Daily WHUFC News - 22nd October 2015

West Ham United statement
WHUFc.com

Following a story published online on Tuesday evening which stated Tottenham
Hotspur could use the Boleyn Ground after West Ham have moved out,
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady would like to confirm that, as a condition of the
sale, she put a covenant on the ground which prevents any other football
club from using it as their home ground or playing matches there without the
express permission of West Ham United.

Therefore, this categorically rules out any other football team, including
Tottenham Hotspur, from using the ground to play football matches unless the
Board of West Ham United gives them permission to do so.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Meet Julian Dicks at the U21s game on Monday
WHUFC.com

Head down to the Boleyn Ground on Monday 26 October to see the next
generation of West Ham United stars in action – free of charge!

The Hammers' U21s are taking on Fulham in their latest U21 Premier League
fixture, with a 7pm kick-off at the Boleyn Ground.

The likes of Josh Cullen, Reece Oxford, Lewis Page, Martin Samuelsen and
Elliot Lee have all been in the first team picture this season and you could
see them under the famous lights as Terry Westley's men go for a second
successive win.

You can make a real night of it, as Julian Dicks will be in attendance at
the Stadium Store between 5-7pm for a meet and greet and signing session.

Turnstiles open at 6pm, so make sure you come along for a night of great
entertainment at the Boleyn Ground!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini - The West Ham fans are fantastic
WHUFC.com

It proved to be another busy summer of transfer activity at West Ham United
with 12 new signings arriving at the Boleyn Ground. Most of the focus
surrounded the capture of Dimitri Payet from Marseille and he has made an
immediate impact in the East End with a superb start to his Hammers career.
But another major factor behind the Club's impressive start has been the
arrival of Manuel Lanzini – even though he was not well known to the
majority of supporters. The Argentine forward arrived on a season-long loan
from Al Jazira and was determined to make a big impact in the Premier
League. Nicknamed 'The Jewell', the 22-year-old was a big target for Slaven
Bilic when he was manager of Besiktas last season, but the deal never
materialised.

Lanzini earned rave reviews during his spell in the UAE and the Hammers
manager was determined to bring him to the east London Club.
With the departures of Matt Jarvis and Kevin Nolan, Bilic showed his trust
in the talented attacker as he handed him a shock first-team start against
Liverpool at Anfield. Lanzini wasted no time repaying him by opening the
scoring after just three minutes and produced an impressive display as he
helped his side come away with a memorable 3-0 victory. Bilic had no doubts
he had the quality to compete at the highest level and he has cemented his
place in the first-team ever since and stole the show once again as he
helped the Hammers continue their sensational away record with a 3-1 win
over Crystal Palace last weekend.

Lanzini says he is relishing the chance to showcase his talents in the top
flight and hopes to play a major role for the east London Club when they
move into the new Stadium next summer. Lanzini said: "I am playing football
in one of the best leagues in the world and I am really enjoying it. "Moving
to the new Stadium is a big investment and change for the Club. The West Ham
fans are fantastic and I hope to be part of this new change and to be on the
pitch doing my job. "Why can't we dream big? But I think we have to think
about the present first of all and carry on the path that we have been
taking. "When the team is doing well success eventually follows and we want
to achieve great things."

Lanzini says the added attraction of living in London has been a major
factor for him and has felt at home since the opening day as the likes of
Enner Valencia, Mauro Zarate, Adrian and Pedro Obiang have all helped him
settle in. He added: "London is a beautiful city that I have always wanted
to see and learn about. It has got so much history and there are some
wonderful sights to see here. "I am able to do what I love so when I get to
walk around the City it is also fantastic. "Settling in quickly has been
very important for me and having so many players who I can speak the same
language with has been a crucial factor. "These players have been a key part
for me settling in as well as the English players and everyone else in the
group. I would like to thank them for helping me. I have been learning to
speak English and hope to understand more soon."

Lanzini has special praise for his manager and feels Bilic is getting the
best out of him since his arrival back in July. With the Hammers unbeaten in
their last six Premier League games, Lanzini is now looking forward to
testing himself against the Premier League champions on Saturday and hopes
to continue their amazing run against the big guns this season and come away
with another memorable victory. "I have never had the chance to play against
a team managed by Jose Mourinho but I am happy to be in the position to play
in such a big game knowing exactly what it means to the Club. "I know all
the South American players at Chelsea by name and am very excited about
facing them and playing in such a big game. "I know it is very important for
us as we look to maintain our high position in the table. If we carry on
playing like we have been there is no reason why we cannot do that. "Why
cannot we beat Chelsea as well? We are always thinking big and aiming high
here and that is the main priority. "Slaven is a very good coach and is able
to transmit his ideas to the players very easily. He sets the team up well
for every match and as a group we always follow what he says. "As you can
see from the results that has been working very well and the rest of the
coaching staff have had a very good effect on the team."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Reece Burke played the full game and provided an assist for the Bantams as
they beat Bury 2-1, ending a remarkable 17 away game unbeaten run. Rory
McArdle put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time before Reece Brown
headed Burke's powerful header past his own goalkeeper.

Danny Rose scored a late consolation goal but it proved too little too late.
The win takes the Bantams into the top half of League One with 19 points
from 13 games.

Josh Pask played the full games as Dagenham secured a valuable 2-2 away draw
with York City. With both sides struggling near the bottom of League Two,
Vadaine Oliver opened the scoring for the hosts but Ashley Hemmings
equalised shortly afterward as he fired inside Scott Flinders' near post.

Jamie Cureton then put the Daggers in front, poking in an eight-yard effort
before Michael Coulson found the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Diego Poyet's MK Dons slipped to a 2-0 defeat away at Huddersfield Town.
Poyet played the full ninety minutes against former manager Chris Powell,
who he worked with at Charlton Athletic and the Terriers on loan last
season.

Goals from Nahki Wells and Jamie Paterson sealed the victory.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Etherington: players gambled up to £20,000 per game
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Matthew Etherington has revealed the staggering extent that in-house
gambling took upon both him and his fellow West Ham team mates during Alan
Pardew's reign as manager. Etherington, who spent six years at West Ham lost
hundreds of thousands of pounds as a result of his gambling addiction during
his playing career - much of which was forfeited during his spell at the
Boleyn Ground. And he revealed how the practise of holding 'card schools'
during long away trips was eventually curtailed by the manager, once he
discovered the extent of the problem. "People were losing 15 or 20 grand in
one trip, which, looking back at it now, was absolutely ridiculous,"
Etherington told the KUMB Podcast's Chris Scull and James Longman in this
week's exclusive interview. "But it was what it was, it happened. "I think
Pardew saw the money that was being exchanged. We were bring five grand in
cash per person to every away trip. If someone wasn't winning and owed 15
grand, you'd say "can I have five off you?" - and jot it down. "As much as I
loved my time at West Ham and as much as I genuinely loved the club, at that
time I needed a change, to get out of London and just have a bit of time to
breath and sort my life out. Which, luckily, I did."

Etherington also revealed that he was asked to play in an important
relegation six-pointer against Charlton in February 2007 by Pardew's
successor Alan Curbishley - despite having spent the week before in the
Sporting Chance clinic, in a desperate attempt to get a grip on his
addiction. "It wasn't revealed in the press but I was in the clinic before
that game," he recalled. "I hadn't trained, I met the lads on the Saturday
and Curbs played me for some mad reason! I came off at half time as I didn't
know where I was or what I was doing. I wasn't in right frame of mind to be
playing but Curbs played me. We got beat 4-0. "On the whole, West Ham were
brilliant [to me]. But I'd been in the clinic the week leading up to that
Charlton game and Curbs said "I'm going to play you" - and I was like, "ok".
Looking back on it now, I probably shouldn't have played."

Now 34 and having retired as a professional, Etherington is taking his
coaching badges with view to returning to the game in the near future. He
also plans to release a book next summer which examines his addiction and
the problems it caused. "I was the best liar in the world," he admitted.
"I'm not proud to admit that, but I was. It's one of the most dangerous
addictions, I think. People would say 'alcoholism is an addiction, and
there's drug addiction, but gambling's not an addiction - why can't you just
stop?' "I always think that's such an ignorant way to look at it. It's an
illness, there's no doubting that. And it's a dangerous illness because you
can hide everything, tuck it away deep down and no-one has to know about
anything. "I'm releasing a book next summer and there's about a million
stories in there that you probably won't believe. It's quite shocking and
I've tried to block most of it out. But a big part of that was my last
couple of years at West Ham."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor returns - as fourth official
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st October 2015
By: Staff Writer

The man dubbed 'the worst referee ever' returns to the Boleyn Ground this
Saturday when West Ham face Chelsea in the weekend's big London derby.
Fortunately however, Anthony Taylor - who has come under heavy criticism
from Hammers fans in the past for some dreadful decisions - has only been
given the role as fourth official. Meanwhile West Ham's clash with the
mid-table Blues will be officiated by Jonathan Moss, who was last in east
London for United's 4-3 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth back in August.
Moss, who hails from West Yorkshire, has refereed just seven matches so far
this season, issuing 19 yellow cards and two red cards in the process. Prior
to the Bournemouth encounter game, Moss' last visit to the Boleyn was back
in May of this year when West Ham beat Burnley 1-0 courtesy of a Mark Noble
penalty - a goal that followed the harsh dismissal of Burnley's Michael
Duff.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LLDC release fresh OS contract details
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st October 2015
By: Staff Writer

The LLDC have unveiled further details regarding their agreement with West
Ham United for the Olympic Stadium. The London Legacy Development
Corporation were recently ordered by the information commissioner to
disclose some of the clauses that had been originally blacked out in their
200+ page Concession Agreement with the club. However a number of key
clauses - including that which reveals exactly what percentage of the
stadium's naming rights will go to West Ham - remain under embargo. The
revised public edition of 207 page document has revealed further details
regarding the agreement on the following pages: 8, 15, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25,
26, 49, 50, 57, 66, 69, 74, 75 and 91. You may view the document here.

