Boleyn Memories - Alan Pardew
WHUFC.com
West Ham United travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday, where they will come
up against a man with fond memories of the Boleyn Ground. Eagles manager
Alan Pardew spent more than three seasons as Hammers boss between October
2003 and December 2006, leading the east London side through a largely
successful period. Under Pards, West Ham reached two Play-Off finals, gained
promotion to the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final. During the
same period, Pardew's Hammers also produced some outstanding performances at
the Club's historic home. Among them were an unforgettable Play-Off
semi-final victory over Ipswich Town in 2004, and outstanding Premier League
wins over Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur during the
2005/06 season. Pardew's passionate character also saw him become embroiled
in a memorable touchline spat with Arsene Wenger during the 2-1 home win
over Arsenal in November 2006. The man himself told West Ham TV that the
atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground was among the best he has experienced
anywhere during his 30-year career in the game. "Certainly, for me, the
atmosphere on a number of occasions was unbelievable and the Ipswich one
really was something special," said Pardew. "I had a few here where the
hairs on the back of your neck stand up and I'm sure you hear that many
times in reference to this place. They are great memories and I'll treasure
them forever. "You can't help but get wrapped up in it sometimes and jumping
in the crowd or whatever I was doing, dancing, it was all part of it."
Pardew paid tribute to the Claret and Blue Army, whose vociferous support no
doubt inspired him and his players to greater heights during his three years
in charge. Among those players were the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Yossi
Benayoun, Bobby Zamora, Marlon Harewood and Tomas Repka, who all became firm
favourites among the Boleyn Ground faithful. "This is a great stage for
players, it always has been," he enthused. "There have been some greats here
and I was lucky to manage one or two of them. "I'll always be indebted to
the West Ham fans and whenever I see them they thank me for the cup run and
I thank them for their support. It goes hand in hand. "It is a special
place. It's special because the memories linger here and you're constantly
reminded, in a nice way, of the greats who have played here. For me, the
memories are a bit more personal."
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Slaven Speaks - Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the Hammers' trip to south London to face Crystal Palace, Slaven
Bilic faced the media. During his pre-match press conference, the boss
answered a range of questions on team news, the Eagles and maintaining the
Hammers' unbeaten run...
Good morning Slaven, what's the team news ahead of the London derby with
Crystal Palace, there were some good news about Enner Valencia, Angelo
Ogbonna and Andy Carroll?
SB: "Of course I am very pleased, they are very important players.
Thankfully Andy's injury wasn't too bad, we didn't risk him against
Sunderland but he's back now. The other two have been out for longer so we
needed to be more patient but they are back in training and looking good.
"Enner played 20 minutes in the friendly against Reading and looked really
good, he's been out for a while so he still needs a few weeks. But when I
see him in training he does things that make you think 'maybe he could 10
minutes on Saturday', but I think it'll be two weeks until he's fully
ready."
Any news on Alex Song, how long do you expect him to be out for?
SB: "Two weeks maybe, maximum three. He's working hard and we're looking
forward to having him back, he's a fantastic player."
And Aaron Cresswell and Winston Reid?
SB: "They're not too serious thank God, but we will have to wait. We will
assess them in training today and tomorrow and then make a decision if
they're available for the Palace game."
Sam Allardyce has spoken about the West Ham Way, do you feel under pressure
to play a certain style?
SB: "As a West Ham player and West Ham manager the fans always want us to
play good football. They were always clapping when we did well and really
got behind us. We went through a bad run in 1996/97 and got some stick but
that is the same from all fans.
"Now I feel that they are really behind us, they are really with us. We feel
them home and away, they are great fans, of course."
Sam Allardyce this week has been critical of Andy Carroll work ethic, what
do you make of Carroll's effort since you arrived?
SB: "I heard what he said, when I arrived Andy was injured but he's been
working unbelievably hard to get fit. He's a great professional, it's hard
when you're working on your own every day but he did it. Since I've been
here, in training and during his rehabilitation, he's been top class."
Dimitri Payet has been vocal about French manager Didier Deschamps, do you
think he should be in the national team?
SB: "It's hard when you don't know the full situation. I know as a national
manager, that it can be hard to select everyone. France have a wide pool to
choose from, a lot of quality players. If you ask me do they have many
players like Dimitri, then maybe not. There aren't many players like him and
I think he could fit into any national side in the world.
"Not only his quality on the pitch but off it too. He's a quiet guy and
quite shy but everyone likes working with him and he's a great guy."
Where are Crystal Palace's main threats going to come from?
SB: "They are good in every department, they are compact but also great on
the counter attack. They have great players who can make an impact
instantly, out of nothing, so we need to aware of that. They have a good
squad depth, and every player likes to get on the ball and get behind the
defence. Great credit to Alan Pardew, he's done a great job and Palace are
now a very dangerous and difficult team to play. I'm sure it'll be a great
game and a very difficult test for us."
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Duo shortlisted for awards!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic and playmaker Dimitri Payet have been
shortlisted for two prestigious Barclays Premier League awards. Bilic is one
of four bosses battling for the Manager of the Month award for September,
having guided the Hammers to victories at home to Newcastle United and at
Manchester City, and a 2-2 Boleyn Ground draw with Norwich City.
The Croatian is one of four managers shortlisted, alongside Manchester
United's Louis van Gaal, Everton's Roberto Martinez and Tottenham Hotspur
boss Mauricio Pochettino. Should he win, Bilic would emulate the
achievements of predecessors Harry Redknapp, Alan Pardew – who he faces at
Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon – and newly-appointed Sunderland
manager Sam Allardyce in winning the trophy. Payet, meanwhile, is up against
Leicester City's England striker Jamie Vardy, Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris, Watford forward Odion Ighalo and Manchester United pair Anthony
Martial and Daley Blind. The Frenchman scored two goals and recorded two
assists in September, helping the Hammers to maintain their position in the
Barclays Premier League's top six. Should he win, Payet would follow in the
footsteps of Stuart Pearce, Anton Ferdinand and Scott Parker, who have
previously won the award. Everyone at the Club would like to congratulate
the gaffer and Dimitri and wish them good luck!
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Chadwell Chatter - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
Hello,
I am feeling great at the moment and have been on the pitch most days
throughout the week. Getting ninety minutes under my belt against Reading
last week was a great feeling. I have been training now for a few weeks, but
you don't get fully fit by just training. Playing in the game last Friday
gives you a lot more match fitness and I feel good after it. There were no
niggles and I felt really good throughout the game. In the past maybe I came
back too soon from my previous injuries, but this time I have had a long
break and it has been nine months since I had the operation.
I have been working hard over the summer and stayed at the Club. I didn't
get a break and have been in every day. It was about a month to six weeks
before I really got involved with the lads so the pre-season I have done has
been really hard, but also really good.
It has been a while since I have played for England and if I didn't have
injuries I think I would have been in a few of the squads. If I can get
goals and games under my belt hopefully I can get back in there.
I don't think about it (the Euro Finals) because it will take away my focus
on West Ham and that is the most important thing at the moment. If I do well
now hopefully it will happen. The depth of our squad is good and everyone is
getting back to full fitness. The lads who have come in have been fantastic
and they have slotted in nicely.
Dimitri Payet has been a fantastic signing and he could go on to become one
of the best signings that the Club has seen for years. The quality he has
got is fantastic. In training he is different class and he can pick you out
from any area of the pitch. He gets the ball and you know he is going to
pick someone out.
Everyone wants to be in the starting XI and it is obviously hard when the
lads are doing so well which is a great thing to have in the team. There is
a lot of competition and there are only a few places that can be taken. So I
just need to keep working hard, keeping fit and getting into the starting
line-up. We know we are in for a tough game on Saturday and we cannot expect
any team to be a turnover.
We need to go to Palace and keep working hard like we have done throughout
the season and carry on getting points. They have got pace and power and it
will be end to end. Hopefully we can come away with the three points.
Away from the pitch, I am enjoying life as a father and he has been
brilliant. We managed to have a little break last weekend and took him away
for the first time. Everything is going well. We also got a new rabbit this
week.We went into the shop to get some dog food and the rabbit had been
abandoned by it's previous owners so I had to rescue it and bring it home.
It has settled in well and found a little spot with the underfloor heating
and chilling out on the floor.
The dogs were not too keen but they will be alright!
AC
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Enner Valencia: West Ham striker nearing return after injury
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Enner Valencia is "a couple of weeks" away from returning
to full fitness, says Hammers boss Slaven Bilic. The Ecuadorian damaged his
right fibula in a Europa League qualifying tie in July. Valencia, 25, scored
four goals in 32 Premier League games last season. Midfielder Alex Song, 28,
who is yet to make an appearance this season because of an ankle injury, is
"a maximum of three weeks away", according to Bilic. Valencia apologised to
the club and its medical staff in August after claiming he had been
"forgotten" by the Hammers in a radio interview after his injury. Striker
Andy Carroll, 26, and defender Angelo Ogbonna, 27, are available for
Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace (15:00 BST) after recovering from
injuries. Left-back Aaron Cresswell, 25, and defender Winston Reid, 27, have
minor knocks and are rated at 50/50 for Saturday.
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Envious Pardew tips West Ham for Euro spot
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham boss Alan Pardew believes West Ham are contenders for a top
six spot this season - along with his current club, Crystal Palace. Pardew,
speaking ahead of this weekend's London derby at Selhurst Park admitted that
he had been impressed by the work done by Slaven Bilic since arriving in
east London during the summer. And he admitted the Eagles would have to be
very wary of West Ham's pace and power on Saturday afternoon, particularly
when counter-attacking. "I think he [Bilic] knows the culture of the club
and he's started very well," Pardew said whilst addressing the media in his
pre-match press conference this afternoon. "Their results against the best
teams have been very strong and he's got a very good squad of players. "With
them going to the Olympic Stadium at the end of the season, they needed to
be strong - and they are. I think they've got a fantastic chance of securing
a European place. "They're very good on the counter so we need to protect
ourselves when we [attack]. I expect us to get a grasp of the game like we
did against West Brom and dictate proceedings. "But knowing that isn't going
to stop West Ham from winning the game. We need to be very organised in our
attacks and possession, otherwise they'll counter us really quickly and
we'll find ourselves behind in the game."
Pardew also admitted that he was "envious" of West Ham's forthcoming move to
Stratford - but delighted for the club's supporters, with whom he enjoyed a
largely positive relationship during his time at the Boleyn Ground. "We're
envious, I guess - we would love a stadium of that magnitude," he admitted.
"We're going to have to work towards it in a different way. I'm very pleased
for the West Ham fans, it's a massive bonus for them and the Board has done
particularly well to secure it."
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Song and Valencia close as Bilic eyes full fit squad
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic has revealed that he expects to be able to call upon both Enner
Valencia and Alex Song within a fortnight. Neither player has kicked a ball
in the Premier League this season but both are set to be available for
selection imminently according to Bilic, who addressed the press this
morning ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace. "We needed to be more
patient but they are back in training and looking good," he said. "Enner
played 20 minutes in the friendly [last weekend] against Reading and looked
really good. He's been out for a while so he still needs a few weeks. "When
I see him in training he does things that make you think maybe he could do
10 minutes on Saturday - but I think it'll be two weeks until he's fully
ready."
And on Song, he added: "Two weeks maybe, maximum three. He's working hard
and we're looking forward to having him back as he's a fantastic player."
There was also good news regarding Andy Carroll, who missed West Ham's last
outing - the 2-2 draw at Sunderland - after sustaining a knock. "Thankfully
Andy's injury wasn't too bad, we didn't risk him against Sunderland but he's
back now," added Bilic. "He's been working unbelievably hard to get fit.
He's a great professional. It's hard when you're working on your own every
day but he did it. Since I've been here, in training and during his
rehabilitation, he's been top class."
With Angelo Ogbonna also back from injury, Bilic is close to having a full
squad to select from once again - although both Aaron Cresswell and Winston
Reid are nursing minor knocks.
"They're not too serious thank God, but we will have to wait," confirmed
Bilic. "We will assess them in training today and tomorrow and then make a
decision if they're available for the Palace game."
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The price we pay
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Category A match day ticket is the second costliest in the
Premier League, a new survey has discovered. Non-season ticket holders have
to pay a budget-breaking £95 to watch Category A matches against the likes
of Chelsea and Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground this season - way
above the average of £56.63 for top-price Premier League tickets. And only
Arsenal fans will have to pay more to watch Premier League football during
the 2015/16 season, with the costliest match day ticket at the Emirates
weighing in at a whacking £97.
In stark contrast Leicester City offer the cheapest match day ticket at just
£22 - almost two-thirds cheaper than West Ham's cheapest at £60. West Ham's
plans for 'affordable football' look even more unlikely when taking into
consideration costs to season ticket holders too. The cheapest West Ham
United season ticket is 20 per cent higher than the Premier League average -
whilst the most expensive West Ham United season ticket is 8 per cent above
the league average. West Ham's proposed £299 season ticket for the Olympic
Stadium - which will be available to just a small percentage of the planned
54,000 capacity - comes into effect from next season.
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Bilic and Payet in contention for monthly accolade
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Slaven Bilic and Dimitri Payet have been shortlisted for
the Premier League Manager of the Month and Player of the Month awards
respectively. Bilic has been nominated for the award having led his side to
two league wins - against Newcastle United and Manchester City - and a draw
against Norwich during the month of September. Meanwhile Payet - who was
named last week by Alan Smith as one of his top five players in the Premier
League so far this season - is one of six players shortlisted for the award
having scored two goals and provided two assists during September. The
French midfielder has been nominated alongside Jamie Vardy (Leicester City),
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Daley Blind, Anthony Martial (both
Manchester United) and Odion Ighalo (Watford). Meanwhile Bilic - who is
currently preparing his team for this weekend's tricky trip to Crystal
Palace - is up against Roberto Martinez (Everton), Luis Van Gaal (Manchester
United) and Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino. The winners of both awards will
be announced tomorrow morning (Friday).
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic pleased to welcome back key players
Last Updated: 15/10/15 12:53pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is delighted to have Andy Carroll and other
key players returning to fitness after the international break. Carroll is
available for Saturday's London derby with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
after recovering from an ankle injury - the latest in a series of setbacks
that have blighted his career. The England international has also faced
criticism from former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce who believes the striker
does not have the "right attitude". But Bilic has defended Carroll,
insisting the former Newcastle and Liverpool player has worked hard and
shown an impressive attitude in the time the Croatian has been at the club.
"I have to make comments on what I see. Everyday training, rehabilitation,
especially in period was top class. That's why we are expecting to have big
time benefits from that because he was taken care of," said Bilic. Angelo
Ogbonna is also available for selection having overcome a hamstring problem,
while Enner Valencia and Alex Song are closing on returns to first team
action. "I'm pleased with how Enner, Angelo and Andy have recovered and it's
good to have them back [in training]," said Bilic. "Valencia is one of our
biggest weapons. He has been with us one week now, on and off - not every
day. He still needs a couple of weeks. "Alex Song is a maximum of three
weeks away. [Aaron] Cresswell has a minor injury and we'll see how he is.
Reidy [Winston Reid] is not a big one and again we'll see if one, both or
neither of them will be involved in the game on Saturday."
France international Dimitri Payet has made an immediate impression with
four goals in 10 games since joining from Marseille over the summer, which
comes as no surprise to Bilic and, he suspects, the opposition. "I think
teams have given Payet attention already. Maybe he was unknown to some of
the fans, but everybody involved in football knew Dimitri Payet before he
came to West Ham," said Bilic.
"He plays in a position where you have to close that space, whoever plays
there. I have no worries that there'll be extra attention on him. He's got
the quality that teams are trying to mark him."
As for Saturday's opponents Palace, Bilic admits his players will need to be
at their best to maintain an excellent start to the season that sees them in
sixth place. "Palace are a good team - good in defending and great on
counter-attacks. Every one of their attackers runs behind without the ball,"
said Bilic. "Big credit to him [Alan Pardew] because he's doing a great job.
Add to that Yohan Cabaye, who can do special things. He's a top class
playmaker. We're looking forward to the game. It will be a difficult test
for us."
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Andy Carroll does not possess correct attitude, says Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 15/10/15 11:09am
SSN
Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll has the ability to become a first-choice
striker for England but "does not possess the correct attitude". Writing in
his new autobiography 'Big Sam', the former West Ham boss says Carroll
"treats life a bit too casually."
Allardyce, who has recently taken over as manager of relegation-threatened
Sunderland, said in an exclusive serialisation in The Sun: "Andy could be an
even better player if he pushed himself and put the work in. "He needs to be
more responsible and realise that a football career passes in the blink of
an eye. He gets himself into situations off the pitch which a manager can do
without. "He treats life a bit too casually. He also gets himself into
situations off the pitch which a manager can do without - and so can he. "He
doesn't really like watching football and isn't interested in the history of
the game. But, when fit, he should be England's regular centre-forward."
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Ravel Morrison spent Christmas in Manchester to dodge West Ham's relegation
fight, claims Sam Allardyce
0 COMMENTS 16:57, 15 OCT 2015 UPDATED 16:58, 15 OCT 2015
BY JAMES WHALING
The new Sunderland boss takes a swipe at his former player in his
autobiography, Big Sam, which is currently being serialised
The Mirror
Former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has alleged that Ravel Morrison spent
Christmas 2013 in Manchester in order to miss the club's relegation battle.
The Hammers were involved in a dogfight over the festive period, following
their defeat at Old Trafford on December 21. Morrison then apparently stayed
up north, missing defeats to Arsenal and Fulham and a draw with West Brom.
In a serialisation of his autobiography, Big Sam, published in The Sun,
Allardyce said: "The end came after we'd played at Manchester United. "Rav
stayed up north to see his family and didn't come back. He wasn't injured,
he just didn't fancy getting involved in our festive relegation battle. We
couldn't get hold of him until the lads saw a picture of him on Facebook
enjoying Christmas lunch with his family while they were preparing for our
Boxing Day game. "Rav was potentially a £50million player but he has blown
his career and it's unlikely to happen for him now." Sir Alex Ferguson had
warned Allardyce about Morrison when he sold the player to West Ham. The
22-year-old is now on the books at Serie A club Lazio.
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Rush Green to receive further investment
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
The Rush Green training facility will continue to receive investment to
gradually make it a state of the art facility fit for the Hammers first
team. Yesterday Jack Sullivan revealed Chadwell Heath would be kept and not
sold off but our sources say the club will continue to invest in Rush Green.
Claret and Hugh's most senior source told us this afternoon:
"We've spent £2.5m so far, it needs another £10m. Rightly or wrongly we've
spent our money on players, but GRADUALLY we will upgrade Rush Green"
West Ham purchased the freehold interest in the 29 acre Rush Green Ford
Sports Ground from the Ford Motor Company in 2009 for £1.4m with plans to
transform it into the a state of the art training complex.
rushgreenWe remain some way behind our London Premier League rivals even
after we invest £12.5m.
