From the Boardroom - David Gold
WHUFC.com
I was able to go and see Slaven and the first-team squad at training on
Friday and the spirit among the whole squad looks so good at the moment. We
have been working towards building a strong squad like the one we have now
for the last five-years and it was great to see the players at Chadwell
Heath and see it all come to fruition. We have got some serious players that
we have brought into the Club that I am confident are going to make a
difference. If I am picking the team for myself I would have great
difficulty choosing who would be in it. That is the proof that we have got
some quality players and they are fighting for their position. That is
something that we wanted. Seeing Andy Carroll come off the training pitch
when he has had a full session is great to see. I would love to see him
score and he has obviously been building up to this moment. He has had a
tough time but there is no reason why he cannot play the next five or six
years without an injury. We are looking in good shape and I am hugely
confident. We have just got to overcome our home form and I don't think it
is a big problem and I'm sure it can be corrected. I know Slaven knows the
pressures that the players are under at home and it will be resolved. We
will put out a good team against Newcastle and we will give a good account
of ourselves. You don't go away and beat Arsenal and Liverpool without
being a good side. If we had won one of those games people will say we had
our day, but to do it twice tells me we are a decent side and we have added
players since then. You have got to be optimistic but we need to do it at
home and I cannot wait for Monday. I'm sure Slaven will be hoping for a
similar outcome to the last time he faced Steve McClaren at Wembley. It will
be a big night for all of us. Newcastle have only got two points and are not
scoring goals and they will be battling as well to get something from the
game. It is a tough one to call but I am confident after our Liverpool
result that we should look pretty good on Monday.
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West Ham v Newcastle
KO 20:00
12 September 2015
Last updated at 21:09
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Monday, 14 September
Andy Carroll is in contention for West Ham after recovering from a knee
injury, but Alex Song, who has rejoined on loan, is out with an ankle
problem. The Hammer's trio of new signings, Victor Moses, Michail Antonio
and Nikica Jelavic, are all available. Newcastle will be without striker
Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is serving a three-match suspension. Defender Paul
Dummett is also out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a
hamstring injury.
Jonathan Pearce: "Upton Park has been blanketed with sentimentality as it
enters the final season. The players have looked stifled by it all, starting
with defeats by Bournemouth and Leicester like shuffling sleepwalkers. "But
the old ground really wakes up under floodlights. Now West Ham's home form
might match their away successes. "Slaven Bilic believes the win at
Liverpool was hugely significant in the club's progression. "With just one
goal in eight away league games, Newcastle lack potency. They've averaged
just over 30% of possession in their last three games which is concerning.
"If West Ham start well, the visitors might not see enough of the ball to
get back into it."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "It is very important. We need to win at
home, or at least to get something from the game because we need to build on
our great away results. "We have to start picking up points at home, and I'm
very confident because our reactions in the second halves of both games were
good, and if we can do it from the start and cut out the silly mistakes, we
will be alright."
Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren: "We feel we're establishing a platform.
We've seen evidence of that but we've been down to 10 men in wo of the four
games. "We need the breaks. We need to play better football, create more
chances and score more goals and the results will come."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Nobody is doubting the ability of Newcastle boss Steve McClaren - but now it
is a case of him finding his best team and knitting it together. West Ham
are proving very difficult to predict at the moment, winning away at Arsenal
and Liverpool but losing both games at home, so I am probably best off going
for a draw. Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this
match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor
game.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Newcastle have only lost two of their previous nine league games at Upton
Park (W4, D3).
West Ham have earned just one win in their last five Premier League meetings
with Newcastle (D2, L2).
Aaron Cresswell scored the only goal in this fixture last season as West Ham
won 1-0 in November.
West Ham United
West Ham are yet to win a point at home under Slaven Bilic (L2).
They have lost their last three Premier League games at Upton Park,
conceding eight goals in the process.
The Hammers have scored with 22% of their shots this season - a league high.
They have been shown six red cards in 10 games this season in all
competitions, compared to three in 43 matches in 2014-15.
Newcastle United
Newcastle are still awaiting their first league win of the season - last
year they went seven games without a victory at the start of the campaign.
They have failed to score in their last three Premier League matches (L2,
D1).
The Magpies haven't won any of their last nine away games in the league (L7,
D2).
However, their draw at Old Trafford in their last away match ended a run of
seven straight defeats away from home.
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Jarvis scores on Norwich debut
KUMB,com
Filed: Saturday, 12th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
He only scored four times in 78 Premier League appearances for West Ham -
but Matt Jarvis is already off the mark for new club Norwich City. The
on-loan Hammer scored Norwich's third goal against fellow Premier League
newcomers Bournemouth at Carrow Road this afternoon, midway through the
second half on his debut for the Canaries. And it was a great strike too,
from a player whose most recent goal for West Ham came in a 3-1 defeat
against Arsenal at the Emirates nearly 18 months ago. Picking up the ball
from team mate Jonny Howson, Jarvis cut inside a defender before curling the
ball into the far corner of Artur Boruc's goal - the kind of move that
persuaded Sam Allardyce to part with around £7.5million when signing the
former Wolves winger three years ago last month. He can't believe it ...
and neither can we: Jarvis celebrates his debut goal (image courtesy PA
Twitter)
Jarvis' new club went on to win the game 3-1 - a victory that takes them
above West Ham into eighth place in tonight's fledgling Premier League
table. The Hammers - now down to tenth as a result of today's matches -
have the opportunity to overtake the Canaries once again when they face
Newcastle at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening.
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Slaven Bilic v Steve McClaren: Career timelines since Wembley game
By Joel Barnett and Adam Bate
Last Updated: 12/09/15 10:44pm
SSN
Eight years on from the fateful night at Wembley that cost England a place
at Euro 2008, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic faces Newcastle boss Steve
McClaren again. Bilic's Croatia were the 3-2 winners in November 2007, the
result losing McClaren his job, and the two men have traversed Europe in the
subsequent years. After two major tournaments with his home country, Bilic
has coached clubs in Russia and Turkey, while McClaren's journey has taken
him to Holland and Germany.
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Slaven Bilic plans to moderate Andy Carroll's aggressive approach ahead of
West Ham return against Newcastle
0 COMMENTS 22:30, 12 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY TOM HOPKINSON
The striker could feature against his former club after eight months out but
Bilic doesn't want him to change his style completely
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic will try to temper Andy Carroll's aggressive approach to
football without taking away any of his menace, writes Tom Hopkinson in the
Sunday People. The big striker has taken eight months to get over his latest
injury blow, but after a six-week pre-season of his own he is in line for a
return to the West Ham starting line-up against his former club Newcastle on
Monday. West Ham boss Bilic said: "I don't want to stop his approach. I want
to moderate it. If you take that away from Andy Carroll then he wouldn't be
Andy Carroll. "His biggest quality is that he goes in and scares defenders.
It is almost impossible to mark him in the box. "The reason he got so many
injuries was not only because of the way he was playing but also because he
was playing when he was not totally ready. "He could get away with it if he
was a different kind of footballer – tidy, not making challenges. The main
problem was he was coming on the pitch after only two or three days of
training. "He has now had six weeks of hard training. It is almost like
signing a new player and, yes, I am tempted to play him against his old
team." Bilic will be up against Steve McClaren in a competitive game for the
first time since Croatia beat England 3-2 at Wembley on the famous 'Wally
With The Brolly' night back in 2007. And he hailed the former England boss,
David Beckham, and Steven Gerrard for the way they conducted themselves
after that defeat. Bilic added: "The players knew what was coming the next
day. I went to get my shirts for my son. They didn't change their behaviour,
they were not like, 'Go away - we lost'.
They showed class in defeat. People like Gerrard, McClaren, Beckham. They
were gutted. They knew they would be killed the following day.
"That's what I liked about them."
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Slaven Bilic prepares for Steve McClaren rematch after Croatia's famous
Wembley win launched his career
0 COMMENTS 22:30, 12 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY STEVE STAMMERS
McClaren was destroyed after his umbrella shambles in 2008 with the pair set
to go head-to-head when West Ham face Newcastle on Monday night
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic finished the match wearing a beanie hat and dancing in triumph
on the rain-sodden Wembley turf. Steve McClaren's ended with a grimace and
an umbrella that would inspire a hundred headlines and no job. Croatia had
beaten England 3-2 and Bilic was on his way to Euro 2008. McClaren was
waiting for his P45 from the FA after his team failed to secure the one
point needed to join the Croats in Austria and Switzerland the following
summer. The day was November 21, 2007 – a day which McClaren will never
forget for all the wrong reasons. Hindsight gives 20-20 vision, but there
were three decisions that fateful day, which McClaren, on reflection, would
not have repeated.
First, he chose rookie keeper Scott Carson. Secondly, he opted to go for an
experienced line-up in a match England only had to draw to reach the finals
of Euro 2008. That was a surprise to the England coaching staff. Then came
the fateful acceptance of an umbrella offered by an FA staff member. Now
comes the re-match at Upton Park tomorrow night – Bilic now in charge at
West Ham while McClaren is manager of Newcastle. But, as Bilic explained, it
is not the first rematch. "That came when I was with Besiktas (last year)
and we played Queens Park Rangers in a pre-season match in Germany," said
the Croatia n. "Harry Redknapp was the Rangers manager and he was having a
knee operation, so Steve took charge. Rangers won 1-0." Monday, however,
will be the first meaningful rematch and Bilic is in no doubt about the
importance of their last meeting. "I was proud, of course, because it was
one of the biggest wins for my country. England is a mighty power – not just
in sport, but in everything. "For us, as a small nation, when you are better
than England whether it is football – or basketball – or the Eurovision
Song Contest! The fact it is England makes it special." But Bilic also made
it clear he has nothing but respect for McClaren and his players, saying: "I
can't say me and Steve are friends, but I have met him a few times since and
he is a quality man. No one can deny he is one of the most polite people in
football and that is why I like him." Evidence of that came an hour after
the final whistle at Wembley when Bilic went souvenir-hunting. The England
dressing room was like a morgue. A silent and depressed place. Frank
Lampard, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham had taken the defeat particularly
badly. Then came a knock on the door and there was a triumphant Bilic. He
wanted shirts to take back to his son as mementoes of the night. He was
half-expecting cold shoulders. "But England showed class in defeat," he
recalled. "The players knew what was coming the next day, but they did not
change their behaviour. They were not like, 'Go away – we lost.' People like
Gerrard and Beckham. They were gutted. "They knew they would be killed the
following day, but they were good with me. That is what I liked about them a
lot." Bilic had some sympathy for McClaren. "We had qualified three days
earlier. A big relief," he said. "If we had needed a point, there would have
been a lot on our shoulders. England, instead, were like that." It was a
victory that raised Bilic's stock as a coach and his rise was McClaren's
fall. Now, they meet again and the pressure is on McClaren. A win for
Newcastle would not erase what happened at Wembley, but it would help to
even the score. But one warning for McClaren – scattered showers are
forecast for tomorrow in East London and, even if there is a maelstrom, he
would do well to resist any offer of an umbrella to ward off the elements.
Decisions like that can come back to haunt you. But no one needs to tell
Steve McClaren that.
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Kevin Nolan holds talks with Bolton over emotional return after leaving West
Ham
22:30, 12 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY DEAN JONES
The 33-year-old, who spent 10 years with the Trotters, is on the lookout for
a new club after having his contract terminated at Upton Park
The Mirror
West Ham United's Kevin Nolan and AFC Bournemouth's Simon Francis battle for
the ballHeading home: Could Nolan return to the Trotters?
Kevin Nolan has spoken to Bolton about making an emotional return. The
midfielder, 33, had his West Ham contract terminated by mutual consent and
has since been training with Leyton Orient to maintain fitness. Now Nolan is
on the lookout for a new club – and Bolton are desperate to take him back.
He played for them for 10 years and it is understood he travelled north for
talks with the Trotters on Friday. Bolton fear they will not be able to
afford his wages, but are hopeful an agreement can be struck.
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Bookies reckon Adebayor will join Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Emmanuel Adebayor remains at a short price to join the Hammers. Irons boss
Slaven Bilic admitted that he had spoken to the Spurs striker for an hour
but that there had been no negotiations. He revealed that the pair had
merely had a chat and that there were no negotiations adding he had simply
wanted to talk to him. He said: "We spoke for one hour, and the possibility
of him coming, but in the end it didn't happen because of the contract
situation with Spurs."
Adebayor falls out of contract next summer but a future switch to West Ham,
either in the January transfer window or as a free agent next year, now
seems unlikely with Nikicia Jelavic arriving and Andy Carroll back to
fitness. However, none of that has stopped Sky Bet offering odds of 7/4
that he will join the Irons by February 3, next year. In their latest list
they also offer him joining Monaco at 2/1. Villa 4/1, QPR 8/1 and Watford at
10/1. Keep your money in your pocket.
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"It feels like we can beat anyone on our day"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
ClaretandHugh blogger SCOTT ALSWEILER is an east end boy based in the
States.
He's as passionate about the Irons today as he was as a kid growing up in
the area and in his latest piece he's excited at what he's seeing this
season.
So relax and enjoy this great read!
Sit back, relax, and imagine. You're walking towards the light at the end of
the tunnel. You can hear the chants, and songs; the immense pride radiating
from the stands. You can feel it, you're going to win this. For your
teammates, for the Gaffer, for the fans. You take another step into the
light, into a sea of claret and blue…
Which of us didn't daydream about that when we were youngsters? To pull on
the hallowed colours and march out onto the Boleyn, the strains of Bubbles
ringing in our ears. For our current squad (and especially for our very own
Academy graduates), this season is the last time they'll do it at our
venerable old home. But exciting times await us when we leave.
And the exciting times have started early. One of our own, Slaven Bilic
(would anyone really mind if I called him SuperSlav), has put together the
most exciting squad I've seen in years. There is no longer the worry about
an injury to a key player destroying the season – we have depth.
Slav is in the enviable position of having to leave players on the bench who
could easily start in any game. While prior managers might have had dreams
of Barcelona, Slav had dreams of West Ham.
We've changed. It no longer feels like we need a bit of luck to win a game
against a half-decent opponent. Now, it feels like we could beat anyone on
our day. All credit to Messrs. Gold and Sullivan for backing the Gaffer in
his quest to bring us to new heights and glory.
We're building a foundation that could see us challenging at the very top in
years to come. Yes, we lost to both Leicester and Bournemouth at home, but I
don't see that as indicative of how our season will play out. Rather, it
looks like a team finding its way into the best home game tactics. We
certainly aren't starved for goals and action!
The West Ham Way has been much talked about. But always a little difficult
to define. Flowing, attractive, and fleet-footed football is certainly a
part of it. But maybe too, a bit of unpredictability in results.
We can't say we haven't seen that so far. And no doubt we'll see more of it.
But we'll be thrilling to watch. It will be on Monday, when we beat
Newcastle. I wonder if Slav's friend will bring his brolly?
I'll be honest, I don't want to see us in any European competitions next
season. I think we need another season or two to be properly prepared for
the demands that puts on a squad. But I do think that Slav is the man to
lead us there when we're ready.
Finally, a bit of a plea. I live in the US these days. I watch on the telly
(and we actually get very good coverage). I had hoped to get over for a game
in our last season at the Boleyn, but it appears highly unlikely that I'll
be able to do so. So when you go, sing extra loud for me. I want to hear
from here. And if you listen really hard, you might hear me singing with
you.
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£10 million extra to make "Slaven a hero"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
David Gold reckons he and David Sullivan have done everything they can to
help make Slaven Bilic a hero. The widely held belief before the transfer
heated up was that the co owners would spend around £25 million in the
summer transfer window. But the pair have gone about £10 million more than
that as they have attempted to bring real depth to the squad in their final
Boleyn year. Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "We've
gone as far as we dare and we really hope it's enough to make Slaven a hero.
"We've had a decent team to put out for a couple of years when everybody was
fit but now we have that and a very good bench. "These are two incredibly
important years for us and we needed to go the extra mile to give ourselves
absolutely every chance. "I believe we have done that and it's excellent to
hear everybody speaking so positively bout the business we've done and the
future."
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Seven former Hammers score ten goals
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C A ND H
Stewart Downing scored in the 70th minute this afternoon to help his
boy-hood club Middlesborough win 2-0 over MK dons this afternoon which moves
them up to third place in the Championship.
Matty Jarvis also scored on his Norwich debut on loan from West Ham in the
67th minute to help Norwich beat Bournemouth 3-1 in the Premier League which
allowed the Canaries to leap frog the Hammers into eighth place in the
table.
George Moncur scored for Colchester United after coming as a second half
substitute to help his side to a 3-3 draw with Chesterfield. Colchester sit
in the relegation zone of league One in 22nd place after six games.
Matty Taylor scored for Burnley helping them to 3-1 win over Sheffield
Wednesday. Burnley jump up to 5th place in the Championship play off zone.
Freddie Sears scored the only goal for Ipswich Town as they suffered a 5-1
loss against Reading in the Championship which drops them down to 8th place.
Former Hammer Henri Lansbury converted a penalty on the 75th minute for
Nottingham Forest cancelling out a goal by Charlie Austin for QPR. Forest
finished the away game 2-1 winners to show they can still win after
playmaker Antonio's departure to West Ham. Forest sit in 12th place in the
Championship.
