regular visitor to Stratford in his formative
years, whether for work or, to his mother's dismay, for a summer swim in the
waterways. It is a markedly different affair these days, with the former
Olympic Stadium taking centre stage in spectacular surrounds. Even so, for
this Stepney-born Hammer there remains a poignant resonance with his east
London beginnings. "As a young boy I can remember going and swimming in the
canals and I remember when my mother found out, thinking I'd catch some
terrible disease because they were filthy, terrible places," he recalled.
"But to me, on a hot summer's day, to go and swim there was just fantastic.
"I remember as a young man, in my teens, working down Stratford Market. It's
just amazing when I think of it. We considered it a quite terrible place and
it certainly needed regeneration, though I probably didn't consider that as
a young person. "But the change is so dramatic, all because of the Olympic
Park and the Olympic Stadium. The area is just amazing. Now when you go
there you're impressed with the beauty of the place, even ignoring, for the
moment, the actual Stadium itself. "With the waterways and the gardens, it's
just a stunning, stunning place to be. And of course to have the Olympic
Stadium, West Ham's Stadium, is special for me, because of those memories."

Mr Gold was back at the new Stadium this week to celebrate the Club's latest
partnership deal with Lycamobile and paid tribute to their continued backing
at a pivotal juncture in Hammers history. He explained: "They've been
fantastic supporters of the Club, we've been very fortunate to have such a
great partner, particularly at such an important time for the Club. Not only
the last year at Upton Park coming up but also the opening of the new
Stadium. "Everywhere you turn, West ham values are clear in our partners.
It's very valuable and important that they feel the same things that we do.
We're very fortunate."

As for the Stadium itself, the Joint-Chairman continues to be amazed by the
progress and expects supporters to be absolutely bowled over when they set
foot in their new Stadium for the very first time. "The roof is coming along
remarkably quickly, and I hope the fans get to see this because once they
see it I'm sure they'll love it. "This is going to be the most iconic
Stadium in the world, in my view. I am so proud to be part of it and I know
that when the fans see it, they'll be proud too. Every time I visit, I am
overcome with excitement and pride at what we are achieving. "I'm seeing a
little bit here and a little bit there. For somebody that actually walks in
there for the first time, they are going to be spellbound. "2016 can't come
quickly enough. The players were saying they wanted to play here next week!
Every time I come I am overwhelmed by the enormity and the grandeur of it,
it's absolutely fantastic."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley: "It was a good performance"
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's Sam Westley said the Development Squad can take a lot of
confidence from their performance against Manchester United on Tuesday
night. Despite losing 3-2, the Hammers put in an impressive display and were
unlucky to come away from the match with no points to show for their
efforts. Speaking after the game, Westley said: "It was a very good
performance, we're disappointed to lose really. The first twenty minutes I
don't think they created anything. We did well to score on the counter
attack, overall it was a good performance.
"All week we've been focusing on work rate, and a high press and really
getting into them. I thought we did that really well. Defensively, I thought
we were very solid."

The win sees Manchester United go top of the Barclays U21 Premier League who
named a strong side including the likes of James Wilson, Adnan Januzaj and
Rafael da Silva. Speaking about the experience of playing against
established Premier League players, Westley continued: "I thought they were
a very good side, it was a great experience to play against first team
players. "At the end of the day, that's the level we are all trying to get
at. It was a good experience and a great challenge."

Up next for the Dev Squad is a tough match with Norwich City on Friday 17
April at Rush Green. Earlier in the season the Canaries secured a 1-0 win,
however Westley insisted his side would approach the game with confidence.
"Tonight's performance will give us a lot of confidence for our next match
against Norwich City, we need to pick up some points. Even though we lost we
can be proud of the performance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potts delighted with Dev Squad performance
WHUFC.com

Development Squad coach Steve Potts said he was delighted with the effort
and performance of his side in their 3-2 defeat away at Manchester United.
The young Hammers started brightly and took a deserved lead when Reece
Oxford headed home Josh Cullen's free kick.
Midway through the first half the hosts rallied through a quickfire double
from Josh Harrop and Joe Rothwell. Jordan Brown equalised just before half
time however Harrop's second of the game sealed the three points for the
hosts. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "I was very pleased, the boys
performed very well. I'm disappointed with the result but it was a great
effort from the boys. "We worked on being more solid, I thought we were very
naïve against Liverpool so it was a massive improvement tonight. In the
first 20 minutes we were excellent, we scored and they didn't have a shot."