Spurs built a new training centre at their 77 Acre Bulls Cross site at a net
cost of £30m. They have 15 grass pitches across the site including four
dedicated solely for First Team Training and one and a half artificial
outdoor pitches with floodlighting. It also has a pool and hydrotherapy
complex, altitude room, large-scale gymnasium and specialist sports
rehabilitation suites
The Arsenal Training Centre covers an area of 143 acres with ten full-size
pitches which was build in 1999.
rg2Chelsea's training centre in Cobham, Surrey is based on a 140 acre site
and houses all of the club's football activities, from the first team to the
academy, reserve and women's teams. It features the latest in training,
rehabilitation, medical, pitch and media technology and includes 30 football
pitches (three with undersoil heating and six to Premier League standard),
an indoor artificial pitch, a media centre, a medical centre, gyms, cold
immersion pools, a sauna, a steam room, a HydroWorx pool and a 56 ft
hydrotherapy pool.
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Leroy: "Sam has ridiculed West Ham's history"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
I know Sam Allardyce and I've always believed him to be an okay guy who
knows the game of football inside out and backwards.
But after reading some of the stuff he's come out with in his book this week
I need to get things off my chest because he's out of order.
He was paid a fabulous wage by West Ham, did a job for them, and apparently
left amicably having decided himself he wanted to call it a day.
Yet from the way he's been carrying on you would have though he'd been
given the sack and it really isn't good enough to say: "Oh he has a book to
sell."
He has again been mocking the "West Ham Way" and is still claiming he
doesn't know what it is which is ridiculous. Of course he does. It's about
playing with style and panache, getting the ball down, moving it quickly
through midfield and getting an end product.
Sam knows the West Ham way of playing as well as anybody else. "
It's the way the West Ham Academy down the years has brought players up to
play, as described above. We all know the "Sam Allardyce Way" and that we
didn't want much more of it.
But look how upset he gets when people criticise his way of playing. If he
doesn't want criticism of that he shouldn't hand it out on ours!
When he keeps on as he has been he is simply ridiculing the club and its
history and I find that very disappointing. Add into that his decision to
call our fans "delusional" and it's easy to understand why many, probably
most, wanted him to move on.
He has a new job and he'd be better off concentrating on that. He really
hasn't helped himself this week with the serialisation.
He needs to move on. Everybody else has! I haven't a clue why he's decided
to unload like this but it hasn't been good at all!
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Pardew : Irons bigger and stronger than us
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Alan Pardew is extremely wary of the Irons and believes that even though
Palace may dictate at Selhurst Park this weekend they could easily finish up
beaten.
It's the counter attacking game that concerns the former Irons boss who
declares: "They're very good on the counter."
He explained: "I expect us to get a grasp of the game like we did against
West Brom and dictate proceedings but that's not going to stop West Ham from
winning the game. We need to be organised in our possession otherwise they
will counter us really quickly and we'll find ourselves in the game.
"West Ham have a bigger and stronger squad than us. But if we can stay clear
of injuries and keep this group together, we can compete with them and
that's what we've got to hope to do."
"It is a top-of-the-table encounter," he added.
"That is good for two teams who weren't predicted to be there at this stage
of the season. We're coming off a good performance and West Ham will be
aware of that. I am sure they will be looking to upset our rhythm and what
we do really well."
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Hammers high on expensive ticket tables
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
A BBC study on the price of football has revealed although no Premier League
ticket is above £100, Arsenal's most expensive ticket is £97 and West Ham
follow closely with a £95 match ticket against an average across the whole
Premier League of £56.63. West Ham sell the most expensive away ticket in
the Premier League at £70 which is £6 more than Arsenal as the second most
expensive club for away supporters. But West Ham's cheapest away ticket is
priced at £25 which is significantly less than Chelsea charge at £47. In the
top flight, 11 clubs put the price of this season's tickets up, contributing
to a 6.54% year-on-year rise. It now averages £30.68, up from £28.80. In the
season ticket category, both the cheapest and most expensive rose about 1%
to £513.95 and £886.21 respectively. West Ham's rose by 5% That works out at
£27.05 and £46.64 a game.
The study, which also gathers prices for pies, programmes, tea and away
tickets across the UK, found replica shirt prices rose 4.8% year on year.
Premier League clubs released 50 outfield strips this summer and a home
jersey bought in a club shop will now cost an average £49.68. But more than
a third of the clubs sell a match-day ticket for £25 or less during the
course of a season, with Leicester City's £22 offering the cheapest.
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Slav was in two minds over Nolan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 15, 2015 in News
C and H
Former Hammer Don Hutchison has told the Chronicle that Kevin Nolan is a
good fit for Sunderland and his Georgie roots wouldn't stop him. He also
reveals that Bilic was in two minds whether to keep him or not. "I think Sam
is inheriting a team in Sunderland who are probably not equipped to play the
way he wants at the moment, so the job is to get through until January and
have another look then," Hutchison wrote in the Chronicle. "Kevin Nolan
lives not far away from me in Essex and I'd heard from a pretty reliable
source that he might be going to Sunderland, which is a move that I think
would be a good one from Sam and for the Black Cats. Hutch"It would add some
serious spice to the derby game and I know that Newcastle United fans'
opinions of Nolan will change overnight but it's just business as a
footballer. I was born a Newcastle fan and my old man was the same, but if
you get an opportunity to play at a big club then you have to take it.
"Kevin's been training with Leyton Orient recently. Believe me, if you're
down there in League One or League Two it's very, very tough. I had it when
I was at Luton – you've played at the top for so long, it's difficult to
really motivate yourself to play at that level. "Everything is different. If
you get the chance to play at Premier League club under a manager who trusts
you, can you say no? "Kevin isn't a Geordie lad, he doesn't live there any
more, he's in Essex and I don't think he'll settle in Newcastle when his
playing career is over. You have to be realistic – it's a very good
opportunity if it comes along." My approach would be to offer him quite a
low basic wage but with a heavily incentivised contract. I think that way it
suits both parties – Sunderland won't want to be landed with another big
earner and Kevin probably has to accept he's not quite at that level
anymore,"
"But can he do a job? He definitely can. I was actually at the training
ground at West Ham in pre-season and I went into speak to Slaven Bilic and
he was raving about Kevin. He spoke for 20 minutes about him being the
fittest, the best trainer and beating all of the other lads hands-down in
the running and the fitness tests. "He was in two minds about keeping him –
it was just a case of looking for something a bit more dynamic and a bit
more fluid in midfield. If he couldn't guarantee Kevin game time – and he
couldn't – he didn't think it was worth keeping him. It was probably a
budget thing more than anything. "But he said he was a terrific influence on
the dressing room, a very popular guy who would do well at the next club he
went to – exactly what Sunderland need."
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Gold defends money grabbing claim
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 15, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H
David Gold was forced to defend himself by declaring "David Sullivan and
myself care passionately about the club and have not received a penny in our
6 years tenure" after one Hammers fan tweeted him saying "the board didn't
care about the club or fans – only the money."
David Gold and David Sullivan do not receive a salary or claim expenses from
the club since joining in 2010.
The highest paid director thought to be a Lady in the House of Lords has
received £2.95m in salary and bonuses in the first four years as an employee
of West Ham. £1m of that is believed to be a bonus for winning the Olympic
Stadium bid which is paid over 5 years. She is thought to earn a basic
salary £636,000 so the total amount is over £3.5m when the last financial
year is included although financial accounts have yet to be released in
January.
Gold and Sullivan have personally lent the club over £49.2m in share holder
loans over those years and that is lightly to increase this year with claims
they have gone £17m in the red to fund the summer transfer spree.
They do claim interest on those share holder loans which amounted to £2.88m
in the last published accounts for 2014, but this is accrued in the accounts
and as David claims they haven't received a penny of it. Previously they
have claimed they were advised to charge interest for tax reasons and it may
never be paid.
In 2013 David Sullivan also acted as a bank to the club loan a further £3.8m
as part of a deal to refinance bank debt. This loan needs to be repaid by
31st December 2016. He is thought to receive interest repayments on this
loan but it is fair to say this would have been paid to bank and Sullivan
only stepped in when no only bank could not be found to fill a 15% short
fall.
Sullivan and Gold also own interests in a telecoms company called Telecom2
Limited which provides £46,757 worth of services to the club. Whether they
indirectly benefit from that arrangement through their shareholding is
unknown.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to sell Boleyn Turf?
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Is there a secret plan to sell the hallowed Boleyn Ground turf to West Ham
fans at the end of this season? Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham Chairman
David Sullivan might have let the cat out of the bag with the Hammers plans.
15 year old Jack was asked on social media "Will the club sell bits of the
pitch next season, in those little glass cubes?"
Sullivan replied on twitter "I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say" with
several winks and smiley faces.
However some West Ham season ticket holders might have their own ideas of
keeping their own mementos after the final whistle of the last match of this
season. It is unclear what would happen if there is a pitch invasion after
the last game of the season but technically each and every fan identified
could receive a life ban.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic sends France boss a message on Payet
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 15, 2015 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic believes Dimitri Payet could fit into any international side in
the world despite him being ignored by France. Didier Deschamps continues to
give the Irons star the cold shoulder and questioned in his presser this
morning Bilic claimed :"I think he could fit into any international team in
the world." He added: "It's hard when you don't know the full situation. I
know as a national manager, that it can be hard to select everyone. "France
have a wide pool to choose from, a lot of quality players. If you ask me do
they have many players like Dimitri, then maybe not. There aren't many
players like him and I think he could fit into any national side in the
world. "Not only his quality on the pitch but off it too. He's a quiet guy
and quite shy but everyone likes working with him and he's a great guy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grays Athletic boss Mark Bentley welcomes West Ham United's rumoured
interest in Dumebi Dumaka
thurrockGazette.co.uk
GRAYS Athletic manager Mark Bentley says he welcomes speculation surrounding
his star players after Blues were handed a tough final hurdle in their bid
to reach the FA Cup first round.
Grays will host Welling United, of the National League, over the weekend of
October 24/25 as they bid to reach the first round of the competition for
the first time since 2008. Dumebi Dumaka scored an injury time penalty to
see Grays into the fourth qualifying round, adding to a first half strike
from Jay Leader at the lower-ranked Hanwell Town. The lethal striker, who
has netted 13 times in all competitions this season, was linked with a move
to West Ham United last week, with local scouts reportedly keen on inviting
the forward to Chadwell Heath's training HQ. Midfielder Nathan Ferguson has
also been linked with a move away and Bentley says he has no problems with
the rumours, as it puts the club in the public eye. "I always want players
to go on and become professionals," he said. "There have been some rumours
surrounding our players in recent weeks but I don't know any more about that
than anyone else to be honest.
"DD (Dumaka) is doing really well at the moment and is scoring some
important goals for us but I don't know anything about West Ham interest.
Nathan has been linked with Burton Albion in recent weeks as well but it's
news to me. They both have agents so maybe it is their doing. But it is good
publicity for the club and the players so it is fine with me."
The Welling clash will see Grays assistant manager Glen Little come up
against the side he left a year ago, after former Grays boss Jody Brown was
sacked by the Kent team. And Bentley says the match is a great chance for
his players to make a name for themselves. "We would have liked a lower
ranked team but it wasn't to be and we head into the match with nothing to
fear," said Bentley. "We know a bit about them and we won't be favourites
which will be slightly strange for us as we are often expected to win the
matches we play, but that might work in our favour. "We are on our own pitch
and that will help us so we just have to make sure we exploit their
weaknesses and play our game. "It is a chance for the young players to
potentially experience the likes of playing at a Portsmouth or Sheffield
United and that is exciting for anyone. The boys are excited about the draw
and so am I. "It was a good game Saturday and I was pleased to get through
it in the end and now we are so close to the first round we are all
desperate to be there." Bentley added a first round appearance and more
prize money wouldn't do the club's chances of a move back to Grays any harm.
The club is working with Thurrock Council as it bids to return to the town,
and Bentley says the more money the club can accumulate the better. "This
club needs a home," he said. "Getting into the first round would bring in
even more money and that can only help. Hanwell Town have a lovely little
set-up so a club like Grays, historically a big non-league club, needs a
home as well. But the squad is good and we will try and push on in the
league and beyond."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crystal Palace v West Ham: Wickham and Ward set to miss out for Pardew's men
GIUSEPPE MURO
Evening Standard
Crystal Palace will be without the injured Connor Wickham and Joel Ward
against West Ham on Saturday. Alan Pardew had hoped Wickham (calf) and Ward
(knee) would be fit to return after the international break. But they have
not recovered in time and will miss the game at Selhurst Park. Palace, who
are fourth in the Premier League, have been boosted by the return of Damien
Delaney, Mile Jedinak, Jordan Mutch and Lee Chung-Yong. Pardew was pleased
all of his players returned from the international fixtures fully fit and
was delighted to see Joe Ledley and Wayne Hennessey help Wales qualify for
Euro 2016. "It was really pleasing for them because they have been an
integral part of the qualifying campaign," said Pardew. "A lot of heart and
effort went into that. They will very good about it so that is very good for
me." Palace host West Ham looking for their third straight win. Pardew said:
"It is very difficult to win home games in the Premier League. It was
fantastic for our fans last time because everything fell into place against
West Brom and it was our best performance of the season. We are coming off
the back of a really good performance and West Ham will be doing everything
to upset our rhythm."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic can only praise Andy Carroll's professionalism
after Allardyce claims
ANDY SIMS 54 minutes ago0 comments
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic has brushed off Sam Allardyce's criticism of Andy Carroll and
claims the striker is totally focused on getting fit this season. In his
autobiography, being serialised in The Sun, former West Ham boss Allardyce
questioned Carroll's dedication during his injury-hit spell at Upton Park.
Current Hammers chief Bilic, who replaced Allardyce in the summer, admitted
he was aware of Carroll's reputation before taking over in east London. But
Bilic insists the 26-year-old, who has made three appearances since finally
overcoming a long-term ankle injury, has been a model professional this
term. "I did not have to become West Ham manager to know about Andy
Carroll," said Bilic. "I heard about that before, that sometimes he got
injured because he was not totally dedicated to being a footballer. "From my
first day, he was injured. But the way he was working - in six to eight
weeks of struggle that was boring and not ideal and not fun - he did it as a
great professional and now we are expecting big benefits out of that. "Those
stories are definite, there is something behind them, they are true. It is
very rare that people are making up stories. "There is something there, but
it looks much worse. I don't want to comment on the stories. "He's been out
a few times, but his rehabilitation and training, especially in that period,
was top class."
Bilic made Carroll undergo his own mini pre-season, rather than rush him
back into the team, in a bid to avoid the frontman breaking down again. "We
tried to explain to him that he needed to work for six weeks and have a
pre-season, not to train for 10 days, roll up his sleeves and play the
game," he added. "He did his time and we should all benefit from that."
Carroll has shaken off the knock which kept him out of the 2-2 draw at
Sunderland a fortnight ago and is fit to face Crystal Palace on Saturday. He
could be joined in the squad by fellow forward Enner Valencia, who was
injured during the Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu in July, and
defender Angelo Ogbonna following a hamstring injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce's opinions have little value, says Real Madrid boss Rafa
Benitez
Evening STandard
Rafael Benitez has hit back at claims from Sam Allardyce that he had nothing
to do with Liverpool's 2005 Champions League success. In a wide-ranging
interview with Spanish radio station Onda Cero, former Liverpool boss
Benitez also revealed he was interested in signing Gareth Bale during his
time at Anfield. And he insisted there are no problems between Bale and
Cristiano Ronaldo at his current club Real Madrid, expressing confidence his
side would win La Liga. Allardyce, now the Sunderland manager, has a
long-running feud with Benitez dating back mainly to his time in charge at
Bolton and Blackburn, which coincided with the Spaniard's stint at Liverpool
from 2004-10. Benitez oversaw a stunning Champions League victory at
Liverpool, with his side recovering from 3-0 down against AC Milan in the
final in Istanbul. "Do you know who Sam Allardyce is? Do you know how many
trophies he has won? Well that's my answer"
But Allardyce, in his new autobiography 'Big Sam', wrote: "Of course he can
say he won the Champions League with Liverpool, which is something I never
did. But it was nowt to do with him.
"I don't blame Benitez for claiming credit but as managers we know the
truth. It's like when you make a substitution in desperation and it comes
off. You get all the credit for your tactical brilliance when it's often
just luck."
Benitez dismissed this remark, saying: "Do you know who Sam Allardyce is? Do
you know how many trophies he has won? Well that's my answer. It is what
happens when someone has a book to sell. His opinion does not have a lot of
value."
Benitez inherited a squad that includes world-record £85million signing Bale
when he took over at the Bernabeu in the summer. He has been a long-term
admirer of the Welshman but rubbished claims from former Liverpool defender
Jamie Carragher that he did not sign him for the Reds because he rated John
Arne Riise better. Benitez said: "Back in 2006 I went to see
Bolton-Southampton. We transferred a player to Southampton but they wouldn't
give us Bale. "Then when we tried to buy him, we couldn't. I've known for a
long time he was a great player.
"Carragher has made the mistake of saying I preferred Riise when it wasn't
like that."
Benitez now has to deal with Bale on a daily basis and a perceived clash of
egos with star player Ronaldo. He insists there is no such thing and
suggested such stories are spun by agents.
He said: "Coaches have to control a group of professionals but not what
their agents say. I talk to the players and when there's a conflict, it's
solved. There's no problem between Bale and Cristiano. "Everything is
magnified in Madrid. Sometimes it's out of jealousy or to attack. I am
surprised." Under Benitez, Real have made a strong start to the season and
are currently unbeaten, just a point off the top of the Primera Division. He
has no doubt about the credentials of his squad. Benitez said: "I told my
wife that I'm sure this Real Madrid team are going to win the league."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison stayed in Manchester because he didn't want to get involved
in West Ham relegation battle... now he's blown his career says Sam
Allardyce
Former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has lifted the lid on the breakdown in
relationship between the club and Ravel Morrison
Allardyce claims that Morrison refused to play for West Ham during a crucial
run of fixtures back in the 2013-14 season
He alleges that Morrison was not injured, but simply unwilling
Allardyce believes Morrison, who now plays for Lazio, has 'blown his career'
By TOM BELLWOOD FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 13:21, 15 October 2015 | UPDATED: 13:21, 15 October 2015
Sam Allardyce has revealed that Ravel Morrison spent Christmas in Manchester
rather than returning to London for a busy festive period in which the club
were fighting a relegation battle.