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic chief executive Katrien Meire has revealed that
despite the concerns of some of the club's supporters, the Championship side
have few concerns regarding West Ham United's impending move. "I think we
have a very unique and different proposition from West Ham," she told News
Shopper. "At Charlton we have certain values that are not found in another
London club – we have a family club image with a big history where people
can come for an easy, affordably day out. ""The fans feel part of the club.
The players are accessible, the manager is accessible and you're very close
to the core of the club. West Ham will have a different kind of proposition,
I think. "At other Premier League games it's great, the football is great –
but you are just one of the thousands of people and you perhaps don't feel
as part of the community. "I don't blame West Ham for getting the deal of
the century – they had an opportunity and they went for it. I think it's the
government who need to think twice about what they've done."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham cool reports of Tottenham using Upton Park for one season
Last Updated: 21/10/15 9:59am
SSN

West Ham have moved to cool reports that Tottenham could play at Upton Park
for a season while White Hart Lane is redeveloped. Spurs are looking for a
stadium to call home for the 2017/18 season while they build their new
61,000-seater stadium, with Wembley believed to be the club's preferred
option. However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy claims Chelsea have offered a
four-year deal to land Wembley as their temporary home during their own
redevelopment of Stamford Bridge, putting Tottenham's chances of using the
national stadium in doubt. The north London club's contingency plan is MK
Dons' Stadium MK in Milton Keynes - more than 50 miles from Tottenham - and
Sky sources understand a deal has already been verbally agreed for its use.
But although Tottenham are still determined to share Wembley with Chelsea,
reports on Wednesday suggested Upton Park would be a possible solution
because of doubts about the planned demolition of the stadium to make way
for housing. West Ham will leave the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season
to move to the Olympic Stadium. But Hammers vice-chairman Karen Brady has
confirmed the club put a covenant on the ground which prevents any other
club using it as their home ground or playing matches there without West
Ham's permission. "Therefore, this categorically rules out any other
football team, including Tottenham Hotspur, from using the ground to play
football matches unless the Board of West Ham United gives them permission
to do so," read the statement.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS IT ANTONIO OR VALENCIA ON SATURDAY AND WHAT ABOUT THE U-21S?
By S J Chandos 21 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID

With Chelsea next up at Upton Park, obviously Victor Moses can not be
selected for a fixture against his parent club. As such, it opens up the
question of who will occupy Moses' usual berth out wide? There are arguably
two main candidates, Michail Antonio or Enner Valencia, so who would be the
best replacement for Moses? It might be tempting to go with Valencia, but it
has to be questioned whether the player is currently sufficiently match-fit
to start? He was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace and, although
he secured some useful match time for the U-21s on Monday evening, it is
more likely that Valencia will be on the bench. If that assessment of
situation is correct, then it is more than possible that Antonio will get
his first big team opportunity.

To date, Antonio has had 30 minutes match-time in the victory over
Manchester City. Indeed, some fans have expressed concern on social media
that Antonio had hitherto received so little first team exposure. So much
so, that Antonio obviously felt compelled to address the issue on twitter.
And I have to say that his response was level headed and encouraging.
Basically, Antonio recognised that he had to await his chance for a first
team chance and expressed his determination to grab it once it presents
itself. Indeed, the former Notts Forest winger has to make a significant
transition from Championship to Premier League football and it was always
likely that the process will commence in training and the U-21s. As Antonio
correctly states, the crucial thing is that he is ready to take his chance.
Do you remember Liverpool in their classic era of the 1970s and early 1980s?
They frequently signed promising players, who would serve their time in the
reserves and learn the Anfield playing style/tactics, before re-emerging at
first team level. Many future Liverpool stars underwent this period of
internal transition on joining the club. It was part and parcel of making
them Liverpool players and reinforcing the 'boot room' system that served
the Anfield club well for so many years.

Why would new players like Antonio not benefit from serving an induction in
playing the West Ham Way! (Say that with pride, because it does exist and it
is definitely coming back under Bilic). Especially considering the squad's
newly acquired strength-in-depth and much improved competition for places.
Essentially, any promising young player who signs must know that success
will come through knuckling down, impressing in training/the U-21s,
competing for a first team place and taking their chance when it comes. It
is exactly the ethos that fires football progression and success. And I am
very glad to say that it has finally been embedded at West Ham United.

There is a strong possibility that Antonio's patience, and dedication in
training, will be rewarded this Saturday. He has been kept on a short leash,
whilst Moses had impressed in the first team. Now could be his time. Only
Bilic and the coaching staff will know if he is ready, but his selection (as
a relatively unknown quantity) could help 'wrong foot' the reigning PL
champions. Perhaps Antonio's pace, power and goal scoring threat might prove
an important factor. We shall see? It would certainly add another dimension
to what is likely to be a great match. My prediction? A highly entertaining
4-3 Hammers victory! COYI !

Elsewhere, it is notable that the Development Squad notched its first
victory of the season in Monday evening's 4-0 victory over the Wolves U-21s.
The U-21s were augmented by the inclusion of regular first teamers Valencia
and Obiang (who both played the first 45 minutes), but there were also
plenty of our outstanding young talent on display, with the likes of Cullen,
Samuelson, Browne, Oxford and Onariase playing. Indeed, the match was a
timely reminder that we have another highly promising young centre-back
besides Oxford and Burke; and that is Manny Onariase, who formed a great
defensive partnership with Oxford. Onariase not only underlined his central
defensive credentials, but demonstrated his threat at set pieces, scoring
the second goal from an in-swinging Josh Cullen corner. While, Valencia
scored the opening goal, Browne the third and Samuelson (following up on a
saved Lee penalty) completed the rout with the fourth.

Hopefully, this will be the result that turns around the Development squad's
season. Next up on Monday, 26 September 2015, are the Fulham U-21s, at Upton
Park. Why not go along and check out the progress of our youngsters (and
watch a regular first teamer or two in the bargain)?

Which brings me to a website message that Iain recently received from WHTID
reader, Phil Fisher. Phil laments the lack of advanced information provided
by the club on the Development Squad and argues that improved attendances at
U-21 matches might just help improve results. He goes on to give the example
of the forthcoming tie against Exeter City in the U-21 Cup. How did Phil
(who lives in the South-west) actually find out about the tie? From the
South-West Hammers Club, who received notification from Exeter City! Phil
concludes by adding:

'Why does it take the opposition to call me about this? I'm not going to
travel 150 miles to watch them on a cold Tuesday night at Rush Green, but
living in the South-West means I would love to travel 40 minutes down the
road to Exeter and watch them in Cup action. Chances are there will be
nothing on the Club website until the day of the match, meaning it would be
too late for me to arrange childcare, etc, in order for me to attend the
match.'

'Hopefully Blogs like yours can make the Club wake up to this. There are
more West Ham fans outside of London than there are inside and it would be
great to know when our Youngsters were playing on our door step so we can
get out and support them.'
So, there you have it. Could the club please ensure that more advanced
information about U-21 matches is posted on the club's website. The club
also have an extensive supporter email database, why not use it to contact
fans in advance about forthcoming U-21 fixtures? Lets maximise the turn out
of support for the U-21s by ensuring that Hammers fans have the best
possible opportunity to attend, whether that is at home or away fixtures
around the country.

SJ. Chandos.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio – the big question on his future answered
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 21, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

Antonio"So what's going on with Antonio than?" If I've heard that question
once I've heard it at least 50 times on social media over the last few weeks
and already the conspiracy theories are starting. The big one of course is
that he's a David Sullivan signing that the manager didn't want and it's
untrue. There was, however, a debate about the player between the chairman
and the manager ahead of D-Day with the team chief explaining he needed 24
hours before deadline day to decide whether Michail was a £7 million
player. Once he had done so the chairman and Karren Brady got down to the
business of thrashing out the terms but there was always a background story.