In an outstanding team performance, one of the best this season, the Dev
Squad took a deserved lead through Oxford's header, his second goal in
recent games after scoring for England U17s. Having fallen behind, the Dev
Squad got back level thanks to Jordan Brown. His work rate and desire to
chase down what seemed to be lost causes paid off as he netted his second
goal of the season. "It's great for both of them. Jordan was a constant
threat in behind the defence all game and Reece is always an outlet with his
height. "Man United were a great challenge for us with the team they
fielded. They're a good side, top of the league. To play against Adnan
Januzaj and James Wilson and a few others who have been involved in the
first team is a great test."

The Dev Squad's next game is another tough encounter against Norwich City at
Rush Green on Friday 17th April. Potts continued to say that a similar level
of performance would be needed in order to secure maximum points. "We
have to take a lot of positives into our next match against Norwich. The
goals we conceded, aren't good goals to concede, but overall we did very
well. "You'd like to think that if we play like we did against Norwich than
we'll have a good chance of winning. There's still room for improvement, but
we can certainly build on tonight. We were very solid defensively and with
the ball, but we can use it better and carry more of a threat."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alou Diarra takes a swipe at West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and his style of
play
Last Updated: 08/04/15 11:39am
SSN

Alou Diarra has taken a swipe at West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and said his
style of play "just wasn't football". Former France midfielder Diarra spent
an unhappy two years at Upton Park, making just 14 appearances before he was
released in the summer.
The 33-year-old joined Charlton in February and has just agreed a new
contract until the summer of 2016. He told the club's matchday programme:
"My first experience in England was frustrating because I didn't play many
games at West Ham. "I did well in training but it just wasn't football. They
played a lot of long balls but for me that is too easy. I've always played
hard stuff. I like to get into position with pressure. "If you are not first
choice with the manager you have to wait for injuries or suspensions to get
your chance and even then I didn't get it. But that's in the past for me
now. "I didn't learn anything during my two years at West Ham. I've learned
more in the last month at Charlton because we try to play football. We try
to keep possession and win every game and for me that is football.
"It's about ambition. I'm a competitive guy and I need to win every game,
not only some games."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull enter Alex Mowatt transfer chase and prepare £7million summer bid for
Leeds starlet
22:30, 7 April 2015 By Bill Cooper
The Tigers have joined Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in pursuit of the
England U20 midfielder after watching him score an Easter Monday cracker
The Mirror

Hull City are planning a summer swoop on Yorkshire neighbours Leeds United
by making a £7million summer offer for Alex Mowatt. Tigers boss Steve Bruce
has joined Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in the race to sign Mowatt, 20,
at the end of the season. Relegation candidates Hull have been tracking the
Doncaster-born midfielder since January and can't fail to have been
impressed following their latest check on him in the Elland Road outfit's
4-3 defeat at promotion-chasing Wolves on Monday. Bruce sent scout John
Rudge to Molineux to watch Mowatt deliver the latest in a series of
impressive displays for the troubled Whites this season. The England
Under-20 international impressed former Port Vale manager Rudge with a
commanding performance, which he capped by scoring a stunning ninth goal of
the campaign. Mowatt has two years left on his deal and Leeds are keen to
tie him down on a new deal - along with fellow prospects Sam Byram, Lewis
Cook and Charlie Taylor. Elland Road chairman Andrew Umbers insisted: "Our
young players are not for sale. Contract negotiations are foremost in our
minds." But Leeds are in turmoil off the pitch, and the Tigers believe they
can take advantage of their Yorkshire neighbours' problems by tabling an
offer for Mowatt that they would find hard to refuse.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Angry West Ham fan grills players about recent trip to Dubai
14:17, 8 April 2015 By Lee Thomas-Mason
West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing was left to answer an awkward question
from an irate Hammers supporter at a fans forum last night
The Mirror

To be fair, summer is on the way and the weather is improving in London so
warm weather training makes sense for the Hammers, right?
Well, one particular West Ham fan really doesn't agree with Big Sam's jolly
over to Dubai and decided to raise the issue at a fans forum last night,
leaving poor Stewart Downing left to answer the question. As you can see in
the video above, he really, really, really, really, REALLY doesn't agree.
Maybe the angry supporter in question was onto something.