Morrison emerged as a highly promising youngster at Manchester United but
was released by Sir Alex Ferguson, who warned Allardyce of the problems he
faced trying to rein in the gifted attacker. After a failed spell at Upton
Park, Morrison is now plying his trade in Italy with Lazio and the former
West Ham boss has lifted the lid on how the relationship between club and
player began to break down. Morrison missed three matches over the Christmas
period during the 2013-14 season which followed the 3-1 loss to Manchester
United, the 3-1 home defeat by Arsenal, the 3-3 draw with West Brom and the
2-1 loss to Fulham on New Year's Day. He was then involved in the
embarrassing 5-0 FA Cup defeat by Nottingham Forest.
In a serialisation of his autobiography 'Big Sam' published in The Sun,
Allardyce said: 'The end came after we'd played at Manchester United. 'Rav
stayed up north to see his family and didn't come back. He wasn't injured,
he just didn't fancy getting involved in our festive relegation battle. 'We
couldn't get hold of him until the lads saw a picture of him on Facebook
enjoying Christmas lunch with his family while they were preparing for our
Boxing Day game. 'Rav was potentially a £50million player but he has blown
his career and it's unlikely to happen for him now'.
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Friday, October 16
Thursday, October 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th October 2015
Moses relishing Palace return
WHUFC.com
It promises to be an emotional day for Victor Moses when he heads back to
south London on Saturday, but despite his close connections with Crystal
Palace, the talented winger will be doing everything to extend the Hammers
impressive unbeaten run. Moses went to school just a few streets away from
Selhurst Park and was given his breakthrough into the professional game by
the Eagles after becoming one of the star performers at the Club's Academy.
The Nigeria international made his debut for the Club back in 2007 and spent
three-years at Palace before making a move to Wigan in 2010. Moses, who
joined the Club on a season-long loan from Chelsea during the summer, says
he will never forget his time in south London, but stresses he is now part
of a new challenge at West Ham United. And the 24-year-old is determined to
help the Club maintain their superb away form following memorable victories
at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Moses said: "I remember playing at Palace for Liverpool and the fans gave me
a great reception. "I grew up there and spent most of my years at Palace. I
really enjoyed my time there and it is good to see them in the Premier
League. "They have done really well this season and they will be a hard team
to beat away from home. "I am a West Ham player now and I just want to enjoy
my football and help us get the three points. "The West Ham fans always
stick with the players and it is amazing how they support you all the time.
I am very pleased to be here and enjoying my football. "Alan Pardew has been
at West Ham before and he is now doing very well at Palace. He organises the
team very well, but we are working hard in training to make sure we go there
and get the three points. "I believe in the team and we have a good manager.
I think we are going to surprise a lot of teams this season and will be up
there."
Moses has nothing but praise for the job Slaven Bilic has done since
arriving at the Boleyn Ground during the summer and feels he is getting the
best out of everyone in the squad. Moses added: "Slaven is a top manager. He
encourages you and gives you the right advice. He wants us to go out and
enjoy our football. He wants me to do more as a player and help the team.
"He changed the philosophy of West Ham and everyone can see the difference.
We are doing very well and we want to stick by him and do very well this
season."
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Dev Squad go free this Monday!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the Development Squad's
meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 at Rush Green is FREE for all fans.
This is the perfect opportunity to see the Club's rising stars in action,
following a hugely successful summer for the Academy of Football. As many as
ten Academy products have made their senior West Ham bow this season already
and Academy Manager Terry Westley's side will now take on the Cottagers at
the Hammers' iconic Academy of Football base at Rush Green. Westley is
hoping Hammers fans will turn out in their numbers to support West Ham's
next generation and is confident that his charges will rise to the occasion.
"It is very important we get a crowd in on Monday night. We have a very
exciting group of young players coming through.
"Martin Samuelsen is back from international duty with Norway, and Josh
Cullen is also coming back from the Ireland U21s. It's a great chance to
come and see the future of West Ham play. "We don't know yet which first
team players will be available yet, Reece Oxford could well feature. Further
down we have younger players such as George Dobson and Marcus Browne who
have stepped up from the U18s and are doing well."
So far this season, the Hammers have struggled to convert impressive
performances into points this season; however Westley is confident that will
change on Monday evening. Opponents Wolves meanwhile have fared slightly
better, winning two of their opening six matches. Westley continued: "Wwe
haven't faced Wolves for a while. But like any team in this division,
they're a competitive side. They have players who will want to impress and
make their mark in the game, so we're expecting a difficult game on Monday.
"Monday's game is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to see the next
generation play. It really does help the player's development as well as
raise the status and stature of the club."
Kick-off at Rush Green is at 7pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Everybody has been working hard during the international break, and we have
positive news regarding Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and Angelo Ogbonna. As
you may already know, Enner and Andy both played their part in a friendly
match with Reading during the international break as they continue to work
their way towards the required fitness levels. Enner has been out for two
months with a high ankle injury and we were delighted with the way he came
through after playing for 20 minutes. Enner and Andy have been joined in
full training by Angelo, who joined the squad at the end of last week. All
three of them will enjoy another full week of training this week ahead of
Saturday's London derby at Crystal Palace.
Alex Song is now training with the first-team rehab fitness coach to get to
the necessary level of fitness after five months without football.
Joey O'Brien is back in full training from Thursday morning after his calf
injury, while we welcome James Collins, Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate
back to Chadwell Heath following their international duty with Wales and
Senegal respectively.
Winston Reid came off at Sunderland with an injury and Aaron Cresswell
suffered a minor injury in training. Both are working hard ahead of the game
on Saturday.
Finally, Doneil Henry's rehabilitation is going very well after he underwent
an operation for a hernia.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A TALE OF TWO MANAGERS!
By S J Chandos 14 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID
Slaven Bilic has told the club's official website that he could not turn
down the opportunity to return because he missed the Hammers in the 18 years
that he was away. Of course, that period of absence included his abortive
move to Everton, the end of his playing career in his native Croatia and his
subsequent managerial career with Hajduk Split, the Croatian national side,
Locomotiv Moscow and, latterly, Besiktas. And during that whole time he
continually followed West Ham's results wherever he happened to be anywhere
in the world. He stated, 'I followed West Ham wherever I was.' Why? Well it
seems that 'once an Hammer, always a Hammer' and it also seems the fan base
has quite a bit to do with it. He asserts:
'Once you play for West Ham, or once you have been connected with West Ham,
it stays with you for life. I missed it during my time away from this club
because it is a special club, a cult club, but what really makes West Ham
special is the fans.'
This interview needs to be quoted because it provides the perfect antidote
to the critical stuff coming from Sam Allardyce, upon his appointment as
Sunderland's new manager. I know that the comments are in response to the
loaded questions of sports journalists, but why be drawn in to opening up
old wounds with former clubs? A less supremely self-confident manager would
have given a stalling, non-specific answer, and focused on his move to a new
club. Yes, praise your new fan base, but avoid making negative comments
about the fans of former clubs. The stuff relating to Mrs Allardyce reading
the comments on the Hammers fans websites is classic. Negative or offensive
comments on social media can only hurt you if you let it. There is always
the ultimate option of logging off and staying away from it. Perhaps Mrs
Allardyce should have tried that? Now (for the time being at least) all is
'sweetness and light' with the Sunderland fans. One Toon website did make me
laugh when they made the essential point that the difference between
Newcastle and Hammers fan (on one side) and Sunderland supporters (on the
other) is that the former have actually experienced the football that
Allardyce teams play at their worst! While the latter still have that
dubious pleasure to come.
There were undoubtedly aggressive and offensive comments regularly posted
about Allardyce during his managerial tenure. Some of it was unfair, some of
it was OTT and some of the criticism was understandable. I always sought to
be fair about Allardyce and attempted to provide a balanced appraisal and
critique. One factor that was always worrying was Allardyce lack of respect
for the traditions of the club, a questioning of the 'West Ham Way' that he
has popularised, with the likes of Alex Ferguson and media types, like Alan
Shearer, propagating that disrespect. Funny that – Alex Ferguson used to
know what the 'West Ham Way was' and he clearly stated so on previous
notable occasions, only to suffer a failure of comprehension by the time he
re-published his biography with those added chapters. He has clearly
acquired an antagonism towards the club after Man Utd lost two titles at
Upton Park and, latterly, suffered a 4-0 league cup humiliation at the hands
of Grant's poor (destined for relegation) side of 2009/10. Generations of
journalists knew as well, I grew up reading match and other reports that
regularly waxed lyrical about the Academy, our footballing philosophy and
role in winning the 1966 World Cup. Indeed in the 1960s and 1970s we were
referred to as the 'Aristocrats of English football.' What a accolade, that
has now apparently degenerated in to widespread, media disrespect. How that
happened is another story!
Anyway, my minor rant over, back to Allardyce and Bilic. The reality is that
Sam Allardyce created most of the problems that he had with the West Ham
fans (I cannot comment on his relationship with the Toon fans). The
questioning of our traditions and the cupping of the ear incident after that
Hull City match were major low points. When he became Manager, I urged him
to confound his critics and try to play attractive football within the
playing resources at his disposal at that point. Yes, be direct on
occasions, but also mix it up. Acquiring the Hammers post was a great
opportunity to draw a line under the 'long ball' reputation that he so
bitterly resented.Unfortunately he did not take that advice. Rather than do
it voluntarily and early in his tenure, he was forced in to it as board
policy in his final season at the club. And it has to be said (in fairness)
that Allardyce's improved squad (with superb players like Sakho, who he
allegedly did not even want!) did play some very good stuff that season,
especially prior to Christmas. But it become very obvious that a parting of
the ways was inevitable at the conclusion of last season and rightly so. It
is virtually impossible to argue for the retention of a manager with a
record of 3 PL victories after Boxing Day. Although that record was
conveniently forgotten when bewilderment at his exit was widely opined in
the media!
Still, 'what has been done, has been done'. Why cannot Allardyce just take
pride in his 'achievements' over his four seasons at the club, leave out the
controversial stuff and concentrate on his new club? In contrast, Bilic has
handled his public relations expertly and with some considerable skill. I
believe he has a genuine love for the club, but pragmatically, Bilic also
knows the value of having the fans on-side. However, where Bilic also scores
highly is with his ability to manage expectations and ground them where the
club actually is in its ongoing development. Similarly, he is also very
gracious to others and even publicly acknowledged the value of Allardyce's
work in the club's resurgence and re-building the squad. It is a great that
quality that many other managers really could learn from.
Incidently, and in conclusion, everyone talks about Bilic's brief stint at
the club, lasting under 18 months (January 1996-May 1997). But few recall
that he very nearly re-joined the club after he was released by Everton. In
fact, Bilic was training with the West Ham squad in pre-season and Harry
Redknapp was very keen to sign him again on a free transfer. Only for the
deal to be scuppered by the results of his medical, which revealed an
underlying major injury. He subsequently returned to Hajduk Split and played
for a final season until retiring and then entering management with his home
town club.
So, there could have been an earlier second coming as a player in 2000.
Instead, it happened in 2015, as Manager. If you doubt me, check it out! .
SJ. Chandos
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DON'T BE SURPRISED IF SAM COMES AFTER NOBLE, SAKHO & OTHERS
By Iain Dale 13 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID
I have a real sense that Sam Allardyce has come to the conclusion that he
was badly treated at West Ham. And he's a man who holds a grudge. He likes
to get even. Sadly for him he has to wait until January to do that.
It's my view that between now and then he will try to unsettle several of
our players. He may not do it overtly but do it he will, using his network
of media contacts. James Tomkins has been the player mentioned so far, but I
can't see any way that he'd want to move north. In fact, there is no way I
think any of our better players would want to go to Sunderland. Yes, Sam may
well save them from relegation, but they are a team which will never
progress beyond yoyo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship.
My bet is that Mark Noble is the player he may well set his sights on. Or
even Diafra Sahko. I'm sure the board wouldn't entertain selling either, but
Allardyce is the sort of manager who would get off on 'playing the game'.
All managers are tempted to raid their previous clubs and Sam will be no
different. I don't know who his 'pets' were at West Ham but be sure as night
follows day that he will come after them.
I'm sure I am not alone in getting slightly weary of Allardyce playing the
victim. The fact is that if he had won more than 3 in 21 in the second half
of last season I am sure he would still be in his job. He blames everyone
but himself.
Sunderland are welcome to him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVING FEELING - OH NO, THERE IT IS!
By HamburgHammer 12 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID
You can Adam and Eve me, I tried. I really did whatwith the boring
International break, the OS issue simmering along as usual, players about to
return from injury and no new signings (or players leaving the club) to talk
about I was still determined to avoid the Sam Allardyce issue at all costs.
I wanted to be a good boy, let matters lie and not waste a thought,
nevermind an article about the man some like to call Big Sam as if they had
been drinking with him in the same pub for 30 years.
And indeed our club has moved on and very nicely at that, with a new manager
doing and saying all the right things at the right time, some new exciting
players to marvel about, much better football and an exciting (while also
being somewhat frightening and sad) move into the OS getting ever closer.
Samuel Allardyce has signed a two year deal to manage at Sunderland. After a
nice extended holiday on his part filled with some punditry to stay in touch
with football.
The move was not a surprise from Sunderland's point of view. They are
staring relegation right into the boat and need all the help they can get as
quickly as they can.
With Allardyce though I had the firm belief that he had had enough: Enough
of the pressure of the media circus, enough of the pressure arising from
(deluded) fans' expectations, enough of being criticised for his perceived
dinosaur tactics on the pitch and finally also enough money earned over the
years in order to be able to somewhat relax and forget about keeping teams
up for once.
I fully expected him to settle for a career as a TV or radio pundit. The
media people all seem to love him to bits, his unique mixture of
grumpy-jovial guy from the street kind of demeanour and ready quip.
I also seem to remember Allardyce saying he no longer needed to manage a
club just to keep it up as he had done that numerous times and was no longer
interested in that.
Listening to him I would have expected him (if at all) to join a big club in
Britain or abroad that would play regular Europa League or Champions League
football, but the harsh truth here seems to be none of those were really
that interested in signing Allardyce. He seems to have been filed by club
hierarchies in that drawer of managers who play a certain style of
no-nonsense football that keeps clubs safe more often than not, but not much
else beyond that.
Now why do I ramble on about Allardyce then I hear you asking ? Well, it is
because of some quotes from an interview in the Sun on Sunday I read upon
his arrival at Sunderland which got my blood pressure up to a less than
healthy level. Here they are:
"When I was at West Ham my wife, Lynne, would constantly read the supporters
website to see what new insults were being fired. It upset her but she
couldn't keep away from the screen. Now she's been reading the Sunderland
fans' site and she tells me the reaction has been very positive, which makes
me feel very excited to get going.
Everyone wants to be praised and to feel wanted and I just hope I can give
the Sunderland supporters some of the excitement they are looking for."
My first reaction is: Good on the Sunderland fans. They show their new
manager a lot of goodwill and support right from the start, they are
desperate for someone to help their club back on track and they are just
hoping for some light at the end of the tunnel.
As for Allardyce's wife I am sorry that she had to read a lot of bad stuff,
harsh stuff, undeserved over-the-top bile at times, but you know what the
internet is like.
It brings out the best and the very worst in people and should not be
confused with real life. On the other hand Allardyce gave the fans loads of
reasons to criticise him, on and off the pitch. Criticism should have been
expected and for that reason I would agree with Mr.Allardyce that his wife
maybe would have been better off NOT reading the West Ham forums.
What I am angry about is this notion that Allardyce (understandably) wants
to feel wanted and loved and how he apparently didn't find that kind of
appraisal and love at West Ham. It takes two to tango Mr.Allardyce. In my
view the relationship between a football club's manager and the fans is not
like love between two people. In love (or marriage) you are supposed to love
someone unconditionally. There is no reason for love. You love someone
because you do. You'd throw yourself into the way of a bullet for them,
You'd do everything in your power to make them happy without expecting them
to love you back or get anything in return (it would be nice of course but
it doesn't always work like that).
As a West Ham fan I do not love any manager like I would a woman. With
football it's more like a business relationship. I want him to treat the
club well, pay respect to our fans and traditions, play some decent football
and I'll be happy regardless of league position really. But I want the
manager to love the fans back to a degree so to speak.
Which brings me to Allarydce: If he was so desperate for appraisal or wanted
to be loved by the West Ham fans why didn't he show some love himself ?
Why did he have to start his reign by laughing off the West Ham way ?
Why did he never respect our traditions as a club and our way of playing
football which always contained a certain creative, a flair element to it
even if results didn't always go our way ?
Allardyce in my view got quite a lot of goodwill and support from West Ham
fans when he took us over. It's what he did in the following months and
years that turned the tide against him and rightly so.
In my view a manager will only be truly cherished and loved by the fans if
he loves them back, Bilic at Besiktas being a good example, Klopp at
Dortmund, Lyall at West Ham.
I don't remember Allardyce ever investing much into his relationship with
the West Ham faithful, so I am not surprised he didn't get much love back
At Sunderland it's early doors. Don't forget he also managed their rivals
Newcastle before, so once that honeymoon period at the Stadium of Light is
over and results are not going to plan the love affair may turn sour
quickly.
At that point Mrs.Allardyce may better want to refrain from reading those
Sunderland forums anymore. Love is a curious thing. Allardyce may well do
his usual thing again and keep Sunderland up. But he shouldn't expect much
appraisal or love coming his way if he pulls some of the stuff he did at
West Ham with the Sunderland fans.
In that respect Allardyce may want to take a leaf or two out of Bilic's book
about how to strike up and maintain fan relationships.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham can increase OS capacity beyond 54,000
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fifteen year Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham Chairman David Sullivan has
revealed West Ham can increased their capacity beyond 54,000 if there is
enough demand. Asked by Hammers fan Alfie Sharman "Can the Olympic Stadium
be more than 54,000 if we keep selling out?" Jack simply replied 'Yes it
can!"
The Olympic Stadium has reduced from 80,000 seats to around 66,000 seats
with up to 12,000 of those screened off in football mode but Jack's comment
appears to confirm West Ham have the ability and ambition to go beyond
54,000 if demand is there.
Planning permission and the stadium safety certificate currently restricts
capacity to 54,000 but both those could be remedied if West Ham and Stadium
owner E20 Stadium LLP wanted to. They might need to add extra toilets and
facilities but again this should prove a major challenge. If capacity did
increase to 66,000 it would make West Ham's rented stadium the largest in
the Premier League in London surpassing the Emirates and Chelsea & Spurs
planned stadiums. It would become the second largest stadium in the Premier
League behind Old Trafford.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Jack's January window verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Jack Sullivan – sounding more like his Dad than his Dad – has given a pretty
strong indication there is unlikely to be any January signings.