Finally, Maiga is back to his scoring ways after a hat trick for new club
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
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Matt Jarvis scores on his Norwich debut
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Matt Jarvis on loan to Norwich City has scored on his debut this afternoon.
Jarvis was one of two changes for the Canaries who beat Bournemouth 3-1 this
afternoon.
Jarvis fired a left footed shot from the right side of the box to the top
left corner of Bournemouth's net assisted by Jonny Howson to get his first
goal for Norwich in the 67th minute. However just six minutes the on loan
Hammer was substituted with Martin Olsson coming on in his place.
Jarvis's eleventh hour transfer deadline day loan deal to Norwich City will
save West Ham £1.75 million over this season with Norwich paying 100 per
cent of the player's £45,000-per-week wages.
In 2012 Matt Jarvis signed a five year contract after he signed from Wolves
for a transfer fee believed to be £10.75m.
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Lanzini well in frame as guessing game starts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Manuel Lanzini looks set to keep his place in the Hammers line-up for the
match against Newcastle on Monday night.
Insiders are telling ClaretandHugh the manager is set to reward the team
that beat Liverpool so convincingly with another run-out against the
Geordies.
We were told: "One of the biggest questions is whether he will stick with
young Lanzini and the answer is that it's going to be very difficult to
leave him out after a goal-scoring League debut.
"There is nothing definitive at this stage but the general mood seems to be
that the lad will start and that the team will remain unchanged."
That will mean that the bench will be as strong as we've seen at at the
Boleyn in several years with Antonio, Moses and Carroll looking to get on at
some stage.
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Irons may let front man move on
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Exclusive
Mauro Zarate is likely to be made available for loan or even a permanent
transfer in the next transfer window assuming the club suffers no injury
setbacks. Zarate now looks to again have moved down the pecking order
following the arrival of the transfer window signings whilst Manuel Lanzini
is seen as the youthful creative force to be given every opportunity up
front. Zarate had a decent start to the season and maybe on the bench for
Monday night's game against Newcastle following but when everybody s fit his
chances are set to be limited. ClaretandHugh has learned exclusively that
the club will be ready to let him take his chance either on loan or via a
permanent move should the right sort of offer arrive. We were told: "The
club is so well off now in terms of squad depth it may be very much on the
agenda if clubs come in."
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Gold – Slaven deserves the problems!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
Exclusive
C NND H
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 12, 2015 in News, Whispers
Exclusive
The co-chairman was in jovial mood as he spoke of the difficulties his
manager faces in picking a team for the match against Newcastle United on
Monday night adding: "He asked for various players and we got them all.
Slaven deserves the problem!"
Gold admits he has warmed to his new boss in a big way and believes he could
remain with the club manager for a long time into the future.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "He's 47. When someone
reaches their 60s there's a natural end to things but Slaven could be here
for many years to come.
"I like the man very much. Sometimes you meet people and there's a natural
chemistry – this is one of those occasions.
He even thanked me for the transfer window which is the first time in 23
years a manager has done so. He's a proper man and I believe he will be a
top manager for us.
"We are all fascinated to see what team he puts out on Monday but one thing
is certain, we will have the strongest bench we've seen at West Ham in many
years.
"I wouldn't even start to speculate but I'm sure he has some headaches on
that front" and he laughed: "He deserves them."
The co-chairman was in jovial mood as he spoke of the difficulties his
manager faces in picking a team for the match against Newcastle United on
Monday night adding: "He asked for various players and we got them all.
Slaven deserves the problem!"
Gold admits he has warmed to his new boss in a big way and believes he could
remain with the club manager for a long time into the future.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "He's 47. When someone
reaches their 60s there's a natural end to things but Slaven could be here
for many years to come.
"I like the man very much. Sometimes you meet people and there's a natural
chemistry – this is one of those occasions.
He even thanked me for the transfer window which is the first time in 23
years a manager has done so. He's a proper man and I believe he will be a
top manager for us.
"We are all fascinated to see what team he puts out on Monday but one thing
is certain, we will have the strongest bench we've seen at West Ham in many
years.
"I wouldn't even start to speculate but I'm sure he has some headaches on
that front" and he laughed: "He deserves them.".
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Gold reacts to Payet injury rumours
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 12, 2015 in News, Whisper
C AND H
West Ham Chairman David Gold has been quick to quash Dimtri Payet injury
rumours.
Asked on twitter whether Payet was injured Gold told his 123,000 followers
"Payet is training with the first team squad and is available for selection.
dg"
And it's not just West Ham fans who are interested whether Payet is
fighting fight or not, the 28 year old French International is a firm
favourite amongst Fantasy football players who are desperate to know whether
he will be available to score them points in their Fantasy teams come Monday
night.
Payet is included in 8.3% of all Fantasy teams on the official Fantasy
Premier League having scored 20 points so far this season. Only Kouyate has
scored more points this season with a tally of 25 points to his name and
has been selected in 5.2% of all fantasy teams.
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Saturday, September 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th September 2015
Slaven Speaks - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Monday's visit of
Newcastle United. He answered questions on his deadline day dealings, the
potential return of Andy Carroll and the threat posed by the Magpies.
Slaven, I hear celebrations are in order. Happy birthday - how are you
planning to celebrate the occasion?
SB: "The older you get the less you celebrate, apart from the big ones like
40 or 50. It's just a normal day for me. It's a birthday, of course, so my
friends and family are calling, but basically an otdinary day."
There were some early birthday presents in the transfer window on the final
day. How happy were you with the business you did?
SB: "Very pleased. It's all on paper of course, and now the guys who have
come have to prove themselves and all that. But I think we did really well,
we got what we wanted and the first week of training has been really
positive. "I think they are going to do really well for us, because they
have quality, they have the energy and are very motivated. They have joined
a team that is already good and they have come here to give us extra
quality."
How excited are you by the return of Andy Carroll to training and is he in
contention for Monday?
SB: "We've changed a bit with his rehabilitation this time. A few times
before, straight after the injury when he was ok he trained for a few days
with the team and then played straight away. Then, because of his stature,
size and everything, especially with the brave way he plays, another injury
would come. "This time we've made six weeks of let's call it pre-season and
he looks very good in training. Is he in contention? Probably. "The one
thing that I don't like now, and it's for every manager is that after the
international breaks we still have some players who are going to return
today or tomorrow after long trips. You still don't have your squad, but at
least we are playing on Monday. That's good, because had it been tomorrow
it's a problem, but if you're asking about the squad for Monday we still
have to count all the players who will train together and that will be
tomorrow."
Andy will be playing his former side, now managed by Steve McClaren, who you
recorded one of your most famous victories for Croatia over. Do you have any
sympathy for him over the fall out that followed that game?
SB: "That game wasn't Steve McClaren-Slaven Bilic, it was England-Croatia
and on Monday it's West Ham-Newcastle. I had sympathy for Steve, like I have
sympathy now for the Croatia coach who was sacked this week because we lost
in Oslo. So many teams lost in Oslo, so I have sympathy for every coach
because you lost jobs. And not only do you lose jobs but they are
slaughtering you big time. "That wasn't just a normal game, we played really
well. England came back to 2-2 and then we scored again. Of course I felt
sympathy because I know how it works. but then Steve recovered really well
to go to Holland. Then I went to see him when Mandzukic was playing at
Wolfsburg. We spent two or three hours chatting, and I know him for a long,
long time because when he started as Jim Smith's assistant at Derby, my two
colleagues from Croatia Stimac and Asanovic were playing there. We spoke and
they were telling me he was a brilliant young coach. Then he went to
Manchester United and Middlesbrough and I rate him big, big time. "He was
brave enough and had enough quality to prove himself in different leagues
and now he's back in the Premier League and I'm glad for him."
You've beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away, so how important is a home win
now?
SB: "It is very important. We need to win at home, or at least to get
something from the game because we need to build on our great away results.
We have to start picking up points at home, and I'm very confident because
our reactions in the second halves of both games was good, and if we can do
it from the start and cut out the silly mistakes, we will be alright."
How do you see Newcastle?
SB: "Newcastle is a team who point wise haven't started great, but if you go
game-by-game, it's only against Swansea that they were second best. That was
also because of a red card after they had a good spell. Against Manchester
United away they were very solid and dangerous on the counter attack.
Against Arsenal it's another game with a red card, so they are trying to
catch us with the red cards! "They've bought some good players in the
transfer window, and have individuals who can change the game in a split
second. It's going to be a difficult game, but this is the Premier League
and you expect that."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Walford's full-back option
WHUFC.com
Boys of '86 star Steve Walford recalls to Ian 'Moose' Abrahams his role in
West Ham United's finest-ever league season, when he was deployed in an
unaccustomed new role...
There are many players with links to both the Hammers and the Gunners, but
only one who won an FA Cup with Arsenal and was then part of the Boys of '86
– Steve Walford.
Steve's career began in north London and he's one of a select group of
players to have played for both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
"I started at White Hart Lane before Terry Neill took me to Arsenal, which
was my local team when I was growing up," he began. "I was bought up in that
area and found myself working with players I used to watch on the terraces.
I thought, 'Wow, I'm with Pat Rice, Sammy Nelson and Peter Simpson', players
I had been cheering them on from the terraces as a kid. It was strange but
great going there, from supporting the team to playing for them."
At that time, Steve was living every kid's dream, and then in 1979 he won
the FA Cup with the Gunners With Arsenal 2-0 up and seven minutes remaining,
Walford came on as substitute for David Price. Six minutes later and with
the game level at 2-2, before Alan Sunderland netted a dramatic winner.
Sunderland set off to celebrate and Steve gave chase, but famously he never
caught up with the match-winner: "I used to be quick but he must have turned
on the after-burners!"
I asked if it made him laugh whenever he sees the goal and him chasing after
Sunderland.
"No I hide my face, I don't look at it, as it's a bit cringe worthy really,
I have got to admit. In the end I gave up, I couldn't catch him, no chance."
Walford moved from Highbury to Norwich City and then on to West Ham, so how
did the move to the Boleyn Ground come about?
"My family settled well in Norwich, but then one day my daughter came home
and said 'I want to go out on my bike, in a strong Norwich accent and I
thought 'I can't have my kids talking like that!'.
"My contract had run out at Norwich and I signed another contract for a
year. About a week later I got a call from the club, saying West Ham had
made an offer for me and they'd accepted it and that was it, I wanted to
come to West Ham. I wanted to come home but I wanted to come to West Ham,
who were the first club I went training with after school, when John Lyall
had been the youth-team coach.
"It had been the first professional club I had trained at and I'd liked it
there. It was the travelling that made me stop going there, and Tottenham
wanted me to train with them which was 20 minutes up the road. When I heard
West Ham wanted me, they were a lot bigger club than Norwich, and I knew it
was an upward move for me."
When John Lyall bought me he told me he wanted to play at left-back. I had
played a few games there, but didn't really like it!
Steve Walford
Next year marks 30 years since the end of the season West Ham finished third
in the top flight, 1985/86, and Steve played most of that season in the
Hammers defence in a back line of Ray Stewart, Alvin Martin, Tony Gale and
him in a new position at left-back.
"When John Lyall bought me he told me he wanted to play at left-back. I had
played a few games there, but didn't really like it. I think we started that
season by losing away at Birmingham City, it was an early kick off and we
lost 1-0, then we went on an unbeaten run for about 20-odd games which I
think is still a record for West Ham in the top division."
Steve lost his place in the team in March to George Parris and I asked how
that came about.
"I was ill and missed the FA Cup fourth round second replay up at Ipswich,
Georgie Parris replaced me in the team and I never got back in. I couldn't
get him out of the team because he did that well."
Of course, that season was dominated by the goals of Tony Cottee and Frank
McAvennie, but Steve knew nothing about the latter when the season started!
"Up at Birmingham at the start of the season, Frank played in midfield,
behind Sarge (Paul Goddard) and TC. Sarge came off injured, Dicko (Alan
Dickens) came on and Frank went up front and the rest, as they say, is
history. At the start, Frank was playing as an attacking midfielder, now
you'd never have believed that would you."
After leaving West Ham and eventually retiring from playing Steve went into
coaching and is currently working under Martin O'Neill with the Republic of
Ireland.
As part of a team that included O'Neill and John Robertson, Steve won
trophies with Celtic in Scotland and in England with Leicester, while also
enjoying successful spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich and Aston Villa.
As a West Ham player, though, he will always be remembered as one of our
historic Boys of '86.
This interview originally appeared in the Official Programme for the visit
of Arsenal in December 2014.
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Cress aims for Magpies repeat
WHUFC.com
Having scored against Newcastle United in the same fixture last season,
Aaron Cresswell is hoping that lightning will strike twice on Monday
evening.
The left-back opened his goalscoring account for the Hammers with a deft
finish past the onrushing Rob Elliot to seal a valuable win which took the
Irons to fifth in the table in December last year.
Ten months on, and last season's Hammer of the Year is hoping to add to his
tally: "It was a great day to score my first Premier League goal that day,
it is one I will never forget.
"I would like to score another one; it would be nice to get a few goals. I
came close against Liverpool, it would have been nice if that had gone in,
but we now look to the next game and try to get the three points against
Newcastle."
Despite the current League campaign being only four games old, there has
been plenty of drama and excitement already.
Two disappointing home defeats have been matched by two heroic away wins
over Arsenal and Liverpool.
When asked about the reasons for the disparity between the Hammers' home and
away form, Cresswell continued: "I'm not too sure. I read somewhere that
there have been a lot more away game wins than home wins this season. I
don't know if it is just a freak start to the season or more to do with the
way teams are setting up, I don't know, it is still early days.
"But we have had two unbelievable wins away from home, Arsenal on the
opening day and then at Liverpool, but at home we haven't been good enough
in both games, hopefully we can put that right on Monday."
While the Claret and Blues' form has certainly been inconsistent, the
25-year-old was adamant that the Hammers can secure their first home win of
the season come Monday evening.
"Our two away games have been fantastic but our two home games have not been
good enough. We have to put in a good performance and get the three points."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A complete FArce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have been fined £50,000 by the Football Association - after
their players complained about a red card that was later rescinded. West Ham
discovered they had been hit with the fine on Friday afternoon, just a week
after the FA withdrew the red card incorrectly given to Mark Noble by
referee Kevin Friend that led to the incident for which the club have been
sanctioned. "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, West
Ham United have been fined £50,000 and warned as to their future conduct
after an FA player misconduct charge brought against the club was found
proven," read a statement on the FA's website. "It was alleged that in or
around the 78th minute of the game against Liverpool on 29 August 2015, West
Ham failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
The club had admitted the charge and submitted a plea for mitigation."
West Ham are yet to comment on the fine.
Justified? Some other private companies who've been fined 50k
August 2015: A company which offered a nuisance call blocking service has
been been fined £50,000 for making 'bullying' phone calls:
www.independent.co.uk...10449475.html
June 2015: A glass recycling company has been fined £50,000 after admitting
responsibility for a worker's hand being severed:
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk...9482681
May 2015: Glenn Medical Centre fined $50,000 after the death of a mother and
her unborn child: www.krcrtv.com...33129600
November 2014: An international aerospace company has been fined £50,000
after 13 employees were found to be suffering varying degrees of a
debilitating nerve condition: forthepeople.co.uk...nerve-condition/
May 2014: Food manufacturer Heinz has been fined £50,000 in the wake of a
workplace accident in which a worker lost a hand:
www.claimsdirect.co.uk...#ixzz3lSS4YgQa
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fined £50,000 by the FA
Last Updated: 11/09/15 7:52pm
SSN
West Ham have been fined £50,000 by the FA in relation to the behaviour of
their players during the 3-0 victory over Liverpool last month.
The London club have also be warned as to their future conduct after
multiple players surrounded referee Kevin Friend following the dismissal of
Mark Noble for a challenge on Danny Ings. Noble received a straight red for
the tackle but the decision was eventually overturned on appeal, with the
automatic three-match ban also withdrawn. However, West Ham have admitted a
charge of misconduct in relation to the players' reaction to the sending
off. "Following an independent regulatory commission hearing, West Ham
United have been fined £50,000 and warned as to their future conduct after
an FA player misconduct charge brought against the club was found proven,"
read a statement released by the FA. "It was alleged that in or around the
78th minute of the game against Liverpool on 29 August 2015, West Ham failed
to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. "The club
had admitted the charge and submitted a plea for mitigation."
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Exiled midfielder faces bleak Irons future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Morgan Amalfitano has little hope of resurrecting his Hammers career.
Despite being handed a squad number for the new season, the Frenchman is
still out in the cold with manager Slaven Bilic after missing a team
meeting. He was exiled to train with the under 21s a few weeks back and only
squeezed into the squad after a deadline day loan move saw Matt Jarvis join
Norwich City. But there has been no thaw in the frosty relationship between
the pair and it looks as though the midfielder's exile will continue into
the forseeable future.
A well placed source said: "It's very unfortunate but the manager has to be
allowed to manage. The player is on decent wages but only the manager can
decide if and when he will be brought back into the fold. "As things stand
there seems very little chance of a reconciliation – there looks to be no
way back the way things stand right now."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons say £50k fine may be based on 'previous'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Adrian of West Ham handles the ball
outside of the area as Sadio Mane of Southampton challenges and
subsequently receives a red card during the Barclays Premier League match
between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on February 11,
2015 in Southampton, England.