With the Irons board flat out to secure their Premier League status ahead of
the OS move – relegation being totally unthinkable in their last Boleyn
season – they had already brought Victor Moses in a hugely expensive loan
deal.

At the time we revealed that the Chelsea player could cost as much as
£185,000 per game which, were he to play in every league game would see his
cost for one season soar to over £6 million plus National Insurance and
agents' fee. It works out as a very big deal indeed in WHUFC terms.
http://www.claretandhugh.info/exclusive-moses-costs-could-hit-185k-a-game/.

Antonio had been on the radar for some time but interest from other clubs
was intensifying and in the end we spent the£7 million in order to ensure he
was on board foe next season when Moses will be allowed to move back to
Chelsea hopefully with our gratitude.That deal took the club's spend to £35
million – £10 million more than had been in the original plan. Thus we now –
and more importantly Antonio – find ourselves in the middle of a waiting
period and I would guess that once we are safe from any threat of relegation
the midfielder will be blooded in a few games before he becomes the Moses
successor next season.

All of this will have been explained to him when terms were being discussed
along of course with the possibility that he will be launched into action
should, for example, Moses receive an injury. There's no conspiracies here,
just strategic long term planning …and it's very good to see.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Payet's delight at fans song in his honour
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Dimtri Payet appears to appreciate the new song to emerge from the Selhurst
Park away win last weekend. The French playmaker, who has scored five goals
and made three assists this season, has shown his appreciation by
re-tweeting fans videos of the song on twitter.
Those links have been re-tweeted and copied on social media tens of
thousands of times as the song goes viral in West Ham communities.
This is the first song in a long time which has such a catchy tune and has
broken away from the terraces to make it mainstream among Irons supporters.
Many say they can't get the tune out of their head since the weekend and it
looks certain to be sung at The Boleyn ground this Saturday when the Hammers
take on Chelsea. Claret and Hugh Associate editor Sean Whetstone created a
10 minute audio version of the song which he uploaded and tagged Payet on
twitter. This was re-tweeted by the player himself and has viewed and played
more than 22,000 times. If you haven't heard it yet it can be played before.
Enjoy!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham OS interior designs revealed
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

West Ham Vice Chairman Karren Brady have given us a glimpse of design ideas
to make the Olmpci Stadium feel and look like West Ham's home next season.
lady Brady tweeted out "looking at designs for the interior of our new
stadium. my team have done fantastic job in putting images together."

The designs include Claret coloured toilets with crossed hammers and the
words 'Come On You Irons' above it. Another picture shows a massive Claret
and Blue shirt with the word Moore and the number 6 hung above the entrance
to the stairs to the upper stands from the concourse. Another image shows
the new West Ham crest with sky blue bubbles and the words "They fly so
high" on a Claret background.

The design images also include to confirm clever use of Claret and Blue
lighting in the concourse of both the Sir Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore
stands.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song ready to "play football he likes to play"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 21, 2015 in News
C and H

Alex Song can't wait to get back into action "playing the football I like to
play." The midfielder strayed no further into sensitive areas talking to the
official site but made it clear he can't wait to play alongside, Dimitri
Payet, Manu Lanzine, Mark Noble, Cheik Kouyate, Diafra Sakho and the other
lads. He said: "We are playing the football I like to play and I am very
happy. It will be a pleasure to come back and join the guys, because they
are playing the way I like to play. "I am very happy to be here and see them
play that way. I want to come back and for us to enjoy our football
together."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jamie's memory defies Harry's quote
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Fair play to Jamie Redknapp – he has a very long memory, one that goes back
to beyond the days when he was inside his Mum's womb. For according to the
Sky TV pundit – born in 1973 – he has always believed in the West Ham Way,
which according to his father applied only to Ron Greenwood's days back in
the sixties, several years before Jamie was around. He was actually born in
1973 and perhaps started understanding this stuff at around 1980 – aided
presumably by his old man Today he told the Daily Mail:"I grew up supporting
West Ham and always believed in the 'West Ham way.'" However, Harry has a
different 'take' on the issue and claims such an Academy approach to things
probably has changed since those days over five decades ago. He told
www.kicca.com recently: : "They talk about the Academy but that was a long,
long, long, long time ago that West Ham played this wonderful football that
everyone talks about. "We're talking about Ron Greenwood's days probably and
in those days he had three players who played in a World Cup Final so it
wasn't difficult to play fantastic football. But also where did they finish
in them years… bottom half of the league even with three World Cup players."

Thanks Harry – NEXT

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammers help Seagulls promotion push
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Former Hammers Bobby Zamora and Sam Baldock helped Brighton and Hove to a
2-1 comeback against Bristol City in the Championship. Brighton top the
championship table with 28 points after 12 games in their push for promotion
to the Premier League.

Zamora scored a late winner as Brighton came from behind to beat Bristol
City and maintain their unbeaten start in the Championship. The substitute
fired a low 15-yard shot into the right corner eight minutes from time,
moments after coming on. Another former Hammer Sam Baldock tapped home
Bruno's right-wing cross after the break to level before Zamora's late
winner.

It was Bobby Zamora's second goal for the Seagulls scoring an impressive two
in two in less than a week. Bobby Zamora came on a substitute last week and
scored his first goal for Brighton since returning to the club to give the
Championship leaders a late win at Leeds.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FORMER ENGLAND MANAGER CONCERNED WITH REECE OXFORD
By Joe Barnbrook 1 hour ago R

Speaking to talkSPORT, former England U21 manager Stuart Pearce has said of
his frustration over youngster Reece Oxford not travelling with England to
the U17 World Cup, which is taking place in Chile. The promising Hammers
defender has appeared three times in the Premier League this season, most
notably on the opening day against Arsenal, and has previously captained
England in the qualifying stages of the tournament. However, the 16-year-old
will play no part in the three-week long tournament, 'due to concerns over
fatigue'.

Pearce himself made 78 appearances for the national team, and is a firm
believer that for England to win senior competitions, they must first win
something at a junior level. "For me, as I have said many, many times
before, the key to winning something at senior level is winning something at
these junior tournaments. "What an experience this is for any young player.
A life experience, not just a footballing experience. A World Cup in Chile –
that is a life experience. "If he is playing in West Ham's first team week
after week I would say, 'I can't understand it, but OK, fine'. But if he is
not even in the West Ham squad, wowee. "Where is your progression, a) as a
man and b) as a footballer? "He might have been up for the captaincy and
captaining your country in Chile is a better life experience and a better
footballing experience for him to progress in football than staying at West
Ham and possibly being on the bench or not being in the squad."

Earlier this month West Ham manager Slaven Bilic also spoke on the
situation."Reece is an exceptional talent that we have to nurture. And we
need him in the first team," said Bilic. "We have made a long-term plan for
him to not to affect his body and his development. If we let him go for one
and a half months or whatever, it's no good." It is unclear as to when
Oxford will next feature for the Hammers in the first team, however it is
undoubted how highly-rated he is at Upton Park. As for the Young Lions out
in South America, their chances of getting out of the group do not look
great after a draw to Guinea and a 1-0 defeat to Brazil. Next up are current
group-toppers South Korea.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Plans to turn West Ham's ground into housing are set to be thrown out
West Ham are set to leave Upton Park and move to the Olympic Stadium at the
end of this season
Plans to turn Upton Park into a residential scheme are set to be thrown out
Clause in West Ham's sale of Upton Park to developer Galliard dictates club
do not have to leave it fit to host football
But Tottenham are unable to move in because of a covenant in place
By ALEX MILLER FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 16:44, 20 October 2015 | UPDATED: 10:24, 21 October 2015

Plans to demolish West Ham's stadium and replace it with a residential
scheme are set to be thrown out by councillors - but there is no chance of
Spurs moving in. West Ham are leaving Upton Park at the end of the season to
move to the Olympic Stadium, when it was thought the old ground would be
knocked down and redeveloped. However, earlier this year, Newham Council
said proposals submitted last year by developer Galliard Homes to provide
just six per cent of 838 homes as affordable – with none as social rented -
were unacceptable. And now, planners are recommending refusal of a revised
offer to increase the proportion of affordable homes to 22 per cent. In a
report set to go before the council's strategic development committee,
planners said the proposed redevelopment of the Boleyn Ground by BUJ
Architects failed to meet policy requiring new developments of more than 10
to include 35 per cent to 50 per cent affordable housing. Last year Spurs
failed with an ambitious bid to buy Upton Park from West Ham. Spurs chairman
Daniel Levy wanted to purchase the ground for the 2016-17 season. However,
Spurs are unable to move in once West Ham leave because of a convenant
signed by the east London club to stop their rivals making it their
temporary home while their new ground is built.

