Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet played the full game as MK Dons were held to a 1-1 draw with
Fulham. The hosts led when Josh Murphy crossed to Dean Bowditch, who drilled
in a half-volleyed effort from long range. Fulham restored parity on the
stroke of half-time when Dembele tapped home Ross McCormack's cross.
The draw sees the Dons slip into the relegation zone having secured 15
points from their opening 17 league games. However, should they win their
next game, away at Wolves next weekend, they could climb to 17th.
Young goalkeeper Clarke Bogard continued his impressive form for Tilbury
with a 3-1 win over Harlow Town. The Ryman Football League Division North
side secured the three points thanks to a Danny Glozier penalty and goals
from Matt Game and Kurt Smith. Tilbury have won 16 of the 27 games Bogard
has featured in, including being named man-of-the-match once.
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From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
It was an extremely disappointing result against Tottenham on Sunday and I
know that Slaven and the players will be working even harder this week to
put things right and help us get straight back on the winning trail when we
face West Brom.
After getting just one point from the last three games we know the
importance of the game at the Boleyn Ground next weekend.
Without doubt we came up against a Tottenham side at the top of their game
at White Hart Lane, but we were simply not good enough.
Considering the amazing start to the season we had away from home, our last
two performances against Watford and Spurs have been poor in comparison.
We know we need to do better in the coming weeks, starting against West
Brom.
I have to also say that I was very shocked and surprised at Match of the Day
2 on Sunday night featuring photos of myself and Daniel Levy saying our
relationship was frosty.
I would like to say publicly that both myself and David Gold have an
excellent relationship with Daniel and we greatly admire the job he has done
at his club.
We were competitors for the Olympic Stadium and both clubs had a different
vision for the stadium, but the competition closed and we've moved on.
We are moving to our new ground, situated in our Borough of Newham next
Summer and Spurs are moving to their new stadium the year after and it is
being built in their borough.
We have all moved on and there is no animosity and unpleasantness between
us. Life is really too short for all of that and the events in Paris two
weeks ago maybe puts everything into perspective.
I would urge all West Ham fans to treat rival supporters with the respect
they deserve as they, like us, are supporters of this fabulous game that we
ALL love.
That's not to say we won't be doing all we can to right the wrongs of
yesterday's defeat when we play them next year, but our approach will be in
a sporting and professional manner.
Thank you for continued excellent support and let's hope we can get back to
winning ways on Sunday.
David Sullivan
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Kouyate - It was a huge disappointment
WHUFC.com
Cheikhou Kouyate had no excuses for his side's disappointing display against
Tottenham on Sunday but says the players are already focusing on putting
things right against West Brom and getting straight back on the winning
trail. It could have been a different story for the Hammers if Kouyate's
scissor kick had not struck the crossbar minutes after Harry Kane had fired
Spurs into the lead. But the Hammers fell further behind when Toby
Alderweireld scored from a corner and the game was essentially over when
Kane added his second of the game shortly after half-time. Kyle Walker
compounded the misery when he made it four for the home side and not even a
late strike from Manuel Lanzini could help salvage anything from the London
derby. Kouyate says the players will be determined to put things right in
front of the televised cameras once again on Sunday and hopes to be
celebrating all three points at the Boleyn Ground. Kouyate said: "We gifted
Tottenham their goals on Sunday. We were up against a big team and we have
given them presents. We know that they are a good side and they have
punished us. What's done is done and they deserved it. "We know that this
sort of thing happens from time to time, but with it being a derby, it's a
huge disappointment for us and particularly for the supporters. "We started
the match poorly but when they scored the first we came back into the game,
started playing, and had a few chances of our own. But when they scored the
second, it was obviously an uphill battle. "You can't lay the blame at the
defence, because we're a team and we defend with eleven and on Sunday it
wasn't easy. We have to try to take the positives and look ahead to next
weekend. "Their intensity was no surprise. We're away from home, at
Tottenham, and plus it's a derby as well. We know that from the first 15
minutes it's going to be difficult, we'd been warned and we were prepared,
but didn't do what was needed. "We've got to regroup and really try to take
the three points on Sunday against West Brom."
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FT- Dev Squad 3-2 Derby County
WHUFC.com
FT: There goes the full time whistle. The Hammers have held on to a deserved
victory at Rush Green. Elliot Lee led the way magnificently, scoring twice
and setting up the other. It was a real team performance tonight. We'll have
reaction for you shortly.
90: Final moments now. Hang on!
89: Towering header from Onariase relieves some pressure, the Hammers hoof
it downfield yet Browne is penalised for a heavy challenge, he's booked too.
87: Spiegel clears his lines in the knick of time. Makasi is going to get
booked for handball. Wastes some valuable seconds if nothing else.
84: Amos Nasha is on for Stephen Hendrie to help and try and bolster the
midfield. Not too long to go now. Can the Hammers hold on?
81: GOAL for Derby County. Striker Ivan Calero strikes from close range to
ensure a nervy final few minutes. 3-2.
76: Spell of the pressure from the Rams. This is their third consecutive
corner, the hosts eventually clear through Parfitt-Williams.
73: Derby desperately trying to claw their way back into the game. The game
is getting a tad scrappy as the Hammers try and slow the proceedings down.
Excellent game management from the hosts, showing a great deal of maturity.
68: Leo Chambers has been superb this evening, he's taken off for a well
earnen rest. Manny Onariase is on in his place.
64: That goal was slightly against the run of play as Derby had started the
second half very strongly. However, conceding their third goal has somewhat
knocked the wind out of their sails.
58: GOOOOAL! 3-1! Elliot Lee scores his second of the evening with a fine
glancing header from Parfitt-Williams' cross. That Derby miss looks even
more costly now.
57: Huge let off! Mason Bennett is free, onside and unmarked, yet heads his
effort at point-black range into Spiegel's arms.
54: Foot race between Zanzala and Spiegel. The striker gets there first and
the goalkeeper clatters him, the referee thankfully gives a corner. You've
seen them given!
51: Excellent ball from Chambers sets Parfitt-Williams flying down the wing.
He Cryuff-turns majestically past two players but is eventually holted. The
crowd loved that!
47: GOAL for Derby! Callum Guy shoots from the edge of the box, through a
packed penalty area and pulls a goal back. Just the start the visitors
needed. 2-1.
46: We're back under way here at Rush Green. Alex Pike is on in place of
Reece Oxford.
45: Final exchanges of the half, Spiegel boots it high upfield and that's
the half-time whistle. Plenty left in this game you feel.
43: Nasty challenge by Jamie Hanson on Josh Cullen who absolutely plows
through the back of him. Cullen is left in a heap and clearly unhappy with
the challenge. Hanson goes into the book, with some fans calling for a
straight red.
41: The Hammers are really in the ascendancy here. Lee tries his luck from
distance but he gets too much on it.
37: GOOOOAL to the Hammers! Josh Cullen runs on to Marcus Browne's parried
effort following superb work by Elliot Lee. He got to byline, twisted and
turned his man before laying it on a plate for Browne. 2-0!!
36: There's a real edge to this game now. Jake Buxton goes into the book for
a foul on Browne.
34: Brief handbags between Leo Chambers and Zanzala. There was contact but
nothing major yet it takes several moments to calm things down. As ever,
Oxford is chief peacemaker.
31: Super play by Josh Cullen who twists out of a tight corner before
spreading it 40-yards to Kyle Knoyle. Xabi Alonso-esqe from the midfielder.
30: Jamie Hanson tries his luck from the edge of the box but it flies
harmlessly over.
29: Marcus Browne is adjudged to have fouled Callum Guy. He and his
teammates are disgusted at the decision but Derby have a free-kick in a
dangerous position...
27: Ivan Calero twists and turn before aiming for the top corner. It isn't
miles away but Spiegel was watching it closely.
24: Excellent save by Raphael Spiegel to deny Zanzala from close range.
Excellent goalkeeping.
21: Oxford shepherds Zanzala out of play as the winger was one-on-one.
Page's throw in is finally cleared.
19: Free kick to Derby as Zanzala's pace is too much for Knoyle who cuts him
down mid-sprint. The Hammers clear the delievery without too much fuss.
17: The game is just settling into a more steady rhythm after a frantic
start. Just the final ball missing for the Hammers as Page overhits his
through ball.
15: Teasing ball in by Page but Koos comes to collect with Lee lurking.
13: Oxford showing his evident class tonight. Commanding at the back, he's
orchestrating everything. As silky as you like on the ball. His confidence
is spreading through the team.
11: Fast and furious tempo to this game so far, both teams zipping it around
nicely. The hosts have enjoyed more territory and possession so far, the
Rams are getting frustrated.
7: GOOOOOAL!! Elliot Lee makes no mistake from the spot. He steps uf
confidently and sends Kelle Roos the wrong way. 1-0! Just the start the
Hammers needed.
7: Lee bares down on goal again and tries to feed Parfitt-Williams. It has
just too much on it yet the Hammers force a corner. From the corner Reece
Oxford is hauled down and it's a penalty!!
5: End to end stuff here! Leo Chambers does well to block Ivan Calero on the
edge of the box. Down the other end Browne's through ball almost finds Lee.
3: Free-kick by Josh Cullen headed away, the Hammers have possession back
and are using it well. Stephen Hendrie is playing further than usual at
left-wing with Lewis Page behind him.
1: Marcus Browne and Elliot Lee get us under way in the first half, the
Hammers are kicking left-to-right in the first half.
18.59: Here we go! Both teams are out on the field, pre-match handshakes are
underway and we're all set. COYI!
18.45: Just 15 minutes to go until kick off. Rush Green statdium is filling
up nicely, fantastic support for youth football. Here's hoping they're
rewarded with a decent match!
18.35: It's a chilly evening here at Rush Green, both sets of players are
out extra early to make sure they've warmed up properly. They're going to
need tonight, could well come down to whoever wants it more.
18.20: One of the stand out performers for the U21s this season has
undoubtedly been Marcus Browne. The 17-year-old midfielder has gone from
strength-to-strength since making the step up from the U18s. Read what he
had to say about his break-through season here.
18.10: Terry Westley has named a strong team for tonight's game, and they'll
need to be at their best as visitors Derby are currently top of the league
with 19 points from their opening nine games. They are also the League's top
scorers with 21 goals so far.
West Ham United U21: Spiegel, Knoyle, Page, Makasi, Chambers (Onariase 68),
Oxford (c) (Pike 46), Parfitt-Williams, Cullen, Lee, Browne, Hendrie (Nasha
84)
Subs: Brown, Brown (GK)
Derby County U21: Roos, Santos, Ssewankambo, Hanson, Buxton, Cover, Guy,
Vernam, Zanzala, Bennett, Kalero
Subs: Elsnik, Mackay (GK), Stabana, Bunjaku, McDonald
Referee: Andrew Laver
6pm: Hello and welcome to tonight's coverage live from the Academy of
Football! Kick off here at Rush Green is 7pm and Terry Westley has named a
strong line up to face his former side Derby County.
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From the Newsroom - Matty Lawless
WHUFC.com
Mail Online Deputy Sports Editor Matty Lawless looks back at yesterday's
game at Spurs...
Losing to Tottenham is never nice. On the school run this morning I was
reminded of the score by quite a few, rightfully, smug Spurs fans. Payback
for my smarting two years ago.
And that's why it hurts West Ham supporters so much. Win and you claim
bragging rights at work, in the pub, or even on the school run.
Lose? Then it's probably best to keep your head down for a few days because
you know the score... you've been reminded of it at 15 times already today!
So, who do I blame: The players? The manager? No. The kit man...
Surely someone should have reminded him that our amazing away wins over
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Crystal Palace all coincided with
wearing our alternative strips? We even came back from two goals down to
earn a draw at Sunderland. All thanks to the power of the away kit.
Just what was he thinking when he packed the home claret and blue shirts
into that big aluminum container for the trip to White Hart Lane? Did
anybody not tell him that they failed to inspire at Watford?
In all seriousness though, it was purely a bad day at the office. It
happens. It's just not nice when it happens against your arch-rivals.
I'm certain the players would have shared the disappointment of the
supporters and, indeed, their manager Slaven Bilic after the game.
Spurs - who are on an magnificent run of late, losing only once in the
Premier League this season - were helped by a catalogue of West Ham errors.
But they did play extremely well too. They deserved to win.
Tactically speaking, I would have considered a similar approach to our last
visit to north London, when we beat Arsenal, playing young Reece Oxford in
that holding midfield role to protect the back four. In doing so, Oxford may
have nullified the threat of Harry Kane, who often plays as a deep lying
striker. And it might have countered the attacking threat of Moussa Dembele
and Dele Alli surging through the middle.
I would have also liked to see Diafro Sakho play as the focal point in
attack, at the top, with Mauro Zarate playing in behind. Maybe Andy Carroll
would have been a great impact option to call upon. He would be the last
person any tired defender would want to see.
Nikica Jelavic deserves credit for his role in creating Manuel Lanzini's
superb consolation goal. Is it time to give the Croatian a chance to shine
from the start this weekend?
So, Slaven Bilic has now matched Sam Allardyce's performance after 13 games
last season with 21 points.
'Has the bubble burst?' read one tweet. We'll find out next Sunday in what
will be a tough test against a West Brom side who upset Arsenal at the
weekend.
The key thing is not to use injuries as an excuse. Dimitri Payet is a huge
loss, we all know. But there are very capable players in Bilic's squad. The
bench at White Hart Lane illustrated that, in my opinion. If he wants to
change it up for West Brom, he has plenty of options. I expect Alex Song
will be pushing hard for a start in training this week.
Let's hope we see the real West Ham next Sunday, for a match when we
celebrate some of the great cult heroes who we've marveled at over the years
at the Boleyn Ground.
And in the meantime, try to avoid any of those tormenting Tottenham
supporters...
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Westley - It was a real team effort
WHUFC.com
Academy Manager Terry Westley praised his side for the manner in which they
overcame top-of-the-table Derby County 3-1 at Rush Green on Monday evening.
Westley's side started the game the stronger and secured a valuable three
points thanks to an Elliot Lee brace and a second goal in as many games for
Josh Cullen.
Reflecting on a determined performance, Westley surmised: "It was a good
performance and a good result. In terms of getting three points that was the
most pleasing result we've had all season, because it was a proper match.