Having seen their incredible early season form tail away since the turn of
the year, the Hammers took their trip away during a weekend they had fixture
free weekend (thanks to being knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of West
Brom). Thing is, the warm weather training hasn't really helped things at
Upton Park. West Ham have won one and lost two on their return from Dubai.
Ah well, at least they got a nice tan.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United are the dream team to manage, says West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce
16:47, 8 April 2015 By Aaron Flanagan
Allardyce also opened up about the disappointment of not being named as
England manager after losing out to Steve McClaren
The Mirror

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says that Manchester United are the dream
team to manage in the Premier League. But he insisted that managing West Ham
is a 'dream' job too - admitting he would have got a plenty of stick from
Hammers fans if he didn't say so. Speaking on the Clare Balding Show, which
is shown on BT Sport and the BBC, he said: "If I didn't say West Ham were
the dream club to manage then I'd be in trouble with West Ham fans... but it
has been a dream club to manage. "There has always been one [dream club] -
and that is Man United. "Playing at Old Trafford myself and then going back
there as a manager, so I think probably in this country, they are the one."

When asked what his biggest managerial disappointment was, he revealed it
was missing out on the job of England manager. After Sven-Goran Eriksson
left the national team, Allardyce appeared to be the favourite for the
position. He said: "The biggest disappointment for me was not being the
England coach when it became touch-and-go between me and Steve McClaren at
the end." Allardyce also revealed that he had two interviews for the post of
Three Lions boss and it was after them that he was told that it was between
him and McClaren. But he knew that McClaren had been given the job as he had
not been given the phone call before Bolton's match with Middlesbrough in
the Premier League.
The full interview can be seen on BT Sport on Thursday evening and the BBC
on Friday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Simple! Moyes is the man
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By CandA Associate Editor
Sean Whetstone

The top five names to be regularly linked as West Ham's next manager are
Benitez, Bilic, Bielsa, Moyes and Howe. But for me it's no contest with
David Moyes the only sensible choice. In our final year at the Boleyn ground
we need to build on the stability Sam Allardyce has created for our club in
the past five years and we need Premier League experience to guarantee
survival. It is not the time to be taking big gambles with managers with
little experience or language barriers. For me it is not just about Premier
League experience and a safe pair of hands, David Moyes offers a lot more
and people often forget what he achieved at Everton and focus just on his
disastrous reign at Manchester United.

Moyes completely rebuilt Everton from within, lowering the average age of
the squad, replenishing it on modest means and helping to establish a youth
system that still flourishes today. He encouraged the board to invest in
Everton's £8m training complex with it's youth academy on-site.

He showed an emphasis on youth development and playing youngsters while at
Everton. At his first board meeting as Everton's manager, Moyes told
directors they had erred with an aged transfer policy and needed to start
again. I see him working well with his old mate Tony Henry who was his chief
scout at Everton. During his 10 successful years at Everton he took them
from relegation candidates to top-six regulars in the league.

In the 10 seasons before Moyes's first full campaign, in charge Everton
finished 13th, 17th, 15th, sixth, 15th, 17th, 14th, 13th, 16th and 15th. In
the 10 years after he took over they have finished seventh, 17th, fourth,
11th, sixth, fifth, fifth, eighth, seventh and sixth.

When Moyes arrived at Goodison Park from Preston North End in March 2002,
Moyes picked up 13 points from nine matches to lead Everton to safety – they
had only won one of their previous 13.

Working largely on a tight budget living within Everton's board means, Moyes
set about rebuilding the squad which qualified for the Champions League one
season and regularly reached the Europa League.

He's gets my vote!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Manny' signs up for Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
FA Youth Cup 3rd Round: Southampton v West Ham United
Clreat & Hugh