A West Ham statement read: 'Following a story published online on Tuesday
evening which stated Tottenham Hotspur could use the Boleyn Ground after
West Ham have moved out, vice-chairman Karren Brady would like to confirm
that, as a condition of the sale, she put a covenant on the ground which
prevents any other football club from using it as their home ground or
playing matches there without the express permission of West Ham United.
'Therefore, this categorically rules out any other football team, including
Tottenham Hotspur, from using the ground to play football matches unless the
Board of West Ham United gives them permission to do so.' The Hammers will
take key components of their stadium with them to Stratford, with a clause
of their sale to Galliard dictating that they do not have to leave it in a
fit state to host football. Spurs' failed bid and Chelsea's determination
not to share Wembley with them has increased the chance that Spurs would
have to temporarily leave London for Milton Keynes - a move that hasn't gone
down well with many supporters. The council and Galliard are also known to
be aware of the growing interest in NFL and the potential for the Boleyn
Ground to host other sporting activities such as rugby union, rugby league
and cricket. In the planning application it says that although Galliard have
not approached a new tenant they 'consider that the Boleyn Ground would be
an appealing prospect as a sporting venue.' Sources close to West Ham
insist the future of Upton Park is a matter for Newham Council and Galliard
to sort out, but they hope a solution can be found to suit both parties. The
club is eager for the site to serve the local community and that the legacy
of West Ham in the area is protected. The club turned down bigger offers to
ensure this was the case. Galliard refused to comment on the possibility of
Upton Park being used for football or other sports after next summer. A
statement on behalf of Galliard Homes and Barratt London, said: 'Galliard
Homes and Barratt London can confirm that they are working together
regarding the potential redevelopment of the existing West Ham football
ground, following the club's relocation to the former Olympic Stadium in
readiness for the 2016/2017 football season. Knight Frank is advising.'

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic – Keeping the front men on-side?
Posted on October 21, 2015 by Headmaster
Claret & Blues.com

The competition for places demarcates the quality of a squad and the
ambition of a football club. It is well documented that, in terms of depth,
few of us can recall a West Ham United squad that had greater quality than
the present playing staff employees of this great football club. For that,
even this oft' critical blogger will pay respect and gratitude towards
Messrs Sullivan and Gold who, at long last, seem to have struck upon a
winning strategy and a more successful recruitment policy.

In no area is the competition for places greater than up front. It is not so
long ago that we could hardly have dreamt of a side that could include
players such as Sakho, Valencia, Carroll, Valencia, supported by an
attacking midfield with the creativity and energy of Payet, Lanzini, Zarate,
Kouyate and with promising signings like Antonio yet to really feature and
Alex Song soon to return to fitness, this particular manager has a headache
that, to be fair to him, Allardyce never even had to remotely face.

It is up top that intrigues me as much as any area and I'd be interested in
your thoughts.

Here are mine:

It seems to me that in most games, we are likely to play just one out and
out striker and I think that is likely to be Sakho. Sakho is a kind of Cole
but with pace and guile, not to mention the ability to make intelligent
runs, bring others into play and find the back of the opposition net
occasionally. I think that the work he put in, for example, at Crystal
Palace last weekend was exemplary and contributed in no small part to the
way in which others were able to ultimately exploit the Palace rear-guard as
they inevitably tired. I think he's a class act.

I loved the way in which Bilic used Carroll on Saturday and I believe that
this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. I am not a huge fan,
it has to be said and I differ from the contention of many that AC has this
great ball playing ability and is, "on his day, unplayable". That last part
may be true but it is the question around how many of 'his days' we are
likely to see anytime soon? In any event, I just don't see Slaven starting
Carroll as a first choice lone front man at the moment. Coming on at around
70 minutes and imposing himself physically seems to me to be an ideal use of
Andy's talents just now. Will this be enough for the big man, previously the
plan A, B and C of the previous gaffer? Remains to be seen. Personally, it
would not surprise me to see his exodus in the January window.

Jelavic? Squad player, surely? He got on for a few minutes on Saturday but
I'd be surprised to see him feature very much. I think his best days are
behind him and, whilst he adds depth and 'will do' in a crisis, or an
exceptional situation like Saturday's where we can afford to throw the
kitchen sink at the thing, I think his game time will be limited. 3rd round
away to Barnsley on a January Sunday morning perhaps, in the FA cup? (No,
that was a few years ago – don't remind me!)

So, for me the real question is over the returning Enner Valencia. After a
great start to last season, he has been asked to play out wide and
unimpressed on more than a few occasions. Bought as an out and out striker,
he is the one player that I am worried we need to find a profitable role for
if we are to retain him but I'm just not sure where that is likely to be
given our approach with essentially supports the lone front man with
attacking midfield flair.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com




---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

Daily WHUFC News - 21st October 2015

Stat Attack - Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com

Saturday's victory at Crystal Palace was notable for another fine attacking
performance from two of the Hammers' summer arrivals. But while Dimitri
Payet will attract most of the headlines after notching his fifth Barclays
Premier League goal of the season, it was perhaps a player who goes a little
more under the radar who was the biggest driver behind the victory. Manuel
Lanzini has been in outstanding form since breaking into Slaven Bilic's
starting line-up in late August and football statistics website
WhoScored.com had him as Man of the Match at Selhurst Park with a rating of
9.4. It was close to perfection from the No28, who scored the crucial second
goal with just two minutes remaining and then laid on Dimitri Payet's
game-sealing third in stoppage time. Lanzini has shown a useful knack of
popping up in the right place at the right time to net important goals – he
marked his Hammers debut with a strike at Astra Giurgiu in the UEFA Europa
League, followed that with a goal on his full Premier League debut against
Liverpool and then secured all three points on Saturday. It was a
performance of the highest class from Lanzini, who attempted 90 passes in
the game – the most by a West Ham player since Mark Noble made 92 passes
against Aston Villa in November 2011. The Jewel, as he was nicknamed in his
native Argentina before heading abroad to play his club football in the
Middle East a year ago, completed 93 percent of those passes to help keep
the Hammers ticking as an attacking force against the Eagles. He also made a
game-high six dribbles, took on four shots and attempted three tackles in a
90 minutes that really showed his value to the team.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins thrilled with winning return
WHUFC.com

James Collins was thrilled to mark his return to the starting eleven with
three points at Crystal Palace on Saturday. The defender has had to be
patient as he waited for his chance this season, but a minor injury to
Winston Reid saw him partner James Tomkins at Selhurst Park and help the
Hammers to a hard-earned three points. Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet
struck late on to see off Palace by a 3-1 scoreline and give Collins even
more reason to celebrate following Wales' qualification for Euro 2016. He
said: "It was amazing to be back in the starting line-up. The Gaffer told me
on Thursday, Friday when I got back from Wales that I'd be playing and I was
excited from then. "It's been a long time since I started a Premier League
game and to be on the winning side is great. "It's been a great couple of
weeks – I'm still celebrating and on the crest of a wave! Hopefully it can
continue for a long time. "We had to work hard for the three points on
Saturday. We knew it was going to be a tough game because Palace have been
playing very well. "We matched them at the start and then obviously got the
goal. We were unfortunate to then concede a penalty but we're delighted with
the three points as always away from home. "It didn't look like it was
coming the later it goes, but we've got quality in the attacking areas so if
we kept on giving them the ball we knew we'd score. Luckily we did."

West Ham have now won four of their five away games in the league this
season – a sign for Collins that this season's squad is well balanced. He
added: "Manuel has been tremendous – him and Dimitri are both flair players
who can create chances and score goals. Both of them are doing unbelievably
for us. "We've got boys who work hard and get behind the ball. We defend
well and the lads up front score goals. So anywhere we go we know that if we
defend well we'll create chances."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley pleased with deserved victory
WHUFC.com

Academy manager Terry Westley praised the team spirit within the U21s as
they recorded their first win of the season in emphatic style with a 4-0 win
over Wolverhampton Wanderers U21. Enner Valencia opened the scoring in the
first half with a neatly taken poked finish before second half goals from
Manny Onariase, Marcus Browne and Martin Samuelsen completed the rout.
Speaking after the game, Westley reflected: "It's good to get that monkey
off our backs for sure. Seven games without a win would have been very
tough. "We had a strong team with the two boys from the first team in the
first half. Credit to them with the way they played the game, they took it
seriously and properly committed to it. Enner scored a great goal to give us
the lead."

As planned, Valencia and Pedro Obiang played the first 45 minutes before
being replaced by youngster Marcus Browne and George Dobson, both of whom
Westley signed out for praise: "It was a real team effort, and that includes
the two subs George Dobson and Marcus Browne who did well off the bench.
"They came on at 1-0 and it finished 4-0 so credit to them. It was nice for
Marcus to get his first goal for the U21s, he's been through a tough time
recently and so it was extra special. Not just his goal but he was really
driving at the defence when he picked it up. He's a very talented boy, and
if he applied himself every week, he's got a real chance."