Some people will tell you that U21 football isn't competitive, well that
certainly was. I've watched a lot of League One football this season, from
the firstt to the 95th minute that was a proper competition game. That was
up there with anything I've seen in League One."
Prolific striker Lee broke the deadlock after just seven minutes. Reece
Oxford, captaining the side, was hauled down at a corner, upstepped Lee to
send Kelle Roos the wrong way.
Half an hour later, Cullen doubled the advantage as he ran onto Marcus
Browne's parried shot, following further great work from Lee to get past his
man at the byline.
In the second half the hosts rallied as Callum Guy pulled one back, yet Lee
was on hand to restore their advantage with delightfully cushioned header
from Djair Parfitt-Williams searching cross.
Ivan Calero netted late on to ensure a nervy final few moments yet the
Hammers held on to secure their second consecutive win.
Westley continued: "It was a tough game, tackles were coming in thick and
fast. You have to accept that as part of the game and stay calm and be
resolute and I thought we did that well particularly in the second half. It
was a test to see if we were going to see it through or if we were going to
cave in and thankfully we stood firm.
"I've said it several times, West Brom away, Stoke away and Blackburn away
we really should have got something from these games. So tonight was
particularly pleasing that we got what we deserved."
In an all-round impressive display by everyone wearing claret and blue,
Westley reserved special mention to his star striker Lee, whose brace saw
him double his tally for the season with four goals.
"The third goal was a peach of a goal where he ran, got in a good cross and
Elliot did ever so well to get a good header on it. I'm pleased for because
he's on his way back, he's had a few injuries and that's as good as I've
seen him all season.
"It was certainly an all-round team performance, everyone, even the subs had
a massive contribution to the tempo of the game. Their centre forward was as
good as I've seen all season, he's a young boy but he was a threat down the
sides, Chambers and Oxford did well to keep him quite first half and then
Manny came on and Kyle Knoyle changed position but they all coped very
well."
After a difficult start, the Hammers now have three wins out of the last
four games, scoring nine goals in the process.
Westley continued: "That's two on the bounce, three out of the last four
which is great for confidence. We're heading in the right direction but more
importantly it's how we are playing.
"We should have made more passes than we did, but we beat the team top of
the league. It's certainly a good confidence boost.
"We've got two tough games coming up, tough because they're both away. One
against Swansea in the league and then straight away in the cup at Exeter.
It would be nice to go through a few rounds and make it interesting, it'll
be a good challenge for the 16 players who play both games."
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Atkinson appointed for Baggies clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's clash with West Bromwich Albion will be officiated by
Martin Atkinson.
The 44-year-old referee will take West Ham for the second time in the
Premier League this season - and Hammers fans will be hoping he can bring
them luck again, having previously overseen West Ham's 2-0 win at Arsenal on
the opening day of the campaign.
In fact Bradford-born Atkinson has been something of a lucky charm for West
Ham in recent months, having also refereed United's wins over Hull City,
Manchester City and Leicester City last season.
This season he has taken more Premier League games than any other official -
11 along with Mike Dean, Mark Clattenburg and Anthony Taylor - issuing 47
yellow cards and no reds at an average of 4.3 cautions per game.
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Guy completes United switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham defender Guy Demel has joined Dundee United on a short-term
deal. Now 34, popular right-back Demel spent four years at the Boleyn Ground
before being released on a free transfer at the end of last season. It was
confirmed this afternoon that he has joined former team mate Carlton Cole
(now at Celtic) in the Scottish Premiership, having signed for The Terrors
until the end of the 2015/16 season. "Once I spoke to the head coach, I was
excited by the challenge of Dundee United and the role he has planned for
me," said the former Ivory Coast international. "I want to identify myself
with the club. "I have many years of experience in football and if I can use
my knowledge to help the younger players here that is what I will do.I have
been training hard and I can't wait to play for Dundee United. I am ready as
soon as the head coach needs me."
United manager Mixu Paatelainen welcomed the arrival of the experience
defender, adding: "Guy comes with a lot experience and fantastic pedigree.
He can add a lot to our squad. "He is a powerful player but above all a good
footballer. He will be a strong character in our dressing room and I am
delighted to start working with him."
Demel made 76 appearances in the Championship and Premier League for West
Ham between 2011 and 2015, scoring just once in a 2-1 home defeat against
Liverpool back in April 2014.
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TAKE A STEP BACK, BREATHE DEEP AND RELAX
By Benjamin Cronin 23 Nov 2015 at 18:00
WTID
Losing to Tottenham hurts. Leaving White Hart Lane, feeling like 4-1 was a
lucky escape is just embarrassing. There's not much that can be said about
yesterday afternoon's performance. In fact, the less said, the better. After
looking forward to the fixture all day, I sat down with my notepad in hand,
eagerly anticipating a decent game of football. In what was a dull, yet
satisfactory opening twenty minutes, I'd only managed to scribble a few
lines. After fifty minutes, both my pen and notepad were thrown across the
room and my fingers were itching towards the remote to turn the TV off and
end the misery. I'm not going to deny that it was an incredibly frustrating
game to watch but it's one we need to learn from, not moan about.
Yes, Bilic got the tactics wrong. Leaving Andy Carroll up top, when trying
to soak up pressure and hit them on the break was never going to work. We
can all have our say and pick holes in the performance, but it's in the
past. It may well be that the system and tactics implemented under Sam
Allardyce would have made for a different game but I'm quite happy to take
the losses that will inevitably come in our transition away from the
previous approach that many were so unhappy with. Some will say we should
pick and choose when to use such a style of play but unfortunately, we can't
have the best of both worlds. We've now got an important fixture against
West Bromwich Albion to look forward to and a chance to see just what the
squad and staff our made of.
I've previously spoken about how big an impact a disappointing result can
have on the week that follows a West Ham fixture and this one is no
different. Well, it being our worst performance of the season and against
our bitter rivals does perhaps make it slightly different, but you know what
I mean. Although it's an incredibly bitter pill to swallow, it's one that
comes with an antidote. An antidote that can be provided with a return to
winning ways against West Brom next week. We only need to remind ourselves
of the dire performance against Bournemouth to see how quickly things can
change. With criticism flying in from left, right and centre, we went
unbeaten in seven league games, beating Liverpool, Manchester City and
Chelsea along the way.
I'm fully aware that if the team and tactics used on Sunday were to be used
for the next seven games, we could see ourselves tumbling down the table at
a rate of knots. I'm sure (and hope) there are many that share my faith in
Slaven Bilic and the squad at our disposal having the ability to figure out
a way to right the wrongs we all had to witness yesterday afternoon. I
appreciate that after such a shocking display as the one we saw against
Spurs, sometimes a good vent of frustration is needed. The time for that has
now passed. The club is still in a very good position (if I was offered 6th
place in the table and 21 points after 13 games, I'd have taken it without a
moment's hesitation) and we should be looking up, rather than down, forwards
instead back.
I'd like to think the majority are like myself and let optimism prevail over
disappointment. From some, the negativity will stream forth until they have
no other option but to be positive and that really doesn't bother me. What I
can't understand is the onslaught of criticism for players who are part of
the club we all love so much. It was hard to watch Andy Carroll practically
walk around the pitch and struggle to have any input, I know. For me, he
still doesn't seem fit. He doesn't move in the same way. He doesn't play
with the intensity we all know he can but does that really mean he should be
shipped out and forgotten about? I might be in the minority but I truly
believe he can still do a job for the club. We may have paid over the odds
for what could now be considered an 'impact sub' but he's still an impact
sub that can really make a difference in games when we're running out of
options, one that I think would be sorely missed later in the season if we
were to let him go.
Mark Noble is a fan favourite in more ways than one. The local lad, adored
by so many, is often the first port of call for those looking to dish out
some criticism. There's no room for sentiment in football, I know that. I
might have grown up watching Mark Noble play, hearing of the potential
transfers that have never materialised due to his commitment to the club but
that isn't why I like him as a player, it's because of his ability. He might
not be as nippy as some fans think is necessary for his role but he does
what is asked of him and to a standard I believe has a positive influence on
the team. I know they'll be a stream of comments that counter that claim and
feel free to do so, I'll just have to save the full scope of my opinion for
an article in the future.
They'll be people out there that have to deal with the aftermath of
yesterday's result for the remainder of the week and unfortunately, I'm in
the same boat. At least the boat we're in isn't sinking. It's one that can
be patched up and prove the doubters wrong next week. We have the
opportunity to show that we can perform without the likes of Payet and
Valencia and I firmly believe it's an opportunity that will be taken.
COYI
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to seal Manuel Lanzini permanent signing despite ''honour'' of
Liverpool interest in playmaker
19:12, 23 NOV 2015 UPDATED 19:38, 23 NOV 2015
BY DARREN LEWIS
The option to keep him was agreed during the summer ahead of his season-long
loan spell and he has netted four times in 11 league games since
The Mirror
Playmaker Manuel Lanzini will make his loan deal permanent with West Ham to
end speculation that he could be poached by Liverpool. The Hammers have
already agreed pre-arranged terms with the 22-year-old who scored a superb
consolation on Sunday in the 4-1 defeat to Spurs. His performances had
attracted admiring glances from Merseyside, but the option to keep him was
agreed during the summer ahead of his season-long loan spell. Lanzini has
netted four times in 11 Premier League appearances so far this season and is
set for an extended run in the side with Dmitri Payet injured. Lanzini said
last week: "It's an absolute honour that a team like Liverpool has put an
eye on me. "But I heard the president say that the club wants me to stay. I
am fine here."
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Unhappy Sullivan wants peace to break out
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Sullivan has made it clear that one point from the last three games is
unacceptable and declares: "We know we need to do better in the coming
weeks, starting against West Brom. "
Commenting to the official site at www.whufc.com he said: "Without doubt we
came up against a Tottenham side at the top of their game at White Hart
Lane, but we were simply not good enough. Considering the amazing start to
the season we had away from home, our last two performances against Watford
and Spurs have been poor in comparison."
He is equally unhappy with comments he picked up on Match of the Day 2
declaring himself "very shocked and surprised" at photos featuring himself
and Daniel Levy saying their relationship was frosty. He said: "I would like
to say publicly that both myself and David Gold have an excellent
relationship with Daniel and we greatly admire the job he has done at his
club. We were competitors for the Olympic Stadium and both clubs had a
different vision for the stadium, but the competition closed and we've moved
on. We are moving to our new ground, situated in our Borough of Newham next
Summer and Spurs are moving to their new stadium the year after and it is
being built in their borough. We have all moved on and there is no animosity
and unpleasantness between us. Life is really too short for all of that and
the events in Paris two weeks ago maybe puts everything into perspective. I
would urge all West Ham fans to treat rival supporters with the respect they
deserve as they, like us, are supporters of this fabulous game that we ALL
love. "
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It's all about how we get up after this KO
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Rich Sprent casts his eye over the chaos of Tottenham and comes to many
conclusions whilst also getting something very painful out of the way.
But there are no easy answers with Dimitri Payet sidelined and Rich reckons
this weekend's game is just about as big as it gets.
A dozen lessons learned and hiding in a long shadow
There are several ways this blog could be written. A six-parter serial in
what went wrong. An attack on the players and coach for the poor showing.
Endless complaint about Andy Carroll. Even a whine about the Everton
midfielder who's robbed us of our talisman for the next few months.
I prefer to quote Vince Lombardi, "It's not whether you get knocked down,
it's whether you get back up".
Let's get something painful out of the way. Sp*rs are a good side. Their
coach got it right by pressing us high, isolating each forward player in
turn whilst winning the midfield. We sat too deep; were too linear in our
play; Failed to support the forwards enough and again made elementary
errors.
We got it wrong on the day. Kouyate had a decent game. Lanzini was decent on
the ball. Adrian made EIGHT saves. Reid showed passion after it had all gone
belly up. Collectively they were poor and the result didn't flatter the
North London side.
The only thing that really concerned me however was an apparent lack of
bottle out there. We allowed their arrogant players to lord it. Danny Rose,
Dele Alli, Kyle Walker? Do me a favour. They were strutting around like
pimped up cocks in a farmyard. It should never have been allowed to happen
against us. We failed to impose ourselves whatsoever.
Andy Carroll? He's the easy target for many. However there are many good
sides in the world today that have a similar forward and produce good
football. In fact, Besiktas, in Mario Gomez, are not so strangely, VERY
similar in style to West Ham.
They compensate for his lack of pace and movement by having a very fluid
midfield with three waspish attackers. It's interesting that since AC has
started, Kouyate has dropped deeper with Noble pushed more forward of him.
The effort is there to not isolate the forward and keep the ball moving.
Yesterday, we were too deep however, out-thought and sadly outfought
everywhere.
Slav would have learned loads from yesterday. Sadly English teams are rarely
quick at adapting to change in tactics.
After yesterday's shambles where practically everything went wrong there
comes a week on the training pitches to put it right. West Brom this coming
Sunday is now a huge game. If we are serious in our ambition to compete for
European football then this game is what it's all about. We flopped against
a team who are not only our closest rivals in distance but in the table
also.
There will be many crying out for Sakho through the middle and Zarate to
come in at #10 or out wide. There's also Song, Antonio and Ogbonna to
consider.
Tomkins at fullback will also be cried out for but this will restrict the
midfield further as he is very defensive and doesn't overlap.
All these potential changes will still require a change in play. It's not as
easy as just replacing a player. Neither Manuel Lanzini or Mauro Zarate are
the same player as Dimitri Payet. There is no doubt that with Sakho's
running and Payet's genius we have been irresistible at times. Slav needs to
find the formula to play successfully without the Frenchman.
The trick is on for Slav to get the sum of all parts right to be able to
deliver as close to the brilliance of the early results achieved. He's got a
wonderful array of players to choose from to get a team to play.
The obvious dilemma is the big Geordie. If he's fit then by not playing
Carroll it shows one or both of two things: That the team is failing to play
with him in the side. Or that he isn't performing. He hasn't been sparkling
since starting but then nor have any of the other players around him. That
these very good players are misfiring with him in the side is more an
indictment on them as what's being thrown at the big number 9.
If he's dropped then it's surely an admission that he has no role at West
Ham other than as a gamechanger sub. A very expensive sub at that.
Sakho is fit. With him up top the team would still need to make up for the
absence of Payet. There would be no hiding space in Andy's long shadow for
the players if they fail to shine without him in the line up.