The official website at www.whufc.com has revealed the centre-half signed
earlier this week after a top season. Eighteen year old 'Manny' – who was on
the bench at Arsenal – said: "I'm grateful because it's amazing," The club
has done so much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just need to
get to the next level now and keep on excelling. "It's gone from almost zero
to 100 this season, but that's football. People get injured and you're the
next in, so you have to stay on your game and always be ready." He is now
hoping for further opportunities saying: "To be involved (against Arsenal)
was amazing and I want to thank all the first-team players for making me
feel welcome and creating a great atmosphere. "The Club obviously has faith
in me, so now it's about going out on loan and getting first-team
experience, then coming back and seeing how things go." Writing in his
regular From the Academy blog, Academy Manager Terry Westley said:"It is a
fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows him. Of
course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a sign
that we are going in the right direction.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers yellows hit Europe chances
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 8, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham -currently leading the Premier League Fair League – saw their
European qualifying chances dented by three yellow cards in the Leicester
defeat. The winner of this season's league is likely to qualify for Europe
with England sitting third in the UEFA fair play rankings at the half way
point. Saturday's disappointing result against Leicester has narrowed the
gap in the Fair Play league with the Irons picking up three yellow cards
after Reid, Cresswell and Jenkinson were all booked. The Hammers were just
eight points ahead of second place Burnley before the weekend and nine
points ahead of third place Liverpool but the Reds lost points after Emre
Can was sent off for his second yellow card against Arsenal. It means it
will be a very tight finish in the Premier League Fair League this season
with with the eventual winner coming from the top three of West Ham, Burnley
or Liverpool. However, the winner could still could be denied European
football by the ill-discipline of their Premier League rivals which could
still push England out of the third place position in Europe. Entry is at
the first qualifying round of Europa League on July 2h would reduce the
summer time to prepare for a new season but clubs can refuse the offer. In
that instance the FA would lose their extra allocation. As from the 2016/17
season there will no longer be a Europa League prize for the top three
nations in Fair Play. Instead, a financial bonus will be paid to the best
Fair Play association, the most improved and the nation with the best
behaved spectators.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - 8th April 2015

Onariase signs pro deal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United's newest professional footballer is Emmanuel Onariase. Known
as 'Manny' to everyone at the Club, the towering centre-half put pen to
paper earlier this week, climaxing an outstanding season of development for
the south London-born defender. The 18-year-old, who stands well over
six-feet tall and is blessed with impressive technical ability, is delighted
that the Hammers have invested in his future. "I'm grateful because it's
amazing," said Onariase, who was named on the substitutes' bench for the
recent Barclays Premier League fixture at Arsenal. "The Club has done so
much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just need to get to the
next level now and keep on excelling. "It's gone from almost zero to 100
this season, but that's football. People get injured and you're the next in,
so you have to stay on your game and always be ready."

For Onariase, signing a professional contract is all the more satisfying
when you hear that he was initially turned down by the club as a young
schoolboy before succeeding in a second trial at the age of 12. "I played
for my district in year seven and we played against West Ham and Jerome John
asked me to come over to the Club to train, but I was told I wasn't good
enough," he recalled. "I initially came as a midfielder, so I went back to
my school and then went training with Millwall. "West Ham asked me to come
back over again as a defender and they offered me a contract!"

The Club has done so much for me and I've improved so much here, so I just
need to get to the next level now and keep on excelling
Emmanuel Onariase Having been named on the bench already, Onariase is now
targeting further opportunities at the highest level, but he knows it will
not be easy. "To be involved was amazing and I want to thank all the
first-team players for making me feel welcome and creating a great
atmosphere," he smiled. "Being on the pitch to warm-up at the Emirates was
great and it was me in my element – it was an amazing feeling. It was an
inspirational experience and I want to feel it some more. "I never try to
second-guess things because you never know what is going to happen. I just
have to continue working hard, doing my bit and the rest will follow. "The
Club obviously has faith in me, so now it's about going out on loan and
getting first-team experience, then coming back and seeing how things go."

While is making great strides forward on the pitch, the one-time head boy at
St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead is also an outstanding academic
student off it, having achieved an A* grade in maths and five As in his GCSE
exams "I did my AS-Levels in maths and physics last year and I was working
towards my A-Levels, but I've gone full-time as a footballer now so I need
to make sure the numbers that matter are scoring more and conceding less!"
smiled West Ham's newest professional. Onariase made a point of thanking
those who have supported his fledgling career, including his school for
allowing him out on day-release to train with the Hammers, his former
teachers, Academy coach and scout Jerome John and his colleagues, his
parents, his three brothers and his closest friends. Writing in his regular
From the Academy blog, Academy Manager Terry Westley praised the
improvements made by Onariase this season and challenged him to work his way
into the first-team squad. "The fact that Manny was previously only on a
schoolboy contract, rather than a scholarship, just goes to show how hard
he's been working over the course of the season," said Westley. "It is a
fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows him. Of
course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a sign
that we are going in the right direction. "Manny was on the bench for the
first team at Arsenal last month and now, like Reece Oxford and Reece Burke,
he needs to push on and try and get into the first-team squad on a regular
basis."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans flock to Open Training day
WHUFC.com

West Ham United supporters turned out in force for the Club's Open Training
session at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday morning. Fans young and old took
advantage of the glorious spring weather to watch their heroes train on the
hallowed turf, as Big Sam put his squad through their paces ahead of the
weekend's home meeting with Stoke City. After a warm-up, the first team
squad went through a shooting drill and game-based exercises before ending
with strength work. Several young competition winners then got the chance of
a lifetime to take a penalty against Adrian in front of a Boleyn Ground
crowd!