Up next for the young Hammers is another home tie – against Fulham on Monday
26 September – at the Boleyn Ground, kick off 7pm. Looking ahead to the
fixture with the Cottagers, Westley said: "We're always setting staff and
players new challenges whatever the circumstances but now we're trying to
win two games in a row. We play Fulham next week at home and hopefully we'll
perform like we did today. "We want to get wins and kick on with the season
but also play good football at the same time. That's the ultimate challenge,
there's a bigger picture and that's what were committed too. These players
need to fight their way into a top six Premier League, it's a hard task but
that's what we're striving for. "Giving each player good habits it where it
all starts, and that's what it's about."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins thrilled with winning return
WHUFc.com

James Collins was thrilled to mark his return to the starting eleven with
three points at Crystal Palace on Saturday. The defender has had to be
patient as he waited for his chance this season, but a minor injury to
Winston Reid saw him partner James Tomkins at Selhurst Park and help the
Hammers to a hard-earned three points. Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet
struck late on to see off Palace by a 3-1 scoreline and give Collins even
more reason to celebrate following Wales' qualification for Euro 2016. He
said: "It was amazing to be back in the starting line-up. The Gaffer told me
on Thursday, Friday when I got back from Wales that I'd be playing and I was
excited from then. "It's been a long time since I started a Premier League
game and to be on the winning side is great. "It's been a great couple of
weeks – I'm still celebrating and on the crest of a wave! Hopefully it can
continue for a long time. "We had to work hard for the three points on
Saturday. We knew it was going to be a tough game because Palace have been
playing very well. "We matched them at the start and then obviously got the
goal. We were unfortunate to then concede a penalty but we're delighted with
the three points as always away from home. "It didn't look like it was
coming the later it goes, but we've got quality in the attacking areas so if
we kept on giving them the ball we knew we'd score. Luckily we did."

West Ham have now won four of their five away games in the league this
season – a sign for Collins that this season's squad is well balanced. He
added: "Manuel has been tremendous – him and Dimitri are both flair players
who can create chances and score goals. Both of them are doing unbelievably
for us. "We've got boys who work hard and get behind the ball. We defend
well and the lads up front score goals. So anywhere we go we know that if we
defend well we'll create chances."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Onariase delighted with a hat-trick of firsts
WHUFc.com

West Ham United defender Manny Onariase spoke of his delight at his side's
4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers following a dominant performance at
Rush Green. The victory – the young Hammers' first of the campaign – was
particularly special for the towering defender who opened his account for
the season, by bundling home Josh Cullen's in-swinging corner. Speaking
after the match, a clearly delighted Onariase beamed: "We're all buzzing;
it's been a long time coming. We deserved it because we've been working
really hard recently. "We had a real togetherness and everyone worked hard
for each other. We did everything collectively."

The south Londoner, who celebrates his 19th birthday on Wednesday, claimed
an early present as it was not clear whether the last touch came off a
Wolves' defender. Having seen a replay, Onariase wasted no time in taking
full responsibility: "I'm definitely claiming that goal! I had three good
chances before that so this one was bound to go in. I was pleased to see it
go over the line. "Myself and Reece (Oxford) are always the targets from
corners and set pieces, the ball just seemed to end up with me all the time.
"This win is very important for confidence, after other games we've been
getting down because we put the work in, the performances but not the
results. That's always hard to accept but its good we finally broke through
that. That will give us the confidence we need in future games."

On a night of positives for the Hammers, which saw Enner Valencia break the
deadlock with a neat turn and finish on his return to full fitness, the Dev
Squad also secured their first clean sheet of the campaign. "It was very
important to get the first clean sheet of the season too. Terry (Westley)
always says how important they are, if we don't win matches then at least we
won't lose them. That's something we've been missing all season. We've got
to build on this now. "I'd say today was up there with one of the best
performances of the season but I actually think we've played and lost."

Up next for the Hammers is another home game – against London rivals Fulham
at the Boleyn Ground on Monday 26 September. The Cottagers have started the
season brightly and currently find themselves sixth in the Barclays U21
Premier League Division Two. Looking ahead to the tough encounter, Onariase
is confident his side will match their performance against Wolves: "It was a
good performance and a much needed morale boost; we will build on from
there. "We're all looking forward to the next game against Fulham next
Monday."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview
WHUFC.com

Alex Song has been working immensely hard on his fitness after a spell out
injured following summer surgery. The midfielder is nearing a first-team
comeback as two former Barcelona teammates prepare to visit the Boleyn
Ground with Chelsea on Saturday. Song spoke to whufc.com ahead of another
London derby, with West Ham United seeking to continue their outstanding
start to the Barclays Premier League season.

Alex, you know many of the Chelsea squad and they are better than eleventh
in the table, surely?

"They had a very bad start this season, but it doesn't mean they have lost
all the quality in their team. They won their last game at home and will
come here trying to get a good result,

"We are in good spirits as well, so we don't want to lose any points. This
is a very big game, Chelsea have very good players, and if we play like we
are playing away, then we have nothing to worry about and we can continue to
improve at this time."

When you decided to return to West Ham, you must have seen a stronger squad,
but did you expect us to be this strong?

"I have been watching the guys and they are doing very well. I think we are
stronger and the way we are playing is fantastic football. We just have to
play the same way we are playing away, at home, because it is not very good
to drop points at home.

"It is very important to get the points at home. When I watch the guys play,
I want to come back to help them, because at the age of 28 this is the first
time in my career that I have a bad injury. In ten years, I didn't have
anything.

"I just want to help the Club and bring my play and my fitness. I'm very
happy with the way we are playing and with my progress, so now I am just
waiting to come back to the pitch."

Are you genuinely excited to be part of a West Ham team playing with such
style?

"Yes, I am! I am looking forward a lot to coming back to play alongside
Lanzini, Payet, Noble, Cheikhou, Diaf and the whole squad!

"We are playing the football I like to play and I am very happy. It will be
a pleasure to come back and join the guys, because they are playing the way
I like to play.

"I am very happy to be here and see them play that way. I want to come back
and for us to enjoy our football together."

This Saturday, we welcome your former Barcelona teammates Cesc Fabregas and
Pedro to the Boleyn Ground. What threat will they bring?

"Cesc is one of the best midfielders in the world. He is a very clever guy.
When you give him room, he can give good final balls to the striker for them
to finish. We know Chelsea have top quality players and we have to work hard
to stop them.

"Pedro is an unbelievable player and one the best players in the world in
his position. When I was in Barcelona I spent two years with him and he is a
fantastic player. The way he plays, we have to be careful because he is very
quick, he can turn left or right, he has good vision and he scores a lot of
goals.

"We have to be focused and play very well and not give any room to anyone.
We are in a very good place at the moment and we have to work hard and not
make any mistakes, because if we do one mistake, we will be punished."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

I cannot remember seeing the team have such a such a strong start to the
season away from home. The great thing is that we are scoring goals and the
3-1 victory over Crystal Palace means we have now scored 12 goals in just
five games. We managed to score three at Liverpool and two goals at both
Arsenal and Manchester City so it has been a very good start. I am sure the
supporters would have been impressed once again by the performance from
Manuel Lanzini against Palace. We knew he was a fantastic player. Before he
went to the UAE he was regarded as the next Messi in Argentina. We see him
more as a Luka Modric who scores goals. He is improving with every game as
he becomes match fit. He could turn out to be very special. Every single one
of the main signings have made a contribution and over the season we will
need them all.
We now have another big game against Chelsea on Saturday and the bookies
make us 7/2 to win. Chelsea are 9/10 on. I think the odds on us are generous
with Chelsea travelling to Ukraine to play in the Champions League. I would
like to thank the supporters for their magnificent support. We have not done
as well as I would have hoped at home, but with their support we can turn
that around. It's a long season and there are 29 games to go, hopefully we
can make it a very special season. We are the second highest goalscorers in
the Premier League and proud of the great football we are playing.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dimitri Payet STILL Europe's most creative player
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Dimitri Payet is still the most creative player in Europe,
according to current statistics. The Hammers were happy to pay close to
£11million in the summer to sign the French midfielder after he topped last
season's charts for being the continent's most creative player from the top
five leagues (Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue One, La Liga and Serie A).
And according to a survey on oulala.com, Payet is once again topping the
charts in 2015/ 16 having provided a total of 35 'key' passes - four more
than his closest rival, Arsenal's Mesut Ozil. That's one every 23 minutes or
so, averaging out at 3.9 per match. The list consists of five Premier League
players, with Santi Cazorla (27 passes), Eden Hazard (26) and Dusan Tadic
(24) all some way behind West Ham's talisman. The remaining five names -
Ryad Boudebouz, Sofiane Boufal, Wahbi Khazri, Abdelaziz Barrada and Thomas
Mangani - all feature in France's top flight. Payet also recorded the most
number of key passes last weekend, with six in the 3-1 win against Crystal
Palace - a game in which he also scored his fifth goal of the season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer critical of Ox omission
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th October 2015
By: Staff Writer

Former West Ham United defender Stuart Pearce has accused the club of
hurting England's chances in the Under 17s World Cup Finals by refusing to
allow Reece Oxford to join the travelling party.