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Two players came out of WHL with great credit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 23, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Stats don't lie unless you are talking about possession which can prove
useless if you are doing nothing with the ball! I've been hunting hard to
find an upside - any upside - to the disaster of White Hart Lane and have
discovered that once again Manuel Lanzini comes out of a game with great
credit according to the stats. His goal, produced from a great flick from
Jelavic was something to shout about and in different match circumstances
would have been pored over time and time again. The flick recalled Payet at
his best in one outing at the Boleyn when Lanzini flashed his finish over
the top of the bar. But back to yesterday and the stats are showing that
Manu prodcued a pass accuracy of 93 per cent, scored the goal and provided
one key pass . He couldn't have done more in a very one sided game but
special mention too must go to the often unsung hero Cheik Kouyate who was
again at the heart of things for us. He was always playing his heart out and
hit the bar - albeit from an offside position - but with the flag staying
down, who knows what kind of game might have developed had he scored.
Onwards and upwards - HOPEFULLY and well done to the pair of them.
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Spurs fans ashamed of stabbing incident at WHL
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Spurs fans including former player Micky Hazard have taken to social media
to wish the stabbed West Ham fan a speedy recovery and show their disgust
that it happened in their manor close to White Hart Lane. Although the
attacker is unknown and at large, Tottenham fans have taken it among
themselves to speak out about the mindless act of violence perpetrated an
hour before kick off.
Jamie Francis ?@THFC_Francis
I get rivalries can get heated but stabbing another fan is a disgrace! Hope
the West Ham is ok and recovers alright
Daj Mangat ?@mangats
Disgusted to hear about the stabbing of a West Ham fan today. Whoever did
this. Get out of my club!
Micky Hazard @MickyHazard
Thoughts are with the West Ham fan stabbed today,there's no room whatsoever
in football for violence so whoever did it hang your head in shame
danny ?@dan_t81
To the West Ham fan who was stabbed I wish u well and a speedy recovery no
rivalry deserves this. Who ever did this is mindless filth
lucky ?@_1lucky
Hope the West Ham fan stabbed is ok. No place for that in football. Or ever
Tottenham Hotspur ?@THFC__Fans
Disgraceful if a Spurs fan has stabbed a West Ham fan. Disgraceful behaviour
hopefully he's given jail time and a lifetime ban
Mafs ?@Mafs42
You are no supporter of football if you revel in the stabbing of an opposing
fan - Get the f**k out of my club
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What an awful day at Spurs
November 22, 2015
ExWHUEmployee
thewesthamway.co.uk
So for those of you who follow my twitter account or have been reading the
West Ham way you would have seen I was quite excited about this game. I was
going with a close mate who I do not see as much as I would like to and was
meeting up with about three separate groups of friends. One of my mates
had a ticket for the game that was a senior ticket because his dad had not
been able to go to the game which he discovered that morning. He had tried
to call Tottenham Hotspur's ticket office and our very own to upgrade the
ticket. With it being Sunday he was unable to get in touch with either so
we decided to go down to the game early and pay for the upgrade either at
the ticket office or on the door.
We arrived at the ground very early and saw "The West Ham Way key
contributors" the Sullivan boys arrive looking very up for the game
themselves. As we walked to the ground the atmosphere felt a little
uncomfortable and on edge. In the wake of the atrocities that happened in
Paris just over a week ago there was a very visible police presence, many
carrying machine guns.
We arrived at the Upper Tier visitors section at about 2:45pm and tried to
get into the ground so that we could upgrade the ticket to a full adult. As
we walked past the first stewards we had our tickets checked-no problems and
then we walked past the sniffer dog (the most friendly character out of the
lot) we finally approached another two stewards. One steward took the
tickets and looked at me and my mates and said none of you are a senior
ticket I am having that. I tried to explain to him that we were going to
upgrade the ticket and he said they are not doing upgrades and it was now
his property. I argued that this is not right and that I will pay either on
the turnstiles or at the ticket office which was on the corner. He said no
we are not doing that today, you can't go in, you will have to go home in a
really aggressive and arrogant manner.
We said that this was ridiculous and what were we meant to do as no one had
answered the phone and told us that you couldn't do an exchange and he just
muttered not my problem. I am not a particularly aggressive or
argumentative person and neither are my mates but his whole attitude stunk.
He seemed like he was deliberately trying to wind us up and luckily for him
I was with this group of mates rather than the ones I met in the ground.
As this was going on two ladies arrived who had also had the same problem
and they were at least consistent and refused them entry on the same
grounds. We continued to protest this was ridiculous and that we need the
ticket back to get a refund if we are going to and he imitated ripping up
the ticket to us and said no. Of course this behaviour infuriated us so I
spoke to his superior on his recommendation who said if it was him he would
have let us in but he couldn't undermine his steward. We obviously argued
that this was crazy whilst the other steward smirked at us.
The same steward then said to us "look lads it because of the Paris attacks
if you must know, I bet you feel bad now". We said bad for what? That this
was clearly not connected we wanted to go to a football game and you are
stopping us for no reason. His next response which is surely more illegal
than trying to upgrade a ticket, was to go and buy one from a tout and get
in. At this point we were admittedly getting quite wound up so the police
came over and had a word, we explained the situation and they agreed it was
wrong but they couldn't override the steward. So as we were faced with the
prospect of drawing lots as to who missed the game when we saw over our
shoulder the two ladies in the same situation being let in. We went over
and the senior steward finally said we could go in (who knows what had
changed their minds!) and as were the other one who had been a problem all
along muttered something about snitching to the police! His attitude quite
frankly was disgusting and he seemed hell bent on winding us up.
As we went in we could hear a load of noise on the corner and it seemed like
it was all kicking off. We went inside the ground and got a pint and bumped
into the ladies from earlier who had been let in. They were going to write
a complaint about the steward which I hope they do and we would support it.
My first set of mates arrived and told me how they had been outside on the
corner and it had all gone off. He said the West Ham fans were walking to
the ground chanting and some Spurs fans rushed them. A car pulled up and
some other people got out and joined the attack. He said he saw a man lying
on the floor and a few people holding their faces and then the police ran
in.
After this another mate entered about ten minutes later, who is unconnected
to the first mate. He described what he had seen and that there was an air
ambulance being called to a man who had been stabbed in the back by a man
who had jumped out of a car. A younger teenager who he knew had been hit in
the face by a man who said "You come round here shouting Irons, I am going
to teach you a lesson (censored version)" and punched him full on in the
face and then no surprise he ran off. These stories seemed to be confirmed
by other people who I overheard in the toilets too.
I am choosing not to talk about the match too much as it was a disaster.
The tactics were all wrong and at least Slaven has admitted that rather than
try and blame other things like most managers do. It is very hard to
defend any players performance in that game but the defence for me were
diabolical. So many errors at so many crucial times. It is now time to
bring in Ogbonna and at the moment I would shift Tomkins to right back and
give Jenko a rest for the next game. I would also be tempted to put AC back
to the bench and put Sakho up top for the WBA game. I am not writing off
either player like some have done but both are clearly not on form at the
moment. It is also surely time to give Antonio a chance too and perhaps
his time will come against WBA. I do not really want to write much more
than I have but please keep checking The West Ham Way this week for many
more exciting and exclusive articles.
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Hammers may opt to keep injured Bantams loan star Burke
Bradford Telegraph and Argus
Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
CITY are waiting to find out if they will see Reece Burke again. But the
indications are that West Ham may decide to hang on to him after he has
recovered from his current injury. Under the terms of a youth loan, Burke's
temporary stay has to be extended each month. And with the England under-20
international back with the Premier League club for treatment for a medial
ligament strain, Phil Parkinson is facing up to the possibility of the
youngster not returning. The Hammers have been keeping a close eye on
Burke's progress at Valley Parade and see him very much in their plans.
Parkinson admitted: "We're just waiting to see what happens with that one
and whether they want to call him back. We'll have to see. "Reece's loan is
up and he is injured for a couple of weeks anyway. "If he comes back, it's
fantastic. But if he doesn't then we wish him all the best and he's made a
good contribution for us." Parkinson has been pleased with the growing form
of Nathan Clarke, who impressed in Saturday's 2-0 win at Scunthorpe - City's
sixth clean sheet in a row. "I thought he was brilliant," said the City
boss. "You've got to understand that three games in eight days after not
playing is tough. "But his calmness was there for all to see. He brings a
different quality to the team in terms of being a captain of clubs before.
"The winter months are coming and the tough conditions like Saturday suit a
player like Nathan. "The lads love him. The reason they've got so much
respect for him is that when he was out the team he was terrific with them
in the dressing room. "He never once moaned to me. He just got on with his
job and he's getting his rewards for that now."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, November 24
Monday, November 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd November 2015
Spurs take derby day spoils
WHUFC.com
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 West Ham United
West Ham United's winless Barclays Premier League run stretched to three
matches as Tottenham Hotspur scored a 4-1 win at White Hart Lane.
Two goals from the in-form Harry Kane and one apiece from Toby Alderweireld
and Kyle Walker were enough for Spurs to secure the local derby spoils in
north London, and render Manuel Lanzini's late rocket a mere consoltation.
Cheikhou Kouyate saw his scissor-kick leave Hugo Lloris' crossbar shaking
seconds after Kane's opener, but in truth Mauricio Pochettino's side were
deserved winners on a cold afternoon in N17. Prior to kick-off, thoughts
turned to events in Paris nine days previously, where more than 130 people
lost their lives in a series of horrific terrorist attacks. The French
national anthem was played before both teams joined for a team photo in a
show of support and solidarity. When the game began, the Hammers started
brightly and forced a couple of corners, but neither caused any significant
alarm inside the home penalty area. The same could be said for Aaron
Cresswell's eighth-minute shot from 35 yards, which flew high into the stand
behind Hugo Lloris' goal. After making a slow start themselves, Mauricio
Pochettino's team sprung into life on 21 minutes, when a slick passing move
involving Walker, Hueng-Min Son and Mousa Dembele ended with Christian
Eriksen shooting left-footed and Adrian diving full-length to claw away for
a corner. Two minutes later, the Spaniard was helpless as Kane blasted high
into the net for his fifth goal in successive matches. The striker reacted
quickest after England squad-mate Dele Alli's shot had been blocked and span
into his path.
The game was now well and truly alive and West Ham could have been level
within two minutes themselves. Mark Noble's shot was blocked high into the
air and was met flush by Kouyate's scissor-kick, only for the acrobatic
effort to thump the same crossbar his header flew under last season.
West Ham's frustration grew still further on 33 minutes when Spurs doubled
their lead with a Premier League-leading eighth set-piece goal of the
season. While West Ham's defence failed to react quickly enough, Eriksen's
left-wing corner was met by the unmarked Toby Alderweireld, who powered a
glancing header into the net.
It could have been even worse for Bilic's side before half-time as Kane
raced onto Alli's fortuitous through ball, before scuffing his shot horribly
wide of Adrian's goal with only the No13 to beat.
The 22-year-old made no mistake when he was given another chance five
minutes after the break, though, smacking a low shot past Adrian after James
Tomkins' pass had been intercepted by Danish playmaker Eriksen.
Spurs were now in complete control and could have gone further in front had
it not been for Adrian, who made a fantastic double save to deny Son and
Eriksen.
Bilic made a pair of substitutions with just under half-an-hour remaining,
bringing on Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic, but neither could find the goal
the Hammers needed to get back in the game.
Instead, Tottenham continued to create chances, with Kane testing Adrian and
Walker flashing a cross inches beyond Son's boot.
West Ham's first opportunity of the second half fell to Winston Reid, but
his header from Zarate's corner was grabbed comfortably enough by Lloris.
Frustrations threatened to boil over on a couple of occasions, with Noble
and Sakho both seeing yellow following altercations with Alli and Walker,
who were also booked.
Substitute Ryan Mason was then denied by Adrian before Walker made
absolutely sure by racing forward and curling his shot into the far corner
with the outside of his right foot.
Lanzini then lost goalscorer Walker before beating Lloris with an
unstoppable left-foot drive into the roof of the Tottenham net, but by the
time the Argentine's fifth of the season went in a large number of West Ham
fans had understandably made for the exits.
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris (c), Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Dier,
Alli (Mason 70), Son, Dembele, Eriksen, Kane (Carroll 90)
Subs: Vorm (GK), Trippier, Townsend, Onomah, Davies
Goals: Kane 23, 50, Alderweireld 33, Walker 84
Booked: Alli, Walker
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Cresswell, Noble (c) (Song 79),
Kouyate, Sakho, Moses (Zarate 63), Lanzini, Carroll (Jelavic 63)
Subs: Spiegel (GK), Ogbonna, Oxford, Antonio
Goal: Lanzini 87
Booked: Noble, Sakho
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 35,968
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Noble - This defeat hurts us the most
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Mark Noble admits the 4-1 defeat against Tottenham
hurts the players the most this season but they have vowed to put things
right when they face West Brom next weekend.
After recording memorable away wins over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester
City this season, Slaven Bilic's side failed to hit the same standards at
White Hart Lane.
Two goals from Harry Kane helped Tottenham record a 4-1 victory and not even
a late strike from Manuel Lanzini could help lift the spirits of the
travelling supporters.
Noble admits it could have been a different game if Cheikhou Kouyate's
scissor kick had gone in minutes after Tottenham's opener, but says they
want to get the defeat out of their system quickly and get straight back on
the winning trail in the next home game.
Noble said: "This defeat hurts us the most because it is a London derby. We
have been on the winning side a lot over the last few years.
"They scored from a set play in the first half and we were not out of the
game at that point. We had a couple of chances ourselves and Cheikhou hit
the crossbar.
"If that chance goes in it is a different game. But when you go 2-0 down in
a London derby it is tough to come back from.
"But they scored straight after half-time and that made it virtually
impossible for us. It was a disappointing day.
"Goals at home can lift the crowd and when Harry Kane scored it made life
that much harder for us. The third goal really killed us and it was sloppy
play from us.
"But we need to put this behind us and look forward to West Brom which is
another game on television and put things right."
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Bilic frustrated by Tottenham errors
Slaven Bilic apologised to West Ham United supporters after watching his
side finish up 4-1 Barclays Premier League losers at Tottenham Hotspur.