Exclusive
West Ham tonight admitted that the £50k fine handed out by the Football
Association for failing to control their players at Anfield is probably
based on previous recent incidents. The club is relaxed about the size of
the fine being more concerned that Mark Noble's red card has been overturned
following an incident involving Danny Ings. A source told ClaretandHugh
exclusively: "We were probably expecting a fine of around £30k but we have
previous and that may be the reason its higher." The Irons were fined £30k
last season following problems at St Mary's after Adrian was dismissed and
earlier a fracas at Everton saw them receive a £20k fine. Our source said:
"We can have no complaints – the rules are there and need to be obeyed. Yes,
it's an emotional game but you have to respect the referee and when and how
often do they change their minds?!"
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FA support Wembley ground share
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The chance of Spurs or Chelsea sharing the Olympic Stadium became less
likely after the FA appeared to give a green light to Spurs and/or Chelsea
sharing Wembley stadium.
There was previous talk that West Ham could be forced to share with Spurs or
even Chelsea in the Olympic Stadium in our second season but they now seems
less likely after the FA said it was open to the idea of a ground share at
Wembley.
FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn said that the FA would be "absolutely
supportive" of Chelsea and Spurs using Wembley while they redevelop their
stadiums, even if they have to ground-share theNational Stadium for a
period.
In a £500 million redevelopment, Chelsea plan to increase the capacity of
Stamford Bridge to 60,000 whilst Spurs are planning on a 61,000 capacity for
their new £400 million stadium.
Glenn told the SoccerEx conference : "We are there to provide help. We can
run the FA for less costs and we can raise more. There's a range of things.
It's primarily a football stadium, football matches are more profitable to
run than concerts and other things."
"We are the national stadium and seeking to use it more is what we are all
about. We have an obligation to football. I'm not talking specific clubs but
it's in our interest as an association for clubs to redevelop their grounds,
make superb facilities and if it's possible to help them in that transition
by using Wembley, we are absolutely supportive of that."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spotted in Soweto - Sakho and Kouyate make a West Ham fan's day
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate managed to put a smile on the faces of two
happy Hammers fans this week - despite being some 8,000 miles away from the
Boleyn Ground. South African-based West Ham fans Greg Faasen and his son
Richard were in Soweto on Tuesday evening to watch Bafana Bafana beat
Senegal 1-0 in the Nelson Mandela Challenge title, courtesy of a 77th goal
from Mpho Makola. However the highlight of the night was not watching their
team triumph against the Lions of Teranga - but being recognised by the West
Ham duo.
"Richard, my son, asked me to take him to the Bafana v Senegal match at
Orlando Stadium, Soweto," Greg told KUMB.com. "I wasn't really feeling up to
that journey, but he was adamant we would meet our two Senegalese Hammers –
and we did! "During the warm up and after the game they crossed their arms
in the Hammer salute when they saw us in our Hammers kit and were happy to
have photos taken with Richard. "Cheik, who was rested for the game, then
handed Richard his medal from the Mandela Cup match - which is now sitting
proudly in his bedroom. They're both humble guys who deserve to go far!"
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Bilic: I spoke with Adebayor
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has admitted that he held talks with Tottenham striker Emmanuel
Adebayor ahead of the transfer deadline window. Bilic, who celebrates his
47th birthday today revealed that he had spoken with the 31-year-old
out-of-favour striker - but confirmed that the move collapsed after the two
clubs failed to agree terms. "It was just talk, it wasn't like we held
negotiations," Bilic told the media this morning. "Because of his situation
and our situation I wanted to talk to him and have a chat. "He wanted a
chat too, so we spoke for an hour about football and the possibility [of him
coming to West Ham]. In the end it didn't happen because of his contractual
situation with Spurs. That's it, basically." And when asked how he would be
celebrating his birthday, Bilic replied: "The older you get the less you
celebrate! Apart from the big ones, like a 50th, 60th or whatever. "It's
just a normal day. It's my birthday of course so my friends and family are
calling, but basically it's just an ordinary day."
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Andy Carroll in line to return for West Ham against Newcastle
Last Updated: 11/09/15 12:00pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed striker Andy Carroll is in line to
return to action against former club Newcastle on Monday evening. The
England forward has been impressing in training after recovering from the
knee injury which confined him to the sidelines for the past eight months.
Bilic, who revealed he would 'probably select him' for the Sky Live match at
Upton Park, said: "Andy has had a six-week pre-season and looks very good in
training." West Ham were busy towards the end of the transfer market and
Bilic admits he is looking forward to seeing new recruits Victor Moses,
Michail Antonio and Nikica Jelavic in action. "I am very pleased with the
business we did," he said. "It's all on paper and we have to put it into
practice, but I think we've done well. "In the first week they've been
training with us it's all very positive and they're the players we wanted.
They have joined a team that is already good and they've come here to give
us extra quality. "Moses and Antonio play more or less the same position,
but they are different. For both of them the expectations are high.
"Antonio's potential is enormous. He has done it in the Championship (with
Nottingham Forest) and that means he has every chance of doing it in the
Premier League. "You know Jelavic, he is not a new name here. He has played
for Rangers, Everton and Hull. He is well proven here, he knows the league.
"I know him really well and exactly what I am going to get. He is a quality
player, who can score, hold the ball, and do everything you need from a
centre-forward. I am really pleased he is with us."
Bilic also confirmed that he held talks with Tottenham forward Emmanuel
Adebayor but says there was never any deal on the table. "It was not like
negotiations because of his situation and our situation," he said. "I wanted
a chat and he did too, so we spoke for one hour, of course about football.
"But, in the end it did not happen, because of his contract situation with
Spurs."
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Excited Slav: "New guys have to prove themselves"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has hailed Michail Antonio as a player "the whole club –
including me – are very excited about." Speaking at his morning press
conference ahead of the match against Newcastle, the manager said: ""The
expectations are high, with Antonio he has so much to offer us, his
potential is enormous. "Not just in training or on paper, he has done it in
the Championship, which is not that much below the Premier League. "Very few
English players came straight through the academy, many players come through
the divisions. "The whole club, including me, are very excited about
Antonio. He can make a big big impact." He is generally absolutely delighted
with the club's successful transfer window adding: ""I am very pleased. t is
all done now.
"The guys who came have to prove themselves. I think we done really well. We
got what we wanted and in the first few training sessions it is all very
positive. "They have brought what we wanted and I think they are going to do
very well for us. They have the energy, motivation, they are hungry. They
came here to give us extra quality."
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"Best Irons squad since turn of century"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Tony Cottee reckons the Irons have established he most impressive squad
since the turn of the century. The former striker – speaking in the
ClretandHugh interview section of the MooreThanJustAPodcast which goes out
early next week: "It is our best squad since the turn of the century.
"Those were the days Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Paolo Di
Canio and John Moncur and I think this one is as good. "We have four top
strikers and I've always said you need that many to have a top season. It
looks very good. "When it became obvious Sam Allarydce was leaving I had no
second thoughts that Slaven Bilic was the man to take us on."
Cottee – in his frankest ever interview talks to ClaretandHugh's associate
editor, Sean Whetstone in a not to be missed broadcast. TC and his legendary
striking partner Frank McAvenne – along with other members of the 1986 squad
which took the Irons into third place in the old First Division – will be
presented to the crowd before the game. It was in 1986 the Hammers
entertained Newcastle at the Boleyn and handed them an 8-1 thrashing.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio giving Slav a headache!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New boy Michail Antonio is kicking up a storm on the West Ham training
pitch as he bid to land a starting spot in the team for the Newcastle game.
The backroom staff have been astonished at the form shown by the former
Nottingham Forest star whose approch and potential were described as
"stupendous" by one source. Antonio's pace and power has been shown
throughout the week but even that may not be enough to dislodge Manuel
Lanzini from the starting line-up after his goalscoring performance against
Liverpool. ClaretandandHugh was told: "The competitions going on all over
the place on the training ground are brilliant but Michail's attitude has
had a few jaws dropping. "Having said that Manuel has been in brilliant form
and the video of his rabona goal has been all over the place. Everybody is
at it big time but the Antnio/Lanzini situation is giving the manager a
headache such is their form." However, the consensus opinion seems to be
that Lanzini will hold his place and that Antonio and Andy Carroll will be
available off the bench "to make a big impact if and when required."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Moses costs could hit £185k a game
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The loan of Victor Moses from Chelsea could approach £6m this season. Our
senior West Ham source told ClaretandHugh exclusively this afternoon that
the 24 year old winger could cost £175,000 to £185,000 per game. He said: "
Were he to be available for 32 League games which takes account of the two
he can't play against Chelsea and including loan fee, salary, plus National
Insurance and agents' fee it works out as a very big deal. The figures have
been applied to League games only as Cup games aren't seen as being of the
same importance although our source said: "We are going to have a real go in
both competitions."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Merson predicts a Hammers win
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Just over a week ago Sky Pundit Paul Merson predicted West Ham would finish
no better than 14th Place in the Premier League and has previously said West
Ham will struggle this season.
Talking to Sky sports Website last week Merson said "When West Ham are not
expected to win, they turn it on and when they have home games against teams
that are going to be in the bottom half they get beat – so that needs to
change. The fans need to be a little bit more patient at home. Away from
home, the shackles can come off." One week later and Merson is predicting a
home win for West Ham against Newcastle on Monday night. "This is a really
weird game this one, Newcastle are heading in the right direction under
Steve McClaren, even if the results haven't been great. I fancy West Ham
here slightly, but it's going to be a difficult game".
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
For once in this life let's hope Merson has got this one right! The law of
averages says he has to get something right one day!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini visits the Queen with his Mum
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Manuel Lanzini used his day off from Training on Thursday to visit
Buckingham Palace with his mum. Posting pictures on his offiical Instagram
account, the Argentine footballer took in the sights around London. The
22-year-old, who scored in the Hammers' 3-0 win over Liverpool before the
international break has been impressing his fellow Hammers with his skills
on the training pitch with his goal during Wednesday's training session. He
is on a season long loan from Al Jazira costing a £2m loan fee plus wages
with an option to buy at the end of the season.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: David Cross talks Andy Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Hammers hero Dave Cross was – like Andy Carroll – not what one might
describe as a traditional west Ham United player. But in six years at the
club between 1977 – 1982 he scored 99 goals from 234 appearances to win a
special place in the hearts of Hammers. All these years on – speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – he declared: "It's still my club, the first
result I look for even though I am working for Blackburn Rovers on
opposition analysis. Big fella 'Crossie' is perfectly placed to assess the
impact that Andy Carroll may have now he is ready to return to the Hammers
team under Slaven Bilic and declared: "Any manager in the word would be
happy to have Andy in their team."
That immediately 'dissed' the view of some that the Croat's more 'cultured'
approach to the game may not suit the blockbuster style of the former
Newcastle and Liverpool man. But Big Dave – talking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh – said: "I think he's a top player. I wasn't seen as a
traditional Hammers player but I did ok in a team which had a lot of very
creative types in it .
"Andy has been desperately unlucky with injuries but of he comes back and
stays fit he can be a real presence in the team. "He's obviously great in
the air but he has good feet and can bring players in from the left side
really well. I like him and although a passing team is being developed down
there he still has a big role to play I think."
Theres been much talk that AC's international years may not be behind them
but Crossie has a firm view on that one declaring: "It won't be on his mind.
All he will be concerned about is getting the performances in for West Ham
and that's how it should be. "Any manager in the Premier League would want
him in their team and I hope he stays fit and has a big impact for us."
In his role as an analyst of opposition teams in the Championship Dave has
seen a lot of Michail Antonio and said: "He has tremendous pace and that's
scary. He is big and powerful. I think he was a terrific buy and could be a
major player for us."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll set for West Ham return against former club Newcastle after
eight month lay-off
10:31, 11 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 11:02, 11 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The England striker was all set to make his long-awaited comeback last month
before rolling his ankle putting on a pair of shoes
The Mirror
Andy Carroll is set to return to action against his former club Newcastle on
Monday night. The West Ham striker has been out since February with a knee
injury – and then suffered another setback last month rolling his ankle
putting on a pair of shoes. But Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has revealed a new
rehabilitation regime for his £15m hitman means he is finally ready to
return to action. "Is he in contention? It looks like he is good," said the
Croat. "We have changed his recovery and rehabilitation a little bit. "A few
times before straight after his injuries when he was ok he would train for a
few days and then play straight away. "However, with the nature of his size
and the way he plays – he is not one to avoid tackles or escape challenges,
he fights – he would get injured again. It's psychological as much as
anything. "This time he has completed six weeks of let's call it
'pre-season' and he looks very good in training. "We are going to see if he
selected. But probably."
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STRENGTH IN DEPTH
By Iain Dale 11 Sep 2015 at 11:24
WTID
I hate it when we play on Mondays. First of all it means I can't go to the
match as I don't finish work until it's too late and you feel as if you are
out of the picture when all the other clubs are playing on Saturday and
Sunday. And it also means that it will be 16 days since the last match,
which, let me remind you was a famous 3-0 victory over Liverpool!
Even though we have signed four new players since that match I'd be
surprised if there were too many changes to the team which won at Anfield.
It's the first time Slaven Bilic will have encountered Steve McClaren since
the famous England v Croatia match when McClaren was dubbed the "wally with
the brolly", so no doubt McClaren would love to get one over on the West Ham
manager. It's one of those matches that could give us a real confidence
boost or be a bit of a let down. If we win it, we really announce to the
world that West Ham are motoring, but if we lose we will be dubbed as
inconsistent and a team that can only lift itself for the big games. I
wonder what the odds are on losing to Newcastle then beating Manchester
City. Same old West Ham…
Anyway, back to the team selection. Andy Carroll is likely to feature on the
bench, which should be the strongest bench we have ever selected. It might
well look like this…
Spiegel, Collins, Moses, Carroll, Oxford, Antonio, Jelavic
Add Adrian, Jenkinson, Song, Zarate and Valencia into the equation and it's
clear that we now have the strength in depth which has been so lacking in
the past. Jenkinson is eligible to play against Newcastle but I feel that
Bilic may stick with Tomkins. I haven't heard if Zarate if back to fitness.
Meanwhile, according to Shoot…
West Ham have reportedly agreed a deal to sign striker Luka Belic on a free
transfer. Despite being tipped to play for the Serbia national side in the
future, the 19-year-old is currently without a club after letting his
contract with OFK Belgrade expire in the summer. The Under-19 international
became the youngster ever player in the Serbian top flight when he made his
debut as a 16-year-old back in 2012. If the Hammers do seal his signature
then he is expected to go straight into their development squad.
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WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Monday's visit of
Newcastle United. He answered questions on his deadline day dealings, the
potential return of Andy Carroll and the threat posed by the Magpies.
Slaven, I hear celebrations are in order. Happy birthday - how are you
planning to celebrate the occasion?
SB: "The older you get the less you celebrate, apart from the big ones like
40 or 50. It's just a normal day for me. It's a birthday, of course, so my
friends and family are calling, but basically an otdinary day."
There were some early birthday presents in the transfer window on the final
day. How happy were you with the business you did?
SB: "Very pleased. It's all on paper of course, and now the guys who have
come have to prove themselves and all that. But I think we did really well,
we got what we wanted and the first week of training has been really
positive. "I think they are going to do really well for us, because they
have quality, they have the energy and are very motivated. They have joined
a team that is already good and they have come here to give us extra
quality."
How excited are you by the return of Andy Carroll to training and is he in
contention for Monday?
SB: "We've changed a bit with his rehabilitation this time. A few times
before, straight after the injury when he was ok he trained for a few days
with the team and then played straight away. Then, because of his stature,
size and everything, especially with the brave way he plays, another injury
would come. "This time we've made six weeks of let's call it pre-season and
he looks very good in training. Is he in contention? Probably. "The one
thing that I don't like now, and it's for every manager is that after the
international breaks we still have some players who are going to return
today or tomorrow after long trips. You still don't have your squad, but at
least we are playing on Monday. That's good, because had it been tomorrow
it's a problem, but if you're asking about the squad for Monday we still
have to count all the players who will train together and that will be
tomorrow."
Andy will be playing his former side, now managed by Steve McClaren, who you
recorded one of your most famous victories for Croatia over. Do you have any
sympathy for him over the fall out that followed that game?
SB: "That game wasn't Steve McClaren-Slaven Bilic, it was England-Croatia
and on Monday it's West Ham-Newcastle. I had sympathy for Steve, like I have
sympathy now for the Croatia coach who was sacked this week because we lost
in Oslo. So many teams lost in Oslo, so I have sympathy for every coach
because you lost jobs. And not only do you lose jobs but they are
slaughtering you big time. "That wasn't just a normal game, we played really
well. England came back to 2-2 and then we scored again. Of course I felt
sympathy because I know how it works. but then Steve recovered really well
to go to Holland. Then I went to see him when Mandzukic was playing at
Wolfsburg. We spent two or three hours chatting, and I know him for a long,
long time because when he started as Jim Smith's assistant at Derby, my two
colleagues from Croatia Stimac and Asanovic were playing there. We spoke and
they were telling me he was a brilliant young coach. Then he went to
Manchester United and Middlesbrough and I rate him big, big time. "He was
brave enough and had enough quality to prove himself in different leagues
and now he's back in the Premier League and I'm glad for him."
You've beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away, so how important is a home win
now?
SB: "It is very important. We need to win at home, or at least to get
something from the game because we need to build on our great away results.