Following the training session, the players spent time signing autographs
and posing for photographs and Mark Noble was delighted to meet the
supporters. He said: "It's always nice to see the fans and with the sun like
this, it's great to see so many turn out to come and watch us. "It's the
Easter Holidays and that's what the kids want to do – to come along and meet
their heroes. It's a pleasure to walk along and sign the autographs. "A lot
of the kids don't get the chance to meet the players often, so coming down
here and having photos is a great day. "I remember when I was a kid, meeting
players was a fantastic occasion and that's why it's nice to stay out all
day and sign every autograph."

Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan and Joey O'Brien were also on hand to assist
with the Junior Hammers' Graduation ceremony, where young supporters were
presented with certificates to mark their support of the Club.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom - Dave Evans
WHUFC.com

Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans assesses Saturday's
defeat to Leicester City...

I want to talk about flip flops. At this time of the season we hear a lot of
chatter about the hideous holiday footwear and how mid-table teams are
already metaphorically wearing them as they go out on the pitch for the last
few matches. Newcastle United were accused of it a couple of weeks ago and
the accusation was levelled at the West Ham players going into Saturday's
game with relegation-haunted Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Close
to a million pounds is the difference in prize money for one place in the
Premier League, but do the players really care about that?

West Ham can realistically finish between eighth and tenth this season, so
do they really need to give 100 per cent when the prospect of going
snorkelling in the Maldives with their families is just around the corner? I
saw lots of comments on Twitter suggesting that losing at Leicester was a
'new low' for the Hammers. Once again the supporters calling for the head of
Sam Allardyce returned to social media as if this was the most humiliating
display they had ever seen from a West Ham team. We have seen one or two
disappointing and poor performances from the team this season, but they have
been few and far between compared to other campaigns and Saturday's was
certainly not one of them.

It was a bad result, but then so was Manchester City's defeat at Burnley not
so long ago; Chelsea's loss to Newcastle; Liverpool's defeat at Upton Park
and Manchester United's loss to, who was it? Yes, Leicester City. In this
Premier League, shocks happen, but perhaps Saturday at the King Power was
not such a shock. It could have gone either way. The Hammers created plenty
of chances in a thriller of a game and in the end it was a scrappy late goal
that beat them – again. We saw Sunderland beat Newcastle on Sunday and West
Ham's game was a similar story. Nigel Pearson's team simply wanted the
points more than the Hammers, they needed those points and it was like their
cup final.

So did West Ham really have the flip flops on? No chance.

The way the superb Cheikhou Kouyate marauded around the pitch, scored that
goal and hit the post could not have been done if he had opted for the same
footwear as George Clooney in that coffee commercial. James Collins knows no
other way than to give 100 per cent. Mark Noble could not run all over the
pitch without his boots and though Diafra Sakho controlled one Aaron
Cresswell cross like he was wearing flip flops, his endeavour suggested
otherwise. For those calling for Sam Allardyce to go, be careful what you
wish for – remember Avram Grant!
West Ham sit in the top half and if those unlucky draws against Man United
and Spurs had been deserved wins, then there would be a very different
reflection on the season. There is still another seven games to go in this
Premier League campaign and West Ham may suffer more disappointments. But
for me there is no question that these players still have the flip flops
locked away with the sun tan lotion until the end of May. It is a matter of
pride in trying to finish what they started back in August.

*Dave Evans is the only West Ham journalist to follow the team home and
away. You can follow him on twitter @Recorder_Hammer.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Academy
WHUFC.com

Hello everyone,

It's been a little while since I last had the chance to update everyone on
the goings on at the Academy.

Over the international break a squad of U17s competed in an international
tournament out in Abu Dhabi and I'm pleased to report that they performed
admirably.

They returned safe and sound from an outstanding experience. From three
games, they won one, drew one, lost one against good opposition from all
over the world - one team from Japan, another from Spain and the third was
the host club Al Ain FC.