The manager admitted his team had been second best in all departments at
White Hart Lane, where two mistakes set Spurs on their way to a comfortable
victory. The Hammers snatched a late consolation goal through Manuel
Lanzini, but Bilic told West Ham TV he was sorry for the ribbing the Claret
and Blue Army will take from their Tottenham-supporting work colleagues or
schoolmates on Monday morning. "Of course I want to apologise to them
because it's a special kind of game and tomorrow it's not going to be very
good for our fans to go to work with the Spurs teasing them and all that,"
the manager stated. "First, I want to apologise to them and second I want to
promise them that we're going to bounce back and we're going to prepare for
a game against West Brom and we're going to be back on the winning track."
On a cold Sunday afternoon in north London, Bilic's team froze after a
bright-ish start, falling behind to Harry Kane's strike on 23 minutes after
Dele Alli's shot had been blocked into his path. Cheikhou Kouyate then
thumped the crossbar with a scissor-kick before the unmarked Toby
Alderweireld's header made it 2-0. James Tomkins' errant pass allowed
Christian Eriksen to set up Kane for Spurs' third five minutes into the
second half before Kyle Walker added a fourth with a well-placed finish,
rendering Lanzini's late rocket a mere consolation.
Having had two weeks to prepare his squad – albeit one without the injured
Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia – for the derby, Bilic could not hide his
disappointment. "I cannot pretend I am not disappointed because I am and the
dressing room is very, very quiet, of course," he explained. "We are all
disappointed and it simply wasn't us. We didn't play good. "We started OK
and had some points where we were good around their box. They were pressing
and are good in that and scored a goal from their first chance with a bit of
luck, but we were too deep in that situation and invited them to be close to
our goal a lot of times, and then there's always a risk you will make a
mistake. "To be fair, the second goal was a cheap one from the corner. At
half-time I said we were not happy but we were still in the game and I was
expecting us to bounce back and score a goal, then it is still open, big
time.
"Their third goal obviously killed us in that moment and after that
unfortunately, we have to be happy with 4-1, which is a very, very bad
result, especially against Spurs in a derby game."
At least two of Tottenham's goals could have been avoided with better
concentration from the Hammers, but Bilic was not making any excuses for his
side's defeat. "We can say that and we can say we hit the post after they
scored the first and their third was a big mistake from an individual error,
but they had a couple more chances in the first half so they could have had
four goals at half-time," he said, honestly. "I have no excuses for this
performance. We have to say they were much better than us. "On one hand,
we're going to analyse this game. On the other hand, we're going to put this
game to bed as soon as possible and prepare for our next gam e."
Bilic and West Ham will seek to end their three-match winless run when they
host West Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday 29 November.
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Ladies edged out by Brighton
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies put in a strong defensive performance, but couldn't
stop Brighton & Hove Albion securing a 1-0 win at Sussex FA HQ on Sunday.
In a fixture where the Hammers had their backs to the wall for the majority
of the game, Brighton tested the Hammers Indian international goalkeeper
Aditi Chauhan several times, but just couldn't beat her.
That was until the 74th minute when Brighton struck the winning goal as a
stray ball into the box from Deanna Cooper found a way past Chauhan.
Marc Nurse had a reshuffle of his pack after the Hammers' recent defeat away
to Tottenham Hotspur a week ago. Chauhan was again named between the sticks
at the end of a week where she celebrated her 23rd birthday and being named
the Woman in Football winner at the Asian Football Awards, whilst Teni
Charles made her West Ham debut in attack and Kelsey Smith awaited her debut
on the bench.
Brighton narrowly missed out on victory over the Hammers a number of weeks
ago at AFC Hornchurch when midfielder Shirvae Edwards came off the bench to
fire in a vital equaliser against the run of play.
Fast forward to Sunday and the Seagulls instantly went about their business
as the aimed to go one better this time and secure all three points, but the
Hammers defence, led by captain Katie Bottom, were strong and continually
denied their hosts.
West Ham managed one shot on target in the whole of the opening 45 minutes,
but Italian midfielder Giulia Ferrandi could only find the grateful hand of
Brighton keeper Faye Baker from distance.
In the second half, Brighton continued their relentless attack of the West
Ham goal, but the visitors refused to be budged and ensured that they stood
strong.
The deadlock was broken with just over 15 minutes left when Cooper managed
to find the net from a cross which totally evaded all the Hammers defence,
including Chauhan.
West Ham tried their hardest to try and start an attacking move, but the
Seagulls were too strong and could have scored again in the closing stages.
The game went from bad to worse when Nurse's side had to end the game with
just nine players as Italian midfielder Erika Campesi picked up an injury in
a strong tackle, whilst Hannah Wheeler was unable to continue and had to be
taken off.
Brighton looked to make use of the extra numbers and extend their lead, but
again Chauhan was the last line of defence that refused to be beaten again.
Nurse's side will be hoping for three points when they head to Plymouth
Argyle on Sunday 29 November, with kick-off at 2pm.
Ladies: Chauhan, Ritson, Wheeler, Bottom (c), Strange, Campesi, Miller
(Anderson-James), Ferrandi, Charles (Smith), Pinna (Hinz). Subs not used:
Sammons, Edwards.
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Bilic slams team after derby day humbling
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 22nd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic laid into his team after they were heavily beaten by neighbours
Tottenham at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
Bilic was hugely disappointed by his team's performance after they went down
4-1 in this afternoon's big Premier League clash and accused his team of
failing to raise their game for the occasion.
"The performance matches the result," said Bilic. "They were better than us.
"Up until the first goal they were pressing us but didn't create a lot. We
also had some situations in the last third of the pitch. The first goal
lifted them and we went into a bit of shock.
"We were two-nil down at half time but were still in the game. We needed to
raise our game, to be more focused and hungry on the ball and to be better
in the transitions when they were really good.
"But the third goal, which came out of a mistake just killed us and to be
fair, it could have been more."
And the manager, who saw his team fall to only their second away defeat in
the Premier League since he arrived at the club admitted that his team got
exactly what they deserved.
"On the one hand we've got to forget the result but we've got to talk about
this game because of the games we've got to play," he added.
"We've shown so many times that when we are focused we are a good team. But
we weren't good enough to get anything out of that game."
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Man stabbed ahead of Tottenham's match against West Ham
Last Updated: 22/11/15 9:05pm
SSN
A 35-year-old man is in a stable condition in hospital after being stabbed
in the abdomen outside White Hart Lane ahead of Tottenham's game with West
Ham. The Metropolitan police have confirmed they were called to an incident
at 3pm on the junction between White Hart Lane and Tottenham High Road prior
to Sunday's London derby, which ended in a 4-1 win to Spurs. The victim was
taken to an east London hospital, where he remains, and Haringey CID are
investigating. However, no arrests have yet been made. West Ham are aware of
the incident and are working with police but Tottenham were unavailable for
comment when contacted by Sky Sports News HQ.
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West Ham United are a mid-table team, says Scott Parker
Last Updated: 22/11/15 9:16pm
SSN
Scott Parker says West Ham are a mid-table team and are suffering a blip in
confidence after a good start to the season following their 4-1 defeat to
Tottenham on Sunday. West Ham have done well on their travels so far this
season with wins against Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, but have
now lost their last two. Slaven Billic was without midfielder Dimitri Payet
for the trip to White Hart Lane, who was ruled out for up to three months
after a tackle by Everton's James McCarthy. "West Ham are a mid-table team,
they have some very good players and I see this as just a blip in
confidence," Parker said after the game on Super Sunday. "It depends how
quickly you can bounce back from it. Billic is right when he says 4-1 in a
London derby hurts a little bit more and they need to try and re-group a
bit. "I didn't think there was much in the first 15 minutes, their game plan
was going quite well. The space between the back four and midfield was quite
condensed and it looked like a bit of an early boxing match in terms of
trying to weigh each other up, but goals are important in games and after
the first one went in, it was a tough afternoon for them.
"At the start of the season, it was probably a surprise to see Billic come
in, probably a bit of a risk if anything. You know what you get with Sam
Allardyce but he's come in and done a fantastic job, got some early results
which were probably a bit false on the scale of where they were in the
league. "But confidence is key, so hopefully they can pick up some results
now and get going again."
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp echoed the same sentiments during the
post-match analysis, and thinks West Ham fans have been subject to some
'unrealistic expectations' so far this season. "I think they've been
punching above their weight. You only have to look at their results so far
and if you're a West Ham fan, you're in dream land because you're beating
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City away and they're starting to have
unrealistic expectations. "Billic has done a great job and they're playing
good football but I think they're a mid-table team. I don't think we should
get too excited thinking they can get into the top four. Watford away and
today have been damaging on the team and you can see the confidence draining
out of them and they've got to pick themselves back up."
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Slav gets it all wrong as AC flops again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's hard to say it but whichever way you try explaining this afternoon's
disaster it started at Slav's door and was exacerbated by some very poor
performances from several players.
The minute I saw the team sheet – probably like most of you – I knew we were
done for! Andy Carroll through the middle and Diafra Sakho wide? Never…not
in a million years – we've been here before and it doesn't work. End of.
Sakho's effectiveness was reduced by about 50 per cent and Carroll didn't
reach that percentage in another awful display.
We really can't keep feasting off one winning goal against Chelsea from him
however tasty it was at the time.
He is not a threat and his reputation is rapidly becoming a myth perpetrated
by people with an agenda. Andy Carroll as the replacement plan for a team
that plays around Dimi Payet – err sorry how does that work?
Blimey, even the £2 million Nikica Jelavic looked a far better player than
him and produced a great ball for Lanzini's goal. In other circumstances
we'd be raving about it as Payet-like.
Sakho has to play through the middle. it's as simple as that and as has been
said many times, at best, Carroll is an impact sub.
Like the boss I didn't believe we were out of the game at half time but not
for the first time a defensive error – again by James Tomkins – sealed our
fate.
That was most certainly not JT's first error of the season that has led to a
goal and today's incident may be the moment when his run in the team came to
an end with Anglo Ogbonna fit and raring to go being recalled.
After all an £8 million signing can't sit out on the bench forever and
Tomkins may have made it very easy for the boss to do what some of us have
been hoping for over the last two weeks – recall the big Italian.
Talking of leaving players on the bench, where does Michail Antonio go from
here? Surely the perfect moment to see what he's got arrived when the third
goal went in and there was nothing to lose.
That he didn't get anywhere near the action was a shock to me and starts to
pose big questions about his future. Mauro Zarate gave us nothing and could
himself have been withdrawn to make way late on for the £7 mllion signing.
The sub-plot in all of this that went almost unnoticed was the arrival Alex
Song taking the place of the man everybody has been naming as the victim of
his recovery from injury – Mark Noble.
The captain can I think prepare for a difficult rest of the season should
Song come back to anything like his best.
The manager has had a bad day at the office but I refuse to throw stones. In
the words of an old song: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
We are gonna be fine but today was horrible. We simply have to suck it up
and move on.
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Police make statement on stabbed Hammers fan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Metropolitan Police have confirmed a 35-year-old male believed to be a West
Ham supporter was stabbed in the abdomen around White Hart Lane one hour
before kick-off in a statement this evening.
The statement says: "Police are called at approximately 15:00hrs on Sunday,
22 November, to reports of a stabbing in White Hart Lane at the junction
with Tottenham High Road. Officers and London Ambulance and London's Air
Ambulance attended and found a 35-year-old man with a stab wound to his
abdomen. He was taken to an east London hospital where he remains in a
stable condition."
The injured fan remains in the Royal London hospital having sustained minor
injuries. The police have recovered a blade at the scene. Both clubs are now
working with the police to identify those responsible.
The police statement also commented on the reports of a 14 year old being
stabbed: "Detectives are aware of reports that a 14-year-old boy had also
been stabbed within the vicinity of White Hart Lane. At this stage we have
yet to receive a report of this nature and detectives are investigating only
one reported stabbing. We await details as to whether anyone has self
presented at hospital with injuries consistent with being stabbed."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 West Ham United
West Ham United's winless Barclays Premier League run stretched to three
matches as Tottenham Hotspur scored a 4-1 win at White Hart Lane.
Two goals from the in-form Harry Kane and one apiece from Toby Alderweireld
and Kyle Walker were enough for Spurs to secure the local derby spoils in
north London, and render Manuel Lanzini's late rocket a mere consoltation.
Cheikhou Kouyate saw his scissor-kick leave Hugo Lloris' crossbar shaking
seconds after Kane's opener, but in truth Mauricio Pochettino's side were
deserved winners on a cold afternoon in N17. Prior to kick-off, thoughts
turned to events in Paris nine days previously, where more than 130 people
lost their lives in a series of horrific terrorist attacks. The French
national anthem was played before both teams joined for a team photo in a
show of support and solidarity. When the game began, the Hammers started
brightly and forced a couple of corners, but neither caused any significant
alarm inside the home penalty area. The same could be said for Aaron
Cresswell's eighth-minute shot from 35 yards, which flew high into the stand
behind Hugo Lloris' goal. After making a slow start themselves, Mauricio
Pochettino's team sprung into life on 21 minutes, when a slick passing move
involving Walker, Hueng-Min Son and Mousa Dembele ended with Christian
Eriksen shooting left-footed and Adrian diving full-length to claw away for
a corner. Two minutes later, the Spaniard was helpless as Kane blasted high
into the net for his fifth goal in successive matches. The striker reacted
quickest after England squad-mate Dele Alli's shot had been blocked and span
into his path.
The game was now well and truly alive and West Ham could have been level
within two minutes themselves. Mark Noble's shot was blocked high into the
air and was met flush by Kouyate's scissor-kick, only for the acrobatic
effort to thump the same crossbar his header flew under last season.
West Ham's frustration grew still further on 33 minutes when Spurs doubled
their lead with a Premier League-leading eighth set-piece goal of the
season. While West Ham's defence failed to react quickly enough, Eriksen's
left-wing corner was met by the unmarked Toby Alderweireld, who powered a
glancing header into the net.
It could have been even worse for Bilic's side before half-time as Kane
raced onto Alli's fortuitous through ball, before scuffing his shot horribly
wide of Adrian's goal with only the No13 to beat.
The 22-year-old made no mistake when he was given another chance five
minutes after the break, though, smacking a low shot past Adrian after James
Tomkins' pass had been intercepted by Danish playmaker Eriksen.
Spurs were now in complete control and could have gone further in front had
it not been for Adrian, who made a fantastic double save to deny Son and
Eriksen.
Bilic made a pair of substitutions with just under half-an-hour remaining,
bringing on Mauro Zarate and Nikica Jelavic, but neither could find the goal
the Hammers needed to get back in the game.