We have to start picking up points at home, and I'm very confident because
our reactions in the second halves of both games was good, and if we can do
it from the start and cut out the silly mistakes, we will be alright."
How do you see Newcastle?
SB: "Newcastle is a team who point wise haven't started great, but if you go
game-by-game, it's only against Swansea that they were second best. That was
also because of a red card after they had a good spell. Against Manchester
United away they were very solid and dangerous on the counter attack.
Against Arsenal it's another game with a red card, so they are trying to
catch us with the red cards! "They've bought some good players in the
transfer window, and have individuals who can change the game in a split
second. It's going to be a difficult game, but this is the Premier League
and you expect that."
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Walford's full-back option
WHUFC.com
Boys of '86 star Steve Walford recalls to Ian 'Moose' Abrahams his role in
West Ham United's finest-ever league season, when he was deployed in an
unaccustomed new role...
There are many players with links to both the Hammers and the Gunners, but
only one who won an FA Cup with Arsenal and was then part of the Boys of '86
– Steve Walford.
Steve's career began in north London and he's one of a select group of
players to have played for both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
"I started at White Hart Lane before Terry Neill took me to Arsenal, which
was my local team when I was growing up," he began. "I was bought up in that
area and found myself working with players I used to watch on the terraces.
I thought, 'Wow, I'm with Pat Rice, Sammy Nelson and Peter Simpson', players
I had been cheering them on from the terraces as a kid. It was strange but
great going there, from supporting the team to playing for them."
At that time, Steve was living every kid's dream, and then in 1979 he won
the FA Cup with the Gunners With Arsenal 2-0 up and seven minutes remaining,
Walford came on as substitute for David Price. Six minutes later and with
the game level at 2-2, before Alan Sunderland netted a dramatic winner.
Sunderland set off to celebrate and Steve gave chase, but famously he never
caught up with the match-winner: "I used to be quick but he must have turned
on the after-burners!"
I asked if it made him laugh whenever he sees the goal and him chasing after
Sunderland.
"No I hide my face, I don't look at it, as it's a bit cringe worthy really,
I have got to admit. In the end I gave up, I couldn't catch him, no chance."
Walford moved from Highbury to Norwich City and then on to West Ham, so how
did the move to the Boleyn Ground come about?
"My family settled well in Norwich, but then one day my daughter came home
and said 'I want to go out on my bike, in a strong Norwich accent and I
thought 'I can't have my kids talking like that!'.
"My contract had run out at Norwich and I signed another contract for a
year. About a week later I got a call from the club, saying West Ham had
made an offer for me and they'd accepted it and that was it, I wanted to
come to West Ham. I wanted to come home but I wanted to come to West Ham,
who were the first club I went training with after school, when John Lyall
had been the youth-team coach.
"It had been the first professional club I had trained at and I'd liked it
there. It was the travelling that made me stop going there, and Tottenham
wanted me to train with them which was 20 minutes up the road. When I heard
West Ham wanted me, they were a lot bigger club than Norwich, and I knew it
was an upward move for me."
When John Lyall bought me he told me he wanted to play at left-back. I had
played a few games there, but didn't really like it!
Steve Walford
Next year marks 30 years since the end of the season West Ham finished third
in the top flight, 1985/86, and Steve played most of that season in the
Hammers defence in a back line of Ray Stewart, Alvin Martin, Tony Gale and
him in a new position at left-back.
"When John Lyall bought me he told me he wanted to play at left-back. I had
played a few games there, but didn't really like it. I think we started that
season by losing away at Birmingham City, it was an early kick off and we
lost 1-0, then we went on an unbeaten run for about 20-odd games which I
think is still a record for West Ham in the top division."
Steve lost his place in the team in March to George Parris and I asked how
that came about.
"I was ill and missed the FA Cup fourth round second replay up at Ipswich,
Georgie Parris replaced me in the team and I never got back in. I couldn't
get him out of the team because he did that well."
Of course, that season was dominated by the goals of Tony Cottee and Frank
McAvennie, but Steve knew nothing about the latter when the season started!
"Up at Birmingham at the start of the season, Frank played in midfield,
behind Sarge (Paul Goddard) and TC. Sarge came off injured, Dicko (Alan
Dickens) came on and Frank went up front and the rest, as they say, is
history. At the start, Frank was playing as an attacking midfielder, now
you'd never have believed that would you."
After leaving West Ham and eventually retiring from playing Steve went into
coaching and is currently working under Martin O'Neill with the Republic of
Ireland.
As part of a team that included O'Neill and John Robertson, Steve won
trophies with Celtic in Scotland and in England with Leicester, while also
enjoying successful spells with Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich and Aston Villa.
As a West Ham player, though, he will always be remembered as one of our
historic Boys of '86.
This interview originally appeared in the Official Programme for the visit
of Arsenal in December 2014.
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Cress aims for Magpies repeat
WHUFC.com
Having scored against Newcastle United in the same fixture last season,
Aaron Cresswell is hoping that lightning will strike twice on Monday
evening.
The left-back opened his goalscoring account for the Hammers with a deft
finish past the onrushing Rob Elliot to seal a valuable win which took the
Irons to fifth in the table in December last year.
Ten months on, and last season's Hammer of the Year is hoping to add to his
tally: "It was a great day to score my first Premier League goal that day,
it is one I will never forget.
"I would like to score another one; it would be nice to get a few goals. I
came close against Liverpool, it would have been nice if that had gone in,
but we now look to the next game and try to get the three points against
Newcastle."
Despite the current League campaign being only four games old, there has
been plenty of drama and excitement already.
Two disappointing home defeats have been matched by two heroic away wins
over Arsenal and Liverpool.
When asked about the reasons for the disparity between the Hammers' home and
away form, Cresswell continued: "I'm not too sure. I read somewhere that
there have been a lot more away game wins than home wins this season. I
don't know if it is just a freak start to the season or more to do with the
way teams are setting up, I don't know, it is still early days.
"But we have had two unbelievable wins away from home, Arsenal on the
opening day and then at Liverpool, but at home we haven't been good enough
in both games, hopefully we can put that right on Monday."
While the Claret and Blues' form has certainly been inconsistent, the
25-year-old was adamant that the Hammers can secure their first home win of
the season come Monday evening.
"Our two away games have been fantastic but our two home games have not been
good enough. We have to put in a good performance and get the three points."
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A complete FArce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have been fined £50,000 by the Football Association - after
their players complained about a red card that was later rescinded. West Ham
discovered they had been hit with the fine on Friday afternoon, just a week
after the FA withdrew the red card incorrectly given to Mark Noble by
referee Kevin Friend that led to the incident for which the club have been
sanctioned. "Following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing, West
Ham United have been fined £50,000 and warned as to their future conduct
after an FA player misconduct charge brought against the club was found
proven," read a statement on the FA's website. "It was alleged that in or
around the 78th minute of the game against Liverpool on 29 August 2015, West
Ham failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
The club had admitted the charge and submitted a plea for mitigation."
West Ham are yet to comment on the fine.
Justified? Some other private companies who've been fined 50k
August 2015: A company which offered a nuisance call blocking service has
been been fined £50,000 for making 'bullying' phone calls:
www.independent.co.uk...10449475.html
June 2015: A glass recycling company has been fined £50,000 after admitting
responsibility for a worker's hand being severed:
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk...9482681
May 2015: Glenn Medical Centre fined $50,000 after the death of a mother and
her unborn child: www.krcrtv.com...33129600
November 2014: An international aerospace company has been fined £50,000
after 13 employees were found to be suffering varying degrees of a
debilitating nerve condition: forthepeople.co.uk...nerve-condition/
May 2014: Food manufacturer Heinz has been fined £50,000 in the wake of a
workplace accident in which a worker lost a hand:
www.claimsdirect.co.uk...#ixzz3lSS4YgQa
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fined £50,000 by the FA
Last Updated: 11/09/15 7:52pm
SSN
West Ham have been fined £50,000 by the FA in relation to the behaviour of
their players during the 3-0 victory over Liverpool last month.
The London club have also be warned as to their future conduct after
multiple players surrounded referee Kevin Friend following the dismissal of
Mark Noble for a challenge on Danny Ings. Noble received a straight red for
the tackle but the decision was eventually overturned on appeal, with the
automatic three-match ban also withdrawn. However, West Ham have admitted a
charge of misconduct in relation to the players' reaction to the sending
off. "Following an independent regulatory commission hearing, West Ham
United have been fined £50,000 and warned as to their future conduct after
an FA player misconduct charge brought against the club was found proven,"
read a statement released by the FA. "It was alleged that in or around the
78th minute of the game against Liverpool on 29 August 2015, West Ham failed
to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. "The club
had admitted the charge and submitted a plea for mitigation."
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Exiled midfielder faces bleak Irons future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Morgan Amalfitano has little hope of resurrecting his Hammers career.
Despite being handed a squad number for the new season, the Frenchman is
still out in the cold with manager Slaven Bilic after missing a team
meeting. He was exiled to train with the under 21s a few weeks back and only
squeezed into the squad after a deadline day loan move saw Matt Jarvis join
Norwich City. But there has been no thaw in the frosty relationship between
the pair and it looks as though the midfielder's exile will continue into
the forseeable future.
A well placed source said: "It's very unfortunate but the manager has to be
allowed to manage. The player is on decent wages but only the manager can
decide if and when he will be brought back into the fold. "As things stand
there seems very little chance of a reconciliation – there looks to be no
way back the way things stand right now."
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Irons say £50k fine may be based on 'previous'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Adrian of West Ham handles the ball
outside of the area as Sadio Mane of Southampton challenges and
subsequently receives a red card during the Barclays Premier League match
between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on February 11,
2015 in Southampton, England.
Exclusive
West Ham tonight admitted that the £50k fine handed out by the Football
Association for failing to control their players at Anfield is probably
based on previous recent incidents. The club is relaxed about the size of
the fine being more concerned that Mark Noble's red card has been overturned
following an incident involving Danny Ings. A source told ClaretandHugh
exclusively: "We were probably expecting a fine of around £30k but we have
previous and that may be the reason its higher." The Irons were fined £30k
last season following problems at St Mary's after Adrian was dismissed and
earlier a fracas at Everton saw them receive a £20k fine. Our source said:
"We can have no complaints – the rules are there and need to be obeyed. Yes,
it's an emotional game but you have to respect the referee and when and how
often do they change their minds?!"
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FA support Wembley ground share
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The chance of Spurs or Chelsea sharing the Olympic Stadium became less
likely after the FA appeared to give a green light to Spurs and/or Chelsea
sharing Wembley stadium.
There was previous talk that West Ham could be forced to share with Spurs or
even Chelsea in the Olympic Stadium in our second season but they now seems
less likely after the FA said it was open to the idea of a ground share at
Wembley.
FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn said that the FA would be "absolutely
supportive" of Chelsea and Spurs using Wembley while they redevelop their
stadiums, even if they have to ground-share theNational Stadium for a
period.
In a £500 million redevelopment, Chelsea plan to increase the capacity of
Stamford Bridge to 60,000 whilst Spurs are planning on a 61,000 capacity for
their new £400 million stadium.
Glenn told the SoccerEx conference : "We are there to provide help. We can
run the FA for less costs and we can raise more. There's a range of things.
It's primarily a football stadium, football matches are more profitable to
run than concerts and other things."
"We are the national stadium and seeking to use it more is what we are all
about. We have an obligation to football. I'm not talking specific clubs but
it's in our interest as an association for clubs to redevelop their grounds,
make superb facilities and if it's possible to help them in that transition
by using Wembley, we are absolutely supportive of that."
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Spotted in Soweto - Sakho and Kouyate make a West Ham fan's day
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate managed to put a smile on the faces of two
happy Hammers fans this week - despite being some 8,000 miles away from the
Boleyn Ground. South African-based West Ham fans Greg Faasen and his son
Richard were in Soweto on Tuesday evening to watch Bafana Bafana beat
Senegal 1-0 in the Nelson Mandela Challenge title, courtesy of a 77th goal
from Mpho Makola. However the highlight of the night was not watching their
team triumph against the Lions of Teranga - but being recognised by the West
Ham duo.
"Richard, my son, asked me to take him to the Bafana v Senegal match at
Orlando Stadium, Soweto," Greg told KUMB.com. "I wasn't really feeling up to
that journey, but he was adamant we would meet our two Senegalese Hammers –
and we did! "During the warm up and after the game they crossed their arms
in the Hammer salute when they saw us in our Hammers kit and were happy to
have photos taken with Richard. "Cheik, who was rested for the game, then
handed Richard his medal from the Mandela Cup match - which is now sitting
proudly in his bedroom. They're both humble guys who deserve to go far!"
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Bilic: I spoke with Adebayor
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 11th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has admitted that he held talks with Tottenham striker Emmanuel
Adebayor ahead of the transfer deadline window. Bilic, who celebrates his
47th birthday today revealed that he had spoken with the 31-year-old
out-of-favour striker - but confirmed that the move collapsed after the two
clubs failed to agree terms. "It was just talk, it wasn't like we held
negotiations," Bilic told the media this morning. "Because of his situation
and our situation I wanted to talk to him and have a chat. "He wanted a
chat too, so we spoke for an hour about football and the possibility [of him
coming to West Ham]. In the end it didn't happen because of his contractual
situation with Spurs. That's it, basically." And when asked how he would be
celebrating his birthday, Bilic replied: "The older you get the less you
celebrate! Apart from the big ones, like a 50th, 60th or whatever. "It's
just a normal day. It's my birthday of course so my friends and family are
calling, but basically it's just an ordinary day."
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Andy Carroll in line to return for West Ham against Newcastle
Last Updated: 11/09/15 12:00pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has revealed striker Andy Carroll is in line to
return to action against former club Newcastle on Monday evening. The
England forward has been impressing in training after recovering from the
knee injury which confined him to the sidelines for the past eight months.
Bilic, who revealed he would 'probably select him' for the Sky Live match at
Upton Park, said: "Andy has had a six-week pre-season and looks very good in
training." West Ham were busy towards the end of the transfer market and
Bilic admits he is looking forward to seeing new recruits Victor Moses,
Michail Antonio and Nikica Jelavic in action. "I am very pleased with the
business we did," he said. "It's all on paper and we have to put it into
practice, but I think we've done well. "In the first week they've been
training with us it's all very positive and they're the players we wanted.
They have joined a team that is already good and they've come here to give
us extra quality. "Moses and Antonio play more or less the same position,
but they are different. For both of them the expectations are high.
"Antonio's potential is enormous. He has done it in the Championship (with
Nottingham Forest) and that means he has every chance of doing it in the
Premier League. "You know Jelavic, he is not a new name here. He has played
for Rangers, Everton and Hull. He is well proven here, he knows the league.
"I know him really well and exactly what I am going to get. He is a quality
player, who can score, hold the ball, and do everything you need from a
centre-forward. I am really pleased he is with us."
Bilic also confirmed that he held talks with Tottenham forward Emmanuel
Adebayor but says there was never any deal on the table. "It was not like
negotiations because of his situation and our situation," he said. "I wanted
a chat and he did too, so we spoke for one hour, of course about football.
"But, in the end it did not happen, because of his contract situation with
Spurs."
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Excited Slav: "New guys have to prove themselves"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has hailed Michail Antonio as a player "the whole club –
including me – are very excited about." Speaking at his morning press
conference ahead of the match against Newcastle, the manager said: ""The
expectations are high, with Antonio he has so much to offer us, his
potential is enormous. "Not just in training or on paper, he has done it in
the Championship, which is not that much below the Premier League. "Very few
English players came straight through the academy, many players come through
the divisions. "The whole club, including me, are very excited about
Antonio. He can make a big big impact." He is generally absolutely delighted
with the club's successful transfer window adding: ""I am very pleased. t is
all done now.
"The guys who came have to prove themselves. I think we done really well. We
got what we wanted and in the first few training sessions it is all very
positive. "They have brought what we wanted and I think they are going to do
very well for us. They have the energy, motivation, they are hungry. They
came here to give us extra quality."
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"Best Irons squad since turn of century"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Tony Cottee reckons the Irons have established he most impressive squad
since the turn of the century. The former striker – speaking in the
ClretandHugh interview section of the MooreThanJustAPodcast which goes out
early next week: "It is our best squad since the turn of the century.
"Those were the days Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Paolo Di
Canio and John Moncur and I think this one is as good. "We have four top
strikers and I've always said you need that many to have a top season. It
looks very good. "When it became obvious Sam Allarydce was leaving I had no
second thoughts that Slaven Bilic was the man to take us on."
Cottee – in his frankest ever interview talks to ClaretandHugh's associate
editor, Sean Whetstone in a not to be missed broadcast. TC and his legendary
striking partner Frank McAvenne – along with other members of the 1986 squad
which took the Irons into third place in the old First Division – will be
presented to the crowd before the game. It was in 1986 the Hammers
entertained Newcastle at the Boleyn and handed them an 8-1 thrashing.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio giving Slav a headache!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
New boy Michail Antonio is kicking up a storm on the West Ham training
pitch as he bid to land a starting spot in the team for the Newcastle game.