We sent a very young team because our duty at the Academy is to give them
new tests and experiences so they can learn and develop - particularly the
experience of travelling abroad, which for a lot of the players was new.

I was speaking to James Rowe, our Assistant Academy Manager who took the
boys out there. He was very impressed by the performances and also by the
way the players conducted themselves throughout.

A lot of the younger players really established themselves which is clearly
a big positive. As a result, participation in this tournament is something
we would very much like to do next year.

Another positive for everyone at the Academy is the new that our promising
central defender Manny Onariase has signed a professional contract with
club. The fact that he was previously only on a schoolboy contract, rather
than a scholarship, just goes to show how hard he's been working over the
course of the season.

It is a fantastic achievement for him and a proud day for everyone who knows
him. Of course, it's a proud moment for everyone at the Academy and it is a
sign that we are going in the right direction.

Manny was on the bench for the first team at Arsenal last month and now,
like Reece Oxford and Reece Burke, he needs to push on and try and get into
the first-team squad on a regular basis.

It's a hugely difficult task, because there are some very good players ahead
of him, but he has a chance and we'll continue to do everything we can to
help him become the player we know he can be. It's a real positive for him
personally, and he deserves it with the effort and hard work he puts in.

Finally, our U21s have entered the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament which
kicks-off at the end of May. We were asked to participate which is nice.

I've been to the tournament before when I was at Birmingham City, so I know
a little bit about it. It's a very fast, physically demanding seven-a-side
tournament played in challenging conditions and presents a different type of
experience. It's a nice thing for us to be involved in at the end of the
season.

There are some good teams involved, Ajax, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and
Leicester City among others. It's a real challenge for them. As its
seven-a-side we'll be taking mainly attacking players. Just like the Abu
Dhabi trip, we're hoping for another positive experience.

In the shorter term, our U21s and U18s have fixtures this week, where we
hope our young players will continue their development by producing
impressive individual and collective performances.

Terry Westley
Academy Manager

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans flock to Boleyn Ground for open training session
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

It was a busy morning at the Boleyn Ground as the players met the fans
following today's open training session. Assistant manager Neil McDonald put
the players through their paces for 90 minutes before the staff and squad
spent the next hour signing autographs in the warm spring sun for the
half-term crowd. Striker Enner Valencia joined the rest of the first team
squad and showed no signs of his recent injury as he went through a series
of short tests in front of the crowd, who had packed in to the lower tier of
the West Stand for today's event.

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Rafael Benitez on West Ham manager shortlist with time running out for Sam
Allardyce
16:01, 7 April 2015 By John Cross
The Hammers have identified David Moyes as their No1 choice but face a
battle to convince the Scot to leave Real Sociedad, with other options on
their shortlist
The Mirror

Rafa Benitez has emerged as a contender for West Ham this summer. Former
Manchester United boss David Moyes is West Ham's No1 choice to replace Sam
Allardyce whose contract at Upton Park expires at the end of the season. But
they face a battle to convince Moyes to leave Real Sociedad after only
taking over in November and West Ham are looking at other options with
Benitez on their shortlist. Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez is
ready to quit Napoli at the end of the season and has made no secret of his
desire to return to English football. That has alerted West Ham who are also
looking at developments surrounding Besiktas boss Slaven Bilic who remains a
crowd favourite at Upton Park. But Benitez is now another option as the
Spaniard has also been linked with Manchester City and is renowned as a
brilliant tactician. Benitez enjoyed success at both Liverpool and Chelsea
and he would appeal. Allardyce appears to be running out of time at West Ham
after the club's poor second half of the season. That has only strengthened
the belief that West Ham will make a change this summer.

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West Ham eye Tottenham transfer target Kevin Mirallas with Everton
midfielder seeking a ''new challenge''
22:30, 6 April 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers' momentum has died late in the season following Andy Carroll's
injury and they have vowed to recruit extra firepower in the summer
The Mirror