ClaretandHugh revealed from its own sources yesterday that this January
could be the first ever when the two Davids fail to bring in p layers. The
arrival of the deadline day signings meant that the Hammers ended the summer
with every player they had sought, spending around £10 million more than
originally planned.
And asked on Twitter whether there was any likelihood of more arrivals Jack
gave the sort of answer Dad would have offered. In respnse to a follower's
question he said: "We are always looking for new players! Yet you rarely get
a good deal in January. You will have to wait and see."
Good answer but in de-coded form it means: "Probably not injuries
permitting." However, the squad could certainly do with another right back
and with the possibility of Joey O'Brien, James Collins or both heading for
the north east, the possibility remains we might see a new face.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: Irons spoke to managers behind my back
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 14, 2015 in News
C and H
Sam Allardyce has told the Sun newspaper that he knew that West Ham were
talking to other managers behind his back while he was still in contract
with them. As part of the serialisation of new autobiography, Allardyce
claims that he knew the Hammers hierarchy were secretly speaking to other
managers in a bid to replace him, and specifically named David Moyes as a
manager.
"I'd already decided that was going to be my last season at West Ham," said
Allardyce. "I knew David Moyes had been contacted about taking my job and
there were probably several others," he said. Moyes was once the odds on
favourite to join West Ham with bookies briefly suspending taking bets on
the 52 year Scot but he decided to remain in Spain with Real Sociedad and
West Ham turned their attentions instead to Slaven Bilic.
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"Dont give up" plea on leading Hammer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham fans have been told not to give up on Andy Carroll The club's
record signing has recovered from a very minor injury to an ankle injury
which kept him out of the game against Norwich and ready to take his place
in the squad for the trip to Palace. The player's injury woes has almost
become the stuff of legends since his Upton Park arrival but co chairman
David Gold has pleaded with the fans to remain patient. Speaking to
ClaretandHugh exclusively the co chairman said: "Nobody should give up on
Andy. He's looking strong and fit and could remain fit for a long time. "We
were just being cautious when leaving him out of the squad against
Sunderland because there was no need for us to do otherwise. "But he's
raring to go again and we are al right behind him – there really should be
no question of giving up on the lad. He can have a very good career at West
Ham United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic boost for Palace clash
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic will be spoiled for choice up front this weekend as the Hammer
head for Selhurst Park. ClaretandHugh understands that every forward at the
club is now fit for the first time this campaign thus presenting some
difficult choices for the manager. Andy Carroll, Enner Valencia and Mauro
Zarate – who has looked outstanding in training – are all in the frame and
will be battling for a role. However, it's quite possible that Manuel
Lanzini will hold on to his first team shirt as the player to take the
weight off Dimitri Payet up front. Manager Slaven Bilic made a point of
pointing to his contribution after the last game against Norwich City and
is likely to stick by him. Carroll is more likely to be handed a place on
the bench along with Valencia but the manager will wait until nearer the
weekend after running fitness checks on the remainder of his players before
naming the squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold attacked on Twitter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has been attacked by a Twitter follower upset at the club
leaving the Boleyn for the Olympic Stadium.
@MrTomEllmore launched his attack by snapping at the chairman: "come off it
gold all you see is the money. What about the history."
He followed up in a separate tweet adding that "the board didn't care about
the club or fans – only the money."
After the chairman responded that he and David Sullivan care passionately
for the club and hadn't made a penny out of it in six years, the follower
added that he wasn't the only fan who didn't want to leave the Boleyn.
That brought a one liner from DG who said:" I know and I'm disappointed with
you both. dg"
Still not content, his antagonist replied: "The fact you can only reply with
sarcasm shows how pathetic you are."
Given the Olympic Stadium deal is done and dusted, this does feel like an
exercise in wasted energy…but that's Twitter for you!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michael Carrick pays special tribute to his West Ham days on Twitter
HITC
Tim Poole
The Manchester United midfielder says he had some of his best days with West
Ham. Michael Carrick has paid special tribute to his West Ham United days on
Twitter. Replying to another former Hammer in Richard Garcia, the Manchester
United midfielder reflected on his days in a young West Ham side -
suggesting they were some of the best in his career. The 34-year-old spent
five years at Upton Park, although that included two loan spells elsewhere.
He then joined Tottenham Hotspur before leaving Spurs for Manchester United,
where he has played his football from 2006 to the present day, winning
multiple titles during his time at Old Trafford.
The experienced midfielder is currently one of three main central playmakers
who are rotated by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United, alongside Bastian
Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.
For England, meanwhile, the 34-year-old could be one of Roy Hodgson's
starters at Euro 2016. Carrick clearly has fond memories of his West Ham
days, however, as do many of England's best players in the last few years -
Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and more. As for the Hammers these days, a
tough trip to Crystal Palace awaits Slaven Bilic's men this weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans are 'deluded' and the players think it too, claims Sam
Allardyce
RICHARD PARRY
Evening Standard
Sam Allardyce stands by his claim that West Ham fans are 'deluded' over the
style of football that should be played by the club. The 60-year-old
returned to management last week having taken a break from the game
following his departure from Upton Park last summer. His relationship with
the Hammers fans was acrimonious at best, and there's clearly no love lost
between them. He first branded the West Ham supporters 'deluded' back in
2012, after the team was booed during a 2-0 win over Peterborough United
while playing in the Championship. In an extract from his forthcoming book,
Big Sam, serialised by the Sun, Allardyce accused Hammers fans of still
being deluded by the 'West Ham way', insisting the players thought it, too.
"As soon as I was appointed West Ham manager in 2011 the big debate was
whether I would follow the 'West Ham way', which nobody could ever define
but, whatever the hell it was, apparently I didn't play it," he said. "I
felt the West Ham was ought to be about wearing your heart on your sleeve,
showing passion for the club and winning. "But the fans were being
brainwashed into thinking that, historically, the club had a particular
style of play akin to Barcelona, which was potty," he continued. "I once
called the supporters deluded and I stand by that. I don't know who invented
the 'West Ham way' phrase, but it's a millstone around the club's neck.
"None of the players would admit it, but they used to sit in the dressing
room at half-time going: 'listen to them, never f***ing happy, slaughtering
us all the time.'"
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Jack Sullivan offers his opinion on Ravel Morrison
HITC
John Verrall
Ravel Morrison played for West Ham United for three years, but left to join
Lazio over the summer. Jack Sullivan, the son of West Ham United co-owner
David, has tweeted his admiration for Ravel Morrison. Sullivan hosted an
impromptu question and answer session on social media site Twitter earlier
today, and he was asked by a Hammers supporter to give his opinion on
Morrison.
The attacking midfielder is a player who divides opinion, but Sullivan had
nothing but praise for the 22-year-old. Morison played for West Ham for
three years between 2012 and 2015, and he showed glimpses of his talent
during that time. The England youth international was magnificent in bursts
during his time at Upton Park, but he was unable to sustain that form and
was often shipped out on loan as a result. In the end, Morison's attitude
was brought into question and he was eventually allowed to leave in the
summer of 2015, once his contract expired.
Morison is now playing for Lazio, but his time in Serie A has not been
particularly productive either, making just two appearances for his
Rome-based employers to date.
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Sam Allardyce will never truly understand West Ham fans
Date: 14th October 2015 at 2:11 pm
Written by: Matt Bourne | Comments (0)
foreverwestham.com
Sam Allardyce's comments about West Ham have been well documented the past
couple of days and it's easy to understand why. The former Hammers boss has
a new book to sell and he mentions the West Ham fans, painting them in quite
a negative light: "I felt the West Ham way was about wearing your heart on
your sleeve and showing passion for the club and winning. "But the fans were
being brainwashed into thinking that, historically, the club had a
particular style of play which was akin to Barcelona, which was potty. "I
once called the supporters deluded and I stand by that. I don't know who
invented the 'West Ham way' phrase, but it's a millstone around the club's
neck. "I've talked to my predecessors Alan Curbishley, Alan Pardew and Harry
Redknapp and they got it in the neck from the crowd as much as I did."
On the whole, Big Sam's reign at West Ham was efficient. The club are now a
secure Premier League side with high ambitions for the future. However, to
call the fans deluded for a second time seems harsh. Also, Hammers fans
don't expect Barcelona-esque football; they just want to be entertained.
There were times last season when the fans were right to voice their opinion
as the football being played was tedious, especially in the latter half of
the season.
Allardyce mentioned how Bilic has a big challenge on his hands: "The fans
won't turn up if West Ham are playing fantasy football and losing 5-3 every
week. Slaven Bilic is the new man in the hotseat and good luck to him. He
will need it."
The thing is, if West Ham lose a game of football 5-3, chances are it'll be
entertaining. The Bournemouth game this season was a bit of a disaster and
it certainly wasn't boring. If a West Ham team wants to entertain and please
the crowd, that is all most Hammers fans ask for. So, Mr Allardyce, the West
Ham Way is not some delusional fantasy, it's a plea for a bit of footballing
entertainment. In all fairness, Slaven Bilic is delivering that in abundance
right now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ALLARDYCE HITS OUT AT "BRAINWASHED" & "DELUDED" WEST HAM FANS
By Ste Hoare
readwestham.com
Sam Allardyce, who has just been appointed as manager of Sunderland, has hit
out at the fans of his former club West Ham, saying they've been brainwashed
into thinking that the West Ham way of playing is a necessity and that
nobody can even describe what it is.
As soon as I was appointed West Ham manager in 2011 the big debate was
whether I would follow the 'West Ham way', which nobody could define but,
whatever it was, I apparently I didn't play it. I felt the West Ham way was
about wearing your heart on your sleeve and showing passion for the club and
winning. But the fans were being brainwashed into thinking that,
historically, the club had a particular style of play which was akin to
Barcelona, which was potty.
In his new autobiography Big Sam, the new Sunderland manager says he doesn't
regret calling his former club's supporters deluded, and that the demand to
play "the West Ham way" holds the team back.
I once called the supporters deluded and I stand by that. I don't know who
invented the 'West Ham way' phrase, but it's a millstone around the club's
neck.
Big Sam also says that previous managers and the current playing staff also
agree with his criticism of the level of expectation placed upon them by the
supporters.
I've talked to my predecessors Alan Curbishley, Alan Pardew and Harry
Redknapp and they got it in the neck from the crowd as much as I did. None
of the players would admit it, but they used to sit in the dressing room at
half-time going: 'Listen to them, never f*****g happy, slaughtering us all
the time.
Allardyce says that the label he had as a long ball manager was unfair.
My 'long ball' label was started by Graeme Souness, who got upset whenever I
beat him when he was at Blackburn or Newcastle and was picked up by Arsene
Wenger and Rafa Benitez.
West Ham move into a new stadium next summer, and Allardyce says that the
demand to both win and to play attractive football could lead to some
anxiety at ownership level, and that could put pressure on new manager
Slaven Bilic.
It must be a big anxiety for the owners, who need to fill the 54,000-seater
Olympic Stadium with entertaining and successful football next year. The
fans won't turn up if West Ham are playing fantasy football and losing 5-3
every week. Slaven Bilic is the new man in the hot seat and good luck to
him. He will need it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet reveals the warning he gave Slaven Bilic before summer
transfer
11:48 14 October 2015
London 24
Jack Green
West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet looked for assurances from Slaven Bilic
about his side's playing style before he made the move. Payet moved to Upton
Park from Marseille in the summer for a fee in the region of £12m and he has
been hugely impressive this season. The Frenchman has contributed four goals
and three assists in just eight games as the high-flying Hammers sit eighth
in the Premier League. Payet has been a revelation during his short time in
English football but he could easily have turned down the chance to join
West Ham in the summer.
The 28-year-old has revealed that before he signed he told Slaven Bilic he
would be of little use if the the team was going to play long-ball football
and not utilise his talents. Payet told l'Equipe: "I told the coach before I
signed: 'If I come here and the balls are going over my head, I am not going
to be of much use.' "He assured me about the project that he wanted to put
in place. We have quality up front. We are still struggling in certain games
to play our game, but we are improving."
Payet admits the step up from Ligue 1 to the Premier League is not an easy
one to make, but he says that he was ready for the challenge at this stage
in his career. "It is not easy to go from a club in the second half of the
Ligue 1 table to the Premier League," he said. "At 28 and after having
played for Marseille, I felt ready. "I had offers in the past, but, when I
look at the level, it would have been difficult to come here when I was
younger. Ok, if your name is Eden Hazard, then, you know there is not going
to be a problem. "At West Ham, we have enough to make two starting XIs. If
you are not good, they can quickly put someone in your place and forget
about you."
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WHUFC.com
It promises to be an emotional day for Victor Moses when he heads back to
south London on Saturday, but despite his close connections with Crystal
Palace, the talented winger will be doing everything to extend the Hammers
impressive unbeaten run. Moses went to school just a few streets away from
Selhurst Park and was given his breakthrough into the professional game by
the Eagles after becoming one of the star performers at the Club's Academy.
The Nigeria international made his debut for the Club back in 2007 and spent
three-years at Palace before making a move to Wigan in 2010. Moses, who
joined the Club on a season-long loan from Chelsea during the summer, says
he will never forget his time in south London, but stresses he is now part
of a new challenge at West Ham United. And the 24-year-old is determined to
help the Club maintain their superb away form following memorable victories
at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Moses said: "I remember playing at Palace for Liverpool and the fans gave me
a great reception. "I grew up there and spent most of my years at Palace. I
really enjoyed my time there and it is good to see them in the Premier
League. "They have done really well this season and they will be a hard team
to beat away from home. "I am a West Ham player now and I just want to enjoy
my football and help us get the three points. "The West Ham fans always
stick with the players and it is amazing how they support you all the time.
I am very pleased to be here and enjoying my football. "Alan Pardew has been
at West Ham before and he is now doing very well at Palace. He organises the
team very well, but we are working hard in training to make sure we go there
and get the three points. "I believe in the team and we have a good manager.
I think we are going to surprise a lot of teams this season and will be up
there."
Moses has nothing but praise for the job Slaven Bilic has done since
arriving at the Boleyn Ground during the summer and feels he is getting the
best out of everyone in the squad. Moses added: "Slaven is a top manager. He
encourages you and gives you the right advice. He wants us to go out and
enjoy our football. He wants me to do more as a player and help the team.
"He changed the philosophy of West Ham and everyone can see the difference.
We are doing very well and we want to stick by him and do very well this
season."
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Dev Squad go free this Monday!
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that the Development Squad's
meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 at Rush Green is FREE for all fans.
This is the perfect opportunity to see the Club's rising stars in action,
following a hugely successful summer for the Academy of Football. As many as
ten Academy products have made their senior West Ham bow this season already
and Academy Manager Terry Westley's side will now take on the Cottagers at
the Hammers' iconic Academy of Football base at Rush Green. Westley is
hoping Hammers fans will turn out in their numbers to support West Ham's
next generation and is confident that his charges will rise to the occasion.
"It is very important we get a crowd in on Monday night. We have a very
exciting group of young players coming through.
"Martin Samuelsen is back from international duty with Norway, and Josh
Cullen is also coming back from the Ireland U21s. It's a great chance to
come and see the future of West Ham play. "We don't know yet which first
team players will be available yet, Reece Oxford could well feature. Further
down we have younger players such as George Dobson and Marcus Browne who
have stepped up from the U18s and are doing well."
So far this season, the Hammers have struggled to convert impressive
performances into points this season; however Westley is confident that will
change on Monday evening. Opponents Wolves meanwhile have fared slightly
better, winning two of their opening six matches. Westley continued: "Wwe
haven't faced Wolves for a while. But like any team in this division,
they're a competitive side. They have players who will want to impress and
make their mark in the game, so we're expecting a difficult game on Monday.
"Monday's game is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters to see the next
generation play. It really does help the player's development as well as
raise the status and stature of the club."
Kick-off at Rush Green is at 7pm.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Everybody has been working hard during the international break, and we have
positive news regarding Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll and Angelo Ogbonna. As
you may already know, Enner and Andy both played their part in a friendly
match with Reading during the international break as they continue to work
their way towards the required fitness levels. Enner has been out for two
months with a high ankle injury and we were delighted with the way he came
through after playing for 20 minutes. Enner and Andy have been joined in
full training by Angelo, who joined the squad at the end of last week. All
three of them will enjoy another full week of training this week ahead of
Saturday's London derby at Crystal Palace.
Alex Song is now training with the first-team rehab fitness coach to get to
the necessary level of fitness after five months without football.
Joey O'Brien is back in full training from Thursday morning after his calf
injury, while we welcome James Collins, Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate
back to Chadwell Heath following their international duty with Wales and
Senegal respectively.
Winston Reid came off at Sunderland with an injury and Aaron Cresswell
suffered a minor injury in training. Both are working hard ahead of the game
on Saturday.
Finally, Doneil Henry's rehabilitation is going very well after he underwent
an operation for a hernia.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A TALE OF TWO MANAGERS!
By S J Chandos 14 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID
Slaven Bilic has told the club's official website that he could not turn
down the opportunity to return because he missed the Hammers in the 18 years
that he was away. Of course, that period of absence included his abortive
move to Everton, the end of his playing career in his native Croatia and his
subsequent managerial career with Hajduk Split, the Croatian national side,
Locomotiv Moscow and, latterly, Besiktas. And during that whole time he
continually followed West Ham's results wherever he happened to be anywhere
in the world. He stated, 'I followed West Ham wherever I was.' Why? Well it
seems that 'once an Hammer, always a Hammer' and it also seems the fan base
has quite a bit to do with it. He asserts:
'Once you play for West Ham, or once you have been connected with West Ham,
it stays with you for life. I missed it during my time away from this club
because it is a special club, a cult club, but what really makes West Ham
special is the fans.'
This interview needs to be quoted because it provides the perfect antidote
to the critical stuff coming from Sam Allardyce, upon his appointment as
Sunderland's new manager. I know that the comments are in response to the
loaded questions of sports journalists, but why be drawn in to opening up
old wounds with former clubs? A less supremely self-confident manager would
have given a stalling, non-specific answer, and focused on his move to a new
club. Yes, praise your new fan base, but avoid making negative comments
about the fans of former clubs. The stuff relating to Mrs Allardyce reading
the comments on the Hammers fans websites is classic. Negative or offensive
comments on social media can only hurt you if you let it. There is always
the ultimate option of logging off and staying away from it. Perhaps Mrs
Allardyce should have tried that? Now (for the time being at least) all is
'sweetness and light' with the Sunderland fans. One Toon website did make me
laugh when they made the essential point that the difference between
Newcastle and Hammers fan (on one side) and Sunderland supporters (on the
other) is that the former have actually experienced the football that
Allardyce teams play at their worst! While the latter still have that
dubious pleasure to come.