The backroom staff have been astonished at the form shown by the former
Nottingham Forest star whose approch and potential were described as
"stupendous" by one source. Antonio's pace and power has been shown
throughout the week but even that may not be enough to dislodge Manuel
Lanzini from the starting line-up after his goalscoring performance against
Liverpool. ClaretandandHugh was told: "The competitions going on all over
the place on the training ground are brilliant but Michail's attitude has
had a few jaws dropping. "Having said that Manuel has been in brilliant form
and the video of his rabona goal has been all over the place. Everybody is
at it big time but the Antnio/Lanzini situation is giving the manager a
headache such is their form." However, the consensus opinion seems to be
that Lanzini will hold his place and that Antonio and Andy Carroll will be
available off the bench "to make a big impact if and when required."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Moses costs could hit £185k a game
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
The loan of Victor Moses from Chelsea could approach £6m this season. Our
senior West Ham source told ClaretandHugh exclusively this afternoon that
the 24 year old winger could cost £175,000 to £185,000 per game. He said: "
Were he to be available for 32 League games which takes account of the two
he can't play against Chelsea and including loan fee, salary, plus National
Insurance and agents' fee it works out as a very big deal. The figures have
been applied to League games only as Cup games aren't seen as being of the
same importance although our source said: "We are going to have a real go in
both competitions."
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Paul Merson predicts a Hammers win
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Just over a week ago Sky Pundit Paul Merson predicted West Ham would finish
no better than 14th Place in the Premier League and has previously said West
Ham will struggle this season.
Talking to Sky sports Website last week Merson said "When West Ham are not
expected to win, they turn it on and when they have home games against teams
that are going to be in the bottom half they get beat – so that needs to
change. The fans need to be a little bit more patient at home. Away from
home, the shackles can come off." One week later and Merson is predicting a
home win for West Ham against Newcastle on Monday night. "This is a really
weird game this one, Newcastle are heading in the right direction under
Steve McClaren, even if the results haven't been great. I fancy West Ham
here slightly, but it's going to be a difficult game".
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
For once in this life let's hope Merson has got this one right! The law of
averages says he has to get something right one day!
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Lanzini visits the Queen with his Mum
Posted by Hammers Newshound on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Manuel Lanzini used his day off from Training on Thursday to visit
Buckingham Palace with his mum. Posting pictures on his offiical Instagram
account, the Argentine footballer took in the sights around London. The
22-year-old, who scored in the Hammers' 3-0 win over Liverpool before the
international break has been impressing his fellow Hammers with his skills
on the training pitch with his goal during Wednesday's training session. He
is on a season long loan from Al Jazira costing a £2m loan fee plus wages
with an option to buy at the end of the season.
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Exclusive: David Cross talks Andy Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 11, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Hammers hero Dave Cross was – like Andy Carroll – not what one might
describe as a traditional west Ham United player. But in six years at the
club between 1977 – 1982 he scored 99 goals from 234 appearances to win a
special place in the hearts of Hammers. All these years on – speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – he declared: "It's still my club, the first
result I look for even though I am working for Blackburn Rovers on
opposition analysis. Big fella 'Crossie' is perfectly placed to assess the
impact that Andy Carroll may have now he is ready to return to the Hammers
team under Slaven Bilic and declared: "Any manager in the word would be
happy to have Andy in their team."
That immediately 'dissed' the view of some that the Croat's more 'cultured'
approach to the game may not suit the blockbuster style of the former
Newcastle and Liverpool man. But Big Dave – talking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh – said: "I think he's a top player. I wasn't seen as a
traditional Hammers player but I did ok in a team which had a lot of very
creative types in it .
"Andy has been desperately unlucky with injuries but of he comes back and
stays fit he can be a real presence in the team. "He's obviously great in
the air but he has good feet and can bring players in from the left side
really well. I like him and although a passing team is being developed down
there he still has a big role to play I think."
Theres been much talk that AC's international years may not be behind them
but Crossie has a firm view on that one declaring: "It won't be on his mind.
All he will be concerned about is getting the performances in for West Ham
and that's how it should be. "Any manager in the Premier League would want
him in their team and I hope he stays fit and has a big impact for us."
In his role as an analyst of opposition teams in the Championship Dave has
seen a lot of Michail Antonio and said: "He has tremendous pace and that's
scary. He is big and powerful. I think he was a terrific buy and could be a
major player for us."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Andy Carroll set for West Ham return against former club Newcastle after
eight month lay-off
10:31, 11 SEPTEMBER 2015 UPDATED 11:02, 11 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The England striker was all set to make his long-awaited comeback last month
before rolling his ankle putting on a pair of shoes
The Mirror
Andy Carroll is set to return to action against his former club Newcastle on
Monday night. The West Ham striker has been out since February with a knee
injury – and then suffered another setback last month rolling his ankle
putting on a pair of shoes. But Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has revealed a new
rehabilitation regime for his £15m hitman means he is finally ready to
return to action. "Is he in contention? It looks like he is good," said the
Croat. "We have changed his recovery and rehabilitation a little bit. "A few
times before straight after his injuries when he was ok he would train for a
few days and then play straight away. "However, with the nature of his size
and the way he plays – he is not one to avoid tackles or escape challenges,
he fights – he would get injured again. It's psychological as much as
anything. "This time he has completed six weeks of let's call it
'pre-season' and he looks very good in training. "We are going to see if he
selected. But probably."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STRENGTH IN DEPTH
By Iain Dale 11 Sep 2015 at 11:24
WTID
I hate it when we play on Mondays. First of all it means I can't go to the
match as I don't finish work until it's too late and you feel as if you are
out of the picture when all the other clubs are playing on Saturday and
Sunday. And it also means that it will be 16 days since the last match,
which, let me remind you was a famous 3-0 victory over Liverpool!
Even though we have signed four new players since that match I'd be
surprised if there were too many changes to the team which won at Anfield.
It's the first time Slaven Bilic will have encountered Steve McClaren since
the famous England v Croatia match when McClaren was dubbed the "wally with
the brolly", so no doubt McClaren would love to get one over on the West Ham
manager. It's one of those matches that could give us a real confidence
boost or be a bit of a let down. If we win it, we really announce to the
world that West Ham are motoring, but if we lose we will be dubbed as
inconsistent and a team that can only lift itself for the big games. I
wonder what the odds are on losing to Newcastle then beating Manchester
City. Same old West Ham…
Anyway, back to the team selection. Andy Carroll is likely to feature on the
bench, which should be the strongest bench we have ever selected. It might
well look like this…
Spiegel, Collins, Moses, Carroll, Oxford, Antonio, Jelavic
Add Adrian, Jenkinson, Song, Zarate and Valencia into the equation and it's
clear that we now have the strength in depth which has been so lacking in
the past. Jenkinson is eligible to play against Newcastle but I feel that
Bilic may stick with Tomkins. I haven't heard if Zarate if back to fitness.
Meanwhile, according to Shoot…
West Ham have reportedly agreed a deal to sign striker Luka Belic on a free
transfer. Despite being tipped to play for the Serbia national side in the
future, the 19-year-old is currently without a club after letting his
contract with OFK Belgrade expire in the summer. The Under-19 international
became the youngster ever player in the Serbian top flight when he made his
debut as a 16-year-old back in 2012. If the Hammers do seal his signature
then he is expected to go straight into their development squad.
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Friday, September 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th September 2015
Chadwell Chatter - Angelo Ogbonna
WHUFC.com
Hello everybody,
We are still celebrating our victory over Liverpool and it was a great
performance from the team. We had good organisation and everything was
amazing. To end 52-years without a win is a long time for any team and the
coach prepared everything so well. We had a good game.
It is not just about one player but everyone in the team. When we have good
organisation everything gets better. When you win you enjoy the next game so
our preparations have a good feel about it at the moment and we want to put
things right (against Newcastle) because we are very annoyed about our last
two results at home. I hope the new signings will enjoy the West Ham
mentality and everything around the Club. The West Ham attitude is different
to other teams and I hope everyone is comfortable in this team. Alex Song is
a great signing for the Club. We need that kind of experience and he is
someone who has played at another level and it is great for us. We now look
forward to the Newcastle game on Monday night. It is not just about playing
under the lights, but we need to win for our home support. We are focused
and have to do everything to get the result. I want to concentrate and give
everything and all the players will prepare well to win the game. We have
been unlucky at home and we need to change and do something better than what
we did in the last two games. I am really enjoying life in London. I have an
English teacher and I want to improve my English. When I first arrived at
West Ham I said I wanted to improve so I can listen to everyone and
understand what everyone is saying. It might still take me six months to
understand Mark Noble and James Tomkins as they speak with a Cockney accent
but I will understand !!
See you on Monday.
Angelo
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Ricoh imagine change with the Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce an exciting long-term partnership
with global technology giant Ricoh. The deal will see Ricoh supporting West
Ham in servicing the new Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, bringing
state-of-the-art technologies to the Hammers' future home. The new
relationship will revolutionise the West Ham matchday experience come the
big kick-off in August 2016. Ricoh specialises in delivering business and
experience transformation via its IT and document services. The high-profile
partnership is the latest in the Club's ever-increasing sponsorship
portfolio, which continues to give the West Ham United brand further
prominence domestically and overseas.
West Ham United Commercial Director Felicity Barnard said: "We are
absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with a brand of this calibre. Ricoh has
a rich heritage and proven expertise in business and sports sponsorship.
"Above all, this will allow us to improve the supporter experience by
significantly enhancing our matchday offering. We believe this is a really
exciting partnership for the Club and look forward to working very closely
with Ricoh over the coming years."
Chas Moloney, Marketing Director at Ricoh, said: "We are delighted to have
become a partner of West Ham United and are excited to be working with them
on creating an exceptional fan experience at the new Stadium."
Ricoh are renowned for solutions that improve the interaction between people
and information. As a business, it prides itself on the quality of its
technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and
sustainability initiatives.
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Chauhan relishing life at West Ham
WHUFC.com
Indian international goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan spoke of her huge sense of
pride at playing for West Ham United Ladies. The shotstopper has attracted a
significant amount of media attention since joining the Hammers in the
summer. Speaking before the game against C & K Basildon at the Irons'
Hornchurch home later today, she said: "Playing for West Ham is a big
responsibility. But it is one that I enjoy and am very proud to be able to
play for them. "Since I joined, I've received a lot of messages from people
here and back home. I wasn't really expecting that to be honest. I feel like
I represent my country every time I play, which is a special feeling." While
the Hammers enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season campaign, Marc Nurse's side are
yet to recreate that form in the league, losing both of their opening games.
Despite the tough start, Chauhan is upbeat about her side's chances when
they play local rivals Basildon, who secured four points from their two
matches. "So far this season has certainly been an eye-opener. I feel
like I'm learning all the time and I can feel myself improving. "Overall, my
time in England has been a brilliant experience. I've really had a great
time, the people I've met have been fantastic. "It took a bit of time to
adjust, but the West Ham girls and the management have really helped me.
They've been so supportive and encouraging."
The Ladies host C & K Basildon at AFC Hornchurch tonight, kick off is
7.45pm.
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From the Newsroom - Dave Evans
WHUFC.com
The Recorder Group's West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans reflects on
the Hammers' start to the season and looks at a successful transfer
window...
In some ways the start of the season has been very West Ham, but then
winning at Anfield is not very West Ham as we all know.
That has to be one of the highlights for me, covering West Ham. It wasn't
just a smash and grab raid, but a superb performance. They outplayed
Liverpool and could have scored more.
They couldn't have complained had it been five. Liverpool barely had a
chance and that's not like West Ham games that I have seen there over the
years.
At home it has been a very different story so far, which is a bit of a
surprise because in recent times West Ham have been fairly good at home,
especially at the start of a season.
It's a bit of a puzzler. It seems that maybe the way Slaven has set up the
team has been great for away games, but if you set up the same way at home
it hasn't quite worked because teams sit back on you.
Perhaps he has to change things and perhaps these new signings will help do
that.
It certainly is strength in depth now, but also what West Ham have now is
something a bit different. Apart from Matt Jarvis they didn't really have a
winger. Now they've got two wingers and there's a lot of pace in that team.
I think that's going to help. He might have to play a slightly different
formation to play these wingers, but it gives him different options and if
Andy Carroll is coming back soon you're going to need wingers.
I'm hopeful for the season ahead, especially with the people he has added to
the squad. If there are injuries there are players to cover now.
I'm hoping for a little bit better than mid-table, although mid-table would
be fine this season because the most important thing is to stay in the
Premier League.
I'm thinking eighth, ninth, seventh. Who knows? But I think that would be a
good first season with the squad that he's got.
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Downing - easy to leave West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Stewart Downing says he still has no regrets about leaving
West Ham in the summer - even though it meant dropping a division. The
31-year-old attacking midfielder, speaking in an interview with BBC Tees
claimed it was "an easy decision" to return to his boyhood club, once their
interest became apparent. "I'd spoken to the chairman and [manager] Aitor
[Karanka] and they had good plans here and were looking to strengthen the
team," he said. "He wanted me to be part of that playing as a number 10 or
as a wide man. "For me, it was a very easy decision to make. The chairman
asked if I was up for it and I said 'if you can make the deal happen and you
get me out of West Ham then I'm happy to come back'. "I gave my word that if
it happens then I'll be straight back. Fair play to the chairman, he did it
and got me back as quickly as he could."
The former England international spent two seasons at the Boleyn Ground and
played some of the best football of his career during the first half of last
season under Sam Allardyce. However his form - like that of the rest of the
squad - dipped alarmingly after Christmas and few Hammers fans were
disappointed to see him return to to the North East in July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio at West Ham: Winger's journey from non-league
Last Updated: 08/09/15 7:16pm
SSN
Michail Antonio could complete his journey from non-league to Premier League
when West Ham host Newcastle United on Monday Night Football. Adam Bate got
the views of ex-team-mates and coaches to find out more about the Hammers'
new signing…
With Slaven Bilic's West Ham facing Steve McClaren's Newcastle, much of the
focus ahead of Monday Night Football will be on events that happened in
November 2007. It's indicative of how far he's come that West Ham's new £7m
signing Michail Antonio was lining up for Tooting & Mitcham United in the
second tier of the Isthmian League at the time.
Antonio's route to the top has been far from typical. There was no academy
life for him. Even when the big break did come with Reading, he made more
appearances out on loan at five different clubs than he did in four years
for his parent club. Former West Ham man Martin Allen, then in charge of
Cheltenham, was one of the coaches to give him a go.
"I took him on loan," Allen told Sky Sports. "He was a very pacey
right-sider with a long throw. A good athlete and a down-to-earth lad too."
But he was raw. During a later loan spell at Colchester, manager John Ward
described his finishing as "very wayward", bemoaning Antonio's unfortunate
habit of "knocking it on the A12".
There was potential but it would not be realised with the Royals. "Reading
took him and then let him go, surprisingly," added Allen. "They didn't
really sell him for enough money." It was in a Sheffield Wednesday shirt
that Antonio's development would really become apparent - off the field as
well as on it.
David Prutton, now a pundit with Sky Sports, was a team-mate for much of
Antonio's stay at Hillsborough and remains in touch. "I rang him before the
Forest game at the start of the season for a bit of insight," said Prutton.
"He was as good as gold and had plenty of time for me. Let's just say some
players might have been too busy.
"That non-league experience gives him perspective and the grounding you want
in a player. When he came to Wednesday, there was a bit of maturing that
happened that first season that endeared him to the lads too. He really grew
into it. That temperament is going to stand him in good stead."
He was a tremendous team-mate because of the attributes that he's got. He's
tremendously strong and quick. He's just so direct.
It's not that Antonio didn't have an ego, but that it was a positive - "you
need that to perform in front of 20,000 people" - and it wasn't long before
he emerged as Wednesday's most important player. In one of the
Championship's struggling sides, Antonio was the man who provided the
threat.
"He was a tremendous team-mate because of the attributes that he's got,"
said Prutton. "He's tremendously strong and quick. He's just so direct. When
you're at a team like Wednesday were at the time, what you want is that kind
of outlet like Antonio who can carry the ball 40 or 50 yards up the pitch.
He was a massive player for us."
A move to Nottingham Forest followed in 2014 and Antonio proved just as
vital to his new club. He scored 14 goals in the Championship last season
and ranked in the top three in the division for completed dribbles. Prutton,
a former Forest midfielder himself, feels that solo work should not be
underestimated - it's teamwork of a different type.
"There was one stage at Forest last season when Andy Reid and Britt
Assombalonga were out where it was literally, 'Let's give it to Antonio and
see what he can do with it'. That might sound like fun but when it's 90
minutes, twice a week for 10 months, that's going to take its toll. But he
understood and embraced that responsibility." And then some.
There was the goal against Bolton last season where he ran from inside his
own half before cutting inside to score with his right foot, having already
done something similar with his left foot against Brentford earlier in the
campaign. The control and composure to equalise against Fulham last
September was top class too. He's already scored four goals this season.
Now Antonio's lengthy journey from non-league to Premier League is complete.
In contrast, it's a relatively short one via the London Underground from
Tooting & Mitcham's Imperial Fields in Morden to West Ham's Upton Park and
while Antonio admits he's thrilled to be "back in London", the challenge
ahead of him is rather different now.
"West Ham brings the instant glare of the Premier League and competition for
places," said Prutton. "He's not going there as the main man as he was at
Wednesday and he became at Forest. He'll have to harness his performances
for the team but he can do that and it's all part of the learning curve."
Nevertheless, Antonio is confident of making an impact. "What I bring to the
table is pace, power and goals," he told his new club upon signing. Allen
agrees. "I think it's a very good signing - and a very exciting signing -
for West Ham." Bilic has no Luka Modric this time. But maybe it'll be a man
from Mitcham that can help ruin McClaren's night eight years on.