West Ham will join the chase for Everton winger Kevin Mirallas at the end of
the season. Tottenham had an enquiry knocked back for 27-year-old Belgium
international Mirallas back in January and are also set to return at the end
of the season. But West Ham are ready to challenge them as they are looking
to further invest heavily in their attack in the summer. Last year, they
signed £12million Ecuador World Cup forward Enner Valencia and £4.7million
Metz striker Diafra Sakho. Injury to £15million man Andy Carroll, however,
has robbed the Hammers of goals and momentum and they have vowed to recruit
more firepower so they do not end up in the same situation again. Mirallas
has a year left on his contract at Everton after this season, and indicated
earlier this year that he would be interested in "a new challenge".West Ham
lost 2-1 at struggling Leicester on Saturday after substitute Andy King
bagged a scruffy winner four minutes from time. Cheikhou Kouyate equalised
Esteban Cambiasso's stunning opener for the the Foxes, chesting down Alex
Song's lofted pass and finishing with aplomb in the far corner. But Hammers
boss Sam Allardyce was left ruing his team's defending in a fourth defeat in
five games. West Ham now sit ninth in the table after competing for the
European spots earlier in the season.

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Irons fans being fed false hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Even by West Ham's standards, the rumour factory is busier earlier than I
can remember for many years. And that's solely because here we are in early
April preparing for games against the likes of Stoke, Manchester City, QPR
and Villa with absolutely nothing to look forward to but cash for league
positioning. It could and should have been a lot better but instead we are
being forced to listen to recycled rumours ,which had whiskers on them a
couple of months ago, as a source of "excitement." It's called false hope.
There's is an incredible lack of imagination being attached to most of these
"stories"-notably the currently favoured one of Rafa Benitez as a possible
new manager. The story was first published here on ClaretandHugh as long ago
as May 14, 2014.

We again explained on February 22 of this year that although he was fancied,
the club had become aware that "he's not overly keen on coming and is a £6
million manager minimum anyway." The very latest situation is that with
Manuel Pellegrini and possibly Brendan Rodgers in danger at Manchester City
and Liverpool, our board have become aware that the Spanish boss is keeping
a very careful eye on developments in the north west. However, as the old
saying goes, don't let the facts ruin a good story and with people generally
believing what they want to hear, the story has again grown legs. Truth is:
It's highly unlikely. To assume that it may be on, we also have to assume
that a much bigger transfer budget would be made available than ever before.
Big managers usually require big budgets.

Glenn Hoddle was hoisted as a candidate but that won't happen and the club
are concerned about Slaven Bilic's pedigree which doesn't involve the
Premier League. Boring though it may be, this leads us back to David Moyes
and Marcelo Bielsa. However, in an unguarded moment today as ClaretandHugh
discussed the managerial position with a senior Upton Park 'face' we were
told: "We know who the board like but there's nobody in the know who would
be having a bet on anyone at this stage. The talking is still going on."

Beyond that we have heard that Kevin Miralles could be on his way – a story
immediately denied when we tried it on some people – plus a variety of
previously unheard of foreigners whose chances of arriving in the east end
are based solely on tabloid tittle tattle. It's such a shame! There could
and should have been real excitement on the pitch from a team that started
so well. Instead our terrific fans are being fed a diet of transfer fiction
to provide them with some interest in a season that went so wrong.

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Hammers on Everton front man link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham continue to be linked with players – the latest being Everton's
Kevin Mirallas. His is the latest name presented in the nationals as a
target for the player although given the uncertainty surrounding our
managerial situation it's difficult to be OTT about such links. The report
claims the Irons are ready to challenge Spurs for the player after the north
Londoners had an enquiry knocked back last season.

Claiming we will join the chase at the end of the season, the report adds we
are ready to challenge for the 27 year old as we look to " invest heavily"
in our attack in the summer. Whilst it's true we will be looking for a back
up striker given that Carlton Cole will be on his way there is no suggestion
from inside the club of "heavy investment" in the front line. We were told:
"It's a little premature to be putting specific names in the frame anyway –
more pressing is where the club are going at the back with Alex Song and
Carl Jenkinson. "The managerial situation will also be decided before
players may or may not come onto the radar."

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Under-21s: United 3 West Ham 2
Manutd.com

Manchester United capitalised on Southampton and Liverpool's defeats in the
Barclays Under-21 Premier League with a nervy 3-2 triumph against bottom
side West Ham.

Josh Harrop struck twice and Joe Rothwell was also on the scoresheet during
a game riddled with errors but the victory is enough to take the hosts four
points clear at the top of the table ahead of the run-in.

The Reds were punished for a sloppy opening when Josh Cullen's free-kick
enticed Joel Castro Pereira off his line and, with the keeper way out of
position, Reece Oxford's header produced a straightforward goal. It was only
the fourth away strike of the term for the East Londoners and, remarkably,
their first on the road since September.