Instead, Tottenham continued to create chances, with Kane testing Adrian and
Walker flashing a cross inches beyond Son's boot.
West Ham's first opportunity of the second half fell to Winston Reid, but
his header from Zarate's corner was grabbed comfortably enough by Lloris.
Frustrations threatened to boil over on a couple of occasions, with Noble
and Sakho both seeing yellow following altercations with Alli and Walker,
who were also booked.
Substitute Ryan Mason was then denied by Adrian before Walker made
absolutely sure by racing forward and curling his shot into the far corner
with the outside of his right foot.
Lanzini then lost goalscorer Walker before beating Lloris with an
unstoppable left-foot drive into the roof of the Tottenham net, but by the
time the Argentine's fifth of the season went in a large number of West Ham
fans had understandably made for the exits.
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris (c), Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Dier,
Alli (Mason 70), Son, Dembele, Eriksen, Kane (Carroll 90)
Subs: Vorm (GK), Trippier, Townsend, Onomah, Davies
Goals: Kane 23, 50, Alderweireld 33, Walker 84
Booked: Alli, Walker
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Cresswell, Noble (c) (Song 79),
Kouyate, Sakho, Moses (Zarate 63), Lanzini, Carroll (Jelavic 63)
Subs: Spiegel (GK), Ogbonna, Oxford, Antonio
Goal: Lanzini 87
Booked: Noble, Sakho
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 35,968
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Noble - This defeat hurts us the most
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Mark Noble admits the 4-1 defeat against Tottenham
hurts the players the most this season but they have vowed to put things
right when they face West Brom next weekend.
After recording memorable away wins over Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester
City this season, Slaven Bilic's side failed to hit the same standards at
White Hart Lane.
Two goals from Harry Kane helped Tottenham record a 4-1 victory and not even
a late strike from Manuel Lanzini could help lift the spirits of the
travelling supporters.
Noble admits it could have been a different game if Cheikhou Kouyate's
scissor kick had gone in minutes after Tottenham's opener, but says they
want to get the defeat out of their system quickly and get straight back on
the winning trail in the next home game.
Noble said: "This defeat hurts us the most because it is a London derby. We
have been on the winning side a lot over the last few years.
"They scored from a set play in the first half and we were not out of the
game at that point. We had a couple of chances ourselves and Cheikhou hit
the crossbar.
"If that chance goes in it is a different game. But when you go 2-0 down in
a London derby it is tough to come back from.
"But they scored straight after half-time and that made it virtually
impossible for us. It was a disappointing day.
"Goals at home can lift the crowd and when Harry Kane scored it made life
that much harder for us. The third goal really killed us and it was sloppy
play from us.
"But we need to put this behind us and look forward to West Brom which is
another game on television and put things right."
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Bilic frustrated by Tottenham errors
Slaven Bilic apologised to West Ham United supporters after watching his
side finish up 4-1 Barclays Premier League losers at Tottenham Hotspur.
The manager admitted his team had been second best in all departments at
White Hart Lane, where two mistakes set Spurs on their way to a comfortable
victory. The Hammers snatched a late consolation goal through Manuel
Lanzini, but Bilic told West Ham TV he was sorry for the ribbing the Claret
and Blue Army will take from their Tottenham-supporting work colleagues or
schoolmates on Monday morning. "Of course I want to apologise to them
because it's a special kind of game and tomorrow it's not going to be very
good for our fans to go to work with the Spurs teasing them and all that,"
the manager stated. "First, I want to apologise to them and second I want to
promise them that we're going to bounce back and we're going to prepare for
a game against West Brom and we're going to be back on the winning track."
On a cold Sunday afternoon in north London, Bilic's team froze after a
bright-ish start, falling behind to Harry Kane's strike on 23 minutes after
Dele Alli's shot had been blocked into his path. Cheikhou Kouyate then
thumped the crossbar with a scissor-kick before the unmarked Toby
Alderweireld's header made it 2-0. James Tomkins' errant pass allowed
Christian Eriksen to set up Kane for Spurs' third five minutes into the
second half before Kyle Walker added a fourth with a well-placed finish,
rendering Lanzini's late rocket a mere consolation.
Having had two weeks to prepare his squad – albeit one without the injured
Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia – for the derby, Bilic could not hide his
disappointment. "I cannot pretend I am not disappointed because I am and the
dressing room is very, very quiet, of course," he explained. "We are all
disappointed and it simply wasn't us. We didn't play good. "We started OK
and had some points where we were good around their box. They were pressing
and are good in that and scored a goal from their first chance with a bit of
luck, but we were too deep in that situation and invited them to be close to
our goal a lot of times, and then there's always a risk you will make a
mistake. "To be fair, the second goal was a cheap one from the corner. At
half-time I said we were not happy but we were still in the game and I was
expecting us to bounce back and score a goal, then it is still open, big
time.
"Their third goal obviously killed us in that moment and after that
unfortunately, we have to be happy with 4-1, which is a very, very bad
result, especially against Spurs in a derby game."
At least two of Tottenham's goals could have been avoided with better
concentration from the Hammers, but Bilic was not making any excuses for his
side's defeat. "We can say that and we can say we hit the post after they
scored the first and their third was a big mistake from an individual error,
but they had a couple more chances in the first half so they could have had
four goals at half-time," he said, honestly. "I have no excuses for this
performance. We have to say they were much better than us. "On one hand,
we're going to analyse this game. On the other hand, we're going to put this
game to bed as soon as possible and prepare for our next gam e."
Bilic and West Ham will seek to end their three-match winless run when they
host West Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday 29 November.
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Ladies edged out by Brighton
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies put in a strong defensive performance, but couldn't
stop Brighton & Hove Albion securing a 1-0 win at Sussex FA HQ on Sunday.
In a fixture where the Hammers had their backs to the wall for the majority
of the game, Brighton tested the Hammers Indian international goalkeeper
Aditi Chauhan several times, but just couldn't beat her.
That was until the 74th minute when Brighton struck the winning goal as a
stray ball into the box from Deanna Cooper found a way past Chauhan.
Marc Nurse had a reshuffle of his pack after the Hammers' recent defeat away
to Tottenham Hotspur a week ago. Chauhan was again named between the sticks
at the end of a week where she celebrated her 23rd birthday and being named
the Woman in Football winner at the Asian Football Awards, whilst Teni
Charles made her West Ham debut in attack and Kelsey Smith awaited her debut
on the bench.
Brighton narrowly missed out on victory over the Hammers a number of weeks
ago at AFC Hornchurch when midfielder Shirvae Edwards came off the bench to
fire in a vital equaliser against the run of play.
Fast forward to Sunday and the Seagulls instantly went about their business
as the aimed to go one better this time and secure all three points, but the
Hammers defence, led by captain Katie Bottom, were strong and continually
denied their hosts.
West Ham managed one shot on target in the whole of the opening 45 minutes,
but Italian midfielder Giulia Ferrandi could only find the grateful hand of
Brighton keeper Faye Baker from distance.
In the second half, Brighton continued their relentless attack of the West
Ham goal, but the visitors refused to be budged and ensured that they stood
strong.
The deadlock was broken with just over 15 minutes left when Cooper managed
to find the net from a cross which totally evaded all the Hammers defence,
including Chauhan.
West Ham tried their hardest to try and start an attacking move, but the
Seagulls were too strong and could have scored again in the closing stages.
The game went from bad to worse when Nurse's side had to end the game with
just nine players as Italian midfielder Erika Campesi picked up an injury in
a strong tackle, whilst Hannah Wheeler was unable to continue and had to be
taken off.
Brighton looked to make use of the extra numbers and extend their lead, but
again Chauhan was the last line of defence that refused to be beaten again.
Nurse's side will be hoping for three points when they head to Plymouth
Argyle on Sunday 29 November, with kick-off at 2pm.
Ladies: Chauhan, Ritson, Wheeler, Bottom (c), Strange, Campesi, Miller
(Anderson-James), Ferrandi, Charles (Smith), Pinna (Hinz). Subs not used:
Sammons, Edwards.
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Bilic slams team after derby day humbling
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 22nd November 2015
By: Staff Writer
Slaven Bilic laid into his team after they were heavily beaten by neighbours
Tottenham at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
Bilic was hugely disappointed by his team's performance after they went down
4-1 in this afternoon's big Premier League clash and accused his team of
failing to raise their game for the occasion.
"The performance matches the result," said Bilic. "They were better than us.
"Up until the first goal they were pressing us but didn't create a lot. We
also had some situations in the last third of the pitch. The first goal
lifted them and we went into a bit of shock.
"We were two-nil down at half time but were still in the game. We needed to
raise our game, to be more focused and hungry on the ball and to be better
in the transitions when they were really good.
"But the third goal, which came out of a mistake just killed us and to be
fair, it could have been more."
And the manager, who saw his team fall to only their second away defeat in
the Premier League since he arrived at the club admitted that his team got
exactly what they deserved.
"On the one hand we've got to forget the result but we've got to talk about
this game because of the games we've got to play," he added.
"We've shown so many times that when we are focused we are a good team. But
we weren't good enough to get anything out of that game."
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Man stabbed ahead of Tottenham's match against West Ham
Last Updated: 22/11/15 9:05pm
SSN
A 35-year-old man is in a stable condition in hospital after being stabbed
in the abdomen outside White Hart Lane ahead of Tottenham's game with West
Ham. The Metropolitan police have confirmed they were called to an incident
at 3pm on the junction between White Hart Lane and Tottenham High Road prior
to Sunday's London derby, which ended in a 4-1 win to Spurs. The victim was
taken to an east London hospital, where he remains, and Haringey CID are
investigating. However, no arrests have yet been made. West Ham are aware of
the incident and are working with police but Tottenham were unavailable for
comment when contacted by Sky Sports News HQ.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United are a mid-table team, says Scott Parker
Last Updated: 22/11/15 9:16pm
SSN
Scott Parker says West Ham are a mid-table team and are suffering a blip in
confidence after a good start to the season following their 4-1 defeat to
Tottenham on Sunday. West Ham have done well on their travels so far this
season with wins against Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, but have
now lost their last two. Slaven Billic was without midfielder Dimitri Payet
for the trip to White Hart Lane, who was ruled out for up to three months
after a tackle by Everton's James McCarthy. "West Ham are a mid-table team,
they have some very good players and I see this as just a blip in
confidence," Parker said after the game on Super Sunday. "It depends how
quickly you can bounce back from it. Billic is right when he says 4-1 in a
London derby hurts a little bit more and they need to try and re-group a
bit. "I didn't think there was much in the first 15 minutes, their game plan
was going quite well. The space between the back four and midfield was quite
condensed and it looked like a bit of an early boxing match in terms of
trying to weigh each other up, but goals are important in games and after
the first one went in, it was a tough afternoon for them.
"At the start of the season, it was probably a surprise to see Billic come
in, probably a bit of a risk if anything. You know what you get with Sam
Allardyce but he's come in and done a fantastic job, got some early results
which were probably a bit false on the scale of where they were in the
league. "But confidence is key, so hopefully they can pick up some results
now and get going again."
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp echoed the same sentiments during the
post-match analysis, and thinks West Ham fans have been subject to some
'unrealistic expectations' so far this season. "I think they've been
punching above their weight. You only have to look at their results so far
and if you're a West Ham fan, you're in dream land because you're beating
Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City away and they're starting to have
unrealistic expectations. "Billic has done a great job and they're playing
good football but I think they're a mid-table team. I don't think we should
get too excited thinking they can get into the top four. Watford away and
today have been damaging on the team and you can see the confidence draining
out of them and they've got to pick themselves back up."
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Slav gets it all wrong as AC flops again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's hard to say it but whichever way you try explaining this afternoon's
disaster it started at Slav's door and was exacerbated by some very poor
performances from several players.
The minute I saw the team sheet – probably like most of you – I knew we were
done for! Andy Carroll through the middle and Diafra Sakho wide? Never…not
in a million years – we've been here before and it doesn't work. End of.
Sakho's effectiveness was reduced by about 50 per cent and Carroll didn't
reach that percentage in another awful display.
We really can't keep feasting off one winning goal against Chelsea from him
however tasty it was at the time.
He is not a threat and his reputation is rapidly becoming a myth perpetrated
by people with an agenda. Andy Carroll as the replacement plan for a team
that plays around Dimi Payet – err sorry how does that work?
Blimey, even the £2 million Nikica Jelavic looked a far better player than
him and produced a great ball for Lanzini's goal. In other circumstances
we'd be raving about it as Payet-like.
Sakho has to play through the middle. it's as simple as that and as has been
said many times, at best, Carroll is an impact sub.
Like the boss I didn't believe we were out of the game at half time but not
for the first time a defensive error – again by James Tomkins – sealed our
fate.
That was most certainly not JT's first error of the season that has led to a
goal and today's incident may be the moment when his run in the team came to
an end with Anglo Ogbonna fit and raring to go being recalled.
After all an £8 million signing can't sit out on the bench forever and
Tomkins may have made it very easy for the boss to do what some of us have
been hoping for over the last two weeks – recall the big Italian.
Talking of leaving players on the bench, where does Michail Antonio go from
here? Surely the perfect moment to see what he's got arrived when the third
goal went in and there was nothing to lose.
That he didn't get anywhere near the action was a shock to me and starts to
pose big questions about his future. Mauro Zarate gave us nothing and could
himself have been withdrawn to make way late on for the £7 mllion signing.
The sub-plot in all of this that went almost unnoticed was the arrival Alex
Song taking the place of the man everybody has been naming as the victim of
his recovery from injury – Mark Noble.
The captain can I think prepare for a difficult rest of the season should
Song come back to anything like his best.
The manager has had a bad day at the office but I refuse to throw stones. In
the words of an old song: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
We are gonna be fine but today was horrible. We simply have to suck it up
and move on.
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Police make statement on stabbed Hammers fan
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 22, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Metropolitan Police have confirmed a 35-year-old male believed to be a West
Ham supporter was stabbed in the abdomen around White Hart Lane one hour
before kick-off in a statement this evening.
The statement says: "Police are called at approximately 15:00hrs on Sunday,
22 November, to reports of a stabbing in White Hart Lane at the junction
with Tottenham High Road. Officers and London Ambulance and London's Air
Ambulance attended and found a 35-year-old man with a stab wound to his
abdomen. He was taken to an east London hospital where he remains in a
stable condition."