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HOME SWEET HOME
By Bianca Westwood 10 Sep 2015 at 17:00
WTID
I have a confession to make. Don't judge me. Ok you'll definitely judge me.
I haven't watched any international football. Not a goal, not a throw in,
not even a single kick. Tell a lie…I saw Rooney's 50th goal (well done
Wayne!) go in via a tiny, grainy video shot from the stands at Wembley on
someone's Facebook page. "Call yourself a football fan?!" Yeah some might
say that. I know. I get it. I just fell out of love with the internationals
somewhere in South America. Possibly before. That's not to say it won't
return. It usually does. Nine times out of ten I get whisked away with the
hype and the pre-tournament hope of the mad fan/media frenzy but I must
admit, last time out I felt a bit resigned even before Pitbull and JLo
started singing that dreadful World Cup song. I was as deflated as one of
Tom Brady's balls. After that debacle in Brazil not even Roy's 100% record
in the European qualifiers this time round could rouse me from my
indifference. I've always, always, always loved our national team…but this
time I just couldn't fake it. I've been led up the garden path way too many
times. How many years of hurt is it now?
So I'll be more than happy when the domestic action returns to our pitches
and screens this weekend. Natch. It's oh so quiet without it.
What a season we've had already. Even by West Ham's erratic standards it's
been a doozy. Ever heard of the Land of Topsy Turvy? (SJ Chandos I wrote
this before I saw your post and it's half past ten at night I'm not changing
it now ha!!) Where everything is downside up and outside in? I feel like
that's where we are right now! Who would have predicted a scintillating win
at the Emirates and a precious, but quite anomalous, victory at Anfield,
interwoven with a couple of abject performances at Upton Park against, no
disrespect, inferior opposition of the likes of Leicester and Bournemouth?
What's going on at the Boleyn then? Perhaps you can tell me because I don't
get there as much these days. I know the atmosphere is far less fierce and
foreboding for visiting teams than it once was. The fire and the fury seems
to be reserved for our own a lot of the time. I was listening down the line
from the gantry at the Valley when Soccer Saturday's Sir Jeffrey of Stelling
disdainfully revealed the Hammers fans were booing after twenty odd minutes.
That really disappointed me. It seems like we're so quick to turn nowadays.
Ok we were two nil down at the time but it's still too early to go rogue.
This isn't The Sons of Anarchy! We're not supposed to shoot each other. Not
unless our backs are really against the wall anyway.
I remember interviewing Big Sam last season about our unfavourable home form
and it was extremely unpleasant to learn how difficult it was for some
players to perform comfortably and confidently at Upton Park. He spoke to me
about how hesitant and reticent they would be at times, how uncomfortable on
the ball, how nervous of making a mistake and being the one responsible for
turning the tide and rousing the rabble. He didn't name names but I had an
idea of who he might be referring to. He also accepted that the
responsibility of developing their strength mentally and tactically was
ultimately down to him. He wasn't shirking, but it was revealing. It made me
think deeper about how important fans actually are. They can often make you
or break you. I don't have anyone screaming at me how useless I am when I'm
trying to work (not offline anyway!) so I don't know how it feels but I'm
sure it isn't the best environment to be in. I'm not having that 'we pay
their wages we can say what we like/they earn fortunes they should be able
to take it' argument either. There is a human element here.
It's not the fans' fault if things go wrong on the pitch either. Of course
it's not. If they feel the players aren't pulling their weight then they're
entitled to voice their displeasure in some way. But this is supposed to be
a collective. We're all in this together aren't we? Booing is not the
answer. I've said this before but it gets nasty too quickly and that's not
how Upton Park used to be. It doesn't make the players play any better.
That's why Bilic earns the big bucks. It's down to him to ring the changes
and solve the problems and, largely, he has done that to good effect in both
those home matches. Even in defeat there was never a capitulation or a
return to the long ball boredom that had us so enraptured last term. We
haven't sat back on leads away from home either. Ok so we've parked the bus
here and there but the handbrake was off wasn't it?! Or was it on? I can't
remember but the signs are good. Plus we have a few different names on the
team sheet this season who may be more able to withstand public and vocal
pressure. We'll see. I don't know if that particular monkey is still hanging
off of their backs but after the two home disasters we've had so far, Monday
night will be an interesting spectacle. Let's hope it's not the Hammers'
house of horror!
Does this mean if we lose then there's a problem at the Boleyn? I suppose it
depends on the nature of the performance, the effort, the end product. I
have to say I'm far more confident than I've been in recent years. Not
because it's a misfiring Newcastle we face either. After West Ham's
extravagant spending spree over the summer and in the transfer window we
look very well equipped. I'd say the the chairmen are extremely happy
shoppers. We have a quality squad there, with all sorts of attributes and
strengths at our disposal. More on that another time.
If Slav can get his players, both old and new, to realise their potential
and play with the freedom, poise and self-assurance we want to see, we
really could have an exciting team on our hands. The fans also have a vital
part to play! Maybe Hammers' years of hurt could be over…for a while at
least!!
Come On You Irons!!
B x
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WE COULD STILL STRUGGLE, SO LET'S SING WHEN WE'RE LOSING.
By Neil Clack 10 Sep 2015 at 08:00
WTID
I've read and heard a lot about the excellent atmosphere generated at
Crystal Palace these days. How do they do it? Is it the acoustics of their
old-style ground? One theory is that the South Londoners don't attract 'new
fans', so are still an old school community club (unlike their neighbours,
Chelsea and Fulham). Also too, it seems the fans are well-organised,
modeling themselves, and their singing, along continental lines.
No doubt there's a lot of truth in all of that, but I'd like to add one of
my own, and that is that ever since Palace came up in 2013, the extent of
their fans' expectations has simply been to stay up (well, until this
season, at least). From the very first kick of the first home match of the
season to the last, they've known that they're in for a struggle, and the
aim is to finish 4th from bottom – and they're fully aware that will
inevitably entail a few home defeats and conceding silly goals.
As recently as 2010, Crystal Palace nearly went bankrupt, and survival in
the Championship was only secured on the final day of the 2009/10 season.
They were still hovering around the bottom of the Championship in 2011, but
then somehow, against all odds, in the spring of 2013, they went on a run
and sneaked into 6th place in the Championship. Then, astoundingly, Palace
won the play-offs. Their fans just seem grateful to even be in the Premier
League, and seem to be loving every minute of it, singing their hearts out
like there's no tomorrow. It's been commented upon a lot how they continue
to sing, chant, bang at Selhurst Park even when they're losing.
For many of us who grew up in the electric atmosphere of Upton Park in the
70s and 80s, one of the most disappointing aspects of the West Ham crowd
today isn't so much the booing, as disagreeable as that is, but the lengthy
silences during passages of play, and the general all-round quietness.
Sometimes it seems we only make any noise when we score, and then it only
lasts for a few minutes before quietening down again. Back in the day, when
the opposition scored and the away fans cheered and sung, a lot of Hammers
fans would take that as an affront, and try to drown them out. Indeed, the
roar of 'C'mon You Irons' was often at it's most loudest just after the
oppostion had scored and we were about to kick off; the crowd desperately
wanted to spur their team on, get them back into the match.
Ok, so the terraces have gone, and times have changed, and I accept that you
can't live in the past, but what about that play-off semi-final against
Ipswich in 2004? Upton Park was rockin' that night, a deafening wall of
sound emanating from every part of the ground, as good as anything from the
70s, and we kept it up for the whole 90 minutes too. So, I cannot accept
that we can't make more noise at Upton Park.
But the will has to be there.
We can do it if really want to, but maybe first, we have to change our
mindset?
I was quite stunned whenever I broke my vow of promising to switch off from
football completely this summer, and sneaked a look at West Ham Til I Die. I
couldn't believe how high expectations were. Had my mind be playing tricks
with me from last Xmas to May? Had I imagined what I thought I saw at Upton
Park? – what I saw, or at least, what I thought I saw, anyway, was some
awful football, and a team that had the 3rd worst record in the Premier
league during that period ie. relegation form – a team that was certain to
go down this season if that form continued, and yet, posters on WHTID were
seriously discussing qualifying for Europe this season, talking about
finishing in the top 10 as if it was given. Based on what?
Ok, there's been a change of manager, and a few new signings (many of whom
are untried in Prem league), but personally, I'm under no illusion that this
season could be a struggle. Perhaps years of supporting West Ham have made
me cynical, and I've suffered too many West Ham disappointments in the past,
experienced too many relegations that we didn't see coming etc
But accepting we're going to struggle is a good place to start if you don't
want to get disappointed, ha,ha!
And maybe that's one of the reasons for the often subdued atmosphere at
Upton Park, and the horrible booing – expectations were too high in the
first place. When unrealistic aims aren't met that leads to disappointment,
followed by anger, and even booing?
I guess we're all a bit confused about our team at the moment. Which is the
real West Ham? The two excellent away perfomances, or the disorganised
shambles in the home games? It's not the results against Leicester and
Bournmouth that worries me, but the manner of those defeats. It wasn't just
the mistakes on the goals, but the defence was constanlty giving the ball
away all game long. I have to say though, my fears of relegation were
certainly eased by that brilliant historic day in Liverpool. No doubt I'll
start fretting again when we lose to Newcastle next Monday, only to change
my mind 5 days later when we go up to Man City and stuff them on the
Saturday!
For now though, until these muddy waters have cleared, I still fear
relegation. So, starting with the relegation 6-pointer against Newcastle (a
team who I seriously think could go down this season), let's get right
behind the team, lower those expectations, and Sing When We're Losing!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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West Ham midfielder Alex Song pencilled in for October return from ankle
injury
15:52, 10 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Cameroon international has rejoined the club from Barcelona on a second
loan deal but has been struggled with an ankle problem
The Mirror
Alex Song will be fit to resume his West Ham career next month. Midfielder
Song, who spent last term on loan at Upton Park, rejoined the Hammers on
deadline day on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The move was held up due
to concerns about the 28 year-old's fitness.
But Song has been pencilled in for an end-of-October comeback from his ankle
injury. The Hammer also hope to have striker Enner Valencia back ahead of
schedule in November after he suffered "significant" ankle and knee injuries
at the start of the season. Forward Mauro Zarate is closing in on a return
after missing West Ham's last two games with a hamstring injury.
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Allardyce alert: Big Sam starts bleating on Twitter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Well it had to happen eventually – Sam Allardyce has arrived on Twitter!
We've always had a sneaky feeling the bloke kept a keen eye on everything
that was happen in La La land. And now, along with the likes of Joey Barton
and a certain Harry Redknapp, he is among us.
If you would like to send a loving message to the former Hammers boss we're
sure he would like to hear from you. You can reach him at: @OfficialBigSam
The old boy has managed just one tweet so far and his profile picture
appears to be the front cover of his forthcoming autobiography.
So far, Allardyce has attracted more than 3,000 followers.
No doubt, he'll soon be getting a few more. And then the fun will really
begin!
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For goodness sake, Downing – this is getting boring!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Stewart Downing really does need to get over his departure from West Ham and
sudden move back to the north east.
The bloke just can't keep his criticism of West Ham to himself and seems to
be on the mother of all missions to slag off his former employers.
Downing has twice taken a pop at manager Slaven Bilic for refusing to give
him assurances that he'd be part of his first team plans and thus scarpered
to the Championship with Middlesbrough.
You would have thought that after repeating that at least twice he'd
possibly believe that was enough! But nope, this time he has his sights set
on owners David Sullivan and David Gold.
He's now popped up on BBC Radio Tees to mouth his frustrations at the two
Davids for keeping his transfer "up in the air", claiming they make exits
'difficult and suggesting that the pair are entertaining in their activity.
He said: "Some days I thought 'I could be heading back home today' and then
another week [would go by] and a fee [still] has to be agreed.
"West Ham is obviously a difficult place to get out of. If you've ever dealt
with the owners… they're certainly entertaining."
The former England international suggested that his move to Middlesbrough
was made more difficult by having to negotiate with Gold and Sullivan.
However, he also admitted the pair did what was best for their club – even
if that left players frustrated at times.
He really does need to give it a rest. His was a very small move and the
whole saga has become very boring!
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Cottee on Carroll: it's now 'make or break' for Andy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Tony Cottee reckons record signing, Andy Carroll, could move on if things
don't work out for him at Upton Park this season! The former Hammers
goal-scoring legend has given his frankest ever interview in the
ClaretandHugh interview section of the MooreThanJustaPodcast, which will can
be heard early next week. "We have four fantastic strikers when they re all
fit and whether AC will be happy as a sub I don't know, but I doubt it,"
commented Cottee. "If, at the end of the season, he hasn't got in as a
regular, like Paul Goddard in my day, who couldn't get past Frank McAvennie,
or myself, and moved on – Andy may do the same." In the podcast, TC covers
his own Irons days as a player, the Allardyce era and gives his assessment
on this season's "best since the turn of the century"squad.
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Options galore but here's our Irons team
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has more options in front of him for Monday night's game than
many West Ham managers before him. But this in itself can cause a dilemma
particularly with various well rated newcomers he may or may not choose to
draft into the side. An argument has been presented on some forums that we
can hardly change the team to that which scored such an historic victory at
Anfield – I disagree. That team was set up as a counter-attacking outfit and
has already been shown that is not a system which works at the Boleyn where
we HAVE to carry the game to opponents. You can bet your life away that
struggling Newcastle, with two points from four games and second off bottom,
will come to defend and thus we need to find a way of at last getting that
much needed win at home. It's a very long time since we have had the
wonderful problem in front of us but it makes team selection – as mentioned
up top – very difficult.
Carl Jenkinson has served out a one match ban and is available but I'd stick
with James Tomkins at right back behind Victor Moses Reid, Ogbonna and
Cresswell speak for themselves with Noble, Kouyate and Moses in an advanced
right sided role. I'd plump for Antonio on the other side with Payet behind
Sakho as main striker of course. But it's a tough old call and is hard on
Manuel Lanzini who looked a real prospect at Liverpool and Mauro Zarate (if
fit) who has done nothing wrong. Oh and we haven't mentioned Andy Carroll!
But at last we have a squad we can rotate. We are stepping up a level and I
thing the side I've named would give us the attacking impetus and creativity
we need to get results.
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The curious, confusing case of West Ham's start to life under Slaven Bilic
They have scored a lot of goals and beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away, but
they have also lost to Leicester and Bournemouth at home. At least it's not
boring
By Martin Laurence for WhoScored?, part of the Guardian Sport Network
Thursday 10 September 2015 10.33 BST
A fair proportion of West Ham fans were given their wish when Sam Allardyce
left the club at the end of last season. The supporters had become tired of
what was considered a predictable style of play, despite the way he took
them out of the Championship and established the club as a solid Premier
League outfit in his four years in charge.
Signing Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang and Angelo Ogbonna in
the summer lifted the supporters' spirits further, with all four players
having already proven their quality at times this season. Payet in
particular was a real coup and he has made a strong start to the campaign,
with a goal and an assist and the highest averages of key passes (2.3) and
dribbles (2.5) per game for the club.
A flurry of business on deadline day will also have excited many supporters
but, despite adding strength in depth, the additional numbers may confuse
matters a little. Victor Moses and Michail Antonio look like shrewd signings
but fitting them in alongside Payet and Lanzini will be a difficult task,
while Alex Song's return could restrict Obiang's playing time. All of the
players have made the squad stronger but keeping them all content will prove
a tough ask.
Transfer deadline day: De Gea deal off, Berahino anger, Martial signs and
more – as it happened
Interesting that Liverpool have let Ilori, Coates & Glen Johnson leave.
Presumably that means there were at least 3 defenders worse than Lovren at
the club.
Read more
Nevertheless, the fact that Slaven Bilic's reign has begun in such
unpredictable fashion both on and off the pitch has gone some way to giving
the supporters what they wanted. However, while the Croatian has only been
at the club for a few months, it's fair to say the novelty of upsetting the
odds at Arsenal and Liverpool while losing winnable fixtures at home is
unlikely to last.
The positives to take from beating two of the league's big hitters are
dampened by poor displays at home in the club's last season at the Boleyn
Ground. The supporters would love to bid farewell to their old ground with
far more impressive showings than they managed against Leicester and
Bournemouth.
The ease with which their defence was exposed in these games is a real
concern. A tally of three errors that have led directly to goals is
unsurprisingly the highest in the top flight and already half of what they
accrued under Allardyce last season.
West Ham's surprising wins on the road have come courtesy of a
counter-attacking style of play that, while effective in away matches, is
unlikely to be well received at home in games supporters expect to win. It's
on the break though, that their best players can thrive and it's an approach
that has helped the club score the second most goals in the Premier League
after four matches (nine, behind only Manchester City on 10).
West Ham are one of only six teams to have scored in all of their matches so
far, having failed to score in seven of their last 14 league games under
Allardyce. It took them 15 games – stretching back to 8 February – to score
as many league goals at the end of Allardyce's tenure as they have managed
in the first month of this season under Bilic. Those are the sort of figures
that will justify the decision to part ways with Allardyce, but the security
he offered the team has been jeopardised.
Throughout his managerial career Bilic has given off the impression that he
likes being the underdog, presiding over impressive performances against
English opposition in both club and international football in the past.
Already, with the pressure off, West Ham have thrived under his leadership
away from home, with his motivational skills and infectious personality
paying dividends.