The 16-year-old centre half has played a bit part in three of West Ham's
Premier League fixtures so far this season, but hasn't featured since
replacing Manuel Lanzini as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Liverpool
at Anfield at the end of August.

And Pearce - who spent two years at the Boleyn Ground between 1999 and 2001
- believes West Ham's stance will seriously affect the nation's chances of
succeeding in Chile.

"What an experience this is for any young player," Pearce told Talksport. "A
life experience, not just a footballing experience. A World Cup in Chile -
that is a life experience

"If he is playing in West Ham's first team week after week I would say, 'I
can't understand it, but OK, fine'. But if he is not even in the West Ham
squad, wowee. Where is your progression, a) as a man and b) as a footballer?

"He might have been up for the captaincy and captaining your country in
Chile is a better life experience and a better footballing experience for
him to progress in football than staying at West Ham and possibly being on
the bench or not being in the squad."

West Ham have not explained their reasons for refusing Oxford permission to
take part, although the club's senior players have been constantly
overlooked by manager Roy Hodgson.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THINGS WE LEARNED AFTER CRYSTAL PALACE
By Blind Hammer 20 Oct 2015 at 17:00
WTID

Blind Hammer examines what lessons can be learnt from the Palace result.

1. We confirmed that we are a team with players that opponents fear. I
am willing to bet now, if I was a betting man, that West Ham will continue
to benefit from teams having players sent off for the rest of the season.
Alan Pardew moaned that Palace were unlucky to have Gale sent off. Palace
was not unlucky nor was West Ham lucky. Just as Sunderland were not unlucky
to have Jeremain Lens sent off against us in the previous game. The sending
off in both cases had nothing to do with luck but in both circumstances the
consequence of the pressure that the West Ham midfield was exerting and the
fear of Payet that opposition teams have in particular. Without the pressure
our midfield was exerting neither Lens nor Gale would have felt compelled to
make the desperate challenges they made. Not since the days of a rampaging
Devonshire and gliding Brooking have we placed such dominant game pressure
on teams.

2. This change is not just about midfield pressure but also arises from
our new style of play. We will continue to win free kicks in matches. The
ball playing characteristics of the current team style inevitably draws more
challenges and fouls. It is rather less likely that fouls will be awarded if
we were relying simply on floated long balls up for Carroll and Sacko to
battle for possession. With the floated long ball it is just as likely that
Carroll and Sacko will concede rather than win free kicks.

3. We have more than one match changer and match winner. Apart from the
obvious talents of Payet, Lanzini is proving a hot potato.

4. We have strength from the bench. The winner on Saturday was born out
of interventions from the bench; Mauro Zárate's made several telling
interventions, including his floated cross which allowed Carroll to power
over a tiring defence to set up Lanzini's winner . I cannot recall a time in
recent history where West Ham have had the ability to call on players of
such match winning calibre from the bench.

5. West Ham continues to defy Mark Lawrenson's predictions. Yet again
he confidently predicted a Palace victory, at heart he is still unable to
believe that the results against Arsenal Liverpool and Manchester City were
anything but flukes. This has come on top of his patronising so called
"fear" that West Ham would be relegated, and his assertion after the
Liverpool game that Liverpool had been beaten by a team that "was not very
good".

6. Slaven Bilic was proved right of his critique of Match of the Day.
Despite their recent protestations they were yet again wearily predictable
by devoting the entire lead front running time on the program once more to
Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United. The post-match analysis was
almost exclusively concentrated on these "big" teams. . The only surprise is
that Crystal Palace versus West Ham managed to squeeze ahead of Chelsea v
Aston Villa.

7. James Collins continues to defy people writing him off. In the early
stages of the commentary on BBC London Collins was identified as a "slow"
weakness at the heart of the West Ham defence. This assessment died away as
the match continues.

It is exciting times to be a Hammer. The severe test of Chelsea awaits us on
Saturday. A positive result is by no means certain. Yet potentially Bilic
may be the grave digger for José Mourinho's Managerial career at Chelsea in
much the same way he did for Steve McClaren whilst Manager of England.

A win against Chelsea would certainly start to make people like Lawrenson
sit up and take notice.

COYI

David Griffith

As well as

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN AGAINST CHELSEA? IT'S ANYONE'S GAME
By Bobby Shovels 20 Oct 2015 at 08:00
WTID

I'll admit that I did not expect the result against Crystal Palace: it was
the sort of game you dread because you expect us to have a crack at after
our previous successes on the road, but the game against Sunderland cast a
lot of doubt. Yes, they were down to ten men, but at least this time we
managed to break them down compared to failing to do so against the Black
Cats. 24 shots on goal and only four on target? That could be seen in a
negative light, but I don't care. The three points matter more. We can talk
all about the West Ham way, the legacy Allardyce and the coming of Bilic:
what this club needs more than anything ahead of the "Big Move" is points,
points and more points.


The question now is: what the hell is going to happen this Saturday against
Chelsea, unanimously tipped to retain their title by the media ahead of the
season and yet now sitting on 11 points from 9 matches? This weekend's clash
has shades of that famous 3-1 Allardyce win in its build-up. Back then,
Chelsea were on a dip of form, with Benitez's new team not having scored in
his first two games in charge and defeat at Upton Park extending the Blues'
winless run in the league to seven matches. On the other side, West Ham were
enjoying a confident start to the new season having just been promoted, and
in that first season back the Hammers hardly ever had to worry about the
fear of relegation.

So, another West Ham win? Well, it's never that simple. It's notable that
there is a direct correlation between Aston Villa's loss against an
out-of-sorts Chelsea last week and West Ham's two losses so far this season:
a high number of individual errors. Chelsea's victory against Villa was not
overwhelming and they capitalised on Tim Sherwood's sides sloppiness. The
Bournemouth and Leicester performances were riddled with mistakes, and Mark
Noble's suicidal back pass against Norwich City could have ended up costing
us dear.

So, we cannot repeat those same mistakes again. I may sound like a stuck
record, but that defence has to tighten up against Chelsea. Jose Mourinho's
side need a good run of form if they want to finish in the top four or even
attempt an unlikely title defence. Villa's mistakes will have galvanised the
side and given them some much needed belief after so much recent turmoil and
scandal. They will know that we only have four points from 12 at home, a
home record even worse than theirs (albeit they have played one more game at
home).

We know where our strengths are – mainly on the break – and Chelsea's
defence has hardly been a thing of beauty this season. However, with
Ivanovic now out and Baba and Zouma stepping up, there is a freshness to the
side after Mourinho spending so long using the same starting eleven. Now,
the Chelsea boss admitted his side were far from at their best against Villa
and that they still lack confidence. Compare that to West Ham's combination
of a good start but a weak run at home, and well, where do you put your
money?

Mourinho said that Chelsea aren't going to go from in crisis to brilliance
straight away: Villa were the perfect opposition to enable them to get back
to winning ways and start their presumable slow march up the table. The
question is what kind of form and confidence they will be in come Saturday,
and whether West Ham will buck their trend of failing to perform at home.
What may help the Hammers is the luxury of a week to prepare while Chelsea
have a mid-week Champions League tie where they need a good result.

This is as a good a chance as any to beat Chelsea and repeat that glorious
December afternoon in 2012, but there are so many variables in the mix in an
already brilliantly topsy turvy unpredictable season, it is hard to know how
this match will turn out. Regardless, it should once again be a classic, and
in the last West Ham v Chelsea match at the Boleyn, that's all I ask.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole revelling chance to play regular football at Coventry City
By Rob Dorsett, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 20/10/15 9:16am
SSN

Sky Sports News HQ reporter Rob Dorsett discovers the buzz around Coventry
City after their capture of Joe Cole on a 35-day emergency loan. "After the
posh hotels he's used to, I daren't tell Joe that we travel to away matches
on the day of the game!" So said a Coventry City official to me, as we
arrived to interview new loan signing, Joe Cole. "To be honest, I doubt
he'll be too upset about missing out on an overnight stay in Rochdale!"
quipped another.

It is an extraordinary tale. One excited fan told me Cole is the biggest
signing for the Sky Blues since Robbie Keane 16 years ago. That view offers
some perspective. The man has West Ham (twice), Chelsea, Liverpool, Lille
and Aston Villa on his CV, and now he's dropping two divisions in the search
for a style of football that suits him. "You're a long-time retired in this
game, so I just want to go and play some football," said Cole. "Aston Villa
have signed a lot of players in my position of late, so it was proving
difficult for me to get any football. My agent and I spoke about the type of
club I could go to, I had a chat with the gaffer here and his staff and he
really impressed me. "I need to compete. I need to have that challenge on a
Tuesday and a Saturday, need to get some games into my legs because it's
been a long time since I've played a run of games."