The injured fan remains in the Royal London hospital having sustained minor
injuries. The police have recovered a blade at the scene. Both clubs are now
working with the police to identify those responsible.
The police statement also commented on the reports of a 14 year old being
stabbed: "Detectives are aware of reports that a 14-year-old boy had also
been stabbed within the vicinity of White Hart Lane. At this stage we have
yet to receive a report of this nature and detectives are investigating only
one reported stabbing. We await details as to whether anyone has self
presented at hospital with injuries consistent with being stabbed."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22ns November 2015
From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
The Times football writer Rory Smith previews Sunday's London derby between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur...
It feels like the West Ham United fans believe again - that seems to have changed and there seems to be more excitement and energy around the place than there was last season.
I first met Slaven Bilic when he was at Besiktas and, as a journalist, I find him to be very charismatic, very charming and quite funny. You can tell he is in a band and an entertainer - there is something about him that does engage you!
He is one of those managers, and there are a few of them, who you can imagine players wanting to play for. You look at him and you can get how he can command the respect and enthusiasm of his team.
Slaven can certainly spot a 'line' during a press conference or an interview, which journalists love because it writes their story for them, to an extent.
It's nice to get a manager who is not afraid to talk. A lot of them are very cagey these days - and you can understand that and say we are to blame for that - so it's nice to have a manager who will sit and chat with you and knows a soundbite when he sees one. It makes our jobs easier!
This Sunday, Slaven takes his team to Tottenham Hotspur and it's a massive game for both clubs. It's more interesting than normal, I think, because they are both going well.
Spurs are going well and have surprised a lot of people. Before the season, I don't think anyone thought they would be top-four contenders. People thought they a work in progress, but it looks like they're further along than we realised.
I think West Ham have hit the ground running quicker than people thought, too. Form goes out of the window in derbies and all that, but it's probably a more significant game for the rest of the country than it normally is.
It's a massive local game, but there is more at stake for the neutrals who are worried about their own clubs and how they will do. It's important for the Premier League and it's the first time for a while that that's been the case.
Spurs work insanely hard and have really come along and it's really surprised people by the way they won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. They have got a way of playing, especially away from home.
The thing about West Ham is that they are of the time in football terms. They have worked out how to play on the counter-attack - and people don't seem to want the ball any more.
Football goes in cycles. There are only two ways to play, with the ball and without the ball, and West Ham have worked out a way to beat teams without having the majority of possession against big teams.
It's an interesting dynamic because Spurs are happier without the ball too, so it's a game between two teams who don't want the ball! It should make for an intriguing game. They are both very modern teams and that's a credit to their managers.
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Diangana treble counts for nothing
WHUFC.com
West Ham United suffered Barclays U18 Premier League South heartbreak as Norwich City grabbed a last-minute 4-3 at Little Heath.
The visitors took the lead through George Couzens' free-kick, before West Ham midfielder Grady Diangana levelled with a fantastic effort from distance.
Before the break, Benny Ashley-Seal and Bilal Kamal fired the Canaries into a two-goal lead, but Diangana scored twice more either side of half-time as the Academy levelled late on.
However, Hammers winger Joe Powell gave away a free-kick deep in the home half, allowing Ashley-Seal to head home a last-gasp winner, before the scorer was shown a straight red card during his celebrations.
After last week's impressive 2-0 win at Leicester, the Academy made three changes to their starting XI. U16 defender Ben Wells made his first U18 start, replacing U15 star Ajibola Alese, while schoolboy midfielder Alfie Lewis and new signing Dan Kemp replaced Idris Kanu and captain Noha Sylvestre in midfield.
Straight from kick-off, Powell slipped and allowed Norwich to open the game with an attacking move, but Ashley-Seal fired wide of the target from an acute angle.
After just eight minutes, the visitors got themselves in front after a defensive mix-up in the West Ham defence. Wells gave away possession on the edge of the box and bought down Ashley-Seal, allowing Couzens to step up and curl his free-kick past Hammers goalkeeper Tim Brown.
It did not take the hosts long to pull themselves level, though, as Diangana picked up the ball inside the Norwich half, shaped his body and bent a low shot inside the far corner.
Just minutes later, another defensive error from West Ham gave Ashley-Seal plenty of time and space inside the penalty area to fire low past Brown.
West Ham tried to get back into the game as quickly as they did after the Canaries first goal, but neither Powell nor Kemp could beat Norwich goalkeeper Aston Oxborough.
Norwich extended their lead shortly after the half-hour mark when a corner caught the wind and travelled all the way through to Kamal on the edge of the penalty area. He got his head over the ball and fired an unstoppable shot through a crowd and into the far corner of the net.
After the break and West Ham were a completely different team to the one that went in at half-time two goals behind.
On 51 minutes, former Chelsea winger Kemp cleverly found Diangana inside the penalty area and he cut back onto his left foot and buried the ball under Oxborough.
Despite losing Wells to injury, West Ham continued to push and defender Tunji Akinola thought he had scored his third goal in three games when he headed home from a Powell corner with just six minutes left, but the referee had deemed that Diangana had fouled goalkeeper Oxborough in the build-up.
The Hammers raised the pressure again and after Oxborough kept Norwich ahead with an outstanding reaction save, he was powerless to deny Diangana from close range as the Hammers attacker completed a sensational hat-trick.
It was a deserved equaliser based on the home side's second half performance but Norwich had one last attack up their sleeve and it resulted in the winning goal from Ashley-Seal.
It was also the former Arsenal striker's final contribution as he was shown a bizarre straight red card during his goal celebration.
The Hammers will be hoping to have a change of fortunes when they host Arsenal at Little Heath on Saturday 28 November 2015, with kick-off scheduled for 11am.
U18s: Brown, Eggleton, Akinola, Wells (Alese), Neufville, Lewis, Carter (c), Diangana, Powell, Kemp, Hector-Ingram
Subs not used: Matrevics (GK), Longelo, Coventry, Diallo
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Tomkins targeting biggest away win yet
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has hailed the Hammers' fresh approach adopted under Slaven Bilic as one of the main reasons why West Ham United have started the season so strongly.
The centre-back has been in superb form recently, featuring in all but one of the Hammers' opening twelve league games, both at right-back and at the heart of defence.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's London derby with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Tomkins said: "Our style this season has changed quite a lot. Last season we were very keen on defending and being very solid and hard to break down.
"The manager is very positive and encouraging, he wants us to try things, be adventurous and shoot more often, I think you can see that, it's working and people are enjoying watching us.
"We've had a great start to the year; we're sixth at the moment even though we've had some disappointing results. If you'd have said that at the start of the season I don't think many people would have believed it.
"I think the whole ethos and mentality of the club is changing. The new manager has raised that level of expectation and the move to the Olympic Stadium has also elevated our status already, and I'm sure that'll continue when we actually move.
"I think you can see the change in the perception from outside the club too. Everton always beat us, but last time round, they were happy with the draw, you could see their reaction at full time that they saw a point as a good result.
Following the famous victories away at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, Tomkins is eyeing a further prosperous away day at White Hart Lane.
"As a fan, it would certainly be the biggest away win of the season. We've had some big wins but this would top them all, definitely.
"We've had some unbelievable away results; Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City were all special days for the Club. Obviously beating Chelsea at home was also very nice.
"When we get the fixtures at the start of the year, it's one of the games we look first for. It's a huge game, one the fans certainly enjoy."
After twelve games, the Hammers find themselves riding high in sixth place, just one spot behind Spurs on goal difference.
Reflecting on the Hammers' strong start to Bilic's debut season in the Premier League, Tomkins continued: "Confidence is sky high and so it should be. We should be concentrating on as higher finish as possible, the manager said the sky is the limit and he's right. If we keep working hard, we've shown what we can do.
"If you look at our team on paper, you can see the quality we've got. Overall it's been a really good start to the year. Our attacking players particularly have been brilliant.
"This time last season, we were flying but that dropped off. I think we have the squad to maintain this form over the season."
While the 26-year-old has clearly enjoyed working under Bilic, he reiterated his belief that there was more to come, individually and as a team.
"We're searching for that balance, and I think we're getting better. This season we have a lot more players who can change games.
"We're still getting used to each other, so I think there's room for improvement. That is just a matter of time and hopefully we'll get stronger as the season continues.
"Personally, I'm happy with my form at the moment. I feel good when I play, that confidence is massive because it allows you to play to your full capability."
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Browne relishing Rams' test
WHUFC.com
After signing professional terms with the Hammers last week, highly rated midfielder Marcus Browne is set to face Derby County U21 at Rush Green on Monday 23 November.
The 17-year-old has made the transition from the U18s to the U21s look seamless, scoring once in a 4-0 thumping over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Reflecting on his season so far, Browne said: "Training with the U21s is different to training with the U18s, the standard is better and the expectations go up.
"It's been fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I feel like I'm improving everyday in training and learning new things all the time thanks to Terry (Westley) and Liam (Manning)."
During the international break, Browne played, and impressed, in the first team's behind-closed-doors-friendly against Crystal Palace.
Playing as a number 10, as part of a midfield trio with Mark Noble and Alex Song, the youngster more than took his opportunity to show Slaven Bilic what he can do.
Speaking about his performance, he continued: "It was a good experience for me playing with the first team in a friendly. And to play in midfield with the likes of Noble and Song was a great experience, one I'll never forget.
"I rate and look up to them both highly. It was good to get a taste of first team football and to see what it's like and what is required to play at the top level. I learnt a lot playing in the match."
On Monday, the Dev Squad will be looking to build on their 2-1 away win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
A superb all round performance was rewarded with a valuable three points thanks to goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen.
"The win over Brighton was a massive confidence boost to the team," Browne continued, "Everyone enjoys winning it's a good feeling. The win against Brighton felt really good. The boys played really well and everyone worked hard and helped each other to earn a well-deserved victory.
"Hopefully we've found our form and we can start turning good, strong performances into a string of wins."
As for his season personally, the combative midfielder is hoping to extend his deep vein of form for as long as possible.
Having opened his account for the season at Wolves' expense, Browne is hoping to add to his tally.
"It was good to score against Wolves, my first goal for the U21s. My targets for the rest of the season would be to be involved in as many goals as possible, create loads of chances, get a few more goals myself and help the team to more wins.
"Playing as a 10 is new to me but I feel like I've come on loads since the start of the season, the U21s' coach Liam Manning has helped me loads to understand the role and get used to it. I feel like if I stay positive, and keep wanting to learn new things, I can do really well and go a long way."
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West Ham's trip to Tottenham is special, says Slaven Bilic
Last Updated: 21/11/15 2:08pm
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is looking forward to a "special game" when his side take on Tottenham on Sunday.
West Ham travel to White Hart Lane with the two teams separated in the Premier League table only goal difference.
West Ham have not lost on their last three visits to Tottenham, having won in the Premier League and League Cup two seasons ago, while they secured a 2-2 draw last term.
"It is a special game," said Bilic. "I know it's a cliche, but there are some games that are more special for the fans. That's why they are derbies and this one is one of them.
"Some are saying it is like the game of the season for West Ham. I wouldn't call it that, but it is special and we are looking forward to it.
"You can feel it in the camp these last few days. It is like we are waiting for a big game."
West Ham have already beaten Arsenal and Chelsea this season, and Bilic is optimistic his side will be able to add another of their London rivals to that impressive list of scalps.
"We are confident now because we know whoever we play we have a chance," Bilic, who made his debut as a West Ham player in a 1-0 win at Spurs in 1996, added.
"We will approach the game with that knowledge that if we are on top of our game we have a good chance.
"For the fans it would be nice if we finish above them but if you ask me if I am happy to finish ninth and they are 10th, Arsenal are 11th, and Chelsea 12th, I would rather finish second and one of them finish as champions."
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Allardyce delivers Carroll transfer thoughts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Sam Allardyce has responded to rumours linking Sunderland with a potential January or summer move for Andy Carroll. The striker's apparent problems in fitting into Slaven Bilic's new system has fuelled speculation that he could be on his way next summer. But ClaretandHugh wrote yesterday that Carroll's social and professional life was now centred on London – a view apparently shared by the Black Cats boss. He said he "had heard" the former Newcastle United striker is enjoying life in the capital. "If there are any rumours about Andy being transferred I haven't heard it and I don't think he is available," Allardyce was quoted as saying. Allardyce said: "I have also heard he likes living in London. He has got his new family there and a house and he is unlikely to want to leave. He is not available as far as I am concerned." However,all these observations – as is always the case in football – be to be taken with caution until both January and next summer has passed. And with the two being very close one would have imagined that the former Irons boss might know without having to be told how the striker feels about London life!
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Irons have talent bursting from the seams
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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ClaretandHugh's New York-based east end born blogger Scott Alsweiller takes a look at the game against Spurs and says: "We are the better team with a better team spirit, a better manager, and the best fans in the world
Tottenham Hotspur. Not a much loved pair of words for us (although probably slightly less loathed than the words 'James McCarthy').
While it would be wonderful to think that they were looking to join Chelsea floating just out of the relegation zone, they're not. Ahead of us slightly going into Sunday's match, and potentially dangerous. Tomorrow's game may well prove to be the toughest game of the year. But it's one we can win.
Much has been said, and little needs to be added, about the brutal tackle that has taken Dmitri Payet from us for the next three months. But we're not a one man club. Dimi is probably the League signing of the season, but Manuel Lanzini isn't far behind.
His biggest test lies ahead, beginning on Sunday afternoon, when he steps into the role Payet has made his own. Lanzini can not only do it, but he can shine. His raw talent sparkles as he cuts holes through any defence. And for one as young as him, I expect to see his name as Hammer of the Year in future.
It's also time for Zarate to come into his own. We've now seen what he can do, and he does seem to lose his focus as games progress. Start him in Lanzini's accustomed role and let him loose.
The biggest danger with Zarate is that he tends to be selfish with the ball in possession. If he can get over that, we're golden. Antonio is probably due an appearance as well. Everyone with an inkling of what he's capable of has been patiently waiting to see him get some decent game time. He could well make an impact if he gets the chance.
One thing has quickly become apparent is that Andy Carroll cannot start. Especially now with Sakho fit, there's very little place for him in the starting line-up. Even if Sakho were not available it might be a better option to have Zarate up front for the first sixty minutes.