There were undoubtedly aggressive and offensive comments regularly posted
about Allardyce during his managerial tenure. Some of it was unfair, some of
it was OTT and some of the criticism was understandable. I always sought to
be fair about Allardyce and attempted to provide a balanced appraisal and
critique. One factor that was always worrying was Allardyce lack of respect
for the traditions of the club, a questioning of the 'West Ham Way' that he
has popularised, with the likes of Alex Ferguson and media types, like Alan
Shearer, propagating that disrespect. Funny that – Alex Ferguson used to
know what the 'West Ham Way was' and he clearly stated so on previous
notable occasions, only to suffer a failure of comprehension by the time he
re-published his biography with those added chapters. He has clearly
acquired an antagonism towards the club after Man Utd lost two titles at
Upton Park and, latterly, suffered a 4-0 league cup humiliation at the hands
of Grant's poor (destined for relegation) side of 2009/10. Generations of
journalists knew as well, I grew up reading match and other reports that
regularly waxed lyrical about the Academy, our footballing philosophy and
role in winning the 1966 World Cup. Indeed in the 1960s and 1970s we were
referred to as the 'Aristocrats of English football.' What a accolade, that
has now apparently degenerated in to widespread, media disrespect. How that
happened is another story!
Anyway, my minor rant over, back to Allardyce and Bilic. The reality is that
Sam Allardyce created most of the problems that he had with the West Ham
fans (I cannot comment on his relationship with the Toon fans). The
questioning of our traditions and the cupping of the ear incident after that
Hull City match were major low points. When he became Manager, I urged him
to confound his critics and try to play attractive football within the
playing resources at his disposal at that point. Yes, be direct on
occasions, but also mix it up. Acquiring the Hammers post was a great
opportunity to draw a line under the 'long ball' reputation that he so
bitterly resented.Unfortunately he did not take that advice. Rather than do
it voluntarily and early in his tenure, he was forced in to it as board
policy in his final season at the club. And it has to be said (in fairness)
that Allardyce's improved squad (with superb players like Sakho, who he
allegedly did not even want!) did play some very good stuff that season,
especially prior to Christmas. But it become very obvious that a parting of
the ways was inevitable at the conclusion of last season and rightly so. It
is virtually impossible to argue for the retention of a manager with a
record of 3 PL victories after Boxing Day. Although that record was
conveniently forgotten when bewilderment at his exit was widely opined in
the media!
Still, 'what has been done, has been done'. Why cannot Allardyce just take
pride in his 'achievements' over his four seasons at the club, leave out the
controversial stuff and concentrate on his new club? In contrast, Bilic has
handled his public relations expertly and with some considerable skill. I
believe he has a genuine love for the club, but pragmatically, Bilic also
knows the value of having the fans on-side. However, where Bilic also scores
highly is with his ability to manage expectations and ground them where the
club actually is in its ongoing development. Similarly, he is also very
gracious to others and even publicly acknowledged the value of Allardyce's
work in the club's resurgence and re-building the squad. It is a great that
quality that many other managers really could learn from.
Incidently, and in conclusion, everyone talks about Bilic's brief stint at
the club, lasting under 18 months (January 1996-May 1997). But few recall
that he very nearly re-joined the club after he was released by Everton. In
fact, Bilic was training with the West Ham squad in pre-season and Harry
Redknapp was very keen to sign him again on a free transfer. Only for the
deal to be scuppered by the results of his medical, which revealed an
underlying major injury. He subsequently returned to Hajduk Split and played
for a final season until retiring and then entering management with his home
town club.
So, there could have been an earlier second coming as a player in 2000.
Instead, it happened in 2015, as Manager. If you doubt me, check it out! .
SJ. Chandos
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DON'T BE SURPRISED IF SAM COMES AFTER NOBLE, SAKHO & OTHERS
By Iain Dale 13 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID
I have a real sense that Sam Allardyce has come to the conclusion that he
was badly treated at West Ham. And he's a man who holds a grudge. He likes
to get even. Sadly for him he has to wait until January to do that.
It's my view that between now and then he will try to unsettle several of
our players. He may not do it overtly but do it he will, using his network
of media contacts. James Tomkins has been the player mentioned so far, but I
can't see any way that he'd want to move north. In fact, there is no way I
think any of our better players would want to go to Sunderland. Yes, Sam may
well save them from relegation, but they are a team which will never
progress beyond yoyo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship.
My bet is that Mark Noble is the player he may well set his sights on. Or
even Diafra Sahko. I'm sure the board wouldn't entertain selling either, but
Allardyce is the sort of manager who would get off on 'playing the game'.
All managers are tempted to raid their previous clubs and Sam will be no
different. I don't know who his 'pets' were at West Ham but be sure as night
follows day that he will come after them.
I'm sure I am not alone in getting slightly weary of Allardyce playing the
victim. The fact is that if he had won more than 3 in 21 in the second half
of last season I am sure he would still be in his job. He blames everyone
but himself.
Sunderland are welcome to him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVING FEELING - OH NO, THERE IT IS!
By HamburgHammer 12 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID
You can Adam and Eve me, I tried. I really did whatwith the boring
International break, the OS issue simmering along as usual, players about to
return from injury and no new signings (or players leaving the club) to talk
about I was still determined to avoid the Sam Allardyce issue at all costs.
I wanted to be a good boy, let matters lie and not waste a thought,
nevermind an article about the man some like to call Big Sam as if they had
been drinking with him in the same pub for 30 years.
And indeed our club has moved on and very nicely at that, with a new manager
doing and saying all the right things at the right time, some new exciting
players to marvel about, much better football and an exciting (while also
being somewhat frightening and sad) move into the OS getting ever closer.
Samuel Allardyce has signed a two year deal to manage at Sunderland. After a
nice extended holiday on his part filled with some punditry to stay in touch
with football.
The move was not a surprise from Sunderland's point of view. They are
staring relegation right into the boat and need all the help they can get as
quickly as they can.
With Allardyce though I had the firm belief that he had had enough: Enough
of the pressure of the media circus, enough of the pressure arising from
(deluded) fans' expectations, enough of being criticised for his perceived
dinosaur tactics on the pitch and finally also enough money earned over the
years in order to be able to somewhat relax and forget about keeping teams
up for once.
I fully expected him to settle for a career as a TV or radio pundit. The
media people all seem to love him to bits, his unique mixture of
grumpy-jovial guy from the street kind of demeanour and ready quip.
I also seem to remember Allardyce saying he no longer needed to manage a
club just to keep it up as he had done that numerous times and was no longer
interested in that.
Listening to him I would have expected him (if at all) to join a big club in
Britain or abroad that would play regular Europa League or Champions League
football, but the harsh truth here seems to be none of those were really
that interested in signing Allardyce. He seems to have been filed by club
hierarchies in that drawer of managers who play a certain style of
no-nonsense football that keeps clubs safe more often than not, but not much
else beyond that.
Now why do I ramble on about Allardyce then I hear you asking ? Well, it is
because of some quotes from an interview in the Sun on Sunday I read upon
his arrival at Sunderland which got my blood pressure up to a less than
healthy level. Here they are:
"When I was at West Ham my wife, Lynne, would constantly read the supporters
website to see what new insults were being fired. It upset her but she
couldn't keep away from the screen. Now she's been reading the Sunderland
fans' site and she tells me the reaction has been very positive, which makes
me feel very excited to get going.
Everyone wants to be praised and to feel wanted and I just hope I can give
the Sunderland supporters some of the excitement they are looking for."
My first reaction is: Good on the Sunderland fans. They show their new
manager a lot of goodwill and support right from the start, they are
desperate for someone to help their club back on track and they are just
hoping for some light at the end of the tunnel.
As for Allardyce's wife I am sorry that she had to read a lot of bad stuff,
harsh stuff, undeserved over-the-top bile at times, but you know what the
internet is like.
It brings out the best and the very worst in people and should not be
confused with real life. On the other hand Allardyce gave the fans loads of
reasons to criticise him, on and off the pitch. Criticism should have been
expected and for that reason I would agree with Mr.Allardyce that his wife
maybe would have been better off NOT reading the West Ham forums.
What I am angry about is this notion that Allardyce (understandably) wants
to feel wanted and loved and how he apparently didn't find that kind of
appraisal and love at West Ham. It takes two to tango Mr.Allardyce. In my
view the relationship between a football club's manager and the fans is not
like love between two people. In love (or marriage) you are supposed to love
someone unconditionally. There is no reason for love. You love someone
because you do. You'd throw yourself into the way of a bullet for them,
You'd do everything in your power to make them happy without expecting them
to love you back or get anything in return (it would be nice of course but
it doesn't always work like that).
As a West Ham fan I do not love any manager like I would a woman. With
football it's more like a business relationship. I want him to treat the
club well, pay respect to our fans and traditions, play some decent football
and I'll be happy regardless of league position really. But I want the
manager to love the fans back to a degree so to speak.
Which brings me to Allarydce: If he was so desperate for appraisal or wanted
to be loved by the West Ham fans why didn't he show some love himself ?
Why did he have to start his reign by laughing off the West Ham way ?
Why did he never respect our traditions as a club and our way of playing
football which always contained a certain creative, a flair element to it
even if results didn't always go our way ?
Allardyce in my view got quite a lot of goodwill and support from West Ham
fans when he took us over. It's what he did in the following months and
years that turned the tide against him and rightly so.
In my view a manager will only be truly cherished and loved by the fans if
he loves them back, Bilic at Besiktas being a good example, Klopp at
Dortmund, Lyall at West Ham.
I don't remember Allardyce ever investing much into his relationship with
the West Ham faithful, so I am not surprised he didn't get much love back
At Sunderland it's early doors. Don't forget he also managed their rivals
Newcastle before, so once that honeymoon period at the Stadium of Light is
over and results are not going to plan the love affair may turn sour
quickly.
At that point Mrs.Allardyce may better want to refrain from reading those
Sunderland forums anymore. Love is a curious thing. Allardyce may well do
his usual thing again and keep Sunderland up. But he shouldn't expect much
appraisal or love coming his way if he pulls some of the stuff he did at
West Ham with the Sunderland fans.
In that respect Allardyce may want to take a leaf or two out of Bilic's book
about how to strike up and maintain fan relationships.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham can increase OS capacity beyond 54,000
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Fifteen year Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham Chairman David Sullivan has
revealed West Ham can increased their capacity beyond 54,000 if there is
enough demand. Asked by Hammers fan Alfie Sharman "Can the Olympic Stadium
be more than 54,000 if we keep selling out?" Jack simply replied 'Yes it
can!"
The Olympic Stadium has reduced from 80,000 seats to around 66,000 seats
with up to 12,000 of those screened off in football mode but Jack's comment
appears to confirm West Ham have the ability and ambition to go beyond
54,000 if demand is there.
Planning permission and the stadium safety certificate currently restricts
capacity to 54,000 but both those could be remedied if West Ham and Stadium
owner E20 Stadium LLP wanted to. They might need to add extra toilets and
facilities but again this should prove a major challenge. If capacity did
increase to 66,000 it would make West Ham's rented stadium the largest in
the Premier League in London surpassing the Emirates and Chelsea & Spurs
planned stadiums. It would become the second largest stadium in the Premier
League behind Old Trafford.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Jack's January window verdict
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Jack Sullivan – sounding more like his Dad than his Dad – has given a pretty
strong indication there is unlikely to be any January signings.
ClaretandHugh revealed from its own sources yesterday that this January
could be the first ever when the two Davids fail to bring in p layers. The
arrival of the deadline day signings meant that the Hammers ended the summer
with every player they had sought, spending around £10 million more than
originally planned.
And asked on Twitter whether there was any likelihood of more arrivals Jack
gave the sort of answer Dad would have offered. In respnse to a follower's
question he said: "We are always looking for new players! Yet you rarely get
a good deal in January. You will have to wait and see."
Good answer but in de-coded form it means: "Probably not injuries
permitting." However, the squad could certainly do with another right back
and with the possibility of Joey O'Brien, James Collins or both heading for
the north east, the possibility remains we might see a new face.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: Irons spoke to managers behind my back
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 14, 2015 in News
C and H
Sam Allardyce has told the Sun newspaper that he knew that West Ham were
talking to other managers behind his back while he was still in contract
with them. As part of the serialisation of new autobiography, Allardyce
claims that he knew the Hammers hierarchy were secretly speaking to other
managers in a bid to replace him, and specifically named David Moyes as a
manager.
"I'd already decided that was going to be my last season at West Ham," said
Allardyce. "I knew David Moyes had been contacted about taking my job and
there were probably several others," he said. Moyes was once the odds on
favourite to join West Ham with bookies briefly suspending taking bets on
the 52 year Scot but he decided to remain in Spain with Real Sociedad and
West Ham turned their attentions instead to Slaven Bilic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Dont give up" plea on leading Hammer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham fans have been told not to give up on Andy Carroll The club's
record signing has recovered from a very minor injury to an ankle injury
which kept him out of the game against Norwich and ready to take his place
in the squad for the trip to Palace. The player's injury woes has almost
become the stuff of legends since his Upton Park arrival but co chairman
David Gold has pleaded with the fans to remain patient. Speaking to
ClaretandHugh exclusively the co chairman said: "Nobody should give up on
Andy. He's looking strong and fit and could remain fit for a long time. "We
were just being cautious when leaving him out of the squad against
Sunderland because there was no need for us to do otherwise. "But he's
raring to go again and we are al right behind him – there really should be
no question of giving up on the lad. He can have a very good career at West
Ham United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic boost for Palace clash
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic will be spoiled for choice up front this weekend as the Hammer
head for Selhurst Park. ClaretandHugh understands that every forward at the
club is now fit for the first time this campaign thus presenting some
difficult choices for the manager. Andy Carroll, Enner Valencia and Mauro
Zarate – who has looked outstanding in training – are all in the frame and
will be battling for a role. However, it's quite possible that Manuel
Lanzini will hold on to his first team shirt as the player to take the
weight off Dimitri Payet up front. Manager Slaven Bilic made a point of
pointing to his contribution after the last game against Norwich City and
is likely to stick by him. Carroll is more likely to be handed a place on
the bench along with Valencia but the manager will wait until nearer the
weekend after running fitness checks on the remainder of his players before
naming the squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold attacked on Twitter
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has been attacked by a Twitter follower upset at the club
leaving the Boleyn for the Olympic Stadium.
@MrTomEllmore launched his attack by snapping at the chairman: "come off it
gold all you see is the money. What about the history."
He followed up in a separate tweet adding that "the board didn't care about
the club or fans – only the money."
After the chairman responded that he and David Sullivan care passionately
for the club and hadn't made a penny out of it in six years, the follower
added that he wasn't the only fan who didn't want to leave the Boleyn.
That brought a one liner from DG who said:" I know and I'm disappointed with
you both. dg"
Still not content, his antagonist replied: "The fact you can only reply with
sarcasm shows how pathetic you are."
Given the Olympic Stadium deal is done and dusted, this does feel like an
exercise in wasted energy…but that's Twitter for you!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Michael Carrick pays special tribute to his West Ham days on Twitter
HITC
Tim Poole
The Manchester United midfielder says he had some of his best days with West
Ham. Michael Carrick has paid special tribute to his West Ham United days on
Twitter. Replying to another former Hammer in Richard Garcia, the Manchester
United midfielder reflected on his days in a young West Ham side -
suggesting they were some of the best in his career. The 34-year-old spent
five years at Upton Park, although that included two loan spells elsewhere.
He then joined Tottenham Hotspur before leaving Spurs for Manchester United,
where he has played his football from 2006 to the present day, winning
multiple titles during his time at Old Trafford.
The experienced midfielder is currently one of three main central playmakers
who are rotated by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United, alongside Bastian
Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.
For England, meanwhile, the 34-year-old could be one of Roy Hodgson's
starters at Euro 2016. Carrick clearly has fond memories of his West Ham
days, however, as do many of England's best players in the last few years -
Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and more. As for the Hammers these days, a
tough trip to Crystal Palace awaits Slaven Bilic's men this weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans are 'deluded' and the players think it too, claims Sam
Allardyce
RICHARD PARRY
Evening Standard
Sam Allardyce stands by his claim that West Ham fans are 'deluded' over the
style of football that should be played by the club. The 60-year-old
returned to management last week having taken a break from the game
following his departure from Upton Park last summer. His relationship with
the Hammers fans was acrimonious at best, and there's clearly no love lost
between them. He first branded the West Ham supporters 'deluded' back in
2012, after the team was booed during a 2-0 win over Peterborough United
while playing in the Championship. In an extract from his forthcoming book,
Big Sam, serialised by the Sun, Allardyce accused Hammers fans of still
being deluded by the 'West Ham way', insisting the players thought it, too.
"As soon as I was appointed West Ham manager in 2011 the big debate was
whether I would follow the 'West Ham way', which nobody could ever define
but, whatever the hell it was, apparently I didn't play it," he said. "I
felt the West Ham was ought to be about wearing your heart on your sleeve,
showing passion for the club and winning. "But the fans were being
brainwashed into thinking that, historically, the club had a particular
style of play akin to Barcelona, which was potty," he continued. "I once
called the supporters deluded and I stand by that. I don't know who invented
the 'West Ham way' phrase, but it's a millstone around the club's neck.
"None of the players would admit it, but they used to sit in the dressing
room at half-time going: 'listen to them, never f***ing happy, slaughtering
us all the time.'"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Sullivan offers his opinion on Ravel Morrison
HITC
John Verrall
Ravel Morrison played for West Ham United for three years, but left to join
Lazio over the summer. Jack Sullivan, the son of West Ham United co-owner
David, has tweeted his admiration for Ravel Morrison. Sullivan hosted an
impromptu question and answer session on social media site Twitter earlier
today, and he was asked by a Hammers supporter to give his opinion on
Morrison.
The attacking midfielder is a player who divides opinion, but Sullivan had
nothing but praise for the 22-year-old. Morison played for West Ham for
three years between 2012 and 2015, and he showed glimpses of his talent
during that time. The England youth international was magnificent in bursts
during his time at Upton Park, but he was unable to sustain that form and
was often shipped out on loan as a result. In the end, Morison's attitude
was brought into question and he was eventually allowed to leave in the
summer of 2015, once his contract expired.
Morison is now playing for Lazio, but his time in Serie A has not been
particularly productive either, making just two appearances for his
Rome-based employers to date.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce will never truly understand West Ham fans
Date: 14th October 2015 at 2:11 pm
Written by: Matt Bourne | Comments (0)
foreverwestham.com
Sam Allardyce's comments about West Ham have been well documented the past
couple of days and it's easy to understand why. The former Hammers boss has
a new book to sell and he mentions the West Ham fans, painting them in quite
a negative light: "I felt the West Ham way was about wearing your heart on
your sleeve and showing passion for the club and winning. "But the fans were
being brainwashed into thinking that, historically, the club had a
particular style of play which was akin to Barcelona, which was potty. "I
once called the supporters deluded and I stand by that. I don't know who
invented the 'West Ham way' phrase, but it's a millstone around the club's
neck. "I've talked to my predecessors Alan Curbishley, Alan Pardew and Harry
Redknapp and they got it in the neck from the crowd as much as I did."