Cole did have the opportunity to play at a higher level than Coventry can
offer him, but he turned those clubs down in favour of a spell at the Ricoh
Arena. "I had the chance to go out on loan in the Championship, or abroad,"
he explains. "Do I want to go to a Championship club that is maybe hoofing
it, and struggling at the wrong end of the table, or go to a team like
Coventry that plays football in the right way, has a load of young players
that I can help with my experience, and enjoy myself? "I've had a lot of
injuries in the last couple of years - loads of niggles, which has
interrupted me a lot. It's difficult when you get into that routine of
training all week, but not playing games. But I've made a few changes in my
training and preparation, so I feel stronger and fitter and ready. You can
only get properly fit by playing matches, so hopefully I'll get that chance
now."

At 33, Cole is thinking longer term about what his life might look like once
he's retired. For some, the sight of Joe Cole in League One is tinged with
regret. But why? "Here, there's also the option of picking up experience in
the Leagues for when I go into coaching, and I feel I can learn a lot from
the gaffer here. "I've been lucky enough to play for some of the very best
teams in the world, when they were at their peak. But I've also played for
teams battling relegation, so I've had a broad experience of football,
albeit only at the top level. So this is something new for me, but I'm
joining a great bunch of lads. Hopefully after 35 days we'll still be up
there, and maybe even a bit stronger."

So what did his new team-mates make of him, a man who has won 56 caps for
England, as he walked into the changing room at the Sky Blue Lodge in Ryton
for training on Monday morning?
"I like to think I'm easy going - there's no ego from me. It's what I love.
I can't bear the thought of waking up and not going into a club each
morning, hearing the banter from the lads.
"When you step over that white line, it doesn't matter what you've done in
the past. It's 11 against 11. And the boys here seem a good bunch, who play
good football."

Cole has played 60 minutes of football in total this season - against Notts
County in the Capital One Cup - and has only made Aston Villa's matchday
squad for a Premier League game three times, but he's looking no further
forward than the chance to make his Coventry debut against Rochdale. "I'm
excited," he added. "I've played a lot of U21s football recently, and I
don't think it's good for the development of English football. You can play
20 U21 matches and not learn as much as a few games of proper competitive
football at this level. "Young kids will learn much more playing against
guys who it really matters to - guys who need to win a contract to pay their
mortgage. It's much more competitive, if you ask me. You need to experience
coming up against someone who is going to kick you - this isn't a tickling
contest. It's tough. And the kids need to learn that. I'm really looking
forward to it."

For a man who has won three Premier League titles and two FA Cups - it's a
refreshing attitude that highlights his love of the game.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Palace defender admits Sakho's a nightmare
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

ClaretandHugh's chief analyst Leroy Rosenior has been saying it for weeks
—Diafra Sakho is a nightmare for defenders. Discussing the striker in a
recent blog, Lee explained that it was Sakho's running and work in the
channels that was opening up the space for Manu Lanzini and Dimi Payet to
produce the creative business. And now virtually word for word a player on
the receiving end of it against Crystal Palace has repeated our man's words
almost down to the last syllable. Defender Damian Delaney – appearing on Sky
Sports' Goals on Sunday explained how impressed he'd been with Sak's
relentless approach on Saturday. The centre-back said Sakho's willingness
"to run the channels" is what creates the space for the more creative
players in the team to express themselves. He said: "The boy they have
up-front, Sakho, is relentless in his running. He runs down the sides and he
stretches you, which creates the spaces for Lanzini and Payet. Those were
both pretty good yesterday. "I was impressed by Lanzini yesterday, I didn't
even know where he came from but he was good."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham are capable of top four finish
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Carl Jenkinson reckns the Irons are capable of a top four finish but
acknowledges it is a very tough ask. He said: We've beaten the clubs that
you would expect to be in the top four , it's a thing we are capable of but
it is a very tough ask. "Finishing in the top four is almost a trophy in
itself at times, it's very difficult to get into and it's such an
achievement if we do. "In terms of the players we have, I think we are
capable of doing it, it's not something the club's done before in recent
years. So it's a very tough ask and I wouldn't want to put pressure on
ourselves by saying we definitely can, but it would be a good achievement if
we could."

"We just have to continue doing what we are doing and playing with the
confidence and freedom that we have been playing with. If we do that, we'll
get a lot of wins and a lot of points. "It's a bit too early to start
talking about the Champions League, it's a very tough ask but never say
never." Jenkinson added: "With the new manager everything's changed in quite
a few different ways, with no disrespect to Sam – he did fantastic for the
club." "Slaven has come in, the training's very intense and quite a few
things have changed. Obviously with the players he's brought in and I think
there's an awful lot of quality in the squad." "Obviously there's been a few
changes with personnel but they've been positive ones." He told
talkSport:"We've got some great results against the big clubs away from home
this year. At those sort of grounds you've got to sit in and defend well.
"We've got such pace on the break where I think it's suited us to be honest.
In those games we've defended really well. Moses, Sakho, Payet, Lanzini –
they are very good players on the break and that has suited us down to the
ground."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The James Tomkins factor
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Whether a lucky omen or something more substantial we have not lost a league
game in which James Tomkins has started this season.
Local lad James Tomkins was written off by many after Ogbonna joined the
Hammers to partner Winston Reid but Tomkins has proved essential even
showing the gaffer he makes a fine right back to cover Carl Jenkinson.
Tomkins started against Arsenal our first away win as Jenkinson was club
tied. He missed starting in the losses against Leicester City and
Bournemouth although he was substitute in the later. He was back in the
starting lineup for the historic 3-0 win at Anfield over Liverpool after
Jenkinson's red card in the Bournemouth game. He started in the Newcastle
2-0 win at home and again for the Manchester City away win standing in for
an injured Ogbonna. He was present in the starting line up again in the 2-2
draw with Norwich City at home and again for the Sunderland 2-2 away draw.
He kept his centre back place for Crystal Palace away which we won 3-1 at
the weekend. It will be interesting to see whether Ogbonna automatically
regains his first team place when fully fit or has to earn it back. Anyway,
starting Tomkins on Saturday against Chelsea could bring us luck, the lad is
unbeaten in the Premier League this season!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons react to 'Spurs for Boleyn' report
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

EXCLUSIVE

West Ham have tonight made it clear that neither Tottenham Hotspur or any
other club will ever play football at the Boleyn Stadium.
Newspaper stories suggesting that plans to build houses on the Boleyn are
set to be thrown out by councillors will open the door for Spurs were blown
out of the water tonight. Describing that as a "sensational potential move"
the report reminded readers of Tottenham's failed bid to buy the Boleyn for
the 2016-17 season Earlier Newham Council have rejected said proposals
submitted last year by developer Galliard Homes on the basis that they want
more than six per cent of 838 homes to be "affordable." And now planners
are recommending refusal of a revised offer to increase the proportion of
affordable homes to 22 per cent. But any hopes Spurs had that they may be
set to get a second chance as the planning battle swings against the
developers were killed when ClaretandHugh contacted its top Hammers
insider. He has told us within the last few minutes: "I want to make it 100
per cent clear that our contract excludes any club using Upton Park after
we leave."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan no-go may open door to Carlton!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Kevin Nolan appears to have lost the chance of working with his former boss
Sam Allardyce at Sunderland but the door may be open for Carlton Cole. The
Black Cats boss has claimed that with one place left in his squad he needs a
striker and that may give Cole a chance as an out of contract player.
However, Celtic have described his fitness situation as being not up to pace
so that may count against him although his knowledge of his former
manager's methods may count in his favour. Thirty-three year old Nolan has
been without a club since parting company with the Irons despite being
linked with Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Watford and Sunderland.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
These two loanees set for long term deals
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

David Gold has dropped the heaviest hint yet that Mauel Lanzini is on his
way to the club in a permanent summer deal. And assuming he proves his
fitness, Alex Song is set to join him.
Lanzini has been the revelation of the season so far and with an eight
million euros fee agreed with his parent club Al Jaziera written in tablets
of stone the deal looks certain to be done in the summer. Gold – whilst not
naming the players concerned – said in an 'around midnight' tweet that will
be disappointed if two of the current loan signings did not arrive on the
books permanently. Victor Moses is known to be on a straightforward one year
deal at a cost of over £5 million and is all set for a Stamford Bridge
return at the end of the campaign.
He was bought for this season with Michail Antonio seen very much as the man
for next term and beyond whilst Carl Jenkinson – having signed a new long
term deal at Arsenal – is in his final loan season with us. Arsenal want
around £10 million for the player and ClaretandHugh was told by a top
insider over the last couple of days: "We have eight months to find a right
back and are tracking players. Responding to a follower in his latest tweet
Gold said: "I would be disappointed if at least two (loan signings) aren't
made permanent." Gold himself is a big admirer of Song's and manager Slaven
Bilic is desperate for the creative midfielder to make a full recovery and
sign for a minimum of two years.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia & Obiang helps youngsters to first win
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Enner Valencia helped the West Ham under 21 team to their first win of the
season as they sounded thumped Wolves Under 21's 4-0 at Rush Green. Valencia
started in a match that included Spiegel, Knoyle, Hendrie, Obiang, Onariase,
Samuelsen, Cullen, Lee, Parfitt-Williams with 16 year old Reece Oxford as
captain. First team coaching staff Nicola Jurcevic, Miljenko Rak and Julian
Dicks were are all in attendance to watch how the youngsters got on. It was
left to Enner Valencia to show the youngsters how it is done and he opened
the scoring on 33 minutes with a lovely finish after running onto a
through-ball. Valencia was taken off at half time. As the second half
kicked off Pedro Obiang and Enner Valencia are replaced by Marcus Browne and
George Dobson. Emmanuel Onariase made it 2-0 on 52 minutes after a short
range effort from a corner, five minutes later it was Marcus Browne scoring
from a Elliot Lee rebound to make it 3-0. Martin Samuelsen was fouled on 65
minutes giving him a penalty which he comfortably converted to make it 4-0
to finish the scoreline and record the first victory of the season for the
development squad. Captain Reece Oxford tweeted out "Nice to captain u21s to
our first win of the season. Congrats to Samuelsen and Marcus Browne. Elliot
Lee practice on the pen bro"