Carroll looks his best – and downright lethal – coming on as an impact sub against a tired defence. At his best he's unplayable, but relies on his physical strength rather than speed and finesse. That works well if the opposition are weary, not well when they're fresh and focused.
Other questions hang heavy over the midfield. Alex Song must be given his chance soon, and it wouldn't be amiss to suspect he'll be back to the sort of form we saw prior to Christmas last season.
If he does come back like that, our own Mark Noble might be hard pressed to hold his place. It's a sad thing to say, we all love Nobes, but he'll have to move up into another gear entirely to retain his starting place in a fully fit squad.
At the back, there is no realistic or sensible case for dropping Tomkins – but there are still questions in many minds about Carl Jenkinson. Tompkins has shown he can fill the role well if we wanted to bring in Ogbonna as a centre back. And with the speed we have as a squad, it isn't as vital for the fullbacks to play the attacking game as it has been previously.
Elsewhere in the League we're seeing how things have changed this year. Chelsea look to be hoping to win some silverware next season though – probably the Championship if they pick themselves up a bit. Leicester City currently top the table, and in no way looking like they're ready to relinquish the spot to anyone. Although if Jamie Vardy were to get injured it might have a serious impact on the rest of their season.
But all kudos to them for the fantastic football they've been playing. But we're better. We're not ahead of them, not by any stretch if the imagination; but we're a more rounded team, with individual talent bursting from the seams.
Let's prove it tomorrow against Spurs. It'll be tough. We have to admit, if somewhat grudgingly, that they look good. But we're better. Man for man, we are the better team with a better team spirit, with a better manager, and the best fans in the world. A win tomorrow will put us back in fifth. Whoever loses will probably drop behind Palace – who would have to not show up at all to lose to Allardyce's Sunderland.
I'll be sitting here in Central New York, screaming and singing. Join me as we will our lads to victory.
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Spurs warned we're far better than last season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Gold is going to Tottenham with more confidence this season than he did last given the squad which Slaven Bilic has assembled.
Yes of course Dimitri Payet is a big miss but with approaching £50 million worth of talent likely to be on the bench the co -chairman believes every Hammer should be more than optimistic of the outcome of the game.
And he points out that whilst Payet has played a massive role this season it should be remembered that eight of the first eleven are the same as last – Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Tomkins, Creswell, Noble, Kouyate and Sakho.
He said: "Everybody loves Dimitri – he makes everybody play better but we have a fantastic squad so why should we be worried about going to White Hart Lane.
"I go everywhere now believing we will win. It's no different at Spurs. We hold a series of results over them so psychologically we have a big edge anyway.
"I think this squad can go to White Hart Lane and come away with another win – why wouldn't I think that. We are much better as a squad than when we were last season and we are playing a brand of football really designed to get results."
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Trevor Sinclair: 'Spurs rivalry borders on hatred'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Former Hammer Trevor Sinclair has recorded his prediction for the London Derby grudge match between Spurs and West Ham.
Recording a video for BreatheSport.com Sinclair says:"Huge, Huge rTrevor Sinclairivalry and that's just the players, for the fans I think it borders on hatred. North London against East London, Hertfordshire against Essex, they really don't like each other and when I have played in this game the atmosphere has always been red hot. West Ham this season start away from home has been unbelievable! Four wins from six away games and they played really well, they got some massive scalps on the way but for me this will be as big as any of those scalps especially as they have not got Dimitri Payet who I think everyone agrees has been a most sensational player this season, picked up a bad injury against Everton, really poor challenge for me, should have been a red card. He's not available so if he (Slaven) goes to the Lane and gets a result this will be a remarkable result. It has been West Ham's best start to any Premier League season so credit to them. It will be a ding dong of a battle but I think this one is going to be a draw! 1-1″
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Transfer talk surrounding Iron ill-informed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Mauro Zarate is showing that ill informed appears to have confirmed that talk linking him with a move away is entirely inaccurate.
Only a few days ago it was reported that by GazzettaTV that Zarate's agent has been in preliminary contact with Hellas, Verona, Genoa and and Torino as he seeks a club interested in signing his client before the January transfer window.
We would have expected nothing else because the Argentinian's name is the first one mentioned whenever transfer windows beckon but he is clearly on a Hammers surge and very happy with life under Slaven Bilic.
Indeed in a new tweet he's predicting that we will be finishing in the top six with insiders telling ClaretandHugh: "We haven't seen him as happy since he arrived here.
"He is enjoying life and giving all the appearances of a man who wants to stay for some time to come. He wasn't made to feel very welcome when he first got here but he's very much a part of things now."
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Ludo bounces back with Spurs plea
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Irons goalkeeping legend Ludek Miklosko is back in the Hammers family with a bang.
Rarely seen in the public eye over the last few years, the brilliant former stopper is making his feelings known about the match against Spurs.
Ludo revealed recently how he is enjoying the new Hammers experience having renewed his friendship with the gaffer Slaven Bilic.
The 53 year old Czech made over 300 appearances for the Hammers between 1990-98 and is widely recognised as perhaps the best keeper to ever represent the club.
But he has made a point of popping up on Twitter to cheekily make a call on behalf of the supporters.
He tweeted: Luděk Mikloško @LUDOGK No big games to day the big one Sunday @SpursOfficial vs @whufc_official come on West Ham let win this one for the fans
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Ogbonna, Song, and Antonio travel to Spurs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic has included Angelo Ogbonna, Alex Song and Michail Antonio in the squad which travels to Tottenham for tomorrow afternoon's Sky TV game.
But training ground observers are finding it impossible to predict which X1 will take the field at 4pm given the changing scenarios adopted on the training ground..
ClaretandHugh was told that the previously injured Ogbona and Song are in the travelling squad along with the £7 million deadline day signing but that the manager has mixed things up so much on the training pitch that the starting X1 "is anybody's guess."
We were told: "We've seen Carroll playing through the middle and Diafra Sakho wide before being returned to his central role.
SongMauro Zarate and Antonio have both been used in wide roles as the guessing game has gone on. It will be fascinating to see how Slaven Bilic goes on our first excursion without Dimi Payet.
Ogbonna s desperate to return but should he , Carroll, Song and Antonio start on the bench it will show how far the club has come this term for their collective worth in the transfer market amounts to around £45 million.
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Irons show their hand on Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham have tonight reacted for the first time to speculation over Andy Carroll's future.
The club's record signing is at the centre of constant rumours that he could return to the north east with both Sunderland and Newcastle reportedly interested in the 26 year old.
And although Sam Allardyce has been reported today as saying he doesn't believe the player is available the Hammers have stopped short of delivering a total hands-off warning to the Black Cats or his former club.
The club are keenly that their record signing will continue to be linked with a move whatever they say but a well placed insider insisted: "We have no desire to sell Andy Carroll.
"We are of course aware of the Sunderland connection and of what the manager has said and there is a mutual respect between the two clubs.
"Andy Carroll has shown already this season how effective he can be in the match against Chelsea and we want to believe he will remain a West Ham player."
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Remembering beating Spurs at White Hart Lane
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 21, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
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In recent times it is hard forget those three winter months in 2013 when we beat Spurs twice in their own back yard at White Hart Lane. I was lucky enough to be at both of those away games and now the eve of another White Hart Lane encounter it is worth remembering the season we beat Spurs three times in a season to get us in the mood for another win on Sunday. The only goal scorer still remaining the West Ham team is Winston Reid.
6th October 2013 Spurs 0 West Ham United 3 Goals from: Winston Reid, Ricardo Vaz Te, Ravel Morrison
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Times football writer Rory Smith previews Sunday's London derby between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur...
It feels like the West Ham United fans believe again - that seems to have changed and there seems to be more excitement and energy around the place than there was last season.
I first met Slaven Bilic when he was at Besiktas and, as a journalist, I find him to be very charismatic, very charming and quite funny. You can tell he is in a band and an entertainer - there is something about him that does engage you!
He is one of those managers, and there are a few of them, who you can imagine players wanting to play for. You look at him and you can get how he can command the respect and enthusiasm of his team.
Slaven can certainly spot a 'line' during a press conference or an interview, which journalists love because it writes their story for them, to an extent.
It's nice to get a manager who is not afraid to talk. A lot of them are very cagey these days - and you can understand that and say we are to blame for that - so it's nice to have a manager who will sit and chat with you and knows a soundbite when he sees one. It makes our jobs easier!
This Sunday, Slaven takes his team to Tottenham Hotspur and it's a massive game for both clubs. It's more interesting than normal, I think, because they are both going well.
Spurs are going well and have surprised a lot of people. Before the season, I don't think anyone thought they would be top-four contenders. People thought they a work in progress, but it looks like they're further along than we realised.
I think West Ham have hit the ground running quicker than people thought, too. Form goes out of the window in derbies and all that, but it's probably a more significant game for the rest of the country than it normally is.
It's a massive local game, but there is more at stake for the neutrals who are worried about their own clubs and how they will do. It's important for the Premier League and it's the first time for a while that that's been the case.
Spurs work insanely hard and have really come along and it's really surprised people by the way they won at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. They have got a way of playing, especially away from home.
The thing about West Ham is that they are of the time in football terms. They have worked out how to play on the counter-attack - and people don't seem to want the ball any more.
Football goes in cycles. There are only two ways to play, with the ball and without the ball, and West Ham have worked out a way to beat teams without having the majority of possession against big teams.
It's an interesting dynamic because Spurs are happier without the ball too, so it's a game between two teams who don't want the ball! It should make for an intriguing game. They are both very modern teams and that's a credit to their managers.
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Diangana treble counts for nothing
WHUFC.com
West Ham United suffered Barclays U18 Premier League South heartbreak as Norwich City grabbed a last-minute 4-3 at Little Heath.
The visitors took the lead through George Couzens' free-kick, before West Ham midfielder Grady Diangana levelled with a fantastic effort from distance.
Before the break, Benny Ashley-Seal and Bilal Kamal fired the Canaries into a two-goal lead, but Diangana scored twice more either side of half-time as the Academy levelled late on.
However, Hammers winger Joe Powell gave away a free-kick deep in the home half, allowing Ashley-Seal to head home a last-gasp winner, before the scorer was shown a straight red card during his celebrations.
After last week's impressive 2-0 win at Leicester, the Academy made three changes to their starting XI. U16 defender Ben Wells made his first U18 start, replacing U15 star Ajibola Alese, while schoolboy midfielder Alfie Lewis and new signing Dan Kemp replaced Idris Kanu and captain Noha Sylvestre in midfield.
Straight from kick-off, Powell slipped and allowed Norwich to open the game with an attacking move, but Ashley-Seal fired wide of the target from an acute angle.
After just eight minutes, the visitors got themselves in front after a defensive mix-up in the West Ham defence. Wells gave away possession on the edge of the box and bought down Ashley-Seal, allowing Couzens to step up and curl his free-kick past Hammers goalkeeper Tim Brown.
It did not take the hosts long to pull themselves level, though, as Diangana picked up the ball inside the Norwich half, shaped his body and bent a low shot inside the far corner.
Just minutes later, another defensive error from West Ham gave Ashley-Seal plenty of time and space inside the penalty area to fire low past Brown.
West Ham tried to get back into the game as quickly as they did after the Canaries first goal, but neither Powell nor Kemp could beat Norwich goalkeeper Aston Oxborough.
Norwich extended their lead shortly after the half-hour mark when a corner caught the wind and travelled all the way through to Kamal on the edge of the penalty area. He got his head over the ball and fired an unstoppable shot through a crowd and into the far corner of the net.
After the break and West Ham were a completely different team to the one that went in at half-time two goals behind.
On 51 minutes, former Chelsea winger Kemp cleverly found Diangana inside the penalty area and he cut back onto his left foot and buried the ball under Oxborough.
Despite losing Wells to injury, West Ham continued to push and defender Tunji Akinola thought he had scored his third goal in three games when he headed home from a Powell corner with just six minutes left, but the referee had deemed that Diangana had fouled goalkeeper Oxborough in the build-up.
The Hammers raised the pressure again and after Oxborough kept Norwich ahead with an outstanding reaction save, he was powerless to deny Diangana from close range as the Hammers attacker completed a sensational hat-trick.
It was a deserved equaliser based on the home side's second half performance but Norwich had one last attack up their sleeve and it resulted in the winning goal from Ashley-Seal.
It was also the former Arsenal striker's final contribution as he was shown a bizarre straight red card during his goal celebration.
The Hammers will be hoping to have a change of fortunes when they host Arsenal at Little Heath on Saturday 28 November 2015, with kick-off scheduled for 11am.
U18s: Brown, Eggleton, Akinola, Wells (Alese), Neufville, Lewis, Carter (c), Diangana, Powell, Kemp, Hector-Ingram
Subs not used: Matrevics (GK), Longelo, Coventry, Diallo
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Tomkins targeting biggest away win yet
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has hailed the Hammers' fresh approach adopted under Slaven Bilic as one of the main reasons why West Ham United have started the season so strongly.
The centre-back has been in superb form recently, featuring in all but one of the Hammers' opening twelve league games, both at right-back and at the heart of defence.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's London derby with rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Tomkins said: "Our style this season has changed quite a lot. Last season we were very keen on defending and being very solid and hard to break down.
"The manager is very positive and encouraging, he wants us to try things, be adventurous and shoot more often, I think you can see that, it's working and people are enjoying watching us.
"We've had a great start to the year; we're sixth at the moment even though we've had some disappointing results. If you'd have said that at the start of the season I don't think many people would have believed it.
"I think the whole ethos and mentality of the club is changing. The new manager has raised that level of expectation and the move to the Olympic Stadium has also elevated our status already, and I'm sure that'll continue when we actually move.
"I think you can see the change in the perception from outside the club too. Everton always beat us, but last time round, they were happy with the draw, you could see their reaction at full time that they saw a point as a good result.
Following the famous victories away at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, Tomkins is eyeing a further prosperous away day at White Hart Lane.
"As a fan, it would certainly be the biggest away win of the season. We've had some big wins but this would top them all, definitely.
"We've had some unbelievable away results; Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City were all special days for the Club. Obviously beating Chelsea at home was also very nice.
"When we get the fixtures at the start of the year, it's one of the games we look first for. It's a huge game, one the fans certainly enjoy."
After twelve games, the Hammers find themselves riding high in sixth place, just one spot behind Spurs on goal difference.