On the whole, Big Sam's reign at West Ham was efficient. The club are now a
secure Premier League side with high ambitions for the future. However, to
call the fans deluded for a second time seems harsh. Also, Hammers fans
don't expect Barcelona-esque football; they just want to be entertained.
There were times last season when the fans were right to voice their opinion
as the football being played was tedious, especially in the latter half of
the season.
Allardyce mentioned how Bilic has a big challenge on his hands: "The fans
won't turn up if West Ham are playing fantasy football and losing 5-3 every
week. Slaven Bilic is the new man in the hotseat and good luck to him. He
will need it."
The thing is, if West Ham lose a game of football 5-3, chances are it'll be
entertaining. The Bournemouth game this season was a bit of a disaster and
it certainly wasn't boring. If a West Ham team wants to entertain and please
the crowd, that is all most Hammers fans ask for. So, Mr Allardyce, the West
Ham Way is not some delusional fantasy, it's a plea for a bit of footballing
entertainment. In all fairness, Slaven Bilic is delivering that in abundance
right now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ALLARDYCE HITS OUT AT "BRAINWASHED" & "DELUDED" WEST HAM FANS
By Ste Hoare
readwestham.com
Sam Allardyce, who has just been appointed as manager of Sunderland, has hit
out at the fans of his former club West Ham, saying they've been brainwashed
into thinking that the West Ham way of playing is a necessity and that
nobody can even describe what it is.
As soon as I was appointed West Ham manager in 2011 the big debate was
whether I would follow the 'West Ham way', which nobody could define but,
whatever it was, I apparently I didn't play it. I felt the West Ham way was
about wearing your heart on your sleeve and showing passion for the club and
winning. But the fans were being brainwashed into thinking that,
historically, the club had a particular style of play which was akin to
Barcelona, which was potty.
In his new autobiography Big Sam, the new Sunderland manager says he doesn't
regret calling his former club's supporters deluded, and that the demand to
play "the West Ham way" holds the team back.
I once called the supporters deluded and I stand by that. I don't know who
invented the 'West Ham way' phrase, but it's a millstone around the club's
neck.
Big Sam also says that previous managers and the current playing staff also
agree with his criticism of the level of expectation placed upon them by the
supporters.
I've talked to my predecessors Alan Curbishley, Alan Pardew and Harry
Redknapp and they got it in the neck from the crowd as much as I did. None
of the players would admit it, but they used to sit in the dressing room at
half-time going: 'Listen to them, never f*****g happy, slaughtering us all
the time.
Allardyce says that the label he had as a long ball manager was unfair.
My 'long ball' label was started by Graeme Souness, who got upset whenever I
beat him when he was at Blackburn or Newcastle and was picked up by Arsene
Wenger and Rafa Benitez.
West Ham move into a new stadium next summer, and Allardyce says that the
demand to both win and to play attractive football could lead to some
anxiety at ownership level, and that could put pressure on new manager
Slaven Bilic.
It must be a big anxiety for the owners, who need to fill the 54,000-seater
Olympic Stadium with entertaining and successful football next year. The
fans won't turn up if West Ham are playing fantasy football and losing 5-3
every week. Slaven Bilic is the new man in the hot seat and good luck to
him. He will need it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet reveals the warning he gave Slaven Bilic before summer
transfer
11:48 14 October 2015
London 24
Jack Green
West Ham playmaker Dimitri Payet looked for assurances from Slaven Bilic
about his side's playing style before he made the move. Payet moved to Upton
Park from Marseille in the summer for a fee in the region of £12m and he has
been hugely impressive this season. The Frenchman has contributed four goals
and three assists in just eight games as the high-flying Hammers sit eighth
in the Premier League. Payet has been a revelation during his short time in
English football but he could easily have turned down the chance to join
West Ham in the summer.
The 28-year-old has revealed that before he signed he told Slaven Bilic he
would be of little use if the the team was going to play long-ball football
and not utilise his talents. Payet told l'Equipe: "I told the coach before I
signed: 'If I come here and the balls are going over my head, I am not going
to be of much use.' "He assured me about the project that he wanted to put
in place. We have quality up front. We are still struggling in certain games
to play our game, but we are improving."
Payet admits the step up from Ligue 1 to the Premier League is not an easy
one to make, but he says that he was ready for the challenge at this stage
in his career. "It is not easy to go from a club in the second half of the
Ligue 1 table to the Premier League," he said. "At 28 and after having
played for Marseille, I felt ready. "I had offers in the past, but, when I
look at the level, it would have been difficult to come here when I was
younger. Ok, if your name is Eden Hazard, then, you know there is not going
to be a problem. "At West Ham, we have enough to make two starting XIs. If
you are not good, they can quickly put someone in your place and forget
about you."
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Wednesday, October 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th October 2014
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
This has been an impressive start to the season and we hope to keep our unbeaten run going when we head to face Crystal Palace on Saturday. The start is as strange as it has been impressive. I'm desperate for us to improve our home form as the supporters deserve it.
It is great for us to be the second highest scorers in the Premier League, having scored in every game. But let's not get carried away as we have two very tough games coming up against Palace and Chelsea. The football is far better to watch this season and it's great to see goals. People are starting to call us the entertainers as we are such high goalscorers, with goals coming from so many different players. Let's hope the goals keep coming and our reputation for playing entertaining football again continues. There has been speculation in the media surrounding the future of our talented defender James Tomkins. James is a West Ham United player and has four-and-a-half years left on the contract. He loves the club. He won't be going anywhere.
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West Ham United agree deal with VVV-Venlo
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce they have struck an agreement with Dutch Club VVV-Venlo which will see talented young players exchanged between the two Clubs. Academy Manager & Head of Player Development Coaching Terry Westley has been looking at a partnership with another European Club for the last year. Westley has travelled around Europe, but was convinced that the Dutch outfit had the best facilities and style of play to help the young players at the West Ham Academy grow even stronger. The partnership has already started with defender Sam Westley moving to Venlo on loan as part of the deal and the Club are hoping to bring in some exciting Dutch talent.
Westley said: "It's something we have looked at for 12 months. We have been to Slovakia, France and Holland. "We have met with different Clubs and we chose Venlo in the end after doing our homework and looking at the environment and what the staff are like.
"We managed to get the link after I went over to Holland and met the Club's director to form a football partnership. We feel the high technical game which they play could suit our players. "Our thought process was could we be futuristic? If you look at defenders, Reece Burke is a great example as going to Bradford is really helping him and being tough against a senior centre forward. "But if you are looking for a midfielder or an attacking player, you might be looking for a different type of game and Venlo ticks those boxes. Our staff can go and see the things they do and the same for them. "Socially it will be a good experience for all the players."
VVV-Venlo director Marco Bogers is also thrilled with the deal and hopes the young Hammers players who arrive can make a breakthrough into the first-team. Bogers said: "We are very happy that we have been approached by West Ham United. "Our goal is to learn about the way West Ham United work and we can learn a lot from a big Club like West Ham. "We have already taken Sam Westley and we hope to take many more. Our ambition is to get back into the top league in Holland and it would be nice if some of the West Ham players who arrive here can make it into the first-team."
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The Big Interview - Darren Randolph
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph could never have imagined a week ago that he would be part of a winning team against Germany – let alone playing such a crucial role in the winning strike against the world champions.
Randolph appeared as a substitute for the Republic of Ireland just before half-time after Shay Given was forced to leave the pitch with a knee injury.
The West Ham United keeper kept his composure and showed his quality once again as he did everything to keep the Germany forwards at bay and then played his part in the match-winner on 70 minutes.
Randolph's long kick fell perfectly for Shane Long and he produced an exquisite finish past Manuel Neuer to guarantee a play-off place for the European Championship Finals next summer.
The Hammers keeper then played the full ninety minutes as the Republic of Ireland suffered a 2-1 defeat against Poland on Sunday night and missed out on automatic qualification by just one goal.
Randolph is now waiting anxiously for the draw which takes place on Sunday but is confident his team have enough quality to book their place alongside England, Wales and Northern Ireland at the Euro Finals.
Darren, it has been a memorable few days for you. If you would have been told a week ago that you would beat the world champions and would play a part in the winning goal, would you have believed it?
DR: "I definitely would not have believed that. It has been a crazy week but very enjoyable.
"I didn't have much time to get into the zone when I came onto the pitch. Shay was coming off on a stretcher and he quickly said all the best. The next thing I knew I was on the pitch.
"I remember for the goal that David Meyler passed the ball back to me and it may have been Mario Gotze who was trying to close me down.
"I put the ball onto my right foot and was aiming for Jon Walters but he was offside, so he let it go and Shane was onside and it was a great finish – especially against such a great keeper like Neuer."
Ireland produced two of their best performances in the group stages against Germany taking a point away from home and then securing a memorable home win. Do you think that Ireland should have qualified automatically after taking four points from the world champions?
DR: "If you take four points off the world champions who are top team in the group, you are thinking of automatic qualification.
"But last month when we were sitting fourth and four points behind Scotland we would have taken a play-off position and would have probably taken it before the group stages had even started.
"To be this close and just one goal away from getting automatic qualification, it wasn't to be but we have now got the play-offs."
Are you hoping for a favourable draw in the play-offs next month and what would it mean to you to represent your country at a major tournament?
DR: "I hope we can get a favourable draw. I grew up watching these tournaments and was thinking that I would love the chance to play in one of them.
"I am not going to lie. I had some thoughts thinking we were going to beat Poland and qualify, but hopefully we will be celebrating next month."
Was it always going to be a tough challenge for you facing Robert Lewandowski – one of the best strikers in the world at the moment?
DR:"It was always going to be tough to get a result in Poland, let alone facing a striker who is showing this kind of form at the moment and he took his chance."
This could prove to be a great summer for the Hammers boys. We saw some great celebrations from the Wales players and Ginge after they reached the Euro Finals next summer. I'm sure you must have been delighted for him and you will want to be joining him in France?
DR: "He will come back over the moon having qualified and hopefully we will both end up going to the tournament in France next summer."
We obviously turn our attentions back to club football this weekend and a difficult away game at Crystal Palace. Having made the breakthrough into the first-team earlier in the season, you must be determined to keep working hard and waiting for your chance once again?
DR: "I didn't expect to get a chance so soon after joining the Club but I need to keep working hard in training and wait for my next chance.
"Crystal Palace have had a great start to the season and every team that has gone there has not found it easy. We are going to need a performance like we have shown in our other away games in the league to get anything on Saturday. It is another very tough game."
You know Alan Pardew very well having played him under him at Charlton. How much praise have you got for the job he has done at Selhurst Park?
DR: "At the time when I was at Charlton, I was second choice as we had Scott Carson on loan from Liverpool but he couldn't play at Anfield and Pards gave me my debut at Anfield in a 2-2 draw.
"It was fun and he is a big character. It will be good to see him again on Saturday. He is a good man manager and his confidence rubs off on the players, especially when you are doing well and he gets the players to believe in themselves more."
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Midfielder delighted by form
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy defender Declan Rice hailed the impact made by substitute Jahmal Hector-Ingram as the U18s made it four wins in a row.
The young Hammers continued their climb of the Barclays U18 Premier League Southern Division table with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday, capped by a winner from hotshot striker Hector-Ingram.
Republic of Ireland U17 star Rice insisted that every member of Steve Potts' squad had contributed to the recent run of victories, including England youth international Hector-Ingram, whose first goal of the campaign added to a Villa own-goal to secure another three points.
"Everyone is over the moon with that result," revealed Rice. "We all knew it was going to be a really hard fixture, but we all stuck together and got our rewards at the end.
"The boys worked tremendously hard to get the result we needed. We created numerous chances in the first half but failed to put any of them away.
"In the second half though, we brought on Jahmal and he really was a threat up front and managed to score the winner for us.
"Beating Villa means we have now won four games in a row and everyone at the Academy is buzzing. We now have to keep our focus and prepare for Brighton on Thursday."
Prior to the current run of victories, the Hammers managed just two draws and three defeats from their opening five fixtures, when the impressive performances they produced at the start of the season were not rewarded with positive results.
When asked for his opinions on what has changed in recent weeks, Rice paid tribute to the leadership of coaching duo Potts and Mark Phillips.
"We've been working hard during training, taking on board that everything Steve and Mark have been telling us," he continued.
"Hard work, along with excellent coaching, really help when we transfer them onto the pitch and we've shown that in the past four games."
After their victories against Chelsea and Reading at Chadwell Heath, it was reported that the Academy players sang the Hammers anthem I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles at the top of their voices to celebrate their results.
At Villa, their vocal chords were spared, but music was still the theme following another fine victory.
"We didn't sing Bubbles after the Villa game in the dressing room but we did have the music blasting out to celebrate! We usually save Bubbles for when we win at home!"
First-year scholar Rice has enjoyed a productive campaign so far, having been voted FAI U15 Player of the Year in the summer.
When asked to pinpoint his high point of 2015/16, scoring in a win over former club Chelsea was the teenager's natural response.
"That Chelsea game was definitely my highlight of the season so far," he smiled. "It's always a nice feeling to score when your team wins and when it comes against your former club, it's magical!
"I've been very happy with the way I have started this season but it's important that I keep performing at a high standard so I can keep my place in the team.
"Hopefully, after Christmas, if I can keep performing well, I might be able to get a few more Development Squad games under my belt."
Prior to that, West Ham host Brighton & Hove Albion at Little Heath on Thursday lunchtime, and Rice knows that the Hammers will need to hit the heights again if they are to make it five wins on the spin.
"We cannot afford to underestimate Brighton because we know they are a very good team that have been scoring lots of goals this season," he pointed out.
"The aim is for us to just continue what we've been doing and hopefully we can get another win to extend our run."
Kick-off on Thursday is at 12noon, with admission and parking at Little Heath both completely free of charge!
U18s: Brown, Eggleton, Akinola, Rice, Pask, Borg, Dobson, Sylvestre, Powell, Diangana, Kanu (Hector-Ingram)
Subs not used: Longelo, Barrett, Lewis
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Stacey Little exclusive: why I left West Ham Ladies
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Ladies captain Stacey Little has revealed exactly why she decided to quit the club along with five team mates last week.
Last Tuesday evening Little walked out of West Ham Ladies - where she had spent the last six seasons - following a team meeting with manager Mark Nurse, who recently replaced the outgoing Julian Dicks. And in a no-holds-barred exclusive interview with the Podcast's Chris Scull and James Longman, she revealed that she felt she had no option but to resign from her position having received no backing from the club's joint Chairmen, Stephen Hunt and his father, John Hunt, in her campaign to oust Nurse. "To this day I don't know how Mark got the position," said Little. "There were ex-pros who wanted the job. "Julian Dicks raised the profile of the club massively and we wanted to keep that going. I was really looking forward to this season as I felt we could have done really well - but for me, we appointed the wrong person. "The coaching was the worst I've had since I've been at the club or any other club, for that matter. I also felt he was lacking in people skills - all points that I raised to him during our meeting on the Tuesday when we walked. "I've been unhappy for pretty much the whole of this season. I tried to get it out there to the Chairman - but I was ignored. "I approached the Chairman who basically said he wasn't interested and that I should go to Mark Nurse with any player issues. But the problem was with the manager - and how could I speak to the manager about himself?" "I needed to go higher, but I had no-one to go to. Nobody would listen to me. "I spoke to John Hunt after the Forest Green game and told him the only solution was that Mark had to go. He said it wasn't him that needed convincing as it was [his son] Steven's decision - and he's not interested at all."
The whole affair came to a head last Tuesday evening when a team meeting - to which Little and vice-captain Kerry Stimson had not been invited - ended with the duo and four fellow players walking out of the club. "Kerry was released after the Basildon game [last weekend] which we lost 1-0, and I was suspended," Little told Scull and Longman. "Mark sent me a text message to say I'd been suspended because after the game I'd tweeted people urging them to take action. "Yet our new goalkeeper tweeted pretty much the same thing but nothing happened, so it felt like a personal vendetta. "Then he sent a text to all the girls - except me and Kerry - to confirm there would be a team meeting on Tuesday. I sent him a message to say I'd been made aware there was a meeting and that I'd be coming as I was still part of this club and wanted to voice my opinion. "He replied and said I wasn't welcome as I was suspended and that he was fully aware of my opinion - but I turned up anyway. "Mark took a cheap shot and said the girls were slagging each other off, picking out individual players to try and cause problems between us. He lied to my face, denied saying certain things and it was very frustrating.
"I told him the only way this would be resolved was if he was to go, as he'd lost the changing room. I told him that if he had any respect for us or himself he'd leave. He refused, saying he wasn't going anywhere. "He told us that if we didn't want to stay, we could leave. So six of us got up and walked out of the meeting - and that was that. I think they tried calling our bluff - and they lost.
"They then claimed we'd been released, when we'd walked. They said we were surplus to requirements, which is just the biggest insult; how can six first team players suddenly become surplus to requirements?"
KUMB.com contacted West Ham Ladies in order to allow them to respond to Little's comments, but they did not reply. You may hear the full interview with Little in this week's edition of the KUMB West Ham Podcast.
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Sullivan quashes 'Tomkins to Sunderland' link
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan says that James Tomkins is going nowhere, despite being linked with a move to Sunderland.
The central defender was linked with a move to Wearside to rejoin former boss Sam Allardyce, who was confirmed as Dick Advocaat's replacement at the Stadium of Light last week. However Sullivan has confirmed that the 26-year-old centre half - who is represented by Allardyce's favoured agent Mark Curtis - would not be leaving the Boleyn Ground in the near future. "There has been speculation in the media surrounding the future of our talented defender James Tomkins," he told whufc.com. "James is a West Ham United player and has four-and-a-half years left on the contract. He loves the club. He won't be going anywhere."
Sullivan also appeared to take a sideswipe at his former employee when comparing the fayre on offer under Allardyce to that being produced presently by Slaven Bilic's squad. "The football is far better to watch this season and it's great to see goals," he added. "People are starting to call us the entertainers as we are such high goalscorers, with goals coming from so many different players.
"Let's hope the goals keep coming and our reputation for playing entertaining football again continues."
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West Ham announce feeder club link
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have announced a new partnership with Dutch club VVV Venlo. As reported here on KUMB last month, the new agreement allows West Ham to send players on loan to the Dutch Eerste Divisie side, whilst having first dibs on any players featuring at the De Koel stadium. Academy boss Terry Westley, whose own son Sam is already at Venlo told whufc.com: "It's something we've looked at for 12 months. We've been to Slovakia, France and into Holland where we met different clubs. "We hand-picked Venlo in the end after doing our homework and managed to form a football partnership with their directors and team managers. The type of game they play could benefit some of our younger players. "If you look at defenders, Reece Burke is a great example as going to Bradford is really helping him in terms of marking at set pieces, defending properly and being tough against a senior centre forward. "But if you are looking for a midfielder or an attacking player who receives the ball on the back foot, you might be looking for a different type of game and Venlo ticks those boxes. That's the thought process behind it. "Our staff can go and see the things they do and they can come to us. They have an Academy similar to ourselves, they're a selling club who got relegated from the top division three season ago and they're having a real go this year at getting promoted."
And Westley admitted that his son Sam, a defender by trade, was essentially acting as a "guinea pig" by becoming the first Academy player to make the switch. "Sam has gone as a tester really to see what the training, matches and living there is like," he said. "Socially it'll be a good experience for all the young players. "The training is more technical, they spend an awful lot more time with the ball and not so much on small-sided games. There's a lot of emphasis on being able to take the ball and pass it properly on their 4G pitch."We think Sam will come away a better player and will lead the path for others to go over in the future."
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Dimitri Payet hits out at France manager Didier Deschamps
Last Updated: 13/10/15 1:24pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet claims he is being unfairly ignored for selection by France manager Didier Deschamps. Payet has been in impressive form for West Ham since making his £10.7m switch from Marseille this summer but has not featured for the French national side since June.
The former Marseille midfielder, who has scored four goals in eight league appearances for the Hammers this season, says he deserves a call-up based on his current Premier League form. "I feel as if it is an injustice," Payet told French newspaper L'Equipe. "It is more than a year now that I am in the best form of my career, even if I can still get better. So, for me, it is unjust not to be in the France squad. "Whose fault is it? A bit of mine because I am not doing what they want of me but there is maybe something else. What? I don't know. I hear rumours that I am frowned upon. You have to take me as I am. "Perhaps it is my fault because I have not done what is expected of me, but maybe there is more to it. He [Deschamps] has the choice to make, he thinks about the group as a whole. "That is what perhaps I reproach myself with today. I hear the sounds that say I wouldn't look good in the team. Good. You have to take me as I am. "If you ask all my coaches, I don't think they will tell you: 'Dimitri, he is an idiot.' The thing that I haven't yet come to terms with is the injustice."
West Ham have made a strong start to their Premier League campaign and currently sit in sixth place, following impressive away victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. And Payet believes the strength in depth in Slaven Bilic's squad is the main reason for the team's success so far this season. "At West Ham, we have enough to make two starting XIs," he said. "If you are not good, they can quickly put someone in your place and forget about you. The rhythm, it is much more intense. In training, I was shattered at the beginning. In the match, that is multiplied by ten. "You cannot afford to be soft. You need to win the duels, to be ready to multiply your efforts. And that means going full blast. You take hits. As long as they are not full-blown attacks, they have their charm. "We have quality up front. We are still struggling in certain games to play our game but we are improving."
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Police hunting group of West Ham fans after anti-Semitic chants following Leicester clash
15:03, 13 OCT 2015 UPDATED 15:09, 13 OCT 2015
BY BEN CUSACK
Supporters are alleged to have sang vile songs on the train and refused to stop when a pedestrian took offence to their lyrics
The Mirro
Police are hunting a group of men after reports of vile anti-Semitic chanting after a football match. British Transport Police have issued CCTV images of five men they wish to speak to following West Ham's home clash with Leicester City. The match, on August 15, was won 2-1 by the visitors, but West Ham fans travelling between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes, north of London, were heard to be making anti-Semitic chants. PC Michael Botterill said: "A man, who boarded the train at Watford Junction, took his seat in the first class carriage. "A group of West Ham fans were already seated and, as the train pulled away, they began to sing anti-Semitic songs.
"The man, quite rightly, took offence to these vile songs and challenged the group over their language. However, they refused to stop and continued with their chanting." Police received reports from several other witnesses to the behaviour of the men, who are believed to have left the train at Northampton. PC Botterill added: "This sort of casual racism has gone unchallenged for too long. "We know the vast majority of football fans are decent people, but for those who continue to make life unpleasant for the travelling public, our message is clear: we will not tolerate your yobbish behaviour."
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West Ham star Dimitri Payet believes his French international exile is "an injustice"
2 COMMENTS 11:55, 13 OCT 2015 UPDATED 11:55, 13 OCT 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The summer signing from Marseille has made a bright start to Premier League life but Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps has left him out since June
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has claimed his omission from the France squad is "an injustice" with only nine months to go before his home European Championships. West Ham's £10.7million has scored four goals and made three assists in his first eight Premier League games in the Hammers' stunning start to the seasson. But the former Marseille playmaker has not been called up by Didier Deschamps since a 1-0 defeat to Albania in June. Payet, who has won 15 caps, told L'Equipe: "I feel feel like an injustice, yes. For more than a year I am at the best level of my career even if I can still get better. "Therefore for me, it is unjust for me not to be in the French team. "Whose fault is it? A bit of mine because I am not doing what they want of me but there is maybe something else. What? I don't know. I hear rumours that I am frowned upon. You have to take me as I am. "If you ask all my coaches, I don't think they are going to say to you: 'Dimitri, he is an idiot'. The thing that I cannot accept is the injustice." Payet insisted he could form a deadly duo up front playing behind Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. But he added: "I do not understand what they expect from me. But not to be called up to the France team will not stop me from living. "Even if I think about it, I am not on my knees in front of my TV waiting for a call-up. I am living a dream now in England. The national team, if it makes me unhappy, I don't want it." But he's happy at Upton Park and won't lose sleep over missing out Payet made a controversial departure from Marseille in the summer to move to Upton Park. "I said to the coach [Slaven Bilic] before signing: 'If I come and the ball is passing above my head, I am not going to be a lot of use'. "He assured me of the project he wanted to put in place. We have quality up front. We still find it difficult to play in some matches but we are getting better."
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Bilic looks set for improved contract
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic is heading for an improved West Ham deal if the progress under his management continues. The Croatian accepted a contract understood to be short of that offered to Sam Allardyce when he was at the Upton Park helm. But such was Bilic's determination and desire to take over at Upton Park he didn't hesitate to accept an offer which is believed to include a clause that were the club to be relegated his contract would be 'torn up.' It is also believed that his basic wage is short of Allardyce's and that positional bonuses don't start until he reaches the top ten. However, the manager has made a serious impression at the club and it is believed the board could be ready to sit down midway through the season to negotiate improved terms. We were told: "The board are great believers in rewarding excellence and Slav need have no worries that improvements will be on the way as the team continues what looks like becoming a successful season."
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Andy Carroll: Thinking the unthinkable!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
I read a piece this morning which suggested that apart from James Tomkins former boss, Sam Allardyce, may be raising the club for Mark Noble – a player he loves! Whatever we may or may not think of Noble it's unlikely to happen for the bloke is a Hammers to his backbone, club skipper and the least likely candidate in the world to make a move a few hundred miles up country to the 'alien' north east. What has surprised me, however, is that there hasn't been a whisper about the one player I would have expected to be mentioned – a certain Andy Carroll. Nobody loves Andy more than Mr Allardyce and I can think of no other manager in the Premier League who plays the type of football that suits the player down to the ground. Given that – in normal circumstances – it would be reasonable to expect Big Sam to put in some sort of bid of lets say £7m – £8 million assuming the striker stays fit. But nothing, is never that straightforward in Big Andy's world and there is an immediate King-sized problem if his old mate Sam were to move in. Yep, the clue is in the name of the club – Sunderland. Could the born and bred Geordie with an oft repeated love of all things Newcastle think the unthinkable and actually join the their deadliest enemy. What a dilemma that would be for both Sunderland and Newcastle fans plus Andy himself. Remember this piece if an when the next bright spark comes ujp with a piece of speculation that was screaming out to be written.
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Payet: "We have the quality for two first X1s"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Dimi Payet has sent a message to his international boss Didier Deschamps declaring: "I do not understand what is expected of me."
However the Upton Park starman added: "Not to be called up for France does not stop me from living. I am in a dream today in England. The national team, if it will only make me unhappy, then I do not want it. I feel as if it is an injustice, yes. It is over a year now that I am in the best form of my career, even if I can still get better. So, for me, it is unjust not to be in the French squad, yes."
Payet has adjusted brilliantly to life in the Premier League and says: "At 28 and after having played for Marseille, I felt ready. I had offers in the past, but, when I look at the level, it would have been difficult to come here when I was younger. "Ok, if your name is Eden Hazard, then, you know there is not going to be a problem…" He added: "At West Ham, we have enough to make two starting XIs. If you are not good, they can quickly put someone in your place and forget about you. I told the coach before I signed: "If I come here and the balls are going over my head, I am not going to be of much use." He assured me about the project that he wanted to put in place.We have quality up front. We are still struggling in certain games to play our game, but we are improving."
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Midfielder's season under serious spotlight
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic will be closely watching Alex Song's season once he returns from his long lay off. Song is now expected to make a squad comeback towards the end of this month and needs to make a big impact if he's to land the three year deal he wants. That was his aim before an ankle injury saw him sidelined and eventually sawundergo surgery at the end of last season. The Irons though were always determined to give him a chance to prove himself, taking him back on a year's loan deal during which they will monitor very closely indeed one he returns.. ClaretandHugh was told by a club source: "His form in the second half of the season tailed off considerably. Although the injury may have been an impact, it's not the first time in his career that's been the case. "We want to see him reach that brilliant standard he showed for us early last season over the entire of the season. If that's the case there's no question a contract is waiting."
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Daves head for a first in January window
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham's owners David Sullivan and David Gold could create a first for the first time in over 20 years as football club owners this winter. Having assembled what has been described by many as the club's best squad for several years it is unlikely they will be moving in the January transfer market. The duo want to see some outward movement having spent a 'small fortune' on transfer fees and wages in the summer and – as reported earlier – James Collins and Joey O'Brien are prime candidates to be moved off the wage bill. Were the club to make any move in January it is likely they would bring in a right back on loan or permanently but for the first time in a long time there is no need for any 'elastoplast surgery.' Having landed every player they were after in the summer they will be content if they don't have to add to the squad which would be the first time in their time at Birmingham City and West Ham that they haven't made a signing The pair are more than happy with what they have but co chairman Sullivan teased: "You never say never do you!"
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Hammers safeguards against OS pitch-wrecking
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham – whilst having no veto of stop other clubs using the Olympic Stadium – do have rights to complain if they believe future events will damage the pitch.
However, the chances of the pitch being damaged may be remote after Newcastle staged three Rugby world cup games in eight days in St James Park on the same specification of Desso pitch that will be used at the Olympic Stadium.
Newcastle fans have been told they do need not worry about the state of the St James' Park pitch.
OSF2South Africa and Scotland played at St James Park on Saturday 3rd October, followed by New Zealand v Tonga last Friday October 9th Scotland and Samoa completed the three-match run last Saturday leaving a full eight days until the Premier League visit of Norwich City this weekend.
Rugby and football is not uncommon on the same surface, clubs including Reading, Huddersfield, Watford, Wigan and Hull having shared their pitches with rugby clubs in recent years.
Advances in pitch technology make wear and tear less of an issue, Newcastle among the many clubs to have installed a Desso pitch which is also used at the Boleyn Ground.
Dilutable paint has been used to lay the pitch markings for the Premier League football season to date, which can be totally washed out for the rugby.The same paint will be used for the rugby lines to ensure a totally clean removal by the time Premier League duty resumes.
The Newcastle experience in the Rugby world cup increases the chances of multiple games whether Rugby or football being played at the Olympic Stadium during West Ham's season with the Hammers have little evidence that the pitch would suffer.
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WHUFC.com
This has been an impressive start to the season and we hope to keep our unbeaten run going when we head to face Crystal Palace on Saturday. The start is as strange as it has been impressive. I'm desperate for us to improve our home form as the supporters deserve it.
It is great for us to be the second highest scorers in the Premier League, having scored in every game. But let's not get carried away as we have two very tough games coming up against Palace and Chelsea. The football is far better to watch this season and it's great to see goals. People are starting to call us the entertainers as we are such high goalscorers, with goals coming from so many different players. Let's hope the goals keep coming and our reputation for playing entertaining football again continues. There has been speculation in the media surrounding the future of our talented defender James Tomkins. James is a West Ham United player and has four-and-a-half years left on the contract. He loves the club. He won't be going anywhere.
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West Ham United agree deal with VVV-Venlo
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce they have struck an agreement with Dutch Club VVV-Venlo which will see talented young players exchanged between the two Clubs. Academy Manager & Head of Player Development Coaching Terry Westley has been looking at a partnership with another European Club for the last year. Westley has travelled around Europe, but was convinced that the Dutch outfit had the best facilities and style of play to help the young players at the West Ham Academy grow even stronger. The partnership has already started with defender Sam Westley moving to Venlo on loan as part of the deal and the Club are hoping to bring in some exciting Dutch talent.
Westley said: "It's something we have looked at for 12 months. We have been to Slovakia, France and Holland. "We have met with different Clubs and we chose Venlo in the end after doing our homework and looking at the environment and what the staff are like.
"We managed to get the link after I went over to Holland and met the Club's director to form a football partnership. We feel the high technical game which they play could suit our players. "Our thought process was could we be futuristic? If you look at defenders, Reece Burke is a great example as going to Bradford is really helping him and being tough against a senior centre forward. "But if you are looking for a midfielder or an attacking player, you might be looking for a different type of game and Venlo ticks those boxes. Our staff can go and see the things they do and the same for them. "Socially it will be a good experience for all the players."
VVV-Venlo director Marco Bogers is also thrilled with the deal and hopes the young Hammers players who arrive can make a breakthrough into the first-team. Bogers said: "We are very happy that we have been approached by West Ham United. "Our goal is to learn about the way West Ham United work and we can learn a lot from a big Club like West Ham. "We have already taken Sam Westley and we hope to take many more. Our ambition is to get back into the top league in Holland and it would be nice if some of the West Ham players who arrive here can make it into the first-team."
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The Big Interview - Darren Randolph
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph could never have imagined a week ago that he would be part of a winning team against Germany – let alone playing such a crucial role in the winning strike against the world champions.
Randolph appeared as a substitute for the Republic of Ireland just before half-time after Shay Given was forced to leave the pitch with a knee injury.
The West Ham United keeper kept his composure and showed his quality once again as he did everything to keep the Germany forwards at bay and then played his part in the match-winner on 70 minutes.
Randolph's long kick fell perfectly for Shane Long and he produced an exquisite finish past Manuel Neuer to guarantee a play-off place for the European Championship Finals next summer.
The Hammers keeper then played the full ninety minutes as the Republic of Ireland suffered a 2-1 defeat against Poland on Sunday night and missed out on automatic qualification by just one goal.
Randolph is now waiting anxiously for the draw which takes place on Sunday but is confident his team have enough quality to book their place alongside England, Wales and Northern Ireland at the Euro Finals.
Darren, it has been a memorable few days for you. If you would have been told a week ago that you would beat the world champions and would play a part in the winning goal, would you have believed it?
DR: "I definitely would not have believed that. It has been a crazy week but very enjoyable.
"I didn't have much time to get into the zone when I came onto the pitch. Shay was coming off on a stretcher and he quickly said all the best. The next thing I knew I was on the pitch.
"I remember for the goal that David Meyler passed the ball back to me and it may have been Mario Gotze who was trying to close me down.
"I put the ball onto my right foot and was aiming for Jon Walters but he was offside, so he let it go and Shane was onside and it was a great finish – especially against such a great keeper like Neuer."
Ireland produced two of their best performances in the group stages against Germany taking a point away from home and then securing a memorable home win. Do you think that Ireland should have qualified automatically after taking four points from the world champions?
DR: "If you take four points off the world champions who are top team in the group, you are thinking of automatic qualification.
"But last month when we were sitting fourth and four points behind Scotland we would have taken a play-off position and would have probably taken it before the group stages had even started.
"To be this close and just one goal away from getting automatic qualification, it wasn't to be but we have now got the play-offs."
Are you hoping for a favourable draw in the play-offs next month and what would it mean to you to represent your country at a major tournament?
DR: "I hope we can get a favourable draw. I grew up watching these tournaments and was thinking that I would love the chance to play in one of them.
"I am not going to lie. I had some thoughts thinking we were going to beat Poland and qualify, but hopefully we will be celebrating next month."
Was it always going to be a tough challenge for you facing Robert Lewandowski – one of the best strikers in the world at the moment?
DR:"It was always going to be tough to get a result in Poland, let alone facing a striker who is showing this kind of form at the moment and he took his chance."
This could prove to be a great summer for the Hammers boys. We saw some great celebrations from the Wales players and Ginge after they reached the Euro Finals next summer. I'm sure you must have been delighted for him and you will want to be joining him in France?
DR: "He will come back over the moon having qualified and hopefully we will both end up going to the tournament in France next summer."
We obviously turn our attentions back to club football this weekend and a difficult away game at Crystal Palace. Having made the breakthrough into the first-team earlier in the season, you must be determined to keep working hard and waiting for your chance once again?
DR: "I didn't expect to get a chance so soon after joining the Club but I need to keep working hard in training and wait for my next chance.
"Crystal Palace have had a great start to the season and every team that has gone there has not found it easy. We are going to need a performance like we have shown in our other away games in the league to get anything on Saturday. It is another very tough game."
You know Alan Pardew very well having played him under him at Charlton. How much praise have you got for the job he has done at Selhurst Park?
DR: "At the time when I was at Charlton, I was second choice as we had Scott Carson on loan from Liverpool but he couldn't play at Anfield and Pards gave me my debut at Anfield in a 2-2 draw.
"It was fun and he is a big character. It will be good to see him again on Saturday. He is a good man manager and his confidence rubs off on the players, especially when you are doing well and he gets the players to believe in themselves more."
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Midfielder delighted by form
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy defender Declan Rice hailed the impact made by substitute Jahmal Hector-Ingram as the U18s made it four wins in a row.
The young Hammers continued their climb of the Barclays U18 Premier League Southern Division table with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday, capped by a winner from hotshot striker Hector-Ingram.
Republic of Ireland U17 star Rice insisted that every member of Steve Potts' squad had contributed to the recent run of victories, including England youth international Hector-Ingram, whose first goal of the campaign added to a Villa own-goal to secure another three points.
"Everyone is over the moon with that result," revealed Rice. "We all knew it was going to be a really hard fixture, but we all stuck together and got our rewards at the end.
"The boys worked tremendously hard to get the result we needed. We created numerous chances in the first half but failed to put any of them away.
"In the second half though, we brought on Jahmal and he really was a threat up front and managed to score the winner for us.
"Beating Villa means we have now won four games in a row and everyone at the Academy is buzzing. We now have to keep our focus and prepare for Brighton on Thursday."
Prior to the current run of victories, the Hammers managed just two draws and three defeats from their opening five fixtures, when the impressive performances they produced at the start of the season were not rewarded with positive results.
When asked for his opinions on what has changed in recent weeks, Rice paid tribute to the leadership of coaching duo Potts and Mark Phillips.
"We've been working hard during training, taking on board that everything Steve and Mark have been telling us," he continued.
"Hard work, along with excellent coaching, really help when we transfer them onto the pitch and we've shown that in the past four games."
After their victories against Chelsea and Reading at Chadwell Heath, it was reported that the Academy players sang the Hammers anthem I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles at the top of their voices to celebrate their results.
At Villa, their vocal chords were spared, but music was still the theme following another fine victory.
"We didn't sing Bubbles after the Villa game in the dressing room but we did have the music blasting out to celebrate! We usually save Bubbles for when we win at home!"
First-year scholar Rice has enjoyed a productive campaign so far, having been voted FAI U15 Player of the Year in the summer.
When asked to pinpoint his high point of 2015/16, scoring in a win over former club Chelsea was the teenager's natural response.
"That Chelsea game was definitely my highlight of the season so far," he smiled. "It's always a nice feeling to score when your team wins and when it comes against your former club, it's magical!
"I've been very happy with the way I have started this season but it's important that I keep performing at a high standard so I can keep my place in the team.
"Hopefully, after Christmas, if I can keep performing well, I might be able to get a few more Development Squad games under my belt."
Prior to that, West Ham host Brighton & Hove Albion at Little Heath on Thursday lunchtime, and Rice knows that the Hammers will need to hit the heights again if they are to make it five wins on the spin.
"We cannot afford to underestimate Brighton because we know they are a very good team that have been scoring lots of goals this season," he pointed out.
"The aim is for us to just continue what we've been doing and hopefully we can get another win to extend our run."
Kick-off on Thursday is at 12noon, with admission and parking at Little Heath both completely free of charge!
U18s: Brown, Eggleton, Akinola, Rice, Pask, Borg, Dobson, Sylvestre, Powell, Diangana, Kanu (Hector-Ingram)
Subs not used: Longelo, Barrett, Lewis
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Stacey Little exclusive: why I left West Ham Ladies
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Ladies captain Stacey Little has revealed exactly why she decided to quit the club along with five team mates last week.
Last Tuesday evening Little walked out of West Ham Ladies - where she had spent the last six seasons - following a team meeting with manager Mark Nurse, who recently replaced the outgoing Julian Dicks. And in a no-holds-barred exclusive interview with the Podcast's Chris Scull and James Longman, she revealed that she felt she had no option but to resign from her position having received no backing from the club's joint Chairmen, Stephen Hunt and his father, John Hunt, in her campaign to oust Nurse. "To this day I don't know how Mark got the position," said Little. "There were ex-pros who wanted the job. "Julian Dicks raised the profile of the club massively and we wanted to keep that going. I was really looking forward to this season as I felt we could have done really well - but for me, we appointed the wrong person. "The coaching was the worst I've had since I've been at the club or any other club, for that matter. I also felt he was lacking in people skills - all points that I raised to him during our meeting on the Tuesday when we walked. "I've been unhappy for pretty much the whole of this season. I tried to get it out there to the Chairman - but I was ignored. "I approached the Chairman who basically said he wasn't interested and that I should go to Mark Nurse with any player issues. But the problem was with the manager - and how could I speak to the manager about himself?" "I needed to go higher, but I had no-one to go to. Nobody would listen to me. "I spoke to John Hunt after the Forest Green game and told him the only solution was that Mark had to go. He said it wasn't him that needed convincing as it was [his son] Steven's decision - and he's not interested at all."
The whole affair came to a head last Tuesday evening when a team meeting - to which Little and vice-captain Kerry Stimson had not been invited - ended with the duo and four fellow players walking out of the club. "Kerry was released after the Basildon game [last weekend] which we lost 1-0, and I was suspended," Little told Scull and Longman. "Mark sent me a text message to say I'd been suspended because after the game I'd tweeted people urging them to take action. "Yet our new goalkeeper tweeted pretty much the same thing but nothing happened, so it felt like a personal vendetta. "Then he sent a text to all the girls - except me and Kerry - to confirm there would be a team meeting on Tuesday. I sent him a message to say I'd been made aware there was a meeting and that I'd be coming as I was still part of this club and wanted to voice my opinion. "He replied and said I wasn't welcome as I was suspended and that he was fully aware of my opinion - but I turned up anyway. "Mark took a cheap shot and said the girls were slagging each other off, picking out individual players to try and cause problems between us. He lied to my face, denied saying certain things and it was very frustrating.
"I told him the only way this would be resolved was if he was to go, as he'd lost the changing room. I told him that if he had any respect for us or himself he'd leave. He refused, saying he wasn't going anywhere. "He told us that if we didn't want to stay, we could leave. So six of us got up and walked out of the meeting - and that was that. I think they tried calling our bluff - and they lost.
"They then claimed we'd been released, when we'd walked. They said we were surplus to requirements, which is just the biggest insult; how can six first team players suddenly become surplus to requirements?"
KUMB.com contacted West Ham Ladies in order to allow them to respond to Little's comments, but they did not reply. You may hear the full interview with Little in this week's edition of the KUMB West Ham Podcast.
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Sullivan quashes 'Tomkins to Sunderland' link
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan says that James Tomkins is going nowhere, despite being linked with a move to Sunderland.
The central defender was linked with a move to Wearside to rejoin former boss Sam Allardyce, who was confirmed as Dick Advocaat's replacement at the Stadium of Light last week. However Sullivan has confirmed that the 26-year-old centre half - who is represented by Allardyce's favoured agent Mark Curtis - would not be leaving the Boleyn Ground in the near future. "There has been speculation in the media surrounding the future of our talented defender James Tomkins," he told whufc.com. "James is a West Ham United player and has four-and-a-half years left on the contract. He loves the club. He won't be going anywhere."
Sullivan also appeared to take a sideswipe at his former employee when comparing the fayre on offer under Allardyce to that being produced presently by Slaven Bilic's squad. "The football is far better to watch this season and it's great to see goals," he added. "People are starting to call us the entertainers as we are such high goalscorers, with goals coming from so many different players.
"Let's hope the goals keep coming and our reputation for playing entertaining football again continues."
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West Ham announce feeder club link
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th October 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have announced a new partnership with Dutch club VVV Venlo. As reported here on KUMB last month, the new agreement allows West Ham to send players on loan to the Dutch Eerste Divisie side, whilst having first dibs on any players featuring at the De Koel stadium. Academy boss Terry Westley, whose own son Sam is already at Venlo told whufc.com: "It's something we've looked at for 12 months. We've been to Slovakia, France and into Holland where we met different clubs. "We hand-picked Venlo in the end after doing our homework and managed to form a football partnership with their directors and team managers. The type of game they play could benefit some of our younger players. "If you look at defenders, Reece Burke is a great example as going to Bradford is really helping him in terms of marking at set pieces, defending properly and being tough against a senior centre forward. "But if you are looking for a midfielder or an attacking player who receives the ball on the back foot, you might be looking for a different type of game and Venlo ticks those boxes. That's the thought process behind it. "Our staff can go and see the things they do and they can come to us. They have an Academy similar to ourselves, they're a selling club who got relegated from the top division three season ago and they're having a real go this year at getting promoted."
And Westley admitted that his son Sam, a defender by trade, was essentially acting as a "guinea pig" by becoming the first Academy player to make the switch. "Sam has gone as a tester really to see what the training, matches and living there is like," he said. "Socially it'll be a good experience for all the young players. "The training is more technical, they spend an awful lot more time with the ball and not so much on small-sided games. There's a lot of emphasis on being able to take the ball and pass it properly on their 4G pitch."We think Sam will come away a better player and will lead the path for others to go over in the future."
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Dimitri Payet hits out at France manager Didier Deschamps
Last Updated: 13/10/15 1:24pm
SSN
Dimitri Payet claims he is being unfairly ignored for selection by France manager Didier Deschamps. Payet has been in impressive form for West Ham since making his £10.7m switch from Marseille this summer but has not featured for the French national side since June.
The former Marseille midfielder, who has scored four goals in eight league appearances for the Hammers this season, says he deserves a call-up based on his current Premier League form. "I feel as if it is an injustice," Payet told French newspaper L'Equipe. "It is more than a year now that I am in the best form of my career, even if I can still get better. So, for me, it is unjust not to be in the France squad. "Whose fault is it? A bit of mine because I am not doing what they want of me but there is maybe something else. What? I don't know. I hear rumours that I am frowned upon. You have to take me as I am. "Perhaps it is my fault because I have not done what is expected of me, but maybe there is more to it. He [Deschamps] has the choice to make, he thinks about the group as a whole. "That is what perhaps I reproach myself with today. I hear the sounds that say I wouldn't look good in the team. Good. You have to take me as I am. "If you ask all my coaches, I don't think they will tell you: 'Dimitri, he is an idiot.' The thing that I haven't yet come to terms with is the injustice."
West Ham have made a strong start to their Premier League campaign and currently sit in sixth place, following impressive away victories at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. And Payet believes the strength in depth in Slaven Bilic's squad is the main reason for the team's success so far this season. "At West Ham, we have enough to make two starting XIs," he said. "If you are not good, they can quickly put someone in your place and forget about you. The rhythm, it is much more intense. In training, I was shattered at the beginning. In the match, that is multiplied by ten. "You cannot afford to be soft. You need to win the duels, to be ready to multiply your efforts. And that means going full blast. You take hits. As long as they are not full-blown attacks, they have their charm. "We have quality up front. We are still struggling in certain games to play our game but we are improving."
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Police hunting group of West Ham fans after anti-Semitic chants following Leicester clash
15:03, 13 OCT 2015 UPDATED 15:09, 13 OCT 2015
BY BEN CUSACK
Supporters are alleged to have sang vile songs on the train and refused to stop when a pedestrian took offence to their lyrics
The Mirro
Police are hunting a group of men after reports of vile anti-Semitic chanting after a football match. British Transport Police have issued CCTV images of five men they wish to speak to following West Ham's home clash with Leicester City. The match, on August 15, was won 2-1 by the visitors, but West Ham fans travelling between Watford Junction and Milton Keynes, north of London, were heard to be making anti-Semitic chants. PC Michael Botterill said: "A man, who boarded the train at Watford Junction, took his seat in the first class carriage. "A group of West Ham fans were already seated and, as the train pulled away, they began to sing anti-Semitic songs.
"The man, quite rightly, took offence to these vile songs and challenged the group over their language. However, they refused to stop and continued with their chanting." Police received reports from several other witnesses to the behaviour of the men, who are believed to have left the train at Northampton. PC Botterill added: "This sort of casual racism has gone unchallenged for too long. "We know the vast majority of football fans are decent people, but for those who continue to make life unpleasant for the travelling public, our message is clear: we will not tolerate your yobbish behaviour."
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West Ham star Dimitri Payet believes his French international exile is "an injustice"
2 COMMENTS 11:55, 13 OCT 2015 UPDATED 11:55, 13 OCT 2015
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The summer signing from Marseille has made a bright start to Premier League life but Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps has left him out since June
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet has claimed his omission from the France squad is "an injustice" with only nine months to go before his home European Championships. West Ham's £10.7million has scored four goals and made three assists in his first eight Premier League games in the Hammers' stunning start to the seasson. But the former Marseille playmaker has not been called up by Didier Deschamps since a 1-0 defeat to Albania in June. Payet, who has won 15 caps, told L'Equipe: "I feel feel like an injustice, yes. For more than a year I am at the best level of my career even if I can still get better. "Therefore for me, it is unjust for me not to be in the French team. "Whose fault is it? A bit of mine because I am not doing what they want of me but there is maybe something else. What? I don't know. I hear rumours that I am frowned upon. You have to take me as I am. "If you ask all my coaches, I don't think they are going to say to you: 'Dimitri, he is an idiot'. The thing that I cannot accept is the injustice." Payet insisted he could form a deadly duo up front playing behind Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. But he added: "I do not understand what they expect from me. But not to be called up to the France team will not stop me from living. "Even if I think about it, I am not on my knees in front of my TV waiting for a call-up. I am living a dream now in England. The national team, if it makes me unhappy, I don't want it." But he's happy at Upton Park and won't lose sleep over missing out Payet made a controversial departure from Marseille in the summer to move to Upton Park. "I said to the coach [Slaven Bilic] before signing: 'If I come and the ball is passing above my head, I am not going to be a lot of use'. "He assured me of the project he wanted to put in place. We have quality up front. We still find it difficult to play in some matches but we are getting better."
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Bilic looks set for improved contract
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic is heading for an improved West Ham deal if the progress under his management continues. The Croatian accepted a contract understood to be short of that offered to Sam Allardyce when he was at the Upton Park helm. But such was Bilic's determination and desire to take over at Upton Park he didn't hesitate to accept an offer which is believed to include a clause that were the club to be relegated his contract would be 'torn up.' It is also believed that his basic wage is short of Allardyce's and that positional bonuses don't start until he reaches the top ten. However, the manager has made a serious impression at the club and it is believed the board could be ready to sit down midway through the season to negotiate improved terms. We were told: "The board are great believers in rewarding excellence and Slav need have no worries that improvements will be on the way as the team continues what looks like becoming a successful season."
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Andy Carroll: Thinking the unthinkable!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
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I read a piece this morning which suggested that apart from James Tomkins former boss, Sam Allardyce, may be raising the club for Mark Noble – a player he loves! Whatever we may or may not think of Noble it's unlikely to happen for the bloke is a Hammers to his backbone, club skipper and the least likely candidate in the world to make a move a few hundred miles up country to the 'alien' north east. What has surprised me, however, is that there hasn't been a whisper about the one player I would have expected to be mentioned – a certain Andy Carroll. Nobody loves Andy more than Mr Allardyce and I can think of no other manager in the Premier League who plays the type of football that suits the player down to the ground. Given that – in normal circumstances – it would be reasonable to expect Big Sam to put in some sort of bid of lets say £7m – £8 million assuming the striker stays fit. But nothing, is never that straightforward in Big Andy's world and there is an immediate King-sized problem if his old mate Sam were to move in. Yep, the clue is in the name of the club – Sunderland. Could the born and bred Geordie with an oft repeated love of all things Newcastle think the unthinkable and actually join the their deadliest enemy. What a dilemma that would be for both Sunderland and Newcastle fans plus Andy himself. Remember this piece if an when the next bright spark comes ujp with a piece of speculation that was screaming out to be written.
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Payet: "We have the quality for two first X1s"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Dimi Payet has sent a message to his international boss Didier Deschamps declaring: "I do not understand what is expected of me."
However the Upton Park starman added: "Not to be called up for France does not stop me from living. I am in a dream today in England. The national team, if it will only make me unhappy, then I do not want it. I feel as if it is an injustice, yes. It is over a year now that I am in the best form of my career, even if I can still get better. So, for me, it is unjust not to be in the French squad, yes."
Payet has adjusted brilliantly to life in the Premier League and says: "At 28 and after having played for Marseille, I felt ready. I had offers in the past, but, when I look at the level, it would have been difficult to come here when I was younger. "Ok, if your name is Eden Hazard, then, you know there is not going to be a problem…" He added: "At West Ham, we have enough to make two starting XIs. If you are not good, they can quickly put someone in your place and forget about you. I told the coach before I signed: "If I come here and the balls are going over my head, I am not going to be of much use." He assured me about the project that he wanted to put in place.We have quality up front. We are still struggling in certain games to play our game, but we are improving."
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Midfielder's season under serious spotlight
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic will be closely watching Alex Song's season once he returns from his long lay off. Song is now expected to make a squad comeback towards the end of this month and needs to make a big impact if he's to land the three year deal he wants. That was his aim before an ankle injury saw him sidelined and eventually sawundergo surgery at the end of last season. The Irons though were always determined to give him a chance to prove himself, taking him back on a year's loan deal during which they will monitor very closely indeed one he returns.. ClaretandHugh was told by a club source: "His form in the second half of the season tailed off considerably. Although the injury may have been an impact, it's not the first time in his career that's been the case. "We want to see him reach that brilliant standard he showed for us early last season over the entire of the season. If that's the case there's no question a contract is waiting."
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Daves head for a first in January window
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham's owners David Sullivan and David Gold could create a first for the first time in over 20 years as football club owners this winter. Having assembled what has been described by many as the club's best squad for several years it is unlikely they will be moving in the January transfer market. The duo want to see some outward movement having spent a 'small fortune' on transfer fees and wages in the summer and – as reported earlier – James Collins and Joey O'Brien are prime candidates to be moved off the wage bill. Were the club to make any move in January it is likely they would bring in a right back on loan or permanently but for the first time in a long time there is no need for any 'elastoplast surgery.' Having landed every player they were after in the summer they will be content if they don't have to add to the squad which would be the first time in their time at Birmingham City and West Ham that they haven't made a signing The pair are more than happy with what they have but co chairman Sullivan teased: "You never say never do you!"
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Hammers safeguards against OS pitch-wrecking
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 13, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham – whilst having no veto of stop other clubs using the Olympic Stadium – do have rights to complain if they believe future events will damage the pitch.
However, the chances of the pitch being damaged may be remote after Newcastle staged three Rugby world cup games in eight days in St James Park on the same specification of Desso pitch that will be used at the Olympic Stadium.
Newcastle fans have been told they do need not worry about the state of the St James' Park pitch.
OSF2South Africa and Scotland played at St James Park on Saturday 3rd October, followed by New Zealand v Tonga last Friday October 9th Scotland and Samoa completed the three-match run last Saturday leaving a full eight days until the Premier League visit of Norwich City this weekend.
Rugby and football is not uncommon on the same surface, clubs including Reading, Huddersfield, Watford, Wigan and Hull having shared their pitches with rugby clubs in recent years.
Advances in pitch technology make wear and tear less of an issue, Newcastle among the many clubs to have installed a Desso pitch which is also used at the Boleyn Ground.
Dilutable paint has been used to lay the pitch markings for the Premier League football season to date, which can be totally washed out for the rugby.The same paint will be used for the rugby lines to ensure a totally clean removal by the time Premier League duty resumes.
The Newcastle experience in the Rugby world cup increases the chances of multiple games whether Rugby or football being played at the Olympic Stadium during West Ham's season with the Hammers have little evidence that the pitch would suffer.
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