Marcus Browne said "Good win from the boys tonight, pleased to have scored
my first goal for the 21's… Stolen from Elliot Lee" Elliot Lee replied "I
don't score pens.. I just get assists on them!" The win moves them off the
bottom of the table with 4 points although bottom placed Brighton U21's have
yet to play their seventh game of the season.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Secret of Hammers success is so simple
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H

You may remember former times when West Ham played a diamond formation and
it was heralded in our terms as representing something of a revolution. So
it was and for a while it produced some of the best football we had seen at
the club efore it was sussed out and there was nowhere else to go as we
slipped and slipped. This time around we of course have better players but
there's an awful lot more to what's going on than that as was witnessed in
our last Selhurst Park outing. And centrally it's all down to the new
manager and his flexibility and ability to change game plans to suit the
conditions of the game. Add to his many obvious virtues – thoughtfulness!

And his biggest thought on Saturday was that he wasn't very interested in
Palace's attacking abilities. It was all about what we were going to do and
boy did we do it. Ok, they were down to ten men but with two banks of four
in front of the Irons we faced a seriously difficult job in breaking them
down. Slav's answer: Throw on more and more attacking players: On came Andy
Carroll, on came Mauro Zarate, on came Nikicia Jelavic.

West Ham fans aren't used to this…and it's thrilling. Slav works on the
principle that goals win games not clean sheets and as the anxiety grew
towards the end it was Carroll and Jelavic who created the Lanzine goal.
Brilliant.

We explained in an earlier piece that we had around £50m worth of talent
sitting on the bench – how can this be within nine games of the new season
opening. How does such a revolution happen? Simple answer: This manager
knows how to employ any system to suit game conditions and has made sure
that he has every base covered in assembling his squad. The many videos of
fans parties at Crystal Palace bear witness to the near delirium at what's
going on and it's about Bilic admirably assisted by a great squad and
brilliant supporters. He is going to become the best manager of this club
since John Lyall.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenkinson attitude dubbed "astonishing"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News
C and H

TV pundit and former Spurs player Garth Crooks is enthusiastic about the
virtues and development of Irons defender Carl Jenkinson writing on BBC
Sport. He has ben impressed with the right back notably against Palace on
Saturday afternoon. The stats show that the player had a pass accuracy of
90 per cent, created one chance, put in three crosses, and made two
interceptions, seven clearances and one block. And Crooks said: "Carl
Jenkinson appears to be having one hell of a roller coaster ride in the
claret and blue. During his short but eventful time with the Hammers he's
been sent off, left out, substituted and given away a penalty against
Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, this lad keeps bouncing back. "His ability to
shake off these occupational hazards and still try to get among the goals is
quite astonishing. "His finish at Sunderland last week might have been
perceived as a fluke but his goal against Crystal Palace smacks of a
full-back developing a taste for the art. A player with a terrific will to
succeed."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia 'return' raises headaches
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Enner Valencia's imminent return throws up yet another fabulous headache for
manager Slaven Bilic. There will be others emerging …but that's for further
down the road. David Gold in his regular tweeted bulletins has declared:
"Enner Valencia is edging closer to a first-team return after scoring for
the Development Squad in last night's 4-0 win against Wolves. " But the
'edge' he refers to may be a lot wider than either he or the player expects
as we enter into what promises to become a massively interesting period in
the club's recent history. It's Chelsea at the weekend – a match which is
going to tell us an awful lot about where we are. Whether this is a game for
Enner, Andy Carroll, Angelo Ogbonna and the others is fascinating.
Personally I would expect to see him arriving as a second half sub if
required – a situation half confirmed by an insider who told us: "That is
the most likely scenario and Enner knows that."

That 'further on down that road' I mentioned is whether Slaven can keep s
many good players happy when they will be getting more limited opportunities
than perhaps they expected when joining the club. There are many challenges
ahead of him – more and more success which we all want could mean more
frustrated but hungry players. Lovely problems to have from a fan's point of
view but it will test Slav's man management techniques to the limit. I
think, however, we are in good hands.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Housing firm moves in on Upton Park
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2015 in News
C and H

Barratt Homes has joined London developer Galliard Homes in the conversion
of Upton Park stadium into a residential village, according to The Daily
Telegraph. The publication says Barratt has signed a joint venture agreement
with Galliard – the firm that has bought the ground from the Hammers. The
paper reported that the two building firms are currently seeking planning
permission for the development, and are in discussion with Newham Council
over the level of "affordable housing" that must be provided. There had
originally been talk of landscaped gardens, a West Ham museum and statue of
Bobby Moore. A spokesman for Barratt Homes said: "Galliard Homes and Barratt
London can confirm that they are working together regarding the potential
redevelopment of the existing West Ham football ground following the club's
relocation to the former Olympic Stadium in readiness for the 2016-2017
football season."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea at home defines our season
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 20, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H

In the last 48 hours two of the most pessimistic West Ham fans I know have
told me that Saturday's game home against Chelsea will define our season.
They both agree that if we can find a way past Chelsea on Saturday then a
top six finish is achievable this season.
ClaretandHugh historian Nigel Kahn and Moore Than Just A Podcast presenter
John Bucci are not the most optimistic of Hammers supporters in their
combined 80 years of support but even they have got caught up in the
euphoric atmosphere which surrounds Slaven Bilic and his team. Chelsea have
been beaten by Arsenal, Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Everton, FC Porto
and Southampton since the season started. and they have only managed a draw
against Swansea City and Newcastle. The Hammers last beat Chelsea at the
Boleyn Ground in December 2012 when we trotted out 3-1 winners thanks to
goals from Maiga, Mo Diame and Carlton Cole. Our last draw was January 2014
when Sam Allardyce parked the bus at Stamford Bridge adopting a false nine
tactic. Chelsea will be no walk over on Saturday despite their poor start to
the season but if we can beat them fair and square we can push on to make
this a truly special last season at our hallowed Boleyn Ground.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic's tactical conundrum
Posted on October 20, 2015 by Headmaster
Claret&Blues.com

There is little doubt that Slaven's default position, in stark contrast to
the previous managerial incumbent, is attack. It is great to watch and,
although a degree of recklessness against so-called lesser opposition has
already cost us at Upton Park this season, most of us on this site always
seemed to agree that we'd rather lose the odd game 3-2 and entertain rather
than eking out dour and uninspiring 1-0 wins. In short, we have our wish.

Saturday intrigues. It is the first really top rated side to visit the
Boleyn Ground this season and it is a side that, despite being reigning
Premier League champions, have had at best an indifferent start to the
season. Let's face it, by any standards, they are as close to being in
disarray as Chelsea are likely to be anytime soon.

Off the field, there are rumours of dressing room disquiet. Mourhino, always
an intellectually surly figure, seems genuinely spooked and out of sorts.
His defensive persona, usually felt to be an act to wind up the opposition,
the media, the match officials seems to have become his real personality as
the paranoia takes a hold.

On the field, their lack of pace at the back has been exposed by footballing
sides with far less of a pacey threat than the Hammers. On paper, at least,
this must be a great time to play the boys from West London.

All eyes will be on their Champions' League encounter to see a) how they do
and b) if they pick up any knocks. Playing us in-between two exacting
European games must also favour the men in claret and blue?

Ultimately though, this is a real test for Slaven. All out attack or
cautious, determined and resolute solidity with a view to greater expansion
later in the match? I'd guard against the former, this week. I think if we
compete hard and earn the right to play, as the game progresses, they just
might show signs of their midweek exertions and allow us to take all 3
points. Conversely, if Jenks and Cresswell go bombing down the flanks and
leave great holes at the back early on, I'd be concerned that Da Costa and
Hazard, to name but two, just might profit.

It would be interesting to see who you think Slaven will start with and what
will be his formation. My guess would be 4-5-1. I'm assuming Moses is
unavailable as he's a Chelsea loan? Perhaps Enner might be ready to take up
a wide role this weekend.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


http://vyperz.blogspot.com




---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus