Preview - Swansea City
WHUFC.com
The background
Two clubs seeking to end six-match winless runs meet at the Liberty Stadium
in Sky TV's Super Sunday 4pm kick-off. After claiming the scalp of Chelsea
in October, four draws and two defeats have followed for West Ham United,
while Swansea City have picked up just one point from their last half-dozen
fixtures. The Hammers scored their second consecutive 0-0 draw at home to
Stoke City last weekend, while the managerless Swans lost 2-1 at Manchester
City to Yaya Toure's last-gasp goal.
The history
West Ham and Swansea have met on 57 occasions in league and cup since a
first meeting in the FA Cup first round on 7 January 1922 – a tie which
ended goalless at Vetch Field. The first league game between the two clubs
came on 27 August 1932, when the club then known as Swansea Town – it did
not become a city until 1969 – won 1-0 in Division Two, again at their old
Vetch Field stadium. The Hammers and the Swans have met six times in the
Premier League, all in the last three seasons. West Ham have won all three
home games against Swansea, and picked up two draws at the Liberty Stadium,
including a point from a 1-1 stalemate last season. Swansea scored a 3-0
victory over newly-promoted West Ham in their first-ever Premier League home
match on 25 August 2012. In all, the pair have met 57 times in league and
cup, with West Ham winning 26, Swansea winning 17 and 14 matches ending in
draws. West Ham have outscored Swansea 107 to 73 in those 57 matches.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without six players on Saturday, with Victor Moses,
Winston Reid (both hamstring), Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll
(all thigh) and Dimitri Payet (ankle) all injured.
Swansea City
In contrast to their opponents, the Swans have a near clean bill of health
for Sunday's game, with only England midfielder and former West Ham
schoolboy Jonjo Shelvey (calf) considered to be an injury doubt.
Match info
Swansea will be without a permanent manager for the second consecutive
fixture following the departure of Garry Monk. Former Swansea, Cardiff,
Southampton and Wales forward Alan Curtis will take caretaker charge.
Sunday's match referee is Lee Mason, assisted by Adrian Holmes and Stuart
Burt. The fourth official will be Simon Hooper.
West Ham have gone six league matches without a win (D4, L2), as have
Swansea (D1, L5). The Swans have lost their last three league games and won
just one of their last 13.
Swansea have won just three of their 16 Barclays Premier League fixtures,
including two at the Liberty Stadium.
The Swans have not won away from home since 30 August, when they defeated
Manchester United 2-1.
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
All 1,200 Standard Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT.
Rain is expected in South Wales on Sunday, with temperatures reaching a high
of 11C (52F).
Fans travelling to the Liberty Stadium will be heartened by the news that
road and rail services to and from Swansea are currently unaffected by major
road or engineering works.
If you are not heading to the match, make sure you follow all the action on
our digital channels. Our Live Match Centre has audio commentary, in-running
stats, text updates the best pictures and more, while you can get involved
in the conversation on social using the hashtag #SWAWHU.
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View on the Visitors - Swansea City
WHUFC.com
South Wales Post sportswriter Stephen Ware lifts the lid on Sunday's
opponents Swansea City
It has been a tumultuous time for Swansea City, so how would you sum up the
season so far?
"Swansea started the season pretty well, taking eight points from their
first four games, beating Manchester United and drawing with Chelsea, but
things seem to have unravelled since, culminating in Garry Monk losing his
job last week. "Swansea are on a bad run at the moment, with one win in 13.
They did draw at home to Tottenham and Everton, which weren't bad results,
but in the last month their form has really dipped. "They had two
particularly bad home performances, one against Bournemouth and one against
Leicester. They were lucky to scrape a draw with Bournemouth after going two
down after 25 minutes, and it could have been worse. "They got themselves in
a similar situation with Leicester, but they got another one after going in
2-0 up at half-time and that performance had all the makings of one which
leads to a change of manager. It looked like the team had run out of ideas a
little bit and that, in particular, is what's prompted the Chairman into
making a change of manager."
Was Garry Monk a victim of his own and Swansea's success in finishing eighth
last season?
"There have been tensions, but I don't think he lost the dressing room. The
captain Ashley Williams has spoken this week and been at pains to point out
that he had no falling out with the manager. There has been the odd incident
in training, but nothing out of the ordinary. "It's hard to pinpoint exactly
what went wrong, but a lot of the players have been involved on
international duty. Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor helped Wales to quality
for the Euros, while Gylfi Sigurdsson has been away with Iceland, who
unexpectedly qualified as well. "Perhaps the international exertions have
taken a lot out of the players. When they came back after the last
international break, individual performances have slumped. "Ashley Williams
has been sensational since he joined in 2007, but he's not been at his
normal level this year. Likewise Sigurdsson, he's improved lately, but he's
not been at his best for much of this season.
"That has been the story across the board and when you have too many
individuals not playing to their best, it has an affect across the team.
"There is also a thinking that Swansea have been doing so well, punching
above their weight for years, that expectations have reached an unrealistic
level. Eighth place last year was fantastic, but can Swansea expect to reach
those heights every season? Possibly not."They have improved the team and
expected to kick on and at least be in the top half, so they are well below
where they were last year."
Swansea have had a fairly high turnover of managers for a club on an upward
trajectory, so is there confidence that Huw Jenkins will get it right in
appointing a new manager?
"The last two – Michael Laudrup and now Garry Monk – have been sacked in
fairly quick succession, whereas before that they hadn't really sacked
anyone since Brian Flynn in 2004. All the others have gone of their own
accord – Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers and Kenny Jackett before that.
"Looking at it, Swansea seem to be falling into the same pattern as other
clubs in that, when things aren't going right, they pull the trigger. They
have been quick to do that this year, perhaps because of all the extra
television money that's coming in. "Huw Jenkins has got a very good record
of finding the right man to take over, although within Swansea's story there
have been a couple who haven't quite hit the heights of others, like Paolo
Sousa for example, and Laudrup as well by the end. Not every manager has
been as successful as Rodgers or Martinez."
Sunday's game pits two clubs on six-match winless runs against one another,
so would Swansea have picked West Ham as their opponents?
"Alan Curtis will be in caretaker charge again and Swansea have got West Ham
and then West Brom on Boxing Day, so the feeling is that these two home
games are chances to pick up points and move away from danger a little bit.
"I keep reading about West Ham's injuries all the time. They seem to be
losing new players every day, so that's encouraging for Swansea. Andy
Carroll being out is a boost because he always scores against Swansea. Big
centre forwards cause Swansea problems, and Andy has done damage in the
past, so they'll be pleased to not be coming against him. "Swansea have
struggled against everyone recently, though, so it'll be interesting to see
how the game pans out."
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Right man, right time, right place
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has been in the right place at the right time for West Ham
United this season. In the five matches that the No5 has started at
right-back, the Hammers have not conceded a single Barclays Premier League
goal! With a record of three wins and two goalless draws from those five
fixtures, it should come as no surprise that Tomkins is enjoying his new
position. "I always seem to say that it is very new to me and I am still
trying to learn the position, but I am really enjoying it as it helps with
my game," said the Essex-born defender, who has started at right-back in
victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United, and recent 0-0 draws
with Manchester United and Stoke City. "I am just trying to do the best I
can defensively. I know I can do a job there. Going forward is always more
difficult, but hopefully I am getting there. "I think it is just a case of
knowing when to go forward. Against Stoke last Saturday, I pushed on a bit
more and that comes with the confidence of playing there and getting used to
the position."
Tomkins has clearly gained the confidence of manager Slaven Bilic in his new
position, and looks set to keep his place on the right of the back four for
Sunday's trip to Swansea City. While his first job is to keep goals out of
the net, the 26-year-old knows a modern full-back also has to help his side
to attack whenever the opportunity arises – a part of his game Tomkins
believes is improving with every game he plays. "I think the manager knows
that going forward will be more difficult for me and at times he tells me to
stop getting forward when I am trying to gallop towards the other goal!" he
smiled. "Defensively he knows I can do a job, but you have to strike the
balance. Hopefully I am getting used to when to go forward and when to stay
back. "Last weekend, he was pretty much their star man I was playing against
– Arnautovic – so to play well against him does give me confidence. He makes
good runs inside and he scored two goals against Man City doing that, so we
talked about that in the meeting before the game. "The gaffer has put his
faith in me and defensively we look quite solid as a back four and we have
got clean sheets from that. We just need to get goals at the other end too."
Looking ahead to Sunday's game at the Liberty Stadium, Tomkins is desperate
to add to Swansea's troubles by extending their winless run to seven games –
ending West Ham's own six-game streak without a victory in the process. "You
never know what you are going to get with a team who have just changed their
manager," he observed. "We will see what sort of team we will face on the
day, but they are still a good team. A couple of bad results doesn't make
them a bad team. "I know they are down there though so if we can get on top
of them, the crowd are going to get on them. Everybody is looking forward to
it and hopefully we can get some points on the board."
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FA Cup fever hits the Hammers!
WHUFC.com
Demand for tickets for our Emirates FA Cup third round tie with
Wolverhampton Wanderers has been huge, with the match having clearly caught
the imagination of Hammers fans.
Tickets went on General Sale for the Saturday 9 January visit of Kenny
Jackett's Championship side as West Ham United embark on their final FA Cup
campaign at the Boleyn Ground.
Slaven Bilic's squad will leave their historic home of 112 years in the
summer and supporters are keen to bid their own personal FA Cup farewell to
the famous stadium.
West Ham are three-times FA Cup winners and have already scored some
fantastic victories in the Barclays Premier League this season, beating
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea with some outstanding
entertaining football.
Bilic's style has enthused the fans to the extent that the Club is closing
in on a sellout for the visit of Wolves early in the New Year.
Season Ticket Holders can secure their seat for just £20 Adults, £10
Over-65s/Under-21s, and £5 Under-16s.
Prices increase by £5 in all categories for non-Season Ticket Holders.
Manchester City are the visitors for a mouth-watering Barclays Premier
League fixture at 5.30pm on Saturday 23 January and tickets are on sale to
Members now!
West Ham will be seeking to complete a memorable double over Manuel
Pellegrini's UEFA Champions League challengers, so don't miss what is sure
to be another memorable evening under the Boleyn Ground floodlights.
Buy now at whufcboxoffice.com, over the telephone on 0871 529 1966* or in
person from the Betway Stand Ticket Office.
*Calls cost 13p per minute plus your phone company's access charge.
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Rice signs first pro deal
WHUFC.com
Promising Academy midfielder Declan Rice has agreed his first professional
contract with West Ham United. The Republic of Ireland U17 international,
who turns 17 in January, has pledged his future to the Hammers after
impressing hugely for the youth team and Development Squad in recent months.
The teenager has scored three times in 12 Barclays U18 Premier League
appearances this term, while also turning out twice for Terry Westley's
Development Squad. "I am very happy to be signing here," Rice told West Ham
TV. "Since I got released by Chelsea two years ago, I never would have
thought this would happen, so I'm delighted with it. "Very hard work is
what's got me here today and hopefully over the next couple of years I'll
keep doing that and keep getting more contracts. "I found out about the
contract about four or five weeks ago. I knew it was on the cards if I kept
playing well, but I wasn't really focused on that. I was just focused on
playing well and keeping my head down. "The day I signed my contract was
also my Mum's birthday, so she was very emotional as it was a proud moment
for me and my family."
A versatile performer, Rice can operate in the back four or as a deep-lying
midfielder. When asked to label the parts of his game he is most proud of,
it is evident that the 16-year-old has plenty of qualities. "I can play in
two positions, I can play at centre-half or central defensive midfield. I
read the game well, am strong and can pass with my left foot and my right
foot. "The best part of my game is my communication. I see myself as a
leader. "As a centre-back, I think I could get a bit stronger, so I'm going
to get back in the gym and keep working hard."
Having agreed his first pro deal, Rice is now setting his sights on
establishing himself in Westley's Development Squad on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, having netted twice in three UEFA European Under-17 Championship
Qualifying round fixtures in September, the youngster is aiming for further
recognition at international level. "It's brilliant to work at the Academy
with all the coaching staff and all the players. There is a proper good vibe
and we want to keep it going, so it's all good. "It just shows how well I've
been doing this season that I've played in the Development Squad and also
for Republic of Ireland at U19 level. "I've just had a little bit of an
injury, so I want to get back fit, get in the Under-21 squad and keep
progressing. I want to get a few more starts in the Under-21s and call-ups
for the Republic of Ireland."
Looking further into the future, Rice has ambitions of pulling on a Claret
and Blue shirt at the new Stadium in Stratford, completing a fantastic
turnaround in his fortunes after being released by Chelsea at the age of 14.
"Ever since I left Chelsea and the Club took me on, I really like West Ham.
The people here have looked after me and I wouldn't think about going
anywhere else. This the Club for me.
"It's going to be the best stadium in the world, in my opinion, and the
stuff that's going to be happening there is unbelievable. Hopefully, in a
few years' time, I'll get the chance to play there. "It would be brilliant
to make my debut there in front of my friends and family and the people who
have taught me since I was young. Hopefully I'll get my chance."
*West Ham United embark on their FA Youth Cup campaign with a third-round
tie at Derby County on Friday evening.
Kick-off at the iPro Stadium is at 7pm and admission is FREE for all
supporters. The Toyota West Stand Lower will be open for fans and entry is
available through turnstiles 13-16.
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Swansea v West Ham
KO 16:00
18 December 2015
Last updated at 11:57
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Liberty Stadium Date: Sunday, 20th December
TEAM NEWS
Alan Curtis has no reported new injury problems in what is expected to be
his last game as Swansea's caretaker boss. Jonjo Shelvey could play after a
calf injury but striker Eder and defender Franck Tabanou remain absent with
ankle and thigh injuries respectively.
West Ham striker Andy Carroll is doubtful with a groin problem. Manuel
Lanzini remains out with a thigh injury that has sidelined him since the end
of November, but the midfielder should be fit for the Boxing Day game.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Alistair Mann: "Last week's heart-breaking defeat at Manchester City
effectively summed up Swansea's recent fortunes. "Five defeats in the last
six games points to a side lacking in self-belief, yet at the Etihad they
moved the ball around with typical swagger, created good chances and on
another day would have left with at least a point. That Joe Hart was the
hosts' man of the match says a great deal. "It proved that caretaker boss
Alan Curtis can be safely entrusted with team responsibilities as the club
moves closer to securing Garry Monk's replacement. "Intriguingly, visitors
West Ham are also without a victory in their last six games, yet with most
of their best displays coming on their travels, they will represent awkward
opponents for a Swansea side without a home win since August."
Twitter: @alistairmann01
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Swansea caretaker manager Alan Curtis on rumoured Swansea managerial target
Marcelo Bielsa: "Obviously I know his reputation but I don't know a great
deal about him, so I have been Googling him. "When a new manager comes in,
you're never quite sure how he's going to react or how he deals with
players, training and the staff. "But Bielsa's reputation as a coach is
fantastic, and if Pep Guardiola rates him as the best coach ever then he's
obviously somebody you're bound to learn from."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic: "The keys to beating Swansea? I watched their
last five games and they didn't play the best. Sometimes they showed good
quality going forward but they were open at the back. Sometimes they were
unlucky, as they definitely were at Manchester City last weekend. "We must
be as compact as them, and then we have the quality to beat them. We have to
show more quality in the final third."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
I looked at how well Swansea played against Manchester City last week and
thought 'where has that come from?' Their tactics were no different to when
Garry Monk was in charge, apart from they all had a go. If they do the same
again on Sunday then I actually quite fancy the Swans to win this time.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Swansea have won just one of the six previous Premier League meetings
between the sides (D2, L3).
West Ham are looking for a first win at the Liberty Stadium (D2, L1).
Swansea City
Swansea have won just one of their last 12 league matches, and have lost
five of the last six.
The Swans haven't won at home in any competition since August.
They haven't kept a clean sheet in any of their last 10 Premier League
games.
Swansea's tally of 15 league goals this season is the second-lowest in the
top flight.
West Ham
West Ham haven't won in six league games, since beating Chelsea at the end
of October, a result that lifted them to third in the table.
West Ham's last two league games have been goalless draws.
The Hammers have won more points away from home this season than they have
at Upton Park (14 compared to 10).
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham are not planning to hit the sales …unless it's an
exceptional deal
SLAVEN BILIC
Evening Standard
I suppose this is, relatively speaking, the calm before the storm. It might
be busy out there on the shopping streets and malls but as far as we are
concerned it's business as usual this weekend when we go to Swansea. After
that, things become more hectic. Christmas, for us, is a busy time,
probably one game too many if I am honest. We go to Aston Villa on Boxing
Day and are then at home to Liverpool on January 2. In between, we have a
home fixture on the 28th against Southampton which, to my eyes, makes it one
game too many. That's the way it is for everyone, so the best thing to do is
prepare as well as you can — and get on with it. Of course, the day before
the Liverpool game, something else happens: the transfer window opens.
As this is my last column before that happens, it's the right time to talk
about January and what that might mean for us here at West Ham. First of
all, I've had experience of the transfer window before, when I was a manager
in Russia and Turkey. We didn't do much business at either club but there
was some. The big plans are always in the summer, when 80 per cent of the
deals are done. Sometimes you don't plan to do much but then some long-term
injuries come along and you have to revise those plans, perhaps try and sort
out a short-term loan deal to help you over those troubles.
Also, things are beginning to be different where the money is concerned. The
extra revenue that is coming the way of all Premier League clubs means that
everyone can compete with the best.
The big spenders have always had the money — and now they have more — but
there is a limit. They can't buy another seven top players, because they
already have them. It is the clubs further down who have benefited most.
Take West Brom, for example. They didn't have to sell Saido Berahino before
they spent £12million on Salomon Rondon. It's like having an apartment that
is full of expensive furniture and 60-inch TVs and then someone comes along
and gives you a big wad of cash. What more can you buy? You have it already.
Someone else, though, who has an apartment but not the furniture can use the
money to good effect. That is a big reason why the Premier League this
season is so tight. We are not planning to be active this January. I said
this before we had the injuries and I say it again now. The only way that
would change is if something exceptional became possible, the club wanted to
do it and it would raise significantly the quality of our game.
With regard to our injuries, they're all ahead of schedule. Manuel Lanzini
is very close, while Dimitri Payet is ready to begin light training on the
pitch. If all goes well, he will be back in full training with us in two
weeks. Even Victor Moses and Winston Reid, with hamstring injuries, should,
if everything goes well, be ready again in four weeks. That only leaves
Diafra Sakho, who will be longer.
This is what I have told the players: that we have to get through this
period of three or four weeks, but then the good point will be the players
will be back physically and mentally fresh for the second half of the
season. Up until now, we are doing okay. I was proud of the way the players
performed against Stoke and, before that, Manchester United. It is a mixed
feeling, though, because we didn't win. Don't get me wrong, I believe we
have done well without our injured players but when they are all there I am
so confident against any team. Even when we are not at our strongest we've
shown we are equal to most teams.
One final thing on the transfer window. There has been some speculation that
one or two of our players could go — James Collins is one who has been
mentioned. For me, 'Ginge' is a manager's dream. It has not been easy for
him at times because he has been out of the team for some periods. But
before, during and after every training session or match, he has been an
important part of my squad — he has been so positive.
Up until the injuries, there was a possibility that one of our offensive
players could possibly go in January, possibly on loan, but not now. If
anyone wants to leave, if they come knocking on my door, then perhaps we
would consider it, but if that doesn't happen then no one will be going.
This is the time for Christmas parties and I have been asked where I stand
on them as far as the players are concerned. I like to trust my players.
They've already had their party — yes, that's Andy Carroll below! — after
the Manchester United game and before they went I talked to the senior
players. Don't forget I was a player once and I went to those parties. It's
all about the timing. They enjoyed themselves but came back okay. It's also
about the balance. You don't want them going wild but then again it's
traditional and it's once a year. Don't forget, they have been under
pressure, too. We also went out together, the players and the staff, to a
restaurant in central London earlier this week. This time, though, it was a
quiet one!
It's been a weird week for us after moving training grounds from Chadwell
Heath to Rush Green, a couple of miles down the road. I like Chadwell Heath,
I have my routine there but for some, like Mark Noble (third from left), it
has been part of their regular routine for years. It's like his second home.
I miss it, to be fair, but I decided to move because of the pitch. The facts
were showing that, for some years, we have been picking up injuries there
and so I felt we needed to make the change to help the players,
psychologically as much as anything. We will carry on training here until
the end of this year. Then, when we are into January, we will review the
situation.
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Former Chelsea youngster signs pro terms
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Republic of Ireland youth international Declan Rice has signed a two-year
professional contract with West Ham. The 16-year-old central
defender/defensive midfielder, who was released by Chelsea two years ago
admitted that he was "delighted" to sign pro terms with the Hammers. "I'm
very happy to be signing here," he said. "Since I was released by Chelsea I
never thought this would happen, so I'm delighted. "I found out [about the
new contract] four or five weeks ago and I was really shocked, to be honest.
I wasn't really focused on that, I was just focusing on playing well and
keeping my head down. "I've got a little injury at the moment but I hope
when I get back, I can get in the Under 21s squad and keep progressing.
Hopefully I can get a few more starts for the 21s this season and earn
another call up for the RoI."
Rice - who still supports Chelsea despite having been told he has no future
at the club in 2013 - scored against his former club back in September as
West Ham's Under 18s became the first team to beat them this season. However
he insists there is no question where his professional loyalty lies since
making the move from west to east London. "I really love West Ham and the
people who look after me here are very good," he said. "I wouldn't think
about going anywhere else, this is the club [for me]."
* In other Academy news, goalkeeper Sam Howes has joined National League
South club Wealdstone on a short-term loan. 18-year-old Howes, who has
represented England at Under 17 and Under 19 level has joined the Stones on
a month's loan. He will replace regular number one Jonathan North, wh ois
set to undergo a knee operation.
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Carroll out of Swansea trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll is unlikely to feature against Swansa on Sunday due to a groin
injury, manager Slaven Bilic has revealed. Already struggling to cope with a
lengthy injury list, Bilic revealed this morning that he had almost
certainly lost the England international ahead of this weekend's trip to
Wales. "We have a situation with Andy Carroll in that he is feeling his
groin," he told the media at his morning's pre-match press conference.
"We're going to see today but it looks like he'll be off for the Swansea
game, which is a big blow. "I think it will be one game only, that's what
the medical team has told me. It's nothing major. We have the choice of
Valencia or Jelavic up front. "They are quality players, they are good
players and they are different players. Maybe the two of them will play
together. We still have a couple of good strikers on our roster, even
without Sakho and Carroll."
Already missing half of his first choice starting XI - including Sakho,
Payet, Moses, Reid and Lanzini - news of Carroll's impending absence only
adds insult to injury. Yet Bilic says he has been happy with the
contribution of those fringe players who have been drafted in to replace
their unavailable companions. "The bonding, the quality and the character we
have showed are positive, of course, so I'm really confident for Sunday's
game," he added. "If we keep that kind of team spirit when these players
start to come back, it's all very positive, but we have to go through this
period of two or three games without them."
Following the trip to Swansea on Sunday, West Ham face Aston Villa next
Saturday (Boxing Day), Southampton at the Boleyn two days later (28
December) before completing their holiday programme against Liverpool at
home on 2 January - a total of four games in just 13 days.
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No sell out for Swans trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Swansea have been unable to sell out this weekend's clash with West Ham -
despite having temporarily reduced ticket prices. Although match day adult
tickets for this Sunday's Premier League clash have been reduced to just £30
across the board, the Welsh club still have plenty of tickets available for
sale and are still pushing them - just 48 hours ahead of the game.
Managerless since parting company with Garry Monk last week, former West Ham
managerial candidate Marcello Bielsa remains one of the favourites to land
the post. However that is unlikely to happen before this weekend's clash
takes place - a game from which West Ham will be seeking their first win in
seven matches. One player who will be doing his best to deny West Ham that
much-needed victory is Swans star man Andre Ayew, another who was linked
with a move to the Boleyn Ground in the summer. The 26-year-old Ghanaian
international has scored six goals in 17 appearances for the
under-performing Jacks since moving to Wales in June and admits that he and
his fellow team mates need to win the game for their fans. "In this
situation we need points, and we will do everything we can to get points at
home," he told Swansea's website. "The supporters will be behind us again.
Lately it has been difficult for them because of our results, but hopefully
we will make them proud on Sunday. "Hopefully our fans will be enjoying
their Christmas with three more points to our tally."
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West Ham join Manchester United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs
on football's rich list
Last Updated: 18/12/15 10:23am
SSN
West Ham are listed in the top 20 of a new football 'rich list'. The Hammers
proposed move to the Olympic Stadium, coupled with their improved
performance in the Premier League, has seen their potential value rise to
£196m. The survey, by the London School of Marketing lists Real Madrid as
Europe's most valuable club with an estimated worth of £2.07bn with
Manchester United (£2.05bn) just behind them in second. Barcelona (£2.007bn)
are third with Manchester City (£2bn) fourth - Chelsea, Arsenal and
Liverpool are the other English clubs in the top 10.
Tottenham are listed as the 13th most valuable club although their potential
worth is also set to rise after they were given planning permission to start
work on a new 61,000 capacity stadium.
1. Real Madrid - £2.07bn
2. Manchester United - £2.05bn
3. Barcelona - £2.007bn
4. Manchester City - £2bn
5. Bayern Munich - £1.492m
6. Chelsea - £870m
7. Arsenal - £832m
8. Liverpool - £624m
9. Juventus - £531m
10. AC Milan - £492m
11. Borussia Dortmund - £445m
12. Paris St Germain - £403m
13. Tottenham - £381m
14. FC Schalke - £363m
15. Inter Milan - £279m
16. Atletico Madrid - £277m
17. Napoli - £224m
18. Newcastle United - £222m
19. West Ham United - £196m
20. Galatasaray - £187m
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LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AT WEST HAM? YOU MUST BE JOKING.
By Daniel Margrain 18 Dec 2015 at 17:00
WTID
I'm sure that I speak for the vast majority of West Ham fans when I say that
the start of each season is met with an air of extreme trepidation. The
feeling of anxiety in anticipating what is to come in the opening six weeks
or so of any campaign is exacerbated if our first game of the season happens
to be a home fixture.
From a personal point of view, I can barely get through the hours leading up
to the opening Saturday afternoon kick off without exhibiting a combination
of cold sweats, nausea and nervous fidgeting. I can only compare the
experience to my school days during the hours leading up to the time when my
exam results would drop from the letterbox on to the hallway floor.
You know you have to face the proverbial music at some point but don't want
the potential disappointment that comes with it. You tell yourself you want
to know the results of your exams but paradoxically, at the same time, you
fear the dreaded fail, rather like sitting through a horror movie with your
hands "covering" your eyes. Similarly, I dread putting on Final Score,
particularly during the opening day of the season and particularly if the
game is at home.
The agony is prolonged due to the fact that our home result is invariably
the last Premier League one to be read out, just as it was the case that
Ardleigh was one of the last streets on our posties Basildon round.
Non-football fans are simply unable to comprehend the suffering we football
fans have to endure on a Saturday afternoon. Every season has been the same
for me since I can remember and the 2015-16 season was no different.
As our pre-season Europe campaign under our new charismatic manager turned
out to be nothing less than an unmitigated disaster, expectations for a good
premier league start were low. After confounding the football world with our
amazing opening league victory against Arsenal away, confidence was high for
the next few games.
But West Ham being West Ham, we lost the next two at home on the bounce to
less than glamorous opposition before turning it around with three
subsequent victories, two of which were nothing less than stunning against
Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
With 12 points in the bag after our opening six games, I felt as though I
was, to a degree, in a position to be able to relax. Of course West Ham fans
never totally relax. As all life-long Hammers supporters will know,
expectations for a successful season are typically medium to non-existent.
If in this current campaign, the Hammers were to finish in a top eight
position and have a good cup run I'll be relatively happy. Despite our
recent hiccups in the league, not least in part due to our mounting injury
list, I believe our squad is strong enough to secure a top half finish.
With our move away from our spiritual home at the Boleyn into the Olympic
Stadium at Stratford in east London from next season, it's important that we
finish high up in the table in order to attract new players to the club
while keeping hold of our best.
With a manager and former player (who appears to be finally attuned to the
entertainment ethos of the club that the fans demand) pretty much cemented
into place for the foreseeable future, things are as solid as they can be
for a club of our size and the relatively limited resources we have at our
disposal.
As far as the fans are concerned, off the park shenanigans are, at least on
the surface, good as well given that those who run the club plan to
substantially reduce season ticket prices in an an attempt to fill the new
stadiums 54,000 capacity – a model that other clubs have apparently been
encouraged to adopt.
But as I will hopefully be able to argue persuasively in the remainder of
the article, this is a double edged sword. Here's the problem: According to
the April 22 edition of the Guardian, West Ham United are paying just £15
million towards the £272 million cost of converting the Olympic Stadium
despite the fact that, should the club still be a Premier League outfit next
year (which seems highly likely), it will – under the terms of a new TV deal
– be entitled to a payout of at least £99 million.
Small business people, many of whom run their businesses on extremely tight
margins, might be scratching their heads as to how it can be that certain
elites within football, are seemingly immune to the kind of market forces
that the rest of us are compelled to adhere to?
I'm not one of these obstinate traditionalists who is intent on stifling
change. On the contrary, I embrace it. I'm excited as the next man about the
move to our shiny new stadium. However, what I'm less than enamoured by is
arguably the morally and financially expedient trade off that allegedly
comes with it. I have no insight into the medium to long term business plan
model that the club has in place, but it would surely be churlish to deny
the directors at the club have not been eyeing up something along the lines
of the Arsenal model.
I'm not arguing here that non-transparent deals are unique to West Ham
United, it's just that I'm uncomfortable with the idea of us engendering
success both on and off the field in a way that is, I contend, symptomatic
of what I regard as a malaise that seems to have become an accepted, and
some might argue, intrinsic aspect of socioeconomic and political life in
our country.
That the kinds of non transparent business practice described seems to have
become a normalizing feature of not only professional football and other
sports, but in public life more broadly, is not something West Ham fans, or
indeed any other fans, should readily embrace without serious critique.
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THE NEVER-NEVER
By Terence Bates 18 Dec 2015 at 11:53
WTID
I grew up like many in humble origins in the 1960's where only the rich had
a car or a colour TV. I can remember the man from Provident coming to
collect payments at the door so that my single-parent Mother could buy
things like clothing for the family.
If you looked at finance options then it was termed on the 'tick' or 'The
Never-Never' meaning you either paid for it twice or what I always thought
was, you never stopped paying. The man from The Provident seemed to be at
our door every week to collect money, the debt never seemed to go away.
Credit cards were as far from thought as the thought of mobile phones and
computers . As a consequence of this upbringing I do not borrow money, I
don't buy anything unless I have the funds, the only exception to this is a
property mortgage.
Also as I was growing up I remember the story of Jimmy Greaves, the top
tiers highest ever goal scorer returning to the UK after Chelsea sold him to
AC Milan, and then sold him back to Spurs in a deal worth around £99,999,
the idea of £99.999 was in order to not burden Greaves with the tag of being
a 100k footballer. This was one of the first ever international transfers to
the UK. Such was the shock of the deal and the delicate nature owing to
currency exchange controls, the Chancellor of the Exchequer from the then
Conservative government had to sanction the transaction.
In a bizarre take on the transaction Greaves was considered similar to
luxury goods and by classifying the transaction in this way they could
navigate around the controls and justify the transaction and concerns of the
balance of payments. My how things have changed…
In the 21st century loans and finance have got way more sophisticated and
have formed a massive part of our economy and sadly has culminated the
legalising of virtual loan sharking as companies whop out interest rates as
high as 5000% under the banner of payday loan type schemes. The Never Never
is back and alive and knocking on more of the populations doors than ever
before.
The explosion in easy credit has fuelled unprecedented rises in consumer
spending as we look to get the latest gizmo and gadget and football has not
escaped it's inflationary and complexities, as we see deals worth millions
and millions increase year on year. Greaves as 'luxury goods' was at that
time bought outright by Spurs. Now days clubs put together various schemes
to construct purchases and also some of these involve elaborate loan schemes
without retaining the ownership registration of the players involved.
Chelsea have an incredible 39 players loaned out to other clubs. Whilst
there is a limit on the number of players you can loan in, you can loan out
as many as you like. In Italy Juventus reportedly have 58 players farmed out
elsewhere and another Italian club Parma at one point had 226 players
affiliated to them… they unsurprisingly clogged themselves up in such an
economic mess they went bust earlier this year.
This system favours the money bags clubs who can greedily buy up all the
best players and in order to comply with FIFA rules simply rent them out
like some mega property owning landlord, for Rachman read Rachomovic.
I can understand the benefits of developing younger players and they gaining
valuable football experience by playing in lower leagues, but there is
clearly a massive abuse going on here.
I have never understood the logic of Carl Jenkinson, Alex Song or now Moses
loan deals with West Ham all of whom are well passed the 'development'
stage. In the case of Jenkinson, I believe the uncertainty and the message
it sends out affects his confidence…. Sorry son you're not good enough to
play for us, here sign a new deal with us and we will farm you out to a
lesser successful club'. Confused? I would be.
Jenkinson has been dire this season; he looks a lost soul. I watched him
close up in the match against Bournemouth, he looked terrified. I believe
the rejection from Arsenal (because that is essentially the message coming
out) has affected his confidence, it would mine… how would you feel in the
same situation? Jenkinson of course started from the mandate of young player
development but has evolved into something else. Jenkinson has now been
dropped by Bilic and one can assume his confidence is shot to pieces.
It is one thing to loan a player out to get playing time and experience in
order to develop the player but something completely different to hedge your
bets and throw players around like a cement mixer you'd hire from HSS.
Okay I get there are success stories, Alex Song would never have made it to
West Ham from Barcelona, the loan system can work as a prelude to a
purchase, a 'try before you buy' ethos, I can see that. But I do believe it
is time to tighten up and regulate loan schemes within the football industry
and create a tidier transaction system in the movement of players between
clubs.
As I stated earlier the richer clubs benefit from the current system as they
are enabled to buy as many players as they like and then lease them out
elsewhere. There needs to be a cap of say 10 players that can go out as well
as a limit on those coming in on loan. These loan out schemes also need to
have a time limit that is age related placed upon them.
Jenkinson now looks like the modern day equivalent of the never-never, he is
never going to make it at Arsenal and based upon his current form he is
never going to make it at West Ham. In fact, he might now never make it at
all.
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Slav has shown sheer class and quality
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 18, 2015 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
West Ham's Slaven BilicNot a single excuse – not one! It would have been so
easy to have moaned and groaned from the moment this appalling injury jinx
struck the club but that's not the Slaven Bilic way. Instead he has managed
to put a positive spin on everything: Payet's absence? That gives Lanzini
his chance? Lanzini missing? Zarate will step up to the plate, Moses? Ok
Michail it's down to you.
And all the way down the line he has got a reaction from the squad as one
after another they have gone down like a row of nine pins and along the way
changed training grounds. Now it's Carroll's turn to suffer another absence
yet all we hear from the boss is that it will only be for one match and all
the other players are rushing their way back to full fitness. In the
meantime he declares we have top strikers in Valencia and Jelavic!
I'm not going to make a comparison between Slav and the former boss because
quite simply there isn't one. In fact after nearly more than enough years
than I want to remember covering football I've never seen a boss quite like
him. They all make excuses, they are all economic with the truth and any
opportunity to find a handy reason for defeat is taken. So as this Christmas
approaches I have my present and am still enjoying it – the arrival of a
manager who not only 'gets' us but refuses any approach than to take
everything that comes his way totally in his stride and refuse to be
anything other than entirely honest. Compare that approach to what we've
seen from Jose Mourinho over recent weeks – again Slav has shown himself to
be entirely different class. Thanks for the first five months of your
reign. I'm looking forward to the next five years and beyond with great
expectation. I just love the honesty and the refusal to do anything other
than accept whatever happens out on that pitch is down to him. Such a change
– such an almighty refreshing change.
Thank goodness Moyes said no, Benitez was otherwise engaged, Ancelotti
reckoned there were bigger bigger fish to fry and Klopp waited to be Kopped.
We got our man – the best man. Merry Christmas.
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Young Iron tipped to "force his way into team"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Brilliant Martin Samuelsen has recovered from injury and is expected to
continue his unbeaten run in a Peterborough United shirt at Blackpool
tomorrow. The 18 year old was injured after returning from London Road and
scoring the winner in an under 21 match for the Irons against West Brom to
end the Baggies' unbeaten run. But Posh director of football Barry Fry
revealed this morning to ClaretandHugh: "He's fit, has trained twice this
week and will be in the team at Blackpool tomorrow. "The guy is critical to
us. He can make the difference between us being in the play-offs and
actually winning the League. I just hope we can keep him until the end of
the season.
He beat four players in training the other morning and smashed it past the
keeper. All the lads just stood and applauded him. He may be the best young
player I've ever seen and I've been around a very long time. "This league
will toughen him up and I believe he is absolutely bound come back to West
Ham next season and force his way into the team. He's incredible."
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Payet to resume training
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has confirmed Dimtri Payet should resume training in ten days
time. Speaking at his pre match press conference ahead of Sunday's match
against Swansea City Bilic said. "Lanzini and Payet are doing really well.
Lanzini should be ready for the Villa game and Dimi should start to train in
ten days"
The manager said the team are positive despite news that Andy Carroll is
likely to be unavailable "We are positive. After Man U and Stoke I said we
want to win, but I said the way we fought and played without players was
good" said Slav Slav and the team have been training at Rush Green all week
and Bilic added: "The pitch we are training on is really good – much better
than the pitch at Chadwell heath. It is good at Rush Green. It's going to be
our new base and it needs a bit of work. The main reason why we changed was
the pitches"
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Andy Carroll Out Injured
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has told a press conference that Andy Carroll has a groin
injury and is unlikely to be available for Sunday's away game against
Swansea. Bilic told reporters in his pre match press conference "We have a
Andy Carroll situation where he is feeling his groin and he could miss the
Swansea game which is a big blow. It's one game. It's nothing major. The
scan showed a little bit of a problem. Not long term but it's very unlikely
he's going to play" "We have the choice of Valencia or Jelavic up front.
They are quality players. Maybe the two of them will play together"
"The keys to beating Swansea? I watched their last five games and they
didn't play the best. Sometimes they showed good quality.Going forward but
they were open at the back. Sometimes they were unlucky, as they definitely
were at Man City last weekend.We must be as compact as them, and then we
have the quality to beat them. We have to show more quality in the final
third. Swansea started the season good, especially the guys up front. They
bought Ayew and with Gomis and Montero they were dangerous.Then their form
dropped off, as happens to teams. You lose a bit of confidence and freedom
and then you lose games. Garry Monk last year, considering he is a Swansea
legend, did brilliant so to be out of it in 16 games is sad and shocking"
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Gold proud of home grown player stats
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham Chairman David Gold is proud of the amount of time home-grown
Academy players have played this season. Gold tweeted to his followers "West
Ham have used home-grown Academy players for 2629 minutes this season. Five
teams have none. Man. City are on 166 minutes. dg" Reece Oxford has made
three appearances with 132 minutes on the pitch in the Premier League and
Josh Cullen one appearance and one minute. The majority of West Ham
home-grown Academy players turning out for the West Ham first team came in
our Europa League games against FC Lusitans, Birkirkara FC and Astra
Giurgiu. Elliot Lee, Josh Cullen, Diego Poyet, Martin Samuelsen, Reece
Burke, Reece Oxford, Kyle Knoyle, Jordan Brown, Alex Pike, Doneil Henry and
Lewis Page all took an active part in our European adventure.
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Bilic on Mourinho
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 18, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has spoken of his surprise at Jose Mourinho's sacking "I can
only say about Mourinho that I'm definitely surprised. It was the subject of
rumours for the last couple of months but I'm still surprised. When you are
the best in the business you have many people who would like you to fail"
"It's a big loss for the league and Premier League is going to miss him. I
really hope he is not lost because we'll miss him a lot. I don't believe any
player will deliberately have a bad training, not to mention a bad game.
They are top professional players"
"Nobody knows if Jose would have turned it around. Chelsea are in an
uncomfortable situation, but they are not panicking. I do believe he would
have turned it. It's not the only time this happened to a big club. It
happened to Borussia Dortmund last season" "Every time a new manager comes,
it's always at the start new energy and very positive and you get a couple
of wins.There are more clubs or teams sacking their managers when situations
like this occur, than those who stick with their managers. Ten years ago you
were laughing at Italian clubs sacking their managers every year and now
it's happening in the Premier League" "Mourinho going shows nobody is safe.
You have to enjoy your job, do your best and work hard for the club you are
in"
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Slaven Bilic puts return date on Manuel Lanzini and updates on Dimitri Payet
training
10:03 18 December 2015
London 24
Brad Pinard
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic hopes Manuel Lanzini will be back to face
Aston Villa on Boxing Day. The playmaker has been out for around a month
with a ligament injury, but is set to return to training on Monday and will
be involved over Christmas. West Ham are hoping to seal a permanent deal for
Lanzini after his impressive start to the season on loan from Al-Jazira.
Bilic hopes they will both be back soon, with Lanzini ahead of schedule.
"Lanzini and Payet are doing really well," Bilic said. "Lanzini should be
ready for the Villa game and Dimi should start to train in ten days." West
Ham travel to Swansea on Sunday without a host of key men which also
includes Andy Carroll now.
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Juventus demand £21m for West Ham and Crystal Palace target
Express.co.uk
WEST HAM must break the bank if they want to sign Juventus striker Simone
Zaza, according to reports.
By JOE SHORT
PUBLISHED: 07:37, Fri, Dec 18, 2015 | UPDATED: 08:05, Fri, Dec 18, 2015
Zaza, 24, is out of favour in Turin and is free to leave in January. Juve
are keen to make a profit on their summer buy from Sassuolo. And Italian
newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim their valuation of the frontman peaks
at around £21million. Andy Carroll is the Hammers' record signing, arriving
at he club on a permanent basis in 2013 for just over £15m. West Ham boss
Slaven Bilic is reportedly considering moves in the transfer market -
although Zaza may be out of the boss' price range. Gazzetta also claim
Crystal Palace are keen on landing Zaza during the January window. Palace
manager Alan Pardew brought in record signing Yohan Cabaye over the summer
for £10m and may be given more money to spend in January should a £100m
investment deal with a group of American businessmen be completed by the New
Year. Zaza has scored five goals for Juve this season but the Italy
international has made only 10 appearances. The forward signed permanently
for Juve after his dual ownership with Sassuolo was scrapped in the summer,
with West Ham failing to secure a deal before deadline day. He has so far
struggled to earn games behind Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala and Mario
Mandzukic in the Juve front line and Gazzetta claim he will be swiftly sold
if a club meets their asking price.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 19
Friday, December 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th December 2015
February fixture changes
WHUFC.com
February's Barclays Premier League fixture changes have been confirmed. Our
away game at Southampton, originally scheduled for Saturday 6 February, will
now be played at 8pm on Monday 8 February. The home match against Sunderland
on Saturday 27 February will now kick-off at the earlier time of 12.45pm.
In addition, the home game against Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for Tuesday
1 March, will now be played on Wednesday 2 March at 7.45pm, due to
Tottenham's participation in the UEFA Europa League.
Please note that the games against Aston Villa on Tuesday 2 February and the
trip to Southampton on Monday 8 February are still subject to change, should
any of the teams be involved in FA Cup ties on 31 January, or if fourth
round replays are required.
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Hammers announce AC/DC priority window
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Season Ticket Holders and Academy Members can take advantage
of a special priority window to secure hospitality tickets for rock legends
AC/DC's summer concert at the former Olympic Stadium.
The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to the
world-famous Australian band, whose hits include Thunderstruck and Highway
to Hell, on Saturday 4 June 2016, the first major concert to be staged at
West Ham United's future home, and one of just two UK dates of their 'Rock
or Bust' world tour.
Tuesday's announcements come after a massive year for the band, with them
kicking off the 57th annual Grammy Awards and completing 17 shows in Europe,
14 shows in North America and 11 shows in Australia/New Zealand.
Supporters have from 9.30am until 12.30pm on Friday 18 December to book
their hospitality packages, before they are released to the general public.
Tickets can be purchased via whufcboxoffice.com or by calling 08081101030,
while supporters can also email concerts@westhamunited.co.uk. Packages start
from £125 + VAT.
The Club, in association with the Stadium Operator, London Stadium 185, are
delighted to offer supporters this unique deal and look forward to working
together as the Stadium becomes the UK's No1 entertainment destination.
The concert will be the first major event in the Stadium following the
conclusion of the significant transformation works ahead, with the Hammers'
stunning hospitality areas – Club London – still to be fitted out from
scratch. They will set a new benchmark in hospitality in line with the
Club's spectacular designs revealed in September last year.
This concert follows a spectacular series of events this year, with 500,000
spectators enjoying the Great Newham Run, Anniversary Games, Rugby World Cup
2015, international Rugby League and Race of Champions.
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Let's start with the positives during this Christmas period! Enner has
recovered extremely well and very quickly. He had his first training session
last Thursday and played against Stoke City.
Dimitri Payet has come back to us very well after a period of rest and has
started the active rehab. The first signs are that he is progressing very
well. Dimi is working hard, started running and is working with the ball
without problems. We hope he could be back in full training in a few weeks.
Manuel Lanzini has suffered a significant muscle injury that will take time.
He has made good progress, feels much better and will have a control scan on
Monday to evaluate if we can push on. We hope he will play some part over
the Christmas period.
Victor Moses and Winston Reid have both injured their hamstrings and have
started their recovery processes. They are both on track to recover in the
four to six weeks we originally anticipated.
Diafra had an operation last Saturday which went well. After four weeks we
can accelerate the rehab and we will have a better view on when he is going
to be back on the pitch. Diafra is currently in a period of immobilisation
and minimal rehab, giving the body time to heal.
Just a general point on injuries, how you avoid one is a million dollar
question! Every injury is unique in many aspects and to predict when a
player will return to play is similar. Working in, with and for a great
football club means you always try to push as hard as you can and bring
injured players back as quickly as possible in a safe way.
Especially at this time of year in England, the Premier League is very
demanding and all top-class athletes are performing on the edge. They are on
the front line giving it 100 per cent and if you work for a football club,
that's what you do, you do the same, you also give 100 per cent.
Stijn Vandenbroucke,
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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More fixture mayhem as TV companies call the tune
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th December 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have a maximum of five traditional Saturday 3pm kick-offs left at
the Boleyn Ground after this season's remaining Premier League fixture list
was amended at the behest of the TV companies.
With the club set to leave the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season,
Hammers fans will see no more than five Premier League fixtures kick off in
the traditional 3pm Saturday slot.
And that figure could be even lower, should the broadcasters choose to move
any of the club's last five home games of the season - which includes the
visit of both Arsenal and Manchester United, two games often shown live in
the past by TV.
The latest changes, announced today and affecting fixtures in February are
as follows:
Southampton (a): moved to Monday 8 February (originally scheduled for
Saturday, 6 February)
Sunderland (h): kick off moved to earlier time of 12.45pm on Saturday, 27
February (was scheduled for 3pm)
Additionally, it has been confirmed that both the home games with Aston
Villa (Tuesday 2 February) and the aforementioned trip to St Mary's are both
subject to further change, depending upon FA Cup third round results.
Remaining Premier League fixtures at the Boleyn Ground
Monday, 28 December: Southampton (5.30pm)
Saturday, 2 January: Liverpool (12.45pm)
Saturday, 23 January: Manchester City (5.30pm)
Tuesday, 2 February: Aston Villa (7.45pm)
Saturday, 27 February: Sunderland (12.45pm)
Wednesday, 2nd March: Tottenham Hotspur (7.45pm)
Saturday, 12 March: Watford (3.00pm)
Saturday, 2nd April: Crystal Palace (3.00pm)
Saturday, 9th April: Arsenal (3.00pm)
Saturday, 23 April: Manchester United (3.00pm)
Saturday, 7 May: Swansea (3.00pm)
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Impressive Irons defender "a real safety net"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham could recall Reece Burke from his Bradford City loan spell in
January. Burke has been sensational during his loan spell and has been
closely monitored by the club during his time with the League One club who
currently sit just in tenth place three points off the play off places. And
should there be an injury crisis at the back over Christmas he looks set to
make a return to Upton Park. Had he been available he may even have been
included in last weekend's match given the injury to Winston Reid when the
manager opted to give James Collins a place at the centre of defence with
James Tomkins continuing at right back. We were told: "Reece has been
outstanding up there and is a very good option to have – a real safety net.
He's been getting rave reviews week after week and is very much on our
minds."
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DG claims Jose "helped dig his own grave"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold believes the minute Jose Mourinho spoke of players in the Chelsea
dressing room "betraying" him he had become a dead man walking. Discussing
the hot topic of the day – Mourinho's second Stamford Bridge departure" – DG
declared: "He should really have kept quiet and got on with it – kept his
his dignity and carried on because you just can't be saying that.
He told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "He is the manager of a great club and
try shifting the blame onto the players is just not acceptable anywhere. He
should have kept his dignity. It may be fair to say he helped dig his own
grave." If you are Chelsea and super wealthy this is what you can afford to
do and Jse is our of work with a very hefty pay ff as a result."
Gold admits that despite the now not so Special One being loved and loathed
"almost in equal measures" by the public he will be a big loss to the
Premier League. He said: "Whatever people may think of him, he is a special
character and we need them in the Premier League. "It doesn't really affect
us at West Ham but he's a man who creates, debate, controversy, and
discussion – and that's good. He will be missed – that's certain."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Iron told his chance is close
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has sent big words of encouragement to Reece Oxford who has been
patiently awaiting his first team chance. The 17 year old made six
appearances in August with a notably outstanding performance against Arsenal
in the opener at the Emirates. But since then he has been with the under 21s
whilst undergoing a progamme aimed specifically at his development as the
club prepare to launch him onto the big stage again. There have also been
rumours that he is being watched by Arsenal and the Manchester teams with
bids of around £8 million mentioned for next summer. But the Hammers are
disinterested and co chairman David Gold has made it clear that the
youngster is not far away from selection. He has been on the bench for the
last two games and looks set to be part of things at Swansea as the Hammers
search continues for a much needed three point boost. When a fan tweeted his
surprise that Oxford hasn't featured recently Gold replied: "He is in the
squad and on the bench, he's very close, his time will come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Feb games rescheduled for TV
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Two West Ham games in February are subject to fixture changes the club
confirmed today. Our away game at Southampton, originally scheduled for
Saturday 6 February, will now be played at 8pm on Monday 8 February. The
home match against Sunderland on Saturday 27 February will now kick-off at
the earlier time of 12.45pm. West Ham receive £877,516 for each game shown
on TV on either Sky or BT Sport meaning these two matches will net the
Hammers an extra £1.75m of facility fees from the TV rights deal In
addition, the home game against Spurs, scheduled for Tuesday 1 March, will
now be played on Wednesday 2 March at 7.45pm, due to Tottenham's
participation in the UEFA Europa League. The games against Aston Villa on
Tuesday 2 February and the trip to Southampton on Monday 8 February are
still subject to change, should any of the teams be involved in FA Cup ties
on 31 January, or if fourth round replays are required.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bielsea talks left Hammers gobsmacked
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Marcelo Bielsa's possible arrival as Swansea City's boss ahead of the clash
against the Irons on Sunday may rest largely on wage issues that proved too
rich for the Hammers blood. The man considered a genius by some very close
to landing the Hammers job but it was the financial demands and issues that
went with that which helped tip the balance in Slaven Bilic's favour.
Both were interviewed at the final stages of the appointment and sources
close to the talks told ClaretandHugh at the time how Slav came to get the
job. The board were deeply impressed with him as a man and his plans for the
club were exactly how they perceived the club's direction. His salary
request and for those of his staff were sensible and realistic at this stage
of the club's development. He was described by senior insiders as "a very
impressive man" and "one of our own" which was a major box that needed
ticking but it also became clear that Bielsa may not have helped his own
cause with certain demands.
ClaretandHugh was told: "Slav was probably always going to get the job but
it was strange Marcelo is understood to claim it wasn't about money but the
challenge or 'project' but wanted £6 million – £7 million for himself and
his staff. "Amazingly he wanted all the money and then he became the
employer of his staff. The board found it all very strange. He is a very
intense guy but extremely interesting! "He wanted total control and no
interference when buying players. He has utter confidence in his own
ability. He might be a genius, but he is far from 100 per cent proven."
Swansea are believed to have been in talks with the former Marseilles boss
but some reports claim the negotiations have cooled.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How Diego Poyet offers 'something different' to become a key West Ham
midfielder
10:47 17 December 2015 Harry Wright
We spoke to MK Dons fan and reporter Harry Wright as to how Diego Poyet is
getting on while on loan at Stadium:MK. West Ham fans have barely seen what
former Charlton man Diego Poyet has to offer them but his time could come.
After some impressive pre-season displays, the 20-year-old joined MK Dons on
a season long loan and has become a regular for the Championship side.
Replacing Dele Alli is proving a tough task for the Dons but Poyet is the
calming influence their midfield was crying out for. With a number of
midfield options available to Slaven Bilic, it could be tough for Poyet to
get in the Hammers side but Harry Wright has been impressed. "He's given us
solidity in the midfield," Wright told London24. "Diego has given us a
calming influence, playing with a head well beyond his years. He's also
strong physically standing at over 6ft and acts like he's in his late
20s/early 30s. "His passing is sublime and the way he conducts himself is
above and beyond anyone else we've got in the squad right now. "I'd love us
to keep him, I doubt very highly we'd be able to afford him so any deal
would be a loan one I imagine. If we do sign him we'd have to also sign a
more attacking midfielder to partner him as he's currently playing alongside
Potter who similarly to Poyet is very defensively minded and scarcely gets
forward." Impressing on loan in the Championship is one thing but stepping
up to the Premier League could be a tough ask for the Uruguay under-20
international. Spending big in the summer has made the midfield area strong
for Bilic and so Poyet's role may be away from Upton Park. "I think West Ham
are and will continue to be getting bigger and bigger," Wright said. "With
Noble, Payet and Kouyate etc for competition it certainly won't be easy for
him but I think he does offer something different and it's something that
all managers need which is a calm head to deal with pressure situations.
"He's a strong character and a leader which certainly won't do him any harm.
With West Ham clearly happily to also delve into the transfer market and
spend money on the likes of Payet if a big name becomes available he may
also get overlooked. It certainly won't be easy but I definitely think he
will have the quality soon and I'd love to see him in the first team. "He
hasn't scored yet and is more prone to simple, sideways and backwards
passes. If he could add some goals and attacking play to his game then he
would be a complete midfielder and goals from midfield are crucial in
midfield now days and got us promoted last year with Dele Alli. "I think he
needs to take a few more risks in his passing and if he was able to spread
play a bit more he'd be far more of an attacking threat, however that may be
just the way we play restricting him as it has done with Potter."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'He is listed' Underrated Chelsea star confirmed to be available in January
11:45 17 December 2015
Brad Pinard
French club St Etienne are interested in signing Loic Remy in January as he
becomes available for loan. The striker has struggled to make much of an
impact this term, often an unused sub as Jose Mourinho selects Deigo Costa
or even a midfielder to lead the line. A number of Premier League clubs were
keen on Remy in the summer when Radamel Falcao joined the Blues, and that
could be the case again if he is listed. West Ham, Crystal Palace, Spurs,
Newcastle, Southampton and Sunderland have all had their names linked with
Remy and his goal record is impressive in England. St Etienne chief
Christophe Galtier has confirmed Remy is available and that he will be a
target for them in January. "He is one of the players that we are interested
in," Galtier told But Football Club. "Loïc Rémy has a very interesting
profile. He is part of a very big club where he is playing little. "We will
see if it is possible that Chelsea loan him us, but we will need him to
partake in a part of his salary. "I do not know if it is possible. But Loïc
is listed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agent of Italian international Simone Zaza responds to question about West
Ham and Crystal Palace interest
HITC
Mathew Nash
The Italian international has five goals in 10 games for Juventus this
season. West Ham United and Crystal Palace have both been linked with a move
for Italian international striker Simone Zaza in recent weeks. The Juventus
man is not playing regular football in Turin and in a season where he will
be hoping to feature for Italy in the European Championships next summer
that is not acceptable. Meanwhile West Ham have injury worries up front
whilst Crystal Palace are in need of another striker. Today has seen his
agent Christian Maifredi conduct an interview with Tutto Mercato Web about
his client's future. He was even asked specifically about a potential loan
move to West Ham or Crystal Palace in January.
This was his response: "Already in summer there had been interest. When a
player is in the national team and not play too inevitably targeted by clubs
of major championships like the English. "This no, there is at the moment no
negotiations."
So it would appear that nothing is currently in the pipeline but the agent
also made it clear that his player wanted to be playing regularly to assure
himself of a place in the Euro 2016 squad next summer. The Italian
international had caught the eye during a co-ownership deal with Sassuolo
last season. Juventus, the Italian champions, exercised their right to buy
him permanently at the end of the season but he has played just 10 times for
the club this season and has scored five goals, in an excellent return. West
Ham and Crystal Palace will be heartened by the news that Zaza is seemingly
open to a loan deal. But negotiations do not yet seem to be open and with a
relationship already established with Sassuolo they would do well to get in
front of this deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
February's Barclays Premier League fixture changes have been confirmed. Our
away game at Southampton, originally scheduled for Saturday 6 February, will
now be played at 8pm on Monday 8 February. The home match against Sunderland
on Saturday 27 February will now kick-off at the earlier time of 12.45pm.
In addition, the home game against Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for Tuesday
1 March, will now be played on Wednesday 2 March at 7.45pm, due to
Tottenham's participation in the UEFA Europa League.
Please note that the games against Aston Villa on Tuesday 2 February and the
trip to Southampton on Monday 8 February are still subject to change, should
any of the teams be involved in FA Cup ties on 31 January, or if fourth
round replays are required.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers announce AC/DC priority window
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Season Ticket Holders and Academy Members can take advantage
of a special priority window to secure hospitality tickets for rock legends
AC/DC's summer concert at the former Olympic Stadium.
The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will play host to the
world-famous Australian band, whose hits include Thunderstruck and Highway
to Hell, on Saturday 4 June 2016, the first major concert to be staged at
West Ham United's future home, and one of just two UK dates of their 'Rock
or Bust' world tour.
Tuesday's announcements come after a massive year for the band, with them
kicking off the 57th annual Grammy Awards and completing 17 shows in Europe,
14 shows in North America and 11 shows in Australia/New Zealand.
Supporters have from 9.30am until 12.30pm on Friday 18 December to book
their hospitality packages, before they are released to the general public.
Tickets can be purchased via whufcboxoffice.com or by calling 08081101030,
while supporters can also email concerts@westhamunited.co.uk. Packages start
from £125 + VAT.
The Club, in association with the Stadium Operator, London Stadium 185, are
delighted to offer supporters this unique deal and look forward to working
together as the Stadium becomes the UK's No1 entertainment destination.
The concert will be the first major event in the Stadium following the
conclusion of the significant transformation works ahead, with the Hammers'
stunning hospitality areas – Club London – still to be fitted out from
scratch. They will set a new benchmark in hospitality in line with the
Club's spectacular designs revealed in September last year.
This concert follows a spectacular series of events this year, with 500,000
spectators enjoying the Great Newham Run, Anniversary Games, Rugby World Cup
2015, international Rugby League and Race of Champions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
Let's start with the positives during this Christmas period! Enner has
recovered extremely well and very quickly. He had his first training session
last Thursday and played against Stoke City.
Dimitri Payet has come back to us very well after a period of rest and has
started the active rehab. The first signs are that he is progressing very
well. Dimi is working hard, started running and is working with the ball
without problems. We hope he could be back in full training in a few weeks.
Manuel Lanzini has suffered a significant muscle injury that will take time.
He has made good progress, feels much better and will have a control scan on
Monday to evaluate if we can push on. We hope he will play some part over
the Christmas period.
Victor Moses and Winston Reid have both injured their hamstrings and have
started their recovery processes. They are both on track to recover in the
four to six weeks we originally anticipated.
Diafra had an operation last Saturday which went well. After four weeks we
can accelerate the rehab and we will have a better view on when he is going
to be back on the pitch. Diafra is currently in a period of immobilisation
and minimal rehab, giving the body time to heal.
Just a general point on injuries, how you avoid one is a million dollar
question! Every injury is unique in many aspects and to predict when a
player will return to play is similar. Working in, with and for a great
football club means you always try to push as hard as you can and bring
injured players back as quickly as possible in a safe way.
Especially at this time of year in England, the Premier League is very
demanding and all top-class athletes are performing on the edge. They are on
the front line giving it 100 per cent and if you work for a football club,
that's what you do, you do the same, you also give 100 per cent.
Stijn Vandenbroucke,
Head of Medical and Sports Science
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More fixture mayhem as TV companies call the tune
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th December 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have a maximum of five traditional Saturday 3pm kick-offs left at
the Boleyn Ground after this season's remaining Premier League fixture list
was amended at the behest of the TV companies.
With the club set to leave the Boleyn Ground at the end of the season,
Hammers fans will see no more than five Premier League fixtures kick off in
the traditional 3pm Saturday slot.
And that figure could be even lower, should the broadcasters choose to move
any of the club's last five home games of the season - which includes the
visit of both Arsenal and Manchester United, two games often shown live in
the past by TV.
The latest changes, announced today and affecting fixtures in February are
as follows:
Southampton (a): moved to Monday 8 February (originally scheduled for
Saturday, 6 February)
Sunderland (h): kick off moved to earlier time of 12.45pm on Saturday, 27
February (was scheduled for 3pm)
Additionally, it has been confirmed that both the home games with Aston
Villa (Tuesday 2 February) and the aforementioned trip to St Mary's are both
subject to further change, depending upon FA Cup third round results.
Remaining Premier League fixtures at the Boleyn Ground
Monday, 28 December: Southampton (5.30pm)
Saturday, 2 January: Liverpool (12.45pm)
Saturday, 23 January: Manchester City (5.30pm)
Tuesday, 2 February: Aston Villa (7.45pm)
Saturday, 27 February: Sunderland (12.45pm)
Wednesday, 2nd March: Tottenham Hotspur (7.45pm)
Saturday, 12 March: Watford (3.00pm)
Saturday, 2nd April: Crystal Palace (3.00pm)
Saturday, 9th April: Arsenal (3.00pm)
Saturday, 23 April: Manchester United (3.00pm)
Saturday, 7 May: Swansea (3.00pm)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Impressive Irons defender "a real safety net"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham could recall Reece Burke from his Bradford City loan spell in
January. Burke has been sensational during his loan spell and has been
closely monitored by the club during his time with the League One club who
currently sit just in tenth place three points off the play off places. And
should there be an injury crisis at the back over Christmas he looks set to
make a return to Upton Park. Had he been available he may even have been
included in last weekend's match given the injury to Winston Reid when the
manager opted to give James Collins a place at the centre of defence with
James Tomkins continuing at right back. We were told: "Reece has been
outstanding up there and is a very good option to have – a real safety net.
He's been getting rave reviews week after week and is very much on our
minds."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG claims Jose "helped dig his own grave"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold believes the minute Jose Mourinho spoke of players in the Chelsea
dressing room "betraying" him he had become a dead man walking. Discussing
the hot topic of the day – Mourinho's second Stamford Bridge departure" – DG
declared: "He should really have kept quiet and got on with it – kept his
his dignity and carried on because you just can't be saying that.
He told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "He is the manager of a great club and
try shifting the blame onto the players is just not acceptable anywhere. He
should have kept his dignity. It may be fair to say he helped dig his own
grave." If you are Chelsea and super wealthy this is what you can afford to
do and Jse is our of work with a very hefty pay ff as a result."
Gold admits that despite the now not so Special One being loved and loathed
"almost in equal measures" by the public he will be a big loss to the
Premier League. He said: "Whatever people may think of him, he is a special
character and we need them in the Premier League. "It doesn't really affect
us at West Ham but he's a man who creates, debate, controversy, and
discussion – and that's good. He will be missed – that's certain."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Iron told his chance is close
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has sent big words of encouragement to Reece Oxford who has been
patiently awaiting his first team chance. The 17 year old made six
appearances in August with a notably outstanding performance against Arsenal
in the opener at the Emirates. But since then he has been with the under 21s
whilst undergoing a progamme aimed specifically at his development as the
club prepare to launch him onto the big stage again. There have also been
rumours that he is being watched by Arsenal and the Manchester teams with
bids of around £8 million mentioned for next summer. But the Hammers are
disinterested and co chairman David Gold has made it clear that the
youngster is not far away from selection. He has been on the bench for the
last two games and looks set to be part of things at Swansea as the Hammers
search continues for a much needed three point boost. When a fan tweeted his
surprise that Oxford hasn't featured recently Gold replied: "He is in the
squad and on the bench, he's very close, his time will come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Feb games rescheduled for TV
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Two West Ham games in February are subject to fixture changes the club
confirmed today. Our away game at Southampton, originally scheduled for
Saturday 6 February, will now be played at 8pm on Monday 8 February. The
home match against Sunderland on Saturday 27 February will now kick-off at
the earlier time of 12.45pm. West Ham receive £877,516 for each game shown
on TV on either Sky or BT Sport meaning these two matches will net the
Hammers an extra £1.75m of facility fees from the TV rights deal In
addition, the home game against Spurs, scheduled for Tuesday 1 March, will
now be played on Wednesday 2 March at 7.45pm, due to Tottenham's
participation in the UEFA Europa League. The games against Aston Villa on
Tuesday 2 February and the trip to Southampton on Monday 8 February are
still subject to change, should any of the teams be involved in FA Cup ties
on 31 January, or if fourth round replays are required.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bielsea talks left Hammers gobsmacked
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Marcelo Bielsa's possible arrival as Swansea City's boss ahead of the clash
against the Irons on Sunday may rest largely on wage issues that proved too
rich for the Hammers blood. The man considered a genius by some very close
to landing the Hammers job but it was the financial demands and issues that
went with that which helped tip the balance in Slaven Bilic's favour.
Both were interviewed at the final stages of the appointment and sources
close to the talks told ClaretandHugh at the time how Slav came to get the
job. The board were deeply impressed with him as a man and his plans for the
club were exactly how they perceived the club's direction. His salary
request and for those of his staff were sensible and realistic at this stage
of the club's development. He was described by senior insiders as "a very
impressive man" and "one of our own" which was a major box that needed
ticking but it also became clear that Bielsa may not have helped his own
cause with certain demands.
ClaretandHugh was told: "Slav was probably always going to get the job but
it was strange Marcelo is understood to claim it wasn't about money but the
challenge or 'project' but wanted £6 million – £7 million for himself and
his staff. "Amazingly he wanted all the money and then he became the
employer of his staff. The board found it all very strange. He is a very
intense guy but extremely interesting! "He wanted total control and no
interference when buying players. He has utter confidence in his own
ability. He might be a genius, but he is far from 100 per cent proven."
Swansea are believed to have been in talks with the former Marseilles boss
but some reports claim the negotiations have cooled.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How Diego Poyet offers 'something different' to become a key West Ham
midfielder
10:47 17 December 2015 Harry Wright
We spoke to MK Dons fan and reporter Harry Wright as to how Diego Poyet is
getting on while on loan at Stadium:MK. West Ham fans have barely seen what
former Charlton man Diego Poyet has to offer them but his time could come.
After some impressive pre-season displays, the 20-year-old joined MK Dons on
a season long loan and has become a regular for the Championship side.
Replacing Dele Alli is proving a tough task for the Dons but Poyet is the
calming influence their midfield was crying out for. With a number of
midfield options available to Slaven Bilic, it could be tough for Poyet to
get in the Hammers side but Harry Wright has been impressed. "He's given us
solidity in the midfield," Wright told London24. "Diego has given us a
calming influence, playing with a head well beyond his years. He's also
strong physically standing at over 6ft and acts like he's in his late
20s/early 30s. "His passing is sublime and the way he conducts himself is
above and beyond anyone else we've got in the squad right now. "I'd love us
to keep him, I doubt very highly we'd be able to afford him so any deal
would be a loan one I imagine. If we do sign him we'd have to also sign a
more attacking midfielder to partner him as he's currently playing alongside
Potter who similarly to Poyet is very defensively minded and scarcely gets
forward." Impressing on loan in the Championship is one thing but stepping
up to the Premier League could be a tough ask for the Uruguay under-20
international. Spending big in the summer has made the midfield area strong
for Bilic and so Poyet's role may be away from Upton Park. "I think West Ham
are and will continue to be getting bigger and bigger," Wright said. "With
Noble, Payet and Kouyate etc for competition it certainly won't be easy for
him but I think he does offer something different and it's something that
all managers need which is a calm head to deal with pressure situations.
"He's a strong character and a leader which certainly won't do him any harm.
With West Ham clearly happily to also delve into the transfer market and
spend money on the likes of Payet if a big name becomes available he may
also get overlooked. It certainly won't be easy but I definitely think he
will have the quality soon and I'd love to see him in the first team. "He
hasn't scored yet and is more prone to simple, sideways and backwards
passes. If he could add some goals and attacking play to his game then he
would be a complete midfielder and goals from midfield are crucial in
midfield now days and got us promoted last year with Dele Alli. "I think he
needs to take a few more risks in his passing and if he was able to spread
play a bit more he'd be far more of an attacking threat, however that may be
just the way we play restricting him as it has done with Potter."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'He is listed' Underrated Chelsea star confirmed to be available in January
11:45 17 December 2015
Brad Pinard
French club St Etienne are interested in signing Loic Remy in January as he
becomes available for loan. The striker has struggled to make much of an
impact this term, often an unused sub as Jose Mourinho selects Deigo Costa
or even a midfielder to lead the line. A number of Premier League clubs were
keen on Remy in the summer when Radamel Falcao joined the Blues, and that
could be the case again if he is listed. West Ham, Crystal Palace, Spurs,
Newcastle, Southampton and Sunderland have all had their names linked with
Remy and his goal record is impressive in England. St Etienne chief
Christophe Galtier has confirmed Remy is available and that he will be a
target for them in January. "He is one of the players that we are interested
in," Galtier told But Football Club. "Loïc Rémy has a very interesting
profile. He is part of a very big club where he is playing little. "We will
see if it is possible that Chelsea loan him us, but we will need him to
partake in a part of his salary. "I do not know if it is possible. But Loïc
is listed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agent of Italian international Simone Zaza responds to question about West
Ham and Crystal Palace interest
HITC
Mathew Nash
The Italian international has five goals in 10 games for Juventus this
season. West Ham United and Crystal Palace have both been linked with a move
for Italian international striker Simone Zaza in recent weeks. The Juventus
man is not playing regular football in Turin and in a season where he will
be hoping to feature for Italy in the European Championships next summer
that is not acceptable. Meanwhile West Ham have injury worries up front
whilst Crystal Palace are in need of another striker. Today has seen his
agent Christian Maifredi conduct an interview with Tutto Mercato Web about
his client's future. He was even asked specifically about a potential loan
move to West Ham or Crystal Palace in January.
This was his response: "Already in summer there had been interest. When a
player is in the national team and not play too inevitably targeted by clubs
of major championships like the English. "This no, there is at the moment no
negotiations."
So it would appear that nothing is currently in the pipeline but the agent
also made it clear that his player wanted to be playing regularly to assure
himself of a place in the Euro 2016 squad next summer. The Italian
international had caught the eye during a co-ownership deal with Sassuolo
last season. Juventus, the Italian champions, exercised their right to buy
him permanently at the end of the season but he has played just 10 times for
the club this season and has scored five goals, in an excellent return. West
Ham and Crystal Palace will be heartened by the news that Zaza is seemingly
open to a loan deal. But negotiations do not yet seem to be open and with a
relationship already established with Sassuolo they would do well to get in
front of this deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th December 2015
Oxford's birthday wish
WHUFC.com
Reece Oxford celebrated his 17th birthday on Wednesday in style by securing
his first professional contract with West Ham United and now hopes to follow
in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Mark Noble.
Oxford made a dream start to the season when he was handed his Premier
League debut in the opening game against Arsenal and quickly showed his
potential when he produced a superb display at the Emirates Stadium. The
talented defender played his part in helping Slaven Bilic's side come away
with a memorable 2-0 victory and has been a regular member of the first-team
squad ever since. With Oxford now securing his first major contract, the
England defender has set his sights on making a breakthrough into the
first-team. Oxford: "I am over the moon to have signed a professional
contract. I have been waiting for over a year now to become a pro and I am
really happy. "I always get reminded that I did so well against Arsenal and
I have to pinch myself that I did okay against the top players. "I hope I
showed my potential and hopefully I can kick on this season and get some
more games for the first-team. "Sometimes players can fall off a bit when
they sign a big deal, but I just want to get better and progress as a
player. I want to start in the Premier League and sign longer for the Club."
It is ironic that the first-team are now training at the Club's Rush Green
training ground which is normally used by the Academy and has a big picture
of all the former greats to have come through the system including Cole,
Carrick, Ferdinand and Noble. Oxford says it would be a dream for him to see
his picture on the wall one day and make a big impact over the next few
years. Oxford added: "I hope I can be on one of those pictures one day. I
would love to follow in their footsteps. "Mark Noble is on my case in
training, but for good reasons as he wants me to become a better player. He
doesn't want me to become sloppy or take my foot off the pedal. He wants me
to keep progressing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Triple H is a Hammer!
WHUFC.com
WWE Superstar Triple H has declared himself a West Ham United fan and tipped
centre forward Andy Carroll as a potential wrestling star!
Triple H, who is in London for Wednesday's NXT tour event at Wembley Arena,
says the Hammers represent many of the values held by the WWE (World
Wrestling Entertainment). When asked by ITV News which football club closest
echoes the commitment, hard work, skill and athleticism required to perform
in the largest wrestling promotion in the world, the eight-time Undisputed
WWE Champion was in no doubt.
"West Ham is probably the closest to what we do, with the passion of their
fanbase and their loyalty, right?" he said. "That's the closest to what we
do. "In WWE we say we have the most passionate and loyal fans of all-time,
but that might be debateable with West Ham, you know!"
Triple H may be more at home inside a ring than on a pitch, but the 6'4 WWE
Superstar knows a thing or two about football. When asked which Hammer
player would be best suited to make the jump from inside the touchlines to
inside the squared circle, a man who might have been mistaken for Triple H
himself in his younger days immediately sprang to mind. "Maybe a player like
Andy Carroll!" said Triple H. "He is tall, likes to play it tough with the
opposition and has the right looks with the long hair. He could be
interesting!" Wednesday's NXT tour event at Wembley Arena is completely sold
out, but wrestling fans can still catch the action live on WWE Network.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes heads for Wealdstone
WHUFC.com
West Ham United teenager Sam Howes has joined National League South club
Wealdstone on a month-long loan.
The highly-rated England U19 international goalkeeper will gain valuable
senior experience at the Middlesex club, for whom he could make his debut at
Chelmsford City on Saturday afternoon.
The 18-year-old is one of the brightest prospects at the Academy of
Football, winning the Young Hammer of the Year award as a first-year scholar
in May 2014.
After helping England to win the UEFA European U17 Championship title, the
sure-handed stopper travelled with the first-team squad to New Zealand in
summer 2014, making his bow in a friendly with A-League side Sydney FC in
Wellington.
Howes totalled 32 appearances across Development Squad and U18 levels for
the Hammers last season.
West Ham now have eleven players out on loan, the other ten being Matt
Jarvis (Norwich City), Diego Poyet (MK Dons), Doneil Henry (Blackburn
Rovers), Reece Burke (Bradford City), Martin Samuelsen (Peterborough
United), Elliot Lee (Blackpool), Josh Pask (Dagenham & Redbridge), Sam
Westley (VVV Venlo), Tim Brown (Chelmsford City) and Clarke Bogard
(Tilbury).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OUR NEW WEAPON?
By Tony Hanna 16 Dec 2015 at 17:00
WTID
My column last week, prior to the Stoke game, was about your glass being
half full or half empty. The 0-0 draw against the Potters was a perfect
example to examine your own glass once again. Were you happy with a point
knowing all the injuries we had? Taking into account the effort of the team
and how well we played was that good enough for you? Or was your reaction it
was two points dropped against a side similarly placed to us in the league?
I think I was the first to react on this site regarding the signing of
Antonio from Forest. I had seen him play, albeit on TV, several times for
the Championship club and I liked what I saw. His full debut was littered
with mistakes but it showed a raw talent that you can see just wants to
play. I doubt we will see any lack of effort from this lad given the
opportunity! What astounded me was that no one was prepared for his long
throw? Sam would have been drooling over that! What are they doing in
training if they didn't know the lad was capable of reaching the far post
with his throw? Not one player seemed attuned to the opportunity that was
presenting itself. Surely this is a weapon we should be using more when we
have Andy Carroll in the side? Now, I am not suggesting a return to hoof
ball, the footballing philosophy Bilic is installing is a breath of fresh
air. But, let's face it. Getting a throw in nowadays is almost a
disadvantage and most throwers go down the line at all costs simply because
it is the safest area to lose the ball. Having a lad that can propel the
ball even further than Rory Delap would surely create much havoc in
opposition defences? It would certainly offer a better attacking opportunity
than some of the corners we have been taking lately?
One thing I did get wrong last week was the inclusion of Ginger which kept
James Tomkins at right back. Carl Jenkinson must have surely thought he was
back in the side once Reid got injured? Bilic's decision shows that he has
clearly lost trust in the Arsenal loanee. In a recent article I suggested
that the manager likes to give everyone a reasonable chance to impress, but
if you don't grab it then he can show a ruthless side to his character. I
think we have witnessed it again.
Well, next we are off for a trip to Swansea. I guess the half glass empty
fans will be rueing that we will possibly be up against the "new manager,
first game" syndrome! Correct me if I am wrong but I am sure it was only
last season that we played no less than three games under this situation? A
last gasp winner against Dick's Sunderland broke the curse in one of the
games but it is an undeniable fact a new manager lifts a team if only for a
few games. Anyone got the same wry grin on their face as me when you see the
usual suspects of Bielsa and Emery linked with the job?
Looking elsewhere and Leicester have been flying high this season and have
been lucky so far that Vardy and Mahrez have had pretty much uninterrupted
playing time this season. The two of them have been the catalyst for their
clubs fortunes. The cynicist in me tells me that the Tinkerman should rest
them both for this weekends game. I will let you read what you like into
that theory!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Tottenham making use of their academies more than any other
Premier League club
14:34, 16 DEC 2015 UPDATED 14:59, 16 DEC 2015
BY DAVID DUBAS-FISHER
Players that have come through the Hammers' academy have been used for more
minutes in the Premier League than any other team
The Mirror
West Ham have been leading the way this season when it comes to using their
academy players. Players to have come from the club's academy have played a
total of 2,629 Premier League minutes between them this season - more than
at any other club in the division. Mark Noble has led the way for the
Hammers' academy players and has appeared in 15 league matches and been on
the pitch for 1,270 minutes. He's followed by James Tomkins (1,225 minutes),
Reece Oxford (133 minutes ) and Josh Cullen (one minute). Other clubs have
used more academy players than West Ham though.
Tottenham have had seven of their academy players represent them in the
Premier League this season amassing a total of 2,226 minutes playing time.
Harry Kane has been the Spurs academy's leading light having played 1,400
minutes this season. He's followed by Ryan Mason (490 minutes) and Nabil
Bentaleb (166 minutes).
Manchester United's academy has produced six of their players this season,
though they have only played 957 minutes between them. Jesse Lingard has had
the most game time (380 minutes) followed by Patrick McNair (268 minutes).
The Red Devils have in fact included a youth product in every first-team
squad since October 1937 - a total of 3,770 consecutive games.
Arsenal have played three academy products this season in a combined total
of 2,155 minutes of play - Hector Bellerin (1,260 minutes), Francis Coquelin
(894 minutes) and Alex Iwobi (one minute).
Everton's Ross Barkley has played more Premier League minutes this season
than any other club's academy players. The English midfielder has been on
the pitch for a total of 1,410 minutes to date.
At the other end of the table, Bournemouth, Stoke, Sunderland, Swansea and
Watford are yet play a single academy player in the Premier League this
season.
Players Minutes
West Ham 4 2629
Tottenham 7 2226
Arsenal 3 2155
Aston Villa 3 1986
Everton 3 1736
Newcastle 4 1595
Leicester 3 1552
Southampton 2 1328
Crystal Palace 1 997
Man United 6 957
Chelsea 3 944
West Brom 1 691
Liverpool 2 542
Norwich 1 180
Man City 1 166
Bournemouth 0 0
Stoke 0 0
Sunderland 0 0
Swansea 0 0
Watford 0 0
Grand Total 44 19684
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers up for Downing windfall
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham could be in line for a financial boost at the end of the year.
Stewart Downing's move to Middlesbrough could net us a £1.5 million windfall
if the Championship outfit are promoted back to the Premier League. Having
organised the £6 million switch back to the north east, the club's
negotiators included a £1.5 million add on should the club be promoted at
any time during his time at the club.
Boro are currently sitting on top of the league with 43 points – the same
number as Brighton and Hove Albion – and looking a real good bet to get back
into the big time. So far Downing has made 20 League appearances for three
goals since his move from the Boleyn – which could turn into a lucrative
move for the Hammers given he is 32 next July.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea in a relegation battle, says West Ham's Andy Carroll
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 16/12/15 10:12am
SSN
West Ham forward Andy Carroll says Chelsea are on such a poor run of form
that they have to be considered relegation candidates. Chelsea won the
Premier League title by an eight-point margin last season but have struggled
so far this campaign, suffering their ninth league defeat at Leicester on
Monday Night Football. Jose Mourinho's side are sitting just a point above
the relegation zone after 16 games, having managed just four victories so
far and Carroll, who scored in West Ham's win over Chelsea earlier in the
season, believes the prospect of a relegation fight for the reigning
champions must be considered. Carroll told Sky Sports: "It's crazy to see,
the quality in that team, at the bottom of the league. "It is tough to
actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and
who spent so much money on those players - they just can't string a pass
together at the minute."
Asked if he they could truly be considered as candidates for the drop,
Carroll added: "You never know. It is hard to see it, isn't it? I think
that's the problem. I think the main focus at the minute is West Ham.
Getting fit, staying fit, scoring goals and pushing West Ham up the League.
"It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom three at the end of the
season. But the way they are going, I don't see why they can't get
relegated. I think it's on the cards." Carroll's goal against Chelsea is his
only one of the campaign so far and admits he needs to score more regularly
if he is to earn an England recall. "I'd love to be back in the England
squad, I'd love to be at the Euros at the end of the season," said Carroll.
"But I think the main focus at the minute is West Ham. Getting fit, staying
fit, scoring goals and pushing West Ham up the League." The Hammers are
eighth in the table after a solid start to life under Slaven Bilic, but
Carroll thinks they should be doing even better. "I think we have got to try
and get into Europe, 100 per cent," he said. "I think some of the games we
have played, we should have won. "We could be up there around the top
places. If we look at ourselves deep down, we could be there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll's view on where we should be
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News
C and H
Andy Carroll disagrees with the bookies and reckons that Chelsea are a
decent bet for relegation. Discussing the issue of Sky Sports he said that
hard though it seems to believe it may well be on. He said: "It's crazy to
see, the quality in that team, at the bottom of the league. "It is tough to
actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and
who spent so much money on those players – they just can't string a pass
together at the minute. "
Asked if he they could truly be considered as candidates for the drop,
Carroll added: "You never know. It is hard to see it, isn't it? I think
that's the problem. "It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom
three at the end of the season. But the way they are going, I don't see why
they can't get relegated. I think it's on the cards."
Carroll's goal against Chelsea is his only one of the campaign so far and
admits he needs to score more regularly if he is to earn an England recall.
"I'd love to be back in the England squad, I'd love to be at the Euros at
the end of the season," said Carroll. "But I think the main focus at the
minute is West Ham. Getting fit, staying fit, scoring goals and pushing West
Ham up the League." He added: "I think we have got to try and get into
Europe, 100 per cent. I think some of the games we have played, we should
have won. "We could be up there around the top places. If we look at
ourselves deep down, we could be there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bookies put Irons ahead of Chelsea for drop !
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
They say the bookies never get it wrong but I reckon this time they
couldn't be further away from getting it right. For unbelievably, in my
personal book, they reckon the Irons have more chance of being relegated
than Jose Mourinho's mugs who are priced at 80/1 while we are half that
price at 40s. Chelski are 11th favourites to be playing in the second tier
next term even though there are only four sides being below them currently.
Sky Bet make rock-bottom Aston Villa their favourites with Sunderland,
Norwich, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Swansea and West Brom following them.
Watford, currently on 25 points, are next in the list at 28/1 then come
ourselves. Reputations it seems count more than points in the Sky Bet
offices.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defender looks at the upside
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News
C and H
James Collins is a realist – he's seen most of what football can offer and
has sent a subtle let's be positive message to the players and fans. Despite
being regularly linked with a move to Sunderland in the window, JC is
currently required by the Irons in a big way with Winston Reid unavailable.
Injury problems are always going to feature but the 32 year old would sooner
look on the upside of how that has affected things at the club. He said:
"The players who have come in have done very well. It was a tough game on
Saturday and they are probably the best Stoke side I have played against for
a long time. "They are different to what they were a few years-ago and with
a bit more luck in front of goal we could have won the game, but a draw was
probably a fair result." "Enner is back and Manu is not that far away which
is a big boost. But the players who have come in have done a great job and I
thought Michail Antonio was tremendous on Saturday. That is why the owners
spent the money to give us a big squad and that is what we have got."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This player's transformation has been inspiring
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Mauro Zarate's transformation from unwanted outcast to firmly entrenched
first team squad player has been both inspiring and informative. And it
demonstrates what can happen when a player's personality becomes understood
by the manager. It's well known that he was a signing decided by the board
but that needs explaining: every WHUFC manager has an agreed budget each
season but when another player is suggested to him, and accepted, additional
cash is made available. That's what happened in the case of Zarate but many
insiders have told ClaretandHugh, he was barely welcomed to the club, always
seen as a fringe player and not a serious part of things – as was eventually
demonstrated by his departure to QPR on loan. There too he had an
uncomfortable experience and eventually returned to Upton Park desperately
low on the one thing that makes him tick as a footballer – confidence. The
arrival of Slaven Bilic – a lover of invention and flair – has changed the
boy's life and whilst he frustrates at times his ability has shone through
brightly in the absence of first Dimi Payet and then Manuel Lanzini.
David Gold claims: "We have known Mauro since Birmingham days and he is s a
confidence player – he needs to feel wanted. "He always believes he should
be in or around the first team squad and his transformation is all down to
Slaven Bilic. "Yes, he could have moved on but we're glad he stuck things
out and can feel very proud of himself. He's happy, settled and wants to
stay at West Ham." Personally, I like him. Yes he can be too easily shoved
off the ball on occasions but he has genuine skill and the various types of
goal he has scored shows he has serious ability. He cost next to nothing and
would be worth a minimum of £3-£4 million now. Shows what a little bit of
TLC can do doesn't it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No way back for this player any time soon
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It doesn't seem from all the sounds coming out of the club that Carl
Jenkinson is on his way back into the side any time soon. James Tomkins'
arrival at right back has demonstrated that the manager is determined to get
the basics right and from his public statements it looks as though James
Tomkins expects to stay there. That may not be a big surprise to most but in
fairness it has come as a relief for at one time it looked likely that JT
might be an available transfer target. But both the manager and player seem
to be suggesting that he's got the job for the long haul with Tomkins
saying: "I think he knows that going forward will be more difficult for me
and at times he tells me to stop getting forward when I am trying to gallop
towards the other goal." Jenkinson's vulnerable position is made more
tenuous because he is clearly a better offensive force than defensive which
is what Bilic wants. Tomkins told London24.com: "The gaffer has put his
faith in me and defensively we look quite solid as a back four and we have
got clean sheets from that. We just need to get goals at the other end too."
All that's needed now is for the big local lad stays fit!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers reveal big summer plans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have very big plans indeed for next summer with no player off
limits to them at this stage. ClaretandHugh has learned that with the huge
increase in TV money, the club are ready to add some "serious quality" to th
squad again this season. We have reported many times that there's no cash
available for January spending but the club are looking at one or possibly
even two marquee signing in the summer. One insider told us: "That we have
no cash for January is old news. The real truth is really that we have too
many players at the club and need to offload." "That will be the priority
this winter. We need to start balancing things up a bit and are open to
offers for certain players. "We we"re absolutely determined to build a real
in depth squad for our last Boleyn season and have achieved that and will do
so again in the summer when we will re-structure things again as we head for
the Olympic Stadium. "No player is off limits to us at this stage and our
policy has been to start bring in top players on a regular basis." "As far
as January is concerned there's no real problem. Players are on the way back
and you never pick up anything much at that time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Reece Oxford celebrated his 17th birthday on Wednesday in style by securing
his first professional contract with West Ham United and now hopes to follow
in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Mark Noble.
Oxford made a dream start to the season when he was handed his Premier
League debut in the opening game against Arsenal and quickly showed his
potential when he produced a superb display at the Emirates Stadium. The
talented defender played his part in helping Slaven Bilic's side come away
with a memorable 2-0 victory and has been a regular member of the first-team
squad ever since. With Oxford now securing his first major contract, the
England defender has set his sights on making a breakthrough into the
first-team. Oxford: "I am over the moon to have signed a professional
contract. I have been waiting for over a year now to become a pro and I am
really happy. "I always get reminded that I did so well against Arsenal and
I have to pinch myself that I did okay against the top players. "I hope I
showed my potential and hopefully I can kick on this season and get some
more games for the first-team. "Sometimes players can fall off a bit when
they sign a big deal, but I just want to get better and progress as a
player. I want to start in the Premier League and sign longer for the Club."
It is ironic that the first-team are now training at the Club's Rush Green
training ground which is normally used by the Academy and has a big picture
of all the former greats to have come through the system including Cole,
Carrick, Ferdinand and Noble. Oxford says it would be a dream for him to see
his picture on the wall one day and make a big impact over the next few
years. Oxford added: "I hope I can be on one of those pictures one day. I
would love to follow in their footsteps. "Mark Noble is on my case in
training, but for good reasons as he wants me to become a better player. He
doesn't want me to become sloppy or take my foot off the pedal. He wants me
to keep progressing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Triple H is a Hammer!
WHUFC.com
WWE Superstar Triple H has declared himself a West Ham United fan and tipped
centre forward Andy Carroll as a potential wrestling star!
Triple H, who is in London for Wednesday's NXT tour event at Wembley Arena,
says the Hammers represent many of the values held by the WWE (World
Wrestling Entertainment). When asked by ITV News which football club closest
echoes the commitment, hard work, skill and athleticism required to perform
in the largest wrestling promotion in the world, the eight-time Undisputed
WWE Champion was in no doubt.
"West Ham is probably the closest to what we do, with the passion of their
fanbase and their loyalty, right?" he said. "That's the closest to what we
do. "In WWE we say we have the most passionate and loyal fans of all-time,
but that might be debateable with West Ham, you know!"
Triple H may be more at home inside a ring than on a pitch, but the 6'4 WWE
Superstar knows a thing or two about football. When asked which Hammer
player would be best suited to make the jump from inside the touchlines to
inside the squared circle, a man who might have been mistaken for Triple H
himself in his younger days immediately sprang to mind. "Maybe a player like
Andy Carroll!" said Triple H. "He is tall, likes to play it tough with the
opposition and has the right looks with the long hair. He could be
interesting!" Wednesday's NXT tour event at Wembley Arena is completely sold
out, but wrestling fans can still catch the action live on WWE Network.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes heads for Wealdstone
WHUFC.com
West Ham United teenager Sam Howes has joined National League South club
Wealdstone on a month-long loan.
The highly-rated England U19 international goalkeeper will gain valuable
senior experience at the Middlesex club, for whom he could make his debut at
Chelmsford City on Saturday afternoon.
The 18-year-old is one of the brightest prospects at the Academy of
Football, winning the Young Hammer of the Year award as a first-year scholar
in May 2014.
After helping England to win the UEFA European U17 Championship title, the
sure-handed stopper travelled with the first-team squad to New Zealand in
summer 2014, making his bow in a friendly with A-League side Sydney FC in
Wellington.
Howes totalled 32 appearances across Development Squad and U18 levels for
the Hammers last season.
West Ham now have eleven players out on loan, the other ten being Matt
Jarvis (Norwich City), Diego Poyet (MK Dons), Doneil Henry (Blackburn
Rovers), Reece Burke (Bradford City), Martin Samuelsen (Peterborough
United), Elliot Lee (Blackpool), Josh Pask (Dagenham & Redbridge), Sam
Westley (VVV Venlo), Tim Brown (Chelmsford City) and Clarke Bogard
(Tilbury).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OUR NEW WEAPON?
By Tony Hanna 16 Dec 2015 at 17:00
WTID
My column last week, prior to the Stoke game, was about your glass being
half full or half empty. The 0-0 draw against the Potters was a perfect
example to examine your own glass once again. Were you happy with a point
knowing all the injuries we had? Taking into account the effort of the team
and how well we played was that good enough for you? Or was your reaction it
was two points dropped against a side similarly placed to us in the league?
I think I was the first to react on this site regarding the signing of
Antonio from Forest. I had seen him play, albeit on TV, several times for
the Championship club and I liked what I saw. His full debut was littered
with mistakes but it showed a raw talent that you can see just wants to
play. I doubt we will see any lack of effort from this lad given the
opportunity! What astounded me was that no one was prepared for his long
throw? Sam would have been drooling over that! What are they doing in
training if they didn't know the lad was capable of reaching the far post
with his throw? Not one player seemed attuned to the opportunity that was
presenting itself. Surely this is a weapon we should be using more when we
have Andy Carroll in the side? Now, I am not suggesting a return to hoof
ball, the footballing philosophy Bilic is installing is a breath of fresh
air. But, let's face it. Getting a throw in nowadays is almost a
disadvantage and most throwers go down the line at all costs simply because
it is the safest area to lose the ball. Having a lad that can propel the
ball even further than Rory Delap would surely create much havoc in
opposition defences? It would certainly offer a better attacking opportunity
than some of the corners we have been taking lately?
One thing I did get wrong last week was the inclusion of Ginger which kept
James Tomkins at right back. Carl Jenkinson must have surely thought he was
back in the side once Reid got injured? Bilic's decision shows that he has
clearly lost trust in the Arsenal loanee. In a recent article I suggested
that the manager likes to give everyone a reasonable chance to impress, but
if you don't grab it then he can show a ruthless side to his character. I
think we have witnessed it again.
Well, next we are off for a trip to Swansea. I guess the half glass empty
fans will be rueing that we will possibly be up against the "new manager,
first game" syndrome! Correct me if I am wrong but I am sure it was only
last season that we played no less than three games under this situation? A
last gasp winner against Dick's Sunderland broke the curse in one of the
games but it is an undeniable fact a new manager lifts a team if only for a
few games. Anyone got the same wry grin on their face as me when you see the
usual suspects of Bielsa and Emery linked with the job?
Looking elsewhere and Leicester have been flying high this season and have
been lucky so far that Vardy and Mahrez have had pretty much uninterrupted
playing time this season. The two of them have been the catalyst for their
clubs fortunes. The cynicist in me tells me that the Tinkerman should rest
them both for this weekends game. I will let you read what you like into
that theory!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Tottenham making use of their academies more than any other
Premier League club
14:34, 16 DEC 2015 UPDATED 14:59, 16 DEC 2015
BY DAVID DUBAS-FISHER
Players that have come through the Hammers' academy have been used for more
minutes in the Premier League than any other team
The Mirror
West Ham have been leading the way this season when it comes to using their
academy players. Players to have come from the club's academy have played a
total of 2,629 Premier League minutes between them this season - more than
at any other club in the division. Mark Noble has led the way for the
Hammers' academy players and has appeared in 15 league matches and been on
the pitch for 1,270 minutes. He's followed by James Tomkins (1,225 minutes),
Reece Oxford (133 minutes ) and Josh Cullen (one minute). Other clubs have
used more academy players than West Ham though.
Tottenham have had seven of their academy players represent them in the
Premier League this season amassing a total of 2,226 minutes playing time.
Harry Kane has been the Spurs academy's leading light having played 1,400
minutes this season. He's followed by Ryan Mason (490 minutes) and Nabil
Bentaleb (166 minutes).
Manchester United's academy has produced six of their players this season,
though they have only played 957 minutes between them. Jesse Lingard has had
the most game time (380 minutes) followed by Patrick McNair (268 minutes).
The Red Devils have in fact included a youth product in every first-team
squad since October 1937 - a total of 3,770 consecutive games.
Arsenal have played three academy products this season in a combined total
of 2,155 minutes of play - Hector Bellerin (1,260 minutes), Francis Coquelin
(894 minutes) and Alex Iwobi (one minute).
Everton's Ross Barkley has played more Premier League minutes this season
than any other club's academy players. The English midfielder has been on
the pitch for a total of 1,410 minutes to date.
At the other end of the table, Bournemouth, Stoke, Sunderland, Swansea and
Watford are yet play a single academy player in the Premier League this
season.
Players Minutes
West Ham 4 2629
Tottenham 7 2226
Arsenal 3 2155
Aston Villa 3 1986
Everton 3 1736
Newcastle 4 1595
Leicester 3 1552
Southampton 2 1328
Crystal Palace 1 997
Man United 6 957
Chelsea 3 944
West Brom 1 691
Liverpool 2 542
Norwich 1 180
Man City 1 166
Bournemouth 0 0
Stoke 0 0
Sunderland 0 0
Swansea 0 0
Watford 0 0
Grand Total 44 19684
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Hammers up for Downing windfall
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham could be in line for a financial boost at the end of the year.
Stewart Downing's move to Middlesbrough could net us a £1.5 million windfall
if the Championship outfit are promoted back to the Premier League. Having
organised the £6 million switch back to the north east, the club's
negotiators included a £1.5 million add on should the club be promoted at
any time during his time at the club.
Boro are currently sitting on top of the league with 43 points – the same
number as Brighton and Hove Albion – and looking a real good bet to get back
into the big time. So far Downing has made 20 League appearances for three
goals since his move from the Boleyn – which could turn into a lucrative
move for the Hammers given he is 32 next July.
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Chelsea in a relegation battle, says West Ham's Andy Carroll
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 16/12/15 10:12am
SSN
West Ham forward Andy Carroll says Chelsea are on such a poor run of form
that they have to be considered relegation candidates. Chelsea won the
Premier League title by an eight-point margin last season but have struggled
so far this campaign, suffering their ninth league defeat at Leicester on
Monday Night Football. Jose Mourinho's side are sitting just a point above
the relegation zone after 16 games, having managed just four victories so
far and Carroll, who scored in West Ham's win over Chelsea earlier in the
season, believes the prospect of a relegation fight for the reigning
champions must be considered. Carroll told Sky Sports: "It's crazy to see,
the quality in that team, at the bottom of the league. "It is tough to
actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and
who spent so much money on those players - they just can't string a pass
together at the minute."
Asked if he they could truly be considered as candidates for the drop,
Carroll added: "You never know. It is hard to see it, isn't it? I think
that's the problem. I think the main focus at the minute is West Ham.
Getting fit, staying fit, scoring goals and pushing West Ham up the League.
"It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom three at the end of the
season. But the way they are going, I don't see why they can't get
relegated. I think it's on the cards." Carroll's goal against Chelsea is his
only one of the campaign so far and admits he needs to score more regularly
if he is to earn an England recall. "I'd love to be back in the England
squad, I'd love to be at the Euros at the end of the season," said Carroll.
"But I think the main focus at the minute is West Ham. Getting fit, staying
fit, scoring goals and pushing West Ham up the League." The Hammers are
eighth in the table after a solid start to life under Slaven Bilic, but
Carroll thinks they should be doing even better. "I think we have got to try
and get into Europe, 100 per cent," he said. "I think some of the games we
have played, we should have won. "We could be up there around the top
places. If we look at ourselves deep down, we could be there."
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Carroll's view on where we should be
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News
C and H
Andy Carroll disagrees with the bookies and reckons that Chelsea are a
decent bet for relegation. Discussing the issue of Sky Sports he said that
hard though it seems to believe it may well be on. He said: "It's crazy to
see, the quality in that team, at the bottom of the league. "It is tough to
actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and
who spent so much money on those players – they just can't string a pass
together at the minute. "
Asked if he they could truly be considered as candidates for the drop,
Carroll added: "You never know. It is hard to see it, isn't it? I think
that's the problem. "It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom
three at the end of the season. But the way they are going, I don't see why
they can't get relegated. I think it's on the cards."
Carroll's goal against Chelsea is his only one of the campaign so far and
admits he needs to score more regularly if he is to earn an England recall.
"I'd love to be back in the England squad, I'd love to be at the Euros at
the end of the season," said Carroll. "But I think the main focus at the
minute is West Ham. Getting fit, staying fit, scoring goals and pushing West
Ham up the League." He added: "I think we have got to try and get into
Europe, 100 per cent. I think some of the games we have played, we should
have won. "We could be up there around the top places. If we look at
ourselves deep down, we could be there."
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Bookies put Irons ahead of Chelsea for drop !
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
They say the bookies never get it wrong but I reckon this time they
couldn't be further away from getting it right. For unbelievably, in my
personal book, they reckon the Irons have more chance of being relegated
than Jose Mourinho's mugs who are priced at 80/1 while we are half that
price at 40s. Chelski are 11th favourites to be playing in the second tier
next term even though there are only four sides being below them currently.
Sky Bet make rock-bottom Aston Villa their favourites with Sunderland,
Norwich, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Swansea and West Brom following them.
Watford, currently on 25 points, are next in the list at 28/1 then come
ourselves. Reputations it seems count more than points in the Sky Bet
offices.
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Defender looks at the upside
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News
C and H
James Collins is a realist – he's seen most of what football can offer and
has sent a subtle let's be positive message to the players and fans. Despite
being regularly linked with a move to Sunderland in the window, JC is
currently required by the Irons in a big way with Winston Reid unavailable.
Injury problems are always going to feature but the 32 year old would sooner
look on the upside of how that has affected things at the club. He said:
"The players who have come in have done very well. It was a tough game on
Saturday and they are probably the best Stoke side I have played against for
a long time. "They are different to what they were a few years-ago and with
a bit more luck in front of goal we could have won the game, but a draw was
probably a fair result." "Enner is back and Manu is not that far away which
is a big boost. But the players who have come in have done a great job and I
thought Michail Antonio was tremendous on Saturday. That is why the owners
spent the money to give us a big squad and that is what we have got."
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This player's transformation has been inspiring
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Mauro Zarate's transformation from unwanted outcast to firmly entrenched
first team squad player has been both inspiring and informative. And it
demonstrates what can happen when a player's personality becomes understood
by the manager. It's well known that he was a signing decided by the board
but that needs explaining: every WHUFC manager has an agreed budget each
season but when another player is suggested to him, and accepted, additional
cash is made available. That's what happened in the case of Zarate but many
insiders have told ClaretandHugh, he was barely welcomed to the club, always
seen as a fringe player and not a serious part of things – as was eventually
demonstrated by his departure to QPR on loan. There too he had an
uncomfortable experience and eventually returned to Upton Park desperately
low on the one thing that makes him tick as a footballer – confidence. The
arrival of Slaven Bilic – a lover of invention and flair – has changed the
boy's life and whilst he frustrates at times his ability has shone through
brightly in the absence of first Dimi Payet and then Manuel Lanzini.
David Gold claims: "We have known Mauro since Birmingham days and he is s a
confidence player – he needs to feel wanted. "He always believes he should
be in or around the first team squad and his transformation is all down to
Slaven Bilic. "Yes, he could have moved on but we're glad he stuck things
out and can feel very proud of himself. He's happy, settled and wants to
stay at West Ham." Personally, I like him. Yes he can be too easily shoved
off the ball on occasions but he has genuine skill and the various types of
goal he has scored shows he has serious ability. He cost next to nothing and
would be worth a minimum of £3-£4 million now. Shows what a little bit of
TLC can do doesn't it.
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No way back for this player any time soon
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It doesn't seem from all the sounds coming out of the club that Carl
Jenkinson is on his way back into the side any time soon. James Tomkins'
arrival at right back has demonstrated that the manager is determined to get
the basics right and from his public statements it looks as though James
Tomkins expects to stay there. That may not be a big surprise to most but in
fairness it has come as a relief for at one time it looked likely that JT
might be an available transfer target. But both the manager and player seem
to be suggesting that he's got the job for the long haul with Tomkins
saying: "I think he knows that going forward will be more difficult for me
and at times he tells me to stop getting forward when I am trying to gallop
towards the other goal." Jenkinson's vulnerable position is made more
tenuous because he is clearly a better offensive force than defensive which
is what Bilic wants. Tomkins told London24.com: "The gaffer has put his
faith in me and defensively we look quite solid as a back four and we have
got clean sheets from that. We just need to get goals at the other end too."
All that's needed now is for the big local lad stays fit!
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Hammers reveal big summer plans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham have very big plans indeed for next summer with no player off
limits to them at this stage. ClaretandHugh has learned that with the huge
increase in TV money, the club are ready to add some "serious quality" to th
squad again this season. We have reported many times that there's no cash
available for January spending but the club are looking at one or possibly
even two marquee signing in the summer. One insider told us: "That we have
no cash for January is old news. The real truth is really that we have too
many players at the club and need to offload." "That will be the priority
this winter. We need to start balancing things up a bit and are open to
offers for certain players. "We we"re absolutely determined to build a real
in depth squad for our last Boleyn season and have achieved that and will do
so again in the summer when we will re-structure things again as we head for
the Olympic Stadium. "No player is off limits to us at this stage and our
policy has been to start bring in top players on a regular basis." "As far
as January is concerned there's no real problem. Players are on the way back
and you never pick up anything much at that time.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th December 2015
From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's draw with Stoke City...
With Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho, Winston Reid, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses all out injured, you'd be forgiven for wondering where the chances would come from before Saturday's game.
But after registering 24 shots, with 10 being on target, it is clear that creating chances wasn't the issue, but a combination of luck, misjudgement and Jack Butland being in the form of his life, forced Slaven Bilic and Co. to settle for a point. Within just three minutes, Michail Antonio was shining on his full debut for the club, forcing the future England No1 into two saves. We were forcing the Potters back into their own half, but their new brand of fast-paced, attacking football was proving an issue, and almost lead to a goal early on. Ibrahim Afellay did excellently out wide, before playing it to Marco van Ginkel, who was drafted in to replace the injured Xherdan Shaqiri, but the Chelsea loanee completely scuffed his shot, and it bobbled wide from inside the six-yard box.
Bojan and Marko Arnautovic, who were both phenomenal against Manchester City last week, struggled to find that form again, and instead were kept relatively quiet by the excellent Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. Andy Carroll was tasked with leading the line, but came up against a resilient Ryan Shawcross, who palmed him off in the face early in the first half, giving him a sign of things to come. Carroll was limited to only four touches in the penalty area over 90 minutes, the same number as Mame Diouf, who only came on with half an hour to go. This might seem like a poor statistic for the former England striker, but credit has to go to the Stoke back four who kept him quiet for most of the game. Mauro Zarate has really upped his game since the injury crisis began, and he was full of energy on Saturday, constantly twisting and turning and running at the Stoke defence, causing all sorts of problems for the back line.
The best chances, bar van Ginkel's miss-kick in the first half, fell to Diouf and Cheikhou Kouyate late on. Diouf should have netted twice, having broken through one-on-one with Adrian on both occasions, but the Spanish keeper was alert and made two excellent stops, leaving the Stoke striker visibly frustrated. We could have won the game with literally the last kick, or should I say head of the game. The ball was put into the box and kept alive by Andy Carroll, but Kouyate's powerful header was cleared off the line by about three Stoke men. A draw against a side who have just beaten Manchester City, with five first team players out injured, is not a bad result at all. Yes, we are now winless in six, but we are also unbeaten in our last six home games, so even with draws, the Boleyn Ground is once against becoming a place where it is difficult to take all three points. Stoke have now kept an amazing seven clean sheets in their last nine Premier League games, and haven't conceded a single goal whilst Shawcross has been on the pitch, so not scoring was to be expected.
Next up for the Hammers is a trip to managerless Swansea, where three points could and should be picked up. We go again.
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Spiegel - We're always improving
WHUFc.com
Development Squad goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel was happy to do his bit as the Hammers secured a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Monday night. The Swiss stopper made a string of fine saves as the Hammers looked set to cling onto the lead given to them by Alex Pike's first half goal.
It took Arsenal until the 81st minute to equalise, but having suffered a heavy defeat at Emirates Stadium earlier in the season, Spiegel is happy with the progress made since. He said: "I think we could have won the game. We had the chances to score at least one more, but in the end it was a tough game for us and we have to respect the point. "It's nice to make some saves - I work hard in training to make those kind of saves in games, so on Monday I was pleased to help the team to get the point. "We didn't start the season that well, but we are always improving. We're playing very well at the moment and we can still improve. The team spirit is good and it's nice to be playing in this team. "We did well in the past few weeks and haven't lost in a long time. That gives us confidence and now we can start again in the New Year."
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Vive la difference
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th December 2015
By: Paul Walker
So exactly what is the difference now as West Ham struggle through their worst injury crisis since…well, last season…but do it with a smile on our faces?
So before any smart Alec comes on with the fact that we are worse off points and position wise now than we were at the same stage last term, let's get it out of our system.
That smart Alec will probably be failed TV man Richard Keys, sneering on twitter and implying that his big mate Sam was hard done by.
Ok, last season at the 16 game stage we were four places higher than we are now with four more points. Four draws in a six match winless run like now would have had us all moaning. Not now, it seems.
Saturday's 0-0 draw with Stoke makes the point, though. My match going pals--son and his mates--walked out of the Boleyn applauding the team, saying how good a game it was and genuinely exciting.
Considering we were missing six key men from the starting line-up a draw against an increasingly impressive Stoke team was very acceptable. But it was the manner of that draw and the way the game was played that impressed, not just the point won.
And this is where Keys and his Sam-loving mates will never get it. We really should ignore him, the abuse he gets when he makes snide remarks about West Ham is the oxygen he needs. This odious, sexist who has been an apologists for the murderous slave labour of his Qatar paymasters. I am just waiting for the next little outburst from his Doha bunker.
The difference was clear. Slav did not once take a backward step against Stoke. Every substitution was positive, Enner Valencia on for a flagging Alex Song, Nikica Jelavic for an equally tired Michail Antonio..not once a thought of 'respecting the point.'
And yes, it gave Stoke the chance to break out and almost win it. That we should have won the game ourselves in that last half hour suggests a draw was about right. What it did do was to produce an entertaining match.
In the previous two home games, draws with Everton and WBA, again all the substitutions were positive. Also the three substitutes used in the awful defeat at Watford. I will forgive Slav sending on Carl Jenkinson and Pedro Obiang at Manchester United, let's not be silly now.
But you cannot see Slav picking a team like Sam did at Chelsea last Boxing Day, a team set-up not to lose and one that intentional left out players with home matches against WBA and Arsenal to follow. We never really recovered from that piece of defensive thinking.
So we are now getting something worth watching. That must also please the Davids, who we are now told are the second best club owners in the country. After Manchester City's money-no-object owners, that is.
I always sense that there is a lot going on behind the scenes of this season. I do not think for one second the second best owners are telling Slav what team to pick. But I fancy he is in no doubt about what is wanted.
David Sullivan desperately wants Mauro Zarate to have a run in the side and to be a success, so he can prove a point to Sam, who it is clear would not play him because he was not his signing. Zarate , for me, has been the surprise of this term even if he still does not do much to protect defenders when not in possession,
But he is grasping his chance with Dimitri Payet injured long-term. Our second best owners also want to see us play the ball out from the back, even if it did cost us that calamity third goal at Spurs. Adrian's roll out was poor and put James Tomkins under needless pressure. The end product of that was predictable.
I would have thought that when you are facing a high pressing team like Spurs, then the 'keeper should clear from his hands to get the ball well away, take opposing players out of the game and give the target man--sorry, I know that's a banned word--the chance to win some sort of possession in our opponents' half not ours. But then what do I know?
And , of course, the second best owners want some return from their vast investment in Andy Carroll. So don't expect him to be sold any time soon. He is slowly getting match fit now, and did well at Old Trafford and against Stoke.
And despite all the rumours, why should be want to leave because he is highly unlikely to get a contract elsewhere like he has here? He has a new Essex-girl partner, a big pink house, a new baby and the love of his life has a nice little nails shop somewhere in the posh Essex suburbs. She is not going to want to move anywhere than means having to learn another language..like the north east!
That all said, it would be nice if the second best owners stopped prattling on about the Champions League and Europe. It is putting undue pressure on Bilic and the team. Our current expenditure and the FFP restrictions does not allow us anywhere near the Champions League party and the top four. It is just not going to happen.
Yep, Chelsea are having a bad time and Liverpool and Everton are below us. But that won't last. And then there is Spurs, who I hate to admit, look a pretty decent side these days. We don't have the fire-power to compete just yet. After the move to the Olympic Stadium maybe.
And that brings me round to the migration to Straford, and I'm sure you will all be delighted to know that me and my mates in the Bobby Moore lower have finally got our season tickets for next season. I have certainly grizzled on about it enough here.
Our interviews were last week, and I had to sit by the phone at home in Cheshire to wait for the call from our elected group leaders. An 11am interview in Stratford was never going to see me there in person, so the group idea was a bonus.
Hard to finger the club for that, they can hardly be expected to look at every address and than have a debate with the person as to when he can be make it.
And it went pretty well, I am told. But the fears I had were about right. No chance of upgrading to a view down the sides rather than at the ends, the 'plus twos' have seen to that. And we all had to upgrade to band three to get a comparable seat. I have since noticed a new phrase now appearing, 'comparable seat at comparable prices.' Thanks for that Karren.
It is fair to say that it is just a change of number, and where we are now sitting in band three is still cheaper than our current band four at the Boleyn. But it was not what we were told initially.
And it seems than the first few rows behind the goals are now branded as band four, I suppose because the view is just rubbish that low down. And it means that a third of the way up the seating in the lower tier, a more expensive band three ticket holder will sit right behind a cheaper band four fan, with the view obviously no different.
We are three rows from the back of the lower tier, just behind the left hand goal post and with the two aisle seats we have now. If you want band four prices, you are going to have to move to the far reaches of the upper tier, where you are probably nearer to the Gherkin than you are to the pitch.
But we are all pretty happy with what we were offered, and grateful for the research from one of our leaders, who attended rugby and athletics event at the OS and took lots of pictures of our potential seating positions. And he was proved right, so we have all seen for ourselves because you still cannot take pictures of the views offered at the meetings. Absolute nonsense, that.
And a lot of our close neighbours from the Boleyn are very near (you don't get rid of us that easily). So the banter can continue. One guy did note that his seat is now a few rows in front of us, so he does not have to sit behind one of our number who spends a fair amount of time loudly abusing the visitor's goalkeeper!
He seems to have a problem with 'fat' goalkeepers and the size of their backsides.(Boaz Myhill is the worst , it seems)!I can only apologise.
So onwards and upwards. A few big names back soon and we may well have decent league position in our sights.
And Slav is proving to be a cute manager. On the weekend that the injury toll was at it's worst, Slav got stuck into the old argument about our Chadwell Heath training ground. He blamed the pitches there for the injury toll and demanded we move early to Rush Green.
He is a lucky manager. Previously other managers and players have moaned about the outdated Chadwell Heath, but a least Slav had an alternative and he grabbed it. And of course we hear Sam praising him for that decision and moaning himself about the place.
In fact, only Winston Reid and Lanzini had suffered injuries in training from the six big names out. Valencia and Payet were kicked out of the game by Everton, Victor Moses did his hamstring at Old Trafford, Diafra Sakho hurt his thigh at Upton Park against West Brom. So it is not all down to the training pitches.
But Slav got action. Chadwell Heath is way below the standards in the Premier League. Chelsea have a state of the art premises in deepest Surrey rather than the old windswept field alongside the M4 at Harlington, where players had to book airport hotel rooms nearby for a shower!
Spurs have new facilities, Arsenal's are excellent while Manchester City have built an amazing campus in east Manchester. Neighbours United have top notch stuff at Carrington rather than the old Cliff while Everton have also built a very impressive new set-up near Liverpool airport. Stoke City also have a new place.