Two goals in the space of 200 seconds turned the game on its head but the
first was rather fortunate. Harrop collected an Andy Kellett pass and, after
some neat trickery, his hopeful shot crept past Sam Howes and rolled gently
over the line for the equaliser.

Paddy McNair led a breakaway from a Hammers corner moments later, cutting
inside from the left wing to deliver an outstanding through ball into the
path of Rothwell. The midfielder opened his body up to steer a calm finish
past the advancing Howes.

Warren Joyce's side appeared to be in control with skipper Adnan Januzaj
going close from a couple of free-kicks and Liam Grimshaw firing over the
bar following a corner by the Belgium international. After Kellett saw a
penalty claim ignored, West Ham launched a long ball forward and Donald
Love's backpass drifted past Pereira, who was not well placed to receive it,
to allow Jordan Brown to claim a farcical equaliser.

There was still time in the first half for Januzaj and Lewis Page to be
booked with the United man wrong to retaliate to a rugby tackle from his
marker but he kept his composure

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Emmanuel Adebayor commits his future to Tottenham despite Chelsea and West
Ham links
By BRUCE ARCHER
PUBLISHED: 20:33, Tue, Apr 7, 2015
Express.co.uk

Adebayor has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane having failed
to feature regularly under Mauricio Pochettino. The former Arsenal and
Manchester City man came close to a January move to West Ham and, in recent
weeks, has been linked with a move to Chelsea.
However Adebayor says he intends to see out his contract in north London.
Earlier today he tweeted: "Contrary to reports, I am very happy at Tottenham
and will do everything to fight for my place. "I have a year to go on my
contract and love playing in the EPL, best league in world!" The Togo
international has featured 16 times in all competitions this season, scoring
twice. His last league start came on November 2 in the 2-1 win over Aston
Villa, he played 58 minutes before being replaced by Harry Kane. Kane's
emergence as the main striker at the club, coupled with Pochettino's system,
have worked against Adebayor - as has the fact he hasn't scored since
October 26.

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Jack Collison praises Teddy Sheringham's return to West Ham
HITC
Lewis Doe

Former West Ham United midfielder jack Collison has praised a decision by
the club to hire a former player. Former West Ham United midfielder Jack
Collison has praised the decision by his old club to hire Teddy Sheringham
on the Sports Bar for talkSPORT. Sheringham currently works for the Hammers
as an attacking coach and Collison has suggested he's a great character to
have in and around the club helping the first team. "His aura was superb –
what a character and to get him back in, in any capacity at West Ham's a
great move by whoever did it," said Collison. Sheringham is one of the most
experienced figures in the history of the Premier League. Collison
experienced playing with him towards the end of his career, he played for
just one more club after the Hammers, and it's clear that he left a positive
impression on the then West Ham youngster. In theory it was a good move, and
in practice it seems to have had an effect with West Ham boasting the best
attacking record in the Premier League below the top eight. West Ham have a
very talented midfield and attack and it's important that Sheringham,
manager Sam Allardyce and all of the other coaches at the club continue to
work hard, fine-tuning all areas of the first team. West Ham are facing a
very bright future with an imminent move to the Olympic Stadium and having
coaches around the club that can help them retain their identity is
important moving forward.

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West Ham United's Stewart Downing on how he deals with abuse from opposition
fans
HITC
Subhankar Mondal

West Ham United star Stewart Downing says that he is not bothered by the
opposition fans during a football game. West Ham United attacking midfielder
Stewart Downing has explained to FourFourTwo Magazine how he copes with
abuse from the opposition fans. "When you're getting abuse from the
opposition fans, it's because they see you as a threat," the 30-year-old
told FourFourTwo Magazine. "You have just got to take it as a bit of fun."
Downing is one of the best players in the current West Ham squad and has
been in very good form so far this season. The 30-year-old England
international has scored five goals and created 75 chances in 30 Premier
League appearances, while having a pass accuracy of 85% and a shot accuracy
of 46%. Being a very important player for West Ham, Downing understandably
gets abuse from the opposition fans, but it seems that he has a great way to
cope with it. One has often found players getting frustrated due to the
treatment by the opposition supporters, but it appears that the former
Liverpool man is intelligent enough not to be drawn into such a situation.
West Ham are currently ninth in the Premier League table with 42 points from
31 matches.

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