However, the jury remains out on the Croat's tactical acumen. His time in
Besiktas is considered as something of a failure due to his inability to win
the matches that mattered most to the club. In eight Istanbul derbies
against Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in the league he was criticised for
adopting too cautious an approach. Bilic couldn't manage a single victory in
those games, losing five and having four players sent off in typically
heated affairs.
Bilic's playing style was aggressive and he has taken that mindset into
management, with his passion getting him in trouble on multiple occasions.
Having qualified for the Europa League's preliminary rounds due to their
disciplinary record last season, West Ham have had a player sent off in six
of their 10 competitive outings this season. There is a sense of chaos about
the side and it makes you wonder if the departure from the predictability
under Allardyce could have been too extreme.
They host Newcastle on Monday and anything less than a win would represent a
real disappointment for the fans. Another spectacular victory away from home
against Manchester City the following week would be even more bizarre than
their wins at the Emirates and Anfield, but it would be in keeping with the
start to Bilic's term.
If the fans desired a move away from the predictable nature of results the
team managed under Allardyce, their wishes have been granted. The grass may
yet be greener at the Olympic Stadium next season though, with Bilic's time
in charge already looking likely to be a tumultuous one.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
STRIKER SET FOR NEWCASTLE COMEBACK
By Michael Brown
readwetsham.com
West Ham only have two injury concerns going into the weekend clash with
Steve McClaren's Newcastle as Mauro Zarate could be fit to face the Magpies
on Monday night as well as former Newcastle player Andy Carroll, who has
also returned to training. Despite the good news, there are still two
players who won't be ready to play until the end of October. Alex Song, who
signed on Deadline Day, won't be ready to play until West Ham face Chelsea
on October 24 after undergoing surgery. Enner Valencia is still a little
further away from making his return as he is not expected to feature for
West Ham until the end of November – The Hammers' clash with Spurs being
touted as his return to action barring any setbacks.
West ham's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke had this
to say about the on-going injuries at the club: "Mauro Zarate is progressing
well and working hard to return after suffering a hamstring injury in
training, with a view to returning to the group before the end of the week
"One of our new signings, Alex Song, is working hard – as you will have seen
on social media – and his ankle is improving, with a view to him returning
by the end of October. "Enner Valencia is rehabbing with a good positive
attitude and we hope to see him return by November."
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Amalfitano To Be Farmed Out To Tractor Boys
Submitted by nevillenixon on Thu, 10/09/2015 - 12:06
westhamfans.org
Morgan Amalfitano looks as if he will be the first of several West Ham
United players to be sent out on loan now the 'emergency' transfer window is
open. During the window, players may be loaned from the Barclays Premier
League to lower league clubs for up to three months. Championship team
Ipswich Town have expressed an interest in taking Amalfitano, who has fallen
out massively with Hammers manager Slaven Billic and has been banished to
train away from the first team. Hopes of a reconciliation between Amalfitano
and Billic, who is well known for his tough disciplinary approach, have not
come to fruition, thus making the player's position at the club untenable.
30 year old Amalfitano could well end up in the same team as ex-hammer
Freddie Sears, who has been a great success at Portman Road since his
arrival via Colchester. Ipswich are currently third in the Championship but
were beaten 3-2 at home by Brighton in their last match.
Some West Ham fans will be sorry to see Morgan Amalfitano leave the club,
but he does have a growing reputation for being indisciplined and perhaps
dropping down a division will show him what he is missing, and what he must
do to try and rebuild bridges. - Ed
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Hello everybody,
We are still celebrating our victory over Liverpool and it was a great
performance from the team. We had good organisation and everything was
amazing. To end 52-years without a win is a long time for any team and the
coach prepared everything so well. We had a good game.
It is not just about one player but everyone in the team. When we have good
organisation everything gets better. When you win you enjoy the next game so
our preparations have a good feel about it at the moment and we want to put
things right (against Newcastle) because we are very annoyed about our last
two results at home. I hope the new signings will enjoy the West Ham
mentality and everything around the Club. The West Ham attitude is different
to other teams and I hope everyone is comfortable in this team. Alex Song is
a great signing for the Club. We need that kind of experience and he is
someone who has played at another level and it is great for us. We now look
forward to the Newcastle game on Monday night. It is not just about playing
under the lights, but we need to win for our home support. We are focused
and have to do everything to get the result. I want to concentrate and give
everything and all the players will prepare well to win the game. We have
been unlucky at home and we need to change and do something better than what
we did in the last two games. I am really enjoying life in London. I have an
English teacher and I want to improve my English. When I first arrived at
West Ham I said I wanted to improve so I can listen to everyone and
understand what everyone is saying. It might still take me six months to
understand Mark Noble and James Tomkins as they speak with a Cockney accent
but I will understand !!
See you on Monday.
Angelo
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Ricoh imagine change with the Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce an exciting long-term partnership
with global technology giant Ricoh. The deal will see Ricoh supporting West
Ham in servicing the new Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, bringing
state-of-the-art technologies to the Hammers' future home. The new
relationship will revolutionise the West Ham matchday experience come the
big kick-off in August 2016. Ricoh specialises in delivering business and
experience transformation via its IT and document services. The high-profile
partnership is the latest in the Club's ever-increasing sponsorship
portfolio, which continues to give the West Ham United brand further
prominence domestically and overseas.
West Ham United Commercial Director Felicity Barnard said: "We are
absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with a brand of this calibre. Ricoh has
a rich heritage and proven expertise in business and sports sponsorship.
"Above all, this will allow us to improve the supporter experience by
significantly enhancing our matchday offering. We believe this is a really
exciting partnership for the Club and look forward to working very closely
with Ricoh over the coming years."
Chas Moloney, Marketing Director at Ricoh, said: "We are delighted to have
become a partner of West Ham United and are excited to be working with them
on creating an exceptional fan experience at the new Stadium."
Ricoh are renowned for solutions that improve the interaction between people
and information. As a business, it prides itself on the quality of its
technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and
sustainability initiatives.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chauhan relishing life at West Ham
WHUFC.com
Indian international goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan spoke of her huge sense of
pride at playing for West Ham United Ladies. The shotstopper has attracted a
significant amount of media attention since joining the Hammers in the
summer. Speaking before the game against C & K Basildon at the Irons'
Hornchurch home later today, she said: "Playing for West Ham is a big
responsibility. But it is one that I enjoy and am very proud to be able to
play for them. "Since I joined, I've received a lot of messages from people
here and back home. I wasn't really expecting that to be honest. I feel like
I represent my country every time I play, which is a special feeling." While
the Hammers enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season campaign, Marc Nurse's side are
yet to recreate that form in the league, losing both of their opening games.
Despite the tough start, Chauhan is upbeat about her side's chances when
they play local rivals Basildon, who secured four points from their two
matches. "So far this season has certainly been an eye-opener. I feel
like I'm learning all the time and I can feel myself improving. "Overall, my
time in England has been a brilliant experience. I've really had a great
time, the people I've met have been fantastic. "It took a bit of time to
adjust, but the West Ham girls and the management have really helped me.
They've been so supportive and encouraging."
The Ladies host C & K Basildon at AFC Hornchurch tonight, kick off is
7.45pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Newsroom - Dave Evans
WHUFC.com
The Recorder Group's West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans reflects on
the Hammers' start to the season and looks at a successful transfer
window...
In some ways the start of the season has been very West Ham, but then
winning at Anfield is not very West Ham as we all know.
That has to be one of the highlights for me, covering West Ham. It wasn't
just a smash and grab raid, but a superb performance. They outplayed
Liverpool and could have scored more.
They couldn't have complained had it been five. Liverpool barely had a
chance and that's not like West Ham games that I have seen there over the
years.
At home it has been a very different story so far, which is a bit of a
surprise because in recent times West Ham have been fairly good at home,
especially at the start of a season.
It's a bit of a puzzler. It seems that maybe the way Slaven has set up the
team has been great for away games, but if you set up the same way at home
it hasn't quite worked because teams sit back on you.
Perhaps he has to change things and perhaps these new signings will help do
that.
It certainly is strength in depth now, but also what West Ham have now is
something a bit different. Apart from Matt Jarvis they didn't really have a
winger. Now they've got two wingers and there's a lot of pace in that team.
I think that's going to help. He might have to play a slightly different
formation to play these wingers, but it gives him different options and if
Andy Carroll is coming back soon you're going to need wingers.
I'm hopeful for the season ahead, especially with the people he has added to
the squad. If there are injuries there are players to cover now.
I'm hoping for a little bit better than mid-table, although mid-table would
be fine this season because the most important thing is to stay in the
Premier League.
I'm thinking eighth, ninth, seventh. Who knows? But I think that would be a
good first season with the squad that he's got.
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Downing - easy to leave West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 10th September 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Stewart Downing says he still has no regrets about leaving
West Ham in the summer - even though it meant dropping a division. The
31-year-old attacking midfielder, speaking in an interview with BBC Tees
claimed it was "an easy decision" to return to his boyhood club, once their
interest became apparent. "I'd spoken to the chairman and [manager] Aitor
[Karanka] and they had good plans here and were looking to strengthen the
team," he said. "He wanted me to be part of that playing as a number 10 or
as a wide man. "For me, it was a very easy decision to make. The chairman
asked if I was up for it and I said 'if you can make the deal happen and you
get me out of West Ham then I'm happy to come back'. "I gave my word that if
it happens then I'll be straight back. Fair play to the chairman, he did it
and got me back as quickly as he could."
The former England international spent two seasons at the Boleyn Ground and
played some of the best football of his career during the first half of last
season under Sam Allardyce. However his form - like that of the rest of the
squad - dipped alarmingly after Christmas and few Hammers fans were
disappointed to see him return to to the North East in July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michail Antonio at West Ham: Winger's journey from non-league
Last Updated: 08/09/15 7:16pm
SSN
Michail Antonio could complete his journey from non-league to Premier League
when West Ham host Newcastle United on Monday Night Football. Adam Bate got
the views of ex-team-mates and coaches to find out more about the Hammers'
new signing…
With Slaven Bilic's West Ham facing Steve McClaren's Newcastle, much of the
focus ahead of Monday Night Football will be on events that happened in
November 2007. It's indicative of how far he's come that West Ham's new £7m
signing Michail Antonio was lining up for Tooting & Mitcham United in the
second tier of the Isthmian League at the time.
Antonio's route to the top has been far from typical. There was no academy
life for him. Even when the big break did come with Reading, he made more
appearances out on loan at five different clubs than he did in four years
for his parent club. Former West Ham man Martin Allen, then in charge of
Cheltenham, was one of the coaches to give him a go.
"I took him on loan," Allen told Sky Sports. "He was a very pacey
right-sider with a long throw. A good athlete and a down-to-earth lad too."
But he was raw. During a later loan spell at Colchester, manager John Ward
described his finishing as "very wayward", bemoaning Antonio's unfortunate
habit of "knocking it on the A12".
There was potential but it would not be realised with the Royals. "Reading
took him and then let him go, surprisingly," added Allen. "They didn't
really sell him for enough money." It was in a Sheffield Wednesday shirt
that Antonio's development would really become apparent - off the field as
well as on it.
David Prutton, now a pundit with Sky Sports, was a team-mate for much of
Antonio's stay at Hillsborough and remains in touch. "I rang him before the
Forest game at the start of the season for a bit of insight," said Prutton.
"He was as good as gold and had plenty of time for me. Let's just say some
players might have been too busy.
"That non-league experience gives him perspective and the grounding you want
in a player. When he came to Wednesday, there was a bit of maturing that
happened that first season that endeared him to the lads too. He really grew
into it. That temperament is going to stand him in good stead."
He was a tremendous team-mate because of the attributes that he's got. He's
tremendously strong and quick. He's just so direct.
It's not that Antonio didn't have an ego, but that it was a positive - "you
need that to perform in front of 20,000 people" - and it wasn't long before
he emerged as Wednesday's most important player. In one of the
Championship's struggling sides, Antonio was the man who provided the
threat.
"He was a tremendous team-mate because of the attributes that he's got,"
said Prutton. "He's tremendously strong and quick. He's just so direct. When
you're at a team like Wednesday were at the time, what you want is that kind
of outlet like Antonio who can carry the ball 40 or 50 yards up the pitch.
He was a massive player for us."
A move to Nottingham Forest followed in 2014 and Antonio proved just as
vital to his new club. He scored 14 goals in the Championship last season
and ranked in the top three in the division for completed dribbles. Prutton,
a former Forest midfielder himself, feels that solo work should not be
underestimated - it's teamwork of a different type.
"There was one stage at Forest last season when Andy Reid and Britt
Assombalonga were out where it was literally, 'Let's give it to Antonio and
see what he can do with it'. That might sound like fun but when it's 90
minutes, twice a week for 10 months, that's going to take its toll. But he
understood and embraced that responsibility." And then some.
There was the goal against Bolton last season where he ran from inside his
own half before cutting inside to score with his right foot, having already
done something similar with his left foot against Brentford earlier in the
campaign. The control and composure to equalise against Fulham last
September was top class too. He's already scored four goals this season.
Now Antonio's lengthy journey from non-league to Premier League is complete.
In contrast, it's a relatively short one via the London Underground from
Tooting & Mitcham's Imperial Fields in Morden to West Ham's Upton Park and
while Antonio admits he's thrilled to be "back in London", the challenge
ahead of him is rather different now.
"West Ham brings the instant glare of the Premier League and competition for
places," said Prutton. "He's not going there as the main man as he was at
Wednesday and he became at Forest. He'll have to harness his performances
for the team but he can do that and it's all part of the learning curve."
Nevertheless, Antonio is confident of making an impact. "What I bring to the
table is pace, power and goals," he told his new club upon signing. Allen
agrees. "I think it's a very good signing - and a very exciting signing -
for West Ham." Bilic has no Luka Modric this time. But maybe it'll be a man
from Mitcham that can help ruin McClaren's night eight years on.
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HOME SWEET HOME
By Bianca Westwood 10 Sep 2015 at 17:00
WTID
I have a confession to make. Don't judge me. Ok you'll definitely judge me.
I haven't watched any international football. Not a goal, not a throw in,
not even a single kick. Tell a lie…I saw Rooney's 50th goal (well done
Wayne!) go in via a tiny, grainy video shot from the stands at Wembley on
someone's Facebook page. "Call yourself a football fan?!" Yeah some might
say that. I know. I get it. I just fell out of love with the internationals
somewhere in South America. Possibly before. That's not to say it won't
return. It usually does. Nine times out of ten I get whisked away with the
hype and the pre-tournament hope of the mad fan/media frenzy but I must
admit, last time out I felt a bit resigned even before Pitbull and JLo
started singing that dreadful World Cup song. I was as deflated as one of
Tom Brady's balls. After that debacle in Brazil not even Roy's 100% record
in the European qualifiers this time round could rouse me from my
indifference. I've always, always, always loved our national team…but this
time I just couldn't fake it. I've been led up the garden path way too many
times. How many years of hurt is it now?
So I'll be more than happy when the domestic action returns to our pitches
and screens this weekend. Natch. It's oh so quiet without it.
What a season we've had already. Even by West Ham's erratic standards it's
been a doozy. Ever heard of the Land of Topsy Turvy? (SJ Chandos I wrote
this before I saw your post and it's half past ten at night I'm not changing
it now ha!!) Where everything is downside up and outside in? I feel like
that's where we are right now! Who would have predicted a scintillating win
at the Emirates and a precious, but quite anomalous, victory at Anfield,
interwoven with a couple of abject performances at Upton Park against, no
disrespect, inferior opposition of the likes of Leicester and Bournemouth?
What's going on at the Boleyn then? Perhaps you can tell me because I don't
get there as much these days. I know the atmosphere is far less fierce and
foreboding for visiting teams than it once was. The fire and the fury seems
to be reserved for our own a lot of the time. I was listening down the line
from the gantry at the Valley when Soccer Saturday's Sir Jeffrey of Stelling
disdainfully revealed the Hammers fans were booing after twenty odd minutes.
That really disappointed me. It seems like we're so quick to turn nowadays.
Ok we were two nil down at the time but it's still too early to go rogue.
This isn't The Sons of Anarchy! We're not supposed to shoot each other. Not
unless our backs are really against the wall anyway.
I remember interviewing Big Sam last season about our unfavourable home form
and it was extremely unpleasant to learn how difficult it was for some
players to perform comfortably and confidently at Upton Park. He spoke to me
about how hesitant and reticent they would be at times, how uncomfortable on
the ball, how nervous of making a mistake and being the one responsible for
turning the tide and rousing the rabble. He didn't name names but I had an
idea of who he might be referring to. He also accepted that the
responsibility of developing their strength mentally and tactically was
ultimately down to him. He wasn't shirking, but it was revealing. It made me
think deeper about how important fans actually are. They can often make you
or break you. I don't have anyone screaming at me how useless I am when I'm
trying to work (not offline anyway!) so I don't know how it feels but I'm
sure it isn't the best environment to be in. I'm not having that 'we pay
their wages we can say what we like/they earn fortunes they should be able
to take it' argument either. There is a human element here.
It's not the fans' fault if things go wrong on the pitch either. Of course
it's not. If they feel the players aren't pulling their weight then they're
entitled to voice their displeasure in some way. But this is supposed to be
a collective. We're all in this together aren't we? Booing is not the
answer. I've said this before but it gets nasty too quickly and that's not
how Upton Park used to be. It doesn't make the players play any better.