Reflecting on the Hammers' strong start to Bilic's debut season in the Premier League, Tomkins continued: "Confidence is sky high and so it should be. We should be concentrating on as higher finish as possible, the manager said the sky is the limit and he's right. If we keep working hard, we've shown what we can do.
"If you look at our team on paper, you can see the quality we've got. Overall it's been a really good start to the year. Our attacking players particularly have been brilliant.
"This time last season, we were flying but that dropped off. I think we have the squad to maintain this form over the season."
While the 26-year-old has clearly enjoyed working under Bilic, he reiterated his belief that there was more to come, individually and as a team.
"We're searching for that balance, and I think we're getting better. This season we have a lot more players who can change games.
"We're still getting used to each other, so I think there's room for improvement. That is just a matter of time and hopefully we'll get stronger as the season continues.
"Personally, I'm happy with my form at the moment. I feel good when I play, that confidence is massive because it allows you to play to your full capability."
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Browne relishing Rams' test
WHUFC.com
After signing professional terms with the Hammers last week, highly rated midfielder Marcus Browne is set to face Derby County U21 at Rush Green on Monday 23 November.
The 17-year-old has made the transition from the U18s to the U21s look seamless, scoring once in a 4-0 thumping over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Reflecting on his season so far, Browne said: "Training with the U21s is different to training with the U18s, the standard is better and the expectations go up.
"It's been fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I feel like I'm improving everyday in training and learning new things all the time thanks to Terry (Westley) and Liam (Manning)."
During the international break, Browne played, and impressed, in the first team's behind-closed-doors-friendly against Crystal Palace.
Playing as a number 10, as part of a midfield trio with Mark Noble and Alex Song, the youngster more than took his opportunity to show Slaven Bilic what he can do.
Speaking about his performance, he continued: "It was a good experience for me playing with the first team in a friendly. And to play in midfield with the likes of Noble and Song was a great experience, one I'll never forget.
"I rate and look up to them both highly. It was good to get a taste of first team football and to see what it's like and what is required to play at the top level. I learnt a lot playing in the match."
On Monday, the Dev Squad will be looking to build on their 2-1 away win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
A superb all round performance was rewarded with a valuable three points thanks to goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh Cullen.
"The win over Brighton was a massive confidence boost to the team," Browne continued, "Everyone enjoys winning it's a good feeling. The win against Brighton felt really good. The boys played really well and everyone worked hard and helped each other to earn a well-deserved victory.
"Hopefully we've found our form and we can start turning good, strong performances into a string of wins."
As for his season personally, the combative midfielder is hoping to extend his deep vein of form for as long as possible.
Having opened his account for the season at Wolves' expense, Browne is hoping to add to his tally.
"It was good to score against Wolves, my first goal for the U21s. My targets for the rest of the season would be to be involved in as many goals as possible, create loads of chances, get a few more goals myself and help the team to more wins.
"Playing as a 10 is new to me but I feel like I've come on loads since the start of the season, the U21s' coach Liam Manning has helped me loads to understand the role and get used to it. I feel like if I stay positive, and keep wanting to learn new things, I can do really well and go a long way."
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West Ham's trip to Tottenham is special, says Slaven Bilic
Last Updated: 21/11/15 2:08pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is looking forward to a "special game" when his side take on Tottenham on Sunday.
West Ham travel to White Hart Lane with the two teams separated in the Premier League table only goal difference.
West Ham have not lost on their last three visits to Tottenham, having won in the Premier League and League Cup two seasons ago, while they secured a 2-2 draw last term.
"It is a special game," said Bilic. "I know it's a cliche, but there are some games that are more special for the fans. That's why they are derbies and this one is one of them.
"Some are saying it is like the game of the season for West Ham. I wouldn't call it that, but it is special and we are looking forward to it.
"You can feel it in the camp these last few days. It is like we are waiting for a big game."
West Ham have already beaten Arsenal and Chelsea this season, and Bilic is optimistic his side will be able to add another of their London rivals to that impressive list of scalps.
"We are confident now because we know whoever we play we have a chance," Bilic, who made his debut as a West Ham player in a 1-0 win at Spurs in 1996, added.
"We will approach the game with that knowledge that if we are on top of our game we have a good chance.
"For the fans it would be nice if we finish above them but if you ask me if I am happy to finish ninth and they are 10th, Arsenal are 11th, and Chelsea 12th, I would rather finish second and one of them finish as champions."
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Allardyce delivers Carroll transfer thoughts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Sam Allardyce has responded to rumours linking Sunderland with a potential January or summer move for Andy Carroll. The striker's apparent problems in fitting into Slaven Bilic's new system has fuelled speculation that he could be on his way next summer. But ClaretandHugh wrote yesterday that Carroll's social and professional life was now centred on London – a view apparently shared by the Black Cats boss. He said he "had heard" the former Newcastle United striker is enjoying life in the capital. "If there are any rumours about Andy being transferred I haven't heard it and I don't think he is available," Allardyce was quoted as saying. Allardyce said: "I have also heard he likes living in London. He has got his new family there and a house and he is unlikely to want to leave. He is not available as far as I am concerned." However,all these observations – as is always the case in football – be to be taken with caution until both January and next summer has passed. And with the two being very close one would have imagined that the former Irons boss might know without having to be told how the striker feels about London life!
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Irons have talent bursting from the seams
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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ClaretandHugh's New York-based east end born blogger Scott Alsweiller takes a look at the game against Spurs and says: "We are the better team with a better team spirit, a better manager, and the best fans in the world
Tottenham Hotspur. Not a much loved pair of words for us (although probably slightly less loathed than the words 'James McCarthy').
While it would be wonderful to think that they were looking to join Chelsea floating just out of the relegation zone, they're not. Ahead of us slightly going into Sunday's match, and potentially dangerous. Tomorrow's game may well prove to be the toughest game of the year. But it's one we can win.
Much has been said, and little needs to be added, about the brutal tackle that has taken Dmitri Payet from us for the next three months. But we're not a one man club. Dimi is probably the League signing of the season, but Manuel Lanzini isn't far behind.
His biggest test lies ahead, beginning on Sunday afternoon, when he steps into the role Payet has made his own. Lanzini can not only do it, but he can shine. His raw talent sparkles as he cuts holes through any defence. And for one as young as him, I expect to see his name as Hammer of the Year in future.
It's also time for Zarate to come into his own. We've now seen what he can do, and he does seem to lose his focus as games progress. Start him in Lanzini's accustomed role and let him loose.
The biggest danger with Zarate is that he tends to be selfish with the ball in possession. If he can get over that, we're golden. Antonio is probably due an appearance as well. Everyone with an inkling of what he's capable of has been patiently waiting to see him get some decent game time. He could well make an impact if he gets the chance.
One thing has quickly become apparent is that Andy Carroll cannot start. Especially now with Sakho fit, there's very little place for him in the starting line-up. Even if Sakho were not available it might be a better option to have Zarate up front for the first sixty minutes.
Carroll looks his best – and downright lethal – coming on as an impact sub against a tired defence. At his best he's unplayable, but relies on his physical strength rather than speed and finesse. That works well if the opposition are weary, not well when they're fresh and focused.
Other questions hang heavy over the midfield. Alex Song must be given his chance soon, and it wouldn't be amiss to suspect he'll be back to the sort of form we saw prior to Christmas last season.
If he does come back like that, our own Mark Noble might be hard pressed to hold his place. It's a sad thing to say, we all love Nobes, but he'll have to move up into another gear entirely to retain his starting place in a fully fit squad.
At the back, there is no realistic or sensible case for dropping Tomkins – but there are still questions in many minds about Carl Jenkinson. Tompkins has shown he can fill the role well if we wanted to bring in Ogbonna as a centre back. And with the speed we have as a squad, it isn't as vital for the fullbacks to play the attacking game as it has been previously.
Elsewhere in the League we're seeing how things have changed this year. Chelsea look to be hoping to win some silverware next season though – probably the Championship if they pick themselves up a bit. Leicester City currently top the table, and in no way looking like they're ready to relinquish the spot to anyone. Although if Jamie Vardy were to get injured it might have a serious impact on the rest of their season.
But all kudos to them for the fantastic football they've been playing. But we're better. We're not ahead of them, not by any stretch if the imagination; but we're a more rounded team, with individual talent bursting from the seams.
Let's prove it tomorrow against Spurs. It'll be tough. We have to admit, if somewhat grudgingly, that they look good. But we're better. Man for man, we are the better team with a better team spirit, with a better manager, and the best fans in the world. A win tomorrow will put us back in fifth. Whoever loses will probably drop behind Palace – who would have to not show up at all to lose to Allardyce's Sunderland.
I'll be sitting here in Central New York, screaming and singing. Join me as we will our lads to victory.
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Spurs warned we're far better than last season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Gold is going to Tottenham with more confidence this season than he did last given the squad which Slaven Bilic has assembled.
Yes of course Dimitri Payet is a big miss but with approaching £50 million worth of talent likely to be on the bench the co -chairman believes every Hammer should be more than optimistic of the outcome of the game.
And he points out that whilst Payet has played a massive role this season it should be remembered that eight of the first eleven are the same as last – Adrian, Jenkinson, Reid, Tomkins, Creswell, Noble, Kouyate and Sakho.
He said: "Everybody loves Dimitri – he makes everybody play better but we have a fantastic squad so why should we be worried about going to White Hart Lane.
"I go everywhere now believing we will win. It's no different at Spurs. We hold a series of results over them so psychologically we have a big edge anyway.
"I think this squad can go to White Hart Lane and come away with another win – why wouldn't I think that. We are much better as a squad than when we were last season and we are playing a brand of football really designed to get results."
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Trevor Sinclair: 'Spurs rivalry borders on hatred'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Former Hammer Trevor Sinclair has recorded his prediction for the London Derby grudge match between Spurs and West Ham.
Recording a video for BreatheSport.com Sinclair says:"Huge, Huge rTrevor Sinclairivalry and that's just the players, for the fans I think it borders on hatred. North London against East London, Hertfordshire against Essex, they really don't like each other and when I have played in this game the atmosphere has always been red hot. West Ham this season start away from home has been unbelievable! Four wins from six away games and they played really well, they got some massive scalps on the way but for me this will be as big as any of those scalps especially as they have not got Dimitri Payet who I think everyone agrees has been a most sensational player this season, picked up a bad injury against Everton, really poor challenge for me, should have been a red card. He's not available so if he (Slaven) goes to the Lane and gets a result this will be a remarkable result. It has been West Ham's best start to any Premier League season so credit to them. It will be a ding dong of a battle but I think this one is going to be a draw! 1-1″
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Transfer talk surrounding Iron ill-informed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Mauro Zarate is showing that ill informed appears to have confirmed that talk linking him with a move away is entirely inaccurate.
Only a few days ago it was reported that by GazzettaTV that Zarate's agent has been in preliminary contact with Hellas, Verona, Genoa and and Torino as he seeks a club interested in signing his client before the January transfer window.
We would have expected nothing else because the Argentinian's name is the first one mentioned whenever transfer windows beckon but he is clearly on a Hammers surge and very happy with life under Slaven Bilic.
Indeed in a new tweet he's predicting that we will be finishing in the top six with insiders telling ClaretandHugh: "We haven't seen him as happy since he arrived here.
"He is enjoying life and giving all the appearances of a man who wants to stay for some time to come. He wasn't made to feel very welcome when he first got here but he's very much a part of things now."
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Ludo bounces back with Spurs plea
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Irons goalkeeping legend Ludek Miklosko is back in the Hammers family with a bang.
Rarely seen in the public eye over the last few years, the brilliant former stopper is making his feelings known about the match against Spurs.
Ludo revealed recently how he is enjoying the new Hammers experience having renewed his friendship with the gaffer Slaven Bilic.
The 53 year old Czech made over 300 appearances for the Hammers between 1990-98 and is widely recognised as perhaps the best keeper to ever represent the club.
But he has made a point of popping up on Twitter to cheekily make a call on behalf of the supporters.
He tweeted: Luděk Mikloško @LUDOGK No big games to day the big one Sunday @SpursOfficial vs @whufc_official come on West Ham let win this one for the fans
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Ogbonna, Song, and Antonio travel to Spurs
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Slaven Bilic has included Angelo Ogbonna, Alex Song and Michail Antonio in the squad which travels to Tottenham for tomorrow afternoon's Sky TV game.
But training ground observers are finding it impossible to predict which X1 will take the field at 4pm given the changing scenarios adopted on the training ground..
ClaretandHugh was told that the previously injured Ogbona and Song are in the travelling squad along with the £7 million deadline day signing but that the manager has mixed things up so much on the training pitch that the starting X1 "is anybody's guess."
We were told: "We've seen Carroll playing through the middle and Diafra Sakho wide before being returned to his central role.
SongMauro Zarate and Antonio have both been used in wide roles as the guessing game has gone on. It will be fascinating to see how Slaven Bilic goes on our first excursion without Dimi Payet.
Ogbonna s desperate to return but should he , Carroll, Song and Antonio start on the bench it will show how far the club has come this term for their collective worth in the transfer market amounts to around £45 million.
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Irons show their hand on Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 21, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham have tonight reacted for the first time to speculation over Andy Carroll's future.
The club's record signing is at the centre of constant rumours that he could return to the north east with both Sunderland and Newcastle reportedly interested in the 26 year old.
And although Sam Allardyce has been reported today as saying he doesn't believe the player is available the Hammers have stopped short of delivering a total hands-off warning to the Black Cats or his former club.
The club are keenly that their record signing will continue to be linked with a move whatever they say but a well placed insider insisted: "We have no desire to sell Andy Carroll.
"We are of course aware of the Sunderland connection and of what the manager has said and there is a mutual respect between the two clubs.
"Andy Carroll has shown already this season how effective he can be in the match against Chelsea and we want to believe he will remain a West Ham player."
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Remembering beating Spurs at White Hart Lane
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 21, 2015 in Videos, Whispers
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In recent times it is hard forget those three winter months in 2013 when we beat Spurs twice in their own back yard at White Hart Lane. I was lucky enough to be at both of those away games and now the eve of another White Hart Lane encounter it is worth remembering the season we beat Spurs three times in a season to get us in the mood for another win on Sunday. The only goal scorer still remaining the West Ham team is Winston Reid.
6th October 2013 Spurs 0 West Ham United 3 Goals from: Winston Reid, Ricardo Vaz Te, Ravel Morrison
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