That's why Bilic earns the big bucks. It's down to him to ring the changes
and solve the problems and, largely, he has done that to good effect in both
those home matches. Even in defeat there was never a capitulation or a
return to the long ball boredom that had us so enraptured last term. We
haven't sat back on leads away from home either. Ok so we've parked the bus
here and there but the handbrake was off wasn't it?! Or was it on? I can't
remember but the signs are good. Plus we have a few different names on the
team sheet this season who may be more able to withstand public and vocal
pressure. We'll see. I don't know if that particular monkey is still hanging
off of their backs but after the two home disasters we've had so far, Monday
night will be an interesting spectacle. Let's hope it's not the Hammers'
house of horror!
Does this mean if we lose then there's a problem at the Boleyn? I suppose it
depends on the nature of the performance, the effort, the end product. I
have to say I'm far more confident than I've been in recent years. Not
because it's a misfiring Newcastle we face either. After West Ham's
extravagant spending spree over the summer and in the transfer window we
look very well equipped. I'd say the the chairmen are extremely happy
shoppers. We have a quality squad there, with all sorts of attributes and
strengths at our disposal. More on that another time.
If Slav can get his players, both old and new, to realise their potential
and play with the freedom, poise and self-assurance we want to see, we
really could have an exciting team on our hands. The fans also have a vital
part to play! Maybe Hammers' years of hurt could be over…for a while at
least!!
Come On You Irons!!
B x
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WE COULD STILL STRUGGLE, SO LET'S SING WHEN WE'RE LOSING.
By Neil Clack 10 Sep 2015 at 08:00
WTID
I've read and heard a lot about the excellent atmosphere generated at
Crystal Palace these days. How do they do it? Is it the acoustics of their
old-style ground? One theory is that the South Londoners don't attract 'new
fans', so are still an old school community club (unlike their neighbours,
Chelsea and Fulham). Also too, it seems the fans are well-organised,
modeling themselves, and their singing, along continental lines.
No doubt there's a lot of truth in all of that, but I'd like to add one of
my own, and that is that ever since Palace came up in 2013, the extent of
their fans' expectations has simply been to stay up (well, until this
season, at least). From the very first kick of the first home match of the
season to the last, they've known that they're in for a struggle, and the
aim is to finish 4th from bottom – and they're fully aware that will
inevitably entail a few home defeats and conceding silly goals.
As recently as 2010, Crystal Palace nearly went bankrupt, and survival in
the Championship was only secured on the final day of the 2009/10 season.
They were still hovering around the bottom of the Championship in 2011, but
then somehow, against all odds, in the spring of 2013, they went on a run
and sneaked into 6th place in the Championship. Then, astoundingly, Palace
won the play-offs. Their fans just seem grateful to even be in the Premier
League, and seem to be loving every minute of it, singing their hearts out
like there's no tomorrow. It's been commented upon a lot how they continue
to sing, chant, bang at Selhurst Park even when they're losing.
For many of us who grew up in the electric atmosphere of Upton Park in the
70s and 80s, one of the most disappointing aspects of the West Ham crowd
today isn't so much the booing, as disagreeable as that is, but the lengthy
silences during passages of play, and the general all-round quietness.
Sometimes it seems we only make any noise when we score, and then it only
lasts for a few minutes before quietening down again. Back in the day, when
the opposition scored and the away fans cheered and sung, a lot of Hammers
fans would take that as an affront, and try to drown them out. Indeed, the
roar of 'C'mon You Irons' was often at it's most loudest just after the
oppostion had scored and we were about to kick off; the crowd desperately
wanted to spur their team on, get them back into the match.
Ok, so the terraces have gone, and times have changed, and I accept that you
can't live in the past, but what about that play-off semi-final against
Ipswich in 2004? Upton Park was rockin' that night, a deafening wall of
sound emanating from every part of the ground, as good as anything from the
70s, and we kept it up for the whole 90 minutes too. So, I cannot accept
that we can't make more noise at Upton Park.
But the will has to be there.
We can do it if really want to, but maybe first, we have to change our
mindset?
I was quite stunned whenever I broke my vow of promising to switch off from
football completely this summer, and sneaked a look at West Ham Til I Die. I
couldn't believe how high expectations were. Had my mind be playing tricks
with me from last Xmas to May? Had I imagined what I thought I saw at Upton
Park? – what I saw, or at least, what I thought I saw, anyway, was some
awful football, and a team that had the 3rd worst record in the Premier
league during that period ie. relegation form – a team that was certain to
go down this season if that form continued, and yet, posters on WHTID were
seriously discussing qualifying for Europe this season, talking about
finishing in the top 10 as if it was given. Based on what?
Ok, there's been a change of manager, and a few new signings (many of whom
are untried in Prem league), but personally, I'm under no illusion that this
season could be a struggle. Perhaps years of supporting West Ham have made
me cynical, and I've suffered too many West Ham disappointments in the past,
experienced too many relegations that we didn't see coming etc
But accepting we're going to struggle is a good place to start if you don't
want to get disappointed, ha,ha!
And maybe that's one of the reasons for the often subdued atmosphere at
Upton Park, and the horrible booing – expectations were too high in the
first place. When unrealistic aims aren't met that leads to disappointment,
followed by anger, and even booing?
I guess we're all a bit confused about our team at the moment. Which is the
real West Ham? The two excellent away perfomances, or the disorganised
shambles in the home games? It's not the results against Leicester and
Bournmouth that worries me, but the manner of those defeats. It wasn't just
the mistakes on the goals, but the defence was constanlty giving the ball
away all game long. I have to say though, my fears of relegation were
certainly eased by that brilliant historic day in Liverpool. No doubt I'll
start fretting again when we lose to Newcastle next Monday, only to change
my mind 5 days later when we go up to Man City and stuff them on the
Saturday!
For now though, until these muddy waters have cleared, I still fear
relegation. So, starting with the relegation 6-pointer against Newcastle (a
team who I seriously think could go down this season), let's get right
behind the team, lower those expectations, and Sing When We're Losing!
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West Ham midfielder Alex Song pencilled in for October return from ankle
injury
15:52, 10 SEPTEMBER 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
The Cameroon international has rejoined the club from Barcelona on a second
loan deal but has been struggled with an ankle problem
The Mirror
Alex Song will be fit to resume his West Ham career next month. Midfielder
Song, who spent last term on loan at Upton Park, rejoined the Hammers on
deadline day on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The move was held up due
to concerns about the 28 year-old's fitness.
But Song has been pencilled in for an end-of-October comeback from his ankle
injury. The Hammer also hope to have striker Enner Valencia back ahead of
schedule in November after he suffered "significant" ankle and knee injuries
at the start of the season. Forward Mauro Zarate is closing in on a return
after missing West Ham's last two games with a hamstring injury.
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Allardyce alert: Big Sam starts bleating on Twitter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Well it had to happen eventually – Sam Allardyce has arrived on Twitter!
We've always had a sneaky feeling the bloke kept a keen eye on everything
that was happen in La La land. And now, along with the likes of Joey Barton
and a certain Harry Redknapp, he is among us.
If you would like to send a loving message to the former Hammers boss we're
sure he would like to hear from you. You can reach him at: @OfficialBigSam
The old boy has managed just one tweet so far and his profile picture
appears to be the front cover of his forthcoming autobiography.
So far, Allardyce has attracted more than 3,000 followers.
No doubt, he'll soon be getting a few more. And then the fun will really
begin!
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For goodness sake, Downing – this is getting boring!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Stewart Downing really does need to get over his departure from West Ham and
sudden move back to the north east.
The bloke just can't keep his criticism of West Ham to himself and seems to
be on the mother of all missions to slag off his former employers.
Downing has twice taken a pop at manager Slaven Bilic for refusing to give
him assurances that he'd be part of his first team plans and thus scarpered
to the Championship with Middlesbrough.
You would have thought that after repeating that at least twice he'd
possibly believe that was enough! But nope, this time he has his sights set
on owners David Sullivan and David Gold.
He's now popped up on BBC Radio Tees to mouth his frustrations at the two
Davids for keeping his transfer "up in the air", claiming they make exits
'difficult and suggesting that the pair are entertaining in their activity.
He said: "Some days I thought 'I could be heading back home today' and then
another week [would go by] and a fee [still] has to be agreed.
"West Ham is obviously a difficult place to get out of. If you've ever dealt
with the owners… they're certainly entertaining."
The former England international suggested that his move to Middlesbrough
was made more difficult by having to negotiate with Gold and Sullivan.
However, he also admitted the pair did what was best for their club – even
if that left players frustrated at times.
He really does need to give it a rest. His was a very small move and the
whole saga has become very boring!
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Cottee on Carroll: it's now 'make or break' for Andy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Tony Cottee reckons record signing, Andy Carroll, could move on if things
don't work out for him at Upton Park this season! The former Hammers
goal-scoring legend has given his frankest ever interview in the
ClaretandHugh interview section of the MooreThanJustaPodcast, which will can
be heard early next week. "We have four fantastic strikers when they re all
fit and whether AC will be happy as a sub I don't know, but I doubt it,"
commented Cottee. "If, at the end of the season, he hasn't got in as a
regular, like Paul Goddard in my day, who couldn't get past Frank McAvennie,
or myself, and moved on – Andy may do the same." In the podcast, TC covers
his own Irons days as a player, the Allardyce era and gives his assessment
on this season's "best since the turn of the century"squad.
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Options galore but here's our Irons team
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 10, 2015 in News, Whispers
C AND H
Slaven Bilic has more options in front of him for Monday night's game than
many West Ham managers before him. But this in itself can cause a dilemma
particularly with various well rated newcomers he may or may not choose to
draft into the side. An argument has been presented on some forums that we
can hardly change the team to that which scored such an historic victory at
Anfield – I disagree. That team was set up as a counter-attacking outfit and
has already been shown that is not a system which works at the Boleyn where
we HAVE to carry the game to opponents. You can bet your life away that
struggling Newcastle, with two points from four games and second off bottom,
will come to defend and thus we need to find a way of at last getting that
much needed win at home. It's a very long time since we have had the
wonderful problem in front of us but it makes team selection – as mentioned
up top – very difficult.
Carl Jenkinson has served out a one match ban and is available but I'd stick
with James Tomkins at right back behind Victor Moses Reid, Ogbonna and
Cresswell speak for themselves with Noble, Kouyate and Moses in an advanced
right sided role. I'd plump for Antonio on the other side with Payet behind
Sakho as main striker of course. But it's a tough old call and is hard on
Manuel Lanzini who looked a real prospect at Liverpool and Mauro Zarate (if
fit) who has done nothing wrong. Oh and we haven't mentioned Andy Carroll!
But at last we have a squad we can rotate. We are stepping up a level and I
thing the side I've named would give us the attacking impetus and creativity
we need to get results.
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The curious, confusing case of West Ham's start to life under Slaven Bilic
They have scored a lot of goals and beaten Arsenal and Liverpool away, but
they have also lost to Leicester and Bournemouth at home. At least it's not
boring
By Martin Laurence for WhoScored?, part of the Guardian Sport Network
Thursday 10 September 2015 10.33 BST
A fair proportion of West Ham fans were given their wish when Sam Allardyce
left the club at the end of last season. The supporters had become tired of
what was considered a predictable style of play, despite the way he took
them out of the Championship and established the club as a solid Premier
League outfit in his four years in charge.
Signing Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Pedro Obiang and Angelo Ogbonna in
the summer lifted the supporters' spirits further, with all four players
having already proven their quality at times this season. Payet in
particular was a real coup and he has made a strong start to the campaign,
with a goal and an assist and the highest averages of key passes (2.3) and
dribbles (2.5) per game for the club.
A flurry of business on deadline day will also have excited many supporters
but, despite adding strength in depth, the additional numbers may confuse
matters a little. Victor Moses and Michail Antonio look like shrewd signings
but fitting them in alongside Payet and Lanzini will be a difficult task,
while Alex Song's return could restrict Obiang's playing time. All of the
players have made the squad stronger but keeping them all content will prove
a tough ask.
Transfer deadline day: De Gea deal off, Berahino anger, Martial signs and
more – as it happened
Interesting that Liverpool have let Ilori, Coates & Glen Johnson leave.
Presumably that means there were at least 3 defenders worse than Lovren at
the club.
Read more
Nevertheless, the fact that Slaven Bilic's reign has begun in such
unpredictable fashion both on and off the pitch has gone some way to giving
the supporters what they wanted. However, while the Croatian has only been
at the club for a few months, it's fair to say the novelty of upsetting the
odds at Arsenal and Liverpool while losing winnable fixtures at home is
unlikely to last.
The positives to take from beating two of the league's big hitters are
dampened by poor displays at home in the club's last season at the Boleyn
Ground. The supporters would love to bid farewell to their old ground with
far more impressive showings than they managed against Leicester and
Bournemouth.
The ease with which their defence was exposed in these games is a real
concern. A tally of three errors that have led directly to goals is
unsurprisingly the highest in the top flight and already half of what they
accrued under Allardyce last season.
West Ham's surprising wins on the road have come courtesy of a
counter-attacking style of play that, while effective in away matches, is
unlikely to be well received at home in games supporters expect to win. It's
on the break though, that their best players can thrive and it's an approach
that has helped the club score the second most goals in the Premier League
after four matches (nine, behind only Manchester City on 10).
West Ham are one of only six teams to have scored in all of their matches so
far, having failed to score in seven of their last 14 league games under
Allardyce. It took them 15 games – stretching back to 8 February – to score
as many league goals at the end of Allardyce's tenure as they have managed
in the first month of this season under Bilic. Those are the sort of figures
that will justify the decision to part ways with Allardyce, but the security
he offered the team has been jeopardised.
Throughout his managerial career Bilic has given off the impression that he
likes being the underdog, presiding over impressive performances against
English opposition in both club and international football in the past.
Already, with the pressure off, West Ham have thrived under his leadership
away from home, with his motivational skills and infectious personality
paying dividends.
However, the jury remains out on the Croat's tactical acumen. His time in
Besiktas is considered as something of a failure due to his inability to win
the matches that mattered most to the club. In eight Istanbul derbies
against Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in the league he was criticised for
adopting too cautious an approach. Bilic couldn't manage a single victory in
those games, losing five and having four players sent off in typically
heated affairs.
Bilic's playing style was aggressive and he has taken that mindset into
management, with his passion getting him in trouble on multiple occasions.
Having qualified for the Europa League's preliminary rounds due to their
disciplinary record last season, West Ham have had a player sent off in six
of their 10 competitive outings this season. There is a sense of chaos about
the side and it makes you wonder if the departure from the predictability
under Allardyce could have been too extreme.
They host Newcastle on Monday and anything less than a win would represent a
real disappointment for the fans. Another spectacular victory away from home
against Manchester City the following week would be even more bizarre than
their wins at the Emirates and Anfield, but it would be in keeping with the
start to Bilic's term.
If the fans desired a move away from the predictable nature of results the
team managed under Allardyce, their wishes have been granted. The grass may
yet be greener at the Olympic Stadium next season though, with Bilic's time
in charge already looking likely to be a tumultuous one.
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STRIKER SET FOR NEWCASTLE COMEBACK
By Michael Brown
readwetsham.com
West Ham only have two injury concerns going into the weekend clash with
Steve McClaren's Newcastle as Mauro Zarate could be fit to face the Magpies
on Monday night as well as former Newcastle player Andy Carroll, who has
also returned to training. Despite the good news, there are still two
players who won't be ready to play until the end of October. Alex Song, who
signed on Deadline Day, won't be ready to play until West Ham face Chelsea
on October 24 after undergoing surgery. Enner Valencia is still a little
further away from making his return as he is not expected to feature for
West Ham until the end of November – The Hammers' clash with Spurs being
touted as his return to action barring any setbacks.
West ham's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke had this
to say about the on-going injuries at the club: "Mauro Zarate is progressing
well and working hard to return after suffering a hamstring injury in
training, with a view to returning to the group before the end of the week
"One of our new signings, Alex Song, is working hard – as you will have seen
on social media – and his ankle is improving, with a view to him returning
by the end of October. "Enner Valencia is rehabbing with a good positive
attitude and we hope to see him return by November."
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Amalfitano To Be Farmed Out To Tractor Boys
Submitted by nevillenixon on Thu, 10/09/2015 - 12:06
westhamfans.org
Morgan Amalfitano looks as if he will be the first of several West Ham
United players to be sent out on loan now the 'emergency' transfer window is
open. During the window, players may be loaned from the Barclays Premier
League to lower league clubs for up to three months. Championship team
Ipswich Town have expressed an interest in taking Amalfitano, who has fallen
out massively with Hammers manager Slaven Billic and has been banished to
train away from the first team. Hopes of a reconciliation between Amalfitano
and Billic, who is well known for his tough disciplinary approach, have not
come to fruition, thus making the player's position at the club untenable.
30 year old Amalfitano could well end up in the same team as ex-hammer
Freddie Sears, who has been a great success at Portman Road since his
arrival via Colchester. Ipswich are currently third in the Championship but
were beaten 3-2 at home by Brighton in their last match.
Some West Ham fans will be sorry to see Morgan Amalfitano leave the club,
but he does have a growing reputation for being indisciplined and perhaps
dropping down a division will show him what he is missing, and what he must
do to try and rebuild bridges. - Ed
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