We have been lagging behind. It's hard to blame the second best owners, at least they have been doing something, although it is now several years since the old Fords sports ground was bought, it really should have been finished by now.
The task for Slav is now not to worry about being a little behind our position from last term, but to ensure there is no criminal collapse in form like last term. Sam, I see, is re-writing history and blaming it all on injuries. What rubbish.
We now know, because Ian Hendon has told us, that everyone knew Sam wasn't going to be re-employed last January and the man himself was never going to sign a new deal.
All that nonsense from the Davids about a new contract depending on the final dozen games! It was never going to happen and Sam just allowed things to drift…just like it seems is happening at Sunderland!
Oh, and one more thing about the second best owners and one of the brothers Grimm! Please stop giving our opponents chapter and verse about our injuries and when players may be about to return.
I am amazed Slav permits this. Can you imagine the uproar if ,say, Roman starting tweeting about Chelsea injuries, or Sir Alex's reaction if a Manchester United owner did the same thing. Or even if Yanks started talking about Jurgen Klopp's players in that way. It is very unprofessional.
Slav may well want to keep opponents guessing about his team selection. Ferguson used to tell bare faced lies to the media every Friday on the subject. Now days every scrap of information that can be gathered about a team's opponents is very useful, so why give stuff to rivals on a plate.
The interesting point about Lanzini's injury ahead of the excellent point at Old Trafford--it should have been three and they should have been down to nine men, anyway--was the surprise.
Nobody knew about the injury until the teams were announced, and it must have caused Louis van Gaal to change his tactics…it does not take much to confuse him, does it! So lets keep our team and injury information to ourselves and out of the twittering of David Gold or Sullivan's lad.
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Potential January window signings
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th December 2015
By: Staff Writer #3
West Ham may have extended their barren run without a Premier League victory to six games following the goalless draw against Stoke City, whilst coming away disappointed with just a point against Old Trafford the week before is a real indication of how far the team have come this season under Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers currently sit eighth in the table following an impressive start to the campaign that may have taken those outside of the Boleyn Ground by surprise, with memorable victories against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool raising hopes that Europa League qualification could be on the cards (again).
Bookies.com have reduced the odds on West Ham to qualify for Europe this season, but although there is evident quality at Bilic's disposal, a spate of key injuries has dented the strength in depth that made fans confident of challenging the big guns.
With Diafra Sakho ruled out until March 2016, and the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses also on the sidelines, it may be the right time for Bilic to consider his options ahead of the January transfer market.
He has already proven himself to be a shrewd negotiator with targeting players that have significantly improved the quality at West Ham, but although it remains to be seen if the board are willing to back him with sufficient funds next month, strengthening the squad further could make the difference between a top ten finish and European qualification.
Gokhan Tore
Managers often develop an attachment to certain players who make a real impact under their guidance and deliver the goods when their club needs them the most. It often results in the same two individuals being often reunited at different clubs when a manager leaves for pastures new, with Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore rumoured to be high on Bilic's January transfer market wishlist.
The 23-year-old has reignited his career after failing to make the cut at Chelsea, with the Turkish international developing into a powerful midfielder who offers creativity and pace on either flank. Joining up with his former manager would certainly make sense and worth backing with Betway Free Bets, particularly as Moses' hamstring injury may leave Bilic short of options in an area of pitch where West Ham have enjoyed a lot of success this season.
Seydou Doumbia
With Diafra Sakho ruled out through injury, it would come as no surprise if Bilic scours the market for more options upfront. The rumour mill has already thrown out a number of strikers that West Ham are lining up in January, and although fans are left to decipher fact from fiction, there would be few complaints if Seydou Doumbia walked through the doors at the Boleyn Ground.
His arrival would undoubtedly improve West Ham's odds of 9/1 to finish in the top six or compete for the FA Cup where they will be good value for taking up any offer from Betway, as seen on West Ham shirts, to back them as dark horses. An injection of firepower and quality in attack is always welcome at West Ham, and with a number of forward options currently sidelined, any opportunity to sign someone of Doumbia's calibre should certainly be considered.
The striker is enjoying something of a renaissance since returning to CSKA Moscow on loan after he struggled to make an impact at Serie A side Roma, with reports that the Italian side are willing to offload the Ivorian international sparking interest in a striker who has proven his worth in Europe over the years. He currently has three goals, including a penalty against Manchester United, to his name in the Champions League, but although he has endured a barren spell of ten games without a goal in all competitions, Doumbia's pace and power could be a valuable asset if Bilic was able to lure him to East London.
Kevin Mirallas
Convincing a Premier League rival to sell one of their players may come at a considerable cost, but with Kevin Mirallas seemingly out of favour at Everton, there could an opportunity for West Ham to swoop in January. The 28-year-old has cut a forlorn figure on the bench as Gerard Deulofeu has continued to shine in his place, and with Euro 2016 on the horizon, Mirallas may look for a move in order to remain in Marc Wilmots' thoughts for the Belgium squad.
West Ham have been long-term admirers of the winger-cum-striker, and although a move failed to materialise in the summer, Bilic may see the January transfer window as the perfect opportunity to add a player who can certainly make an impact into the squad.
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A TRANSITION CAN BE A DRAWN-OUT PROCESS
By Benjamin Cronin 15 Dec 2015 at 17:00
WTID
In recent weeks, you could be forgiven for thinking our impressive start to the season was beginning to crumble away, just like many rival fans had hoped for (they'll say 'predicted'). However, I believe recent results have shown we are more than capable of mixing it with the 'big teams' in the Premier League. It was over a month ago that we lost Dimitri Payet, for what was initially reported as a 3 month absence, and after the embarrassing loss to Spurs that followed, many fans went into a state of meltdown. Although we haven't managed to get a win on the board since that demoralising defeat, under the circumstances, I'm quite proud of what the squad has achieved.
I'm not suggesting that going without a win in six Premier League matches is acceptable form, but the way I look at it, things could have gone a lot worse. In the wake of Payet's injury, we saw another four influential players get signed up for a stint in the treatment room. In my analysis of the implications Payet's ankle injury could have on the club's fortunes, I suggested that players like Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses were more than capable of filling the void left by the Frenchman. Within weeks of that observation, both had been ruled out, along with another two key players, Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid. If people thought we were going to struggle without the creative prowess of Payet, I dread to think what was going through their minds when they discovered we'd be without the pace and flair of Lanzini and Moses, the movement and goal threat of Sakho and the stability in defence provided by Reid.
It isn't bad luck to have five players out injured (in fact, it puts us slap bang in the middle of the premier league injury table) but where we can feel hard done by, is when you consider not the number of injuries, but the importance of the individuals who have been sidelined. If I were asked to pick our four most dangerous players, the ones who have the biggest impact in our successful counter-attacking set-up, the names of; Payet, Lanzini, Sakho and Moses would pass my lips without a moment's hesitation. It isn't just these injuries and the strength of the team left at our disposal that has made me see the last three results as acceptable though, it's the way we have played to get them.
Under Sam Allardyce's reign , we probably could have scraped out similar results in the last three fixtures but I can assure you, it wouldn't have looked the same. There was one striking similarity present in the games against West Brom, Manchester United and Stoke. We wanted to win the game. Not just that, we actually tried to win the game. Rather than sit back and contain the game, we took it to our opponents and if truth be told, we could have (maybe should have) won all three games. We were by far the better side in the first 45 minutes against West Brom and should have gone into the break three goals to the good. Once they clawed themselves back into the game (with a stroke of good fortune), they did everything they possibly could to spoil whatever time for playing football was left. Next up was Manchester United and granted, it was a more even contest, but it was still one I certainly felt like we could have won. This weekend's fixture against Stoke saw us face the same problem, we created several decent chances and had someone been on the pitch who was capable of putting the ball in the back of net, we would have come away with three points.
Some may be reading this and thinking failing to win games when we've had plenty of chances to do so is a major problem. It may well be, but it's a problem I'm happy to have at the moment. We're limiting our defensive mistakes (something that has been a recurring problem this season) and still managing to pose an attacking threat, all without four of our strongest attacking players. I also believe this period, along with upcoming fixtures, has allowed the likes of Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll to start producing what we know they are capable of. Yes, we haven't got a win in the last three games when we should have but we haven't been beaten, when many thought we would have.
I often think I'm far too optimistic for my own good but it's hard not to be this season. We got off to a flyer and now, when everything seems to be going wrong, there still seems to be so much going right. We sit in 8th position in the Premier League, still only 5 points off 4th, going into a run of Christmas and New Year fixtures that on paper, many would be happy with. Enner Valencia is now back in the fold and will be gaining match fitness, with reports surfacing that Lanzini and Payet are ahead of schedule in their recovery. Bilic has been quoted as saying he's unsure as to whether Lanzini will feature against Swansea this Sunday but either way, it's certainly promising news.
I think these last few weeks were always going to be a test of character. After all the talk of our strength in depth, it was almost inevitable and I think, so far, plenty of character has been shown. I understand that people will say things could have gone a bit better (if we won the last three games, people would still be saying that) but it definitely could have been a lot worse. Not only have we managed to show we are hard to beat, we've done so whilst playing good football and not just settling for a point. Players who weren't performing to a standard we are used to have stepped up to the mark and the ones we are desperate to see again, will soon be playing their part. I must admit, I'm getting quite excited about Christmas. Not because of the socks and toiletries I'll be inundated with and not because I've got to cook for 12 different tastes on Christmas Day, but because of all the football coming our way and the opportunity West Ham has to do something with it.
COYI!
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Rock legends AC/DC will be first band to perform at revamped Olympic Stadium
19:34, 15 DEC 2015 UPDATED 19:35, 15 DEC 2015
BY KERRI-ANN ROPER
Aussie band, whose hits include Thunderstruck and Whole Lotta Rosie, set for UK gig as part of their 2016 European "Rock or Bust" tour
The Mirror
Rock band AC/DC will be the first band to perform at the former Olympic Stadium following its re-vamp. The Australian band , whose hits include Thunderstruck and Highway to Hell, will perform in a concert there as part of their 2016 European "Rock or Bust" tour. The concert will be the first major event to be held at the former Olympic Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park following extensive work to transform the venue. Work on the stadium, to turn it into a year round multi-use venue, includes installing the largest roof of its kind in the world, retractable seating and more. Other notable events on the 2016 calendar include Usain Bolt at the Anniversary Games, and the first match for West Ham United in their newly renovated home.
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Loss of Lanzini is as big as Payet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammers hero George Parris believes Manuel Lanzini's injury has been as big a blow as losing Dimitri Payet. Writing in December's issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly http://www.blowing-bubbles.co.uk/read-our-latest-issue.html, Parris said that whilst Payet's injury was a 'huge blow', he hadn't feared for the Hammers season with Lanzini playing well. He said: "He'd done all right this season, and I'd been impressed with what I'd seen. He's scored some crucial goals already, and took his goal against Spurs very well, and you just thought he was starting to step out of Payet's shadow.
With no Payet until , we needed him to keep scoring, creating chances, and playing well but his injury is very cruel on Slaven Bilic."
Meanwhile, Sky Sports' Bianca Westwood believes now is a brilliant time to be born into West Ham's brave new world following the arrival of her nephew but admitted there was a time she didn't want any child of hers, niece or nephew to support West Ham. Blowing Bubbles' writers also give their views on whether or not it's time for the Premier League to consider a winter break, and if it's time we stopped taking Karren Brady for granted. The latest issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly is now available to read for FREE on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
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Irons chase 10 million rated German
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham this afternoon admitted that Beskitas winger Gokhan Tore is still very much on the club's radar next summer. The German-born Turkish international is a particular favourite of Slaven Bilic's, who's on public record as saying: ""I have always said that Gökhan Töre could play at any European team. He has both the quality and the potential. "After agreeing terms with West Ham I told the board that I want him and I strongly believe he would add a lot to the team and be a success in England." Töre joined Beşiktaş permanently on a five-year deal in 2014 for a fee believed to be in the region of €4.5 million and is currently quoted on his www.transfermarkt.co.uk profile as having valuation of €10.5 million. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "Yes he is one we are looking at because quite apart from anything else he is German born and qualifies for a work permit. "The big question is how much Besiktas want for him and he is not to be ruled out. Having said that we rule nobody out at this stage."
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Crazy season gives us a real chance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's a season like no other with Leicester City top having made the best start in their 131 year history to go top just 10 days before Christmas. It's another of those little ironies that Claudio Ranieri was mentioned in dispatches as a future Boleyn boss at one stage but, as well as he's doing, I'd sooner have Slav at the Hammers helm. Chelsea are in 16th, Liverpool celebrated a home draw against West Brom on Sunday by linking hands in front of the Kop to celebrate and Spurs are nailed by Newcastle who turned up at White Hart Lane in the relegation places.
West Ham, meanwhile with five massive players injured, sit in eighth place after a thoroughly competitive performance at Old Trafford and a highly entertaining display against Stoke City.
Yet I continue to read comments from fans on social network claiming we are worse off as far as points are concerned than we were were last year. The fact that we are also fewer off the top is conveniently forgotten. These comparisons and complaints are best ignored in a season when the likes of Palace and Watford are directly above us – emphasising again this abnormal season when everybody is beating everyone else. We were victorious against one fo those teams and beaten by the other.
Given this topsy turvy season and with the news that Lanzini and Payet are on their ways back ahead of schedule I'll make the same forecast as I made a few games in. I believe we will finish in the top six and that our last season at the Boleyn will have started with European football and end with us having qualified to take our place in the Uefa Cup Tournament next season. And that will be the perfect end to our final system as we wave farewell to the 'old lady' has had our hearts for so long and will remain there forever.
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Lanzini deal safe despite Al Jaziera change
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Gianluca Nani's arrival at Manu Lanzini's parent club Al Jaziera will make no difference to the player's availability to West Ham. ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that Nani had joined the club as technical director raising fears that the man fired by David Sullivan and David Gold in 2010 could look at the deal again. Nani of course was brought in to assist Alan Curbishley in the summer of 2008, but his £300,000 a year deal was considered surplus to requirements by the new joint owners. But with Lanzini having performed at Upton Park, it was feared Nani may try to re-negotiate or even scupper the deal but a Hammers source declared emphatically this morning: "That's not possible. We have a solid option to buy out the player's contract.
"We have said several times in the past, it's watertight and a change of personnel at the club can't change that."
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LET'S END THE WINLESS RUN AT SWANSEA
By Bobby Shovels 15 Dec 2015 at 08:00
WTID
The Stoke game felt a lot like the previous home match against West Brom: while we deserved to have won three points, it was to the opposing team that the best chances fell. We have been lucky that both these sides failed to utilise clear-cut opportunities – although Adrian has proved his immense worth as a goalkeeper too.
Having written about how exciting our attacking options were at the start of the season, the injuries have clearly deadened our goal-scoring prowess. That is to be accepted given the absence of Diafra Sakho, Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini. Yet I can't help but feel there is now a lack of confidence among other players who are not using the opportunity to make their mark on the first team when it comes to having a punt at goal. Too often against Stoke was there a desire to pass the ball into the net – an admirable tactic but one that is not that effective when you most deft passers of the ball are not on the pitch.
There is also a clear issue with poor decision-making, and on that point Mauro Zarate is most at fault. I certainly feel his dribbling and control on the ball has become so much better since last season, a rare possible case of QPR actually increasing a player's worth. However, far too often he becomes selfish on the ball and fails to make a decisive, effective pass. Yes, he hit the post, but too often he either doesn't shoot at the right time or shoots at completely the wrong time or doesn't pass ever. It is something Slaven Bilic must improve in him – but also the rest of the team: he has spoken before at our lack of shots on goal.
Indeed, the first five minute were so promising after Cheikhou Kouyaté stung the fingers of Jack Butland. Yet after that, it felt like we failed to test the keeper, albeit it is very tough to test someone of Butland's prowess and confidence.
On a final note regarding the Stoke game, I have to vocalise something I have long felt but never spoken of: the brilliance of Kouyaté. He has the defensive, holding play of Noble but with more drive and energy, seemingly mustering bundles of energy at certain points in any game to make surging runs forward. Moreover, I have never seen him fail to give a solid performance. He is an underrated star among out first eleven, and what a signing he has been.
I have been blessed in recent years by West Ham always winning on the match falling closest to my birthday, 23 October. That was Chelsea this year (24 October 2015) and Manchester City last year (25 October). Of course, since that joyous afternoon against Mourinho's lacklustre men, we have not won a game, enduring a rather dismal November. How much I hope we end this run – that admittedly has not been full of losses – against Swansea.
However, it is just our luck that Swansea will be raring to go after such misfortune against City last weekend and will most probably have the excitement of the "new manager bounce" that means next Sunday's fixture will be no easy feat. However, it is games like these that we should really test the depth of our squad and see whether we can weather our long injury list with a vital three points before Christmas.
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David Sullivan discloses what Slaven Bilic has told him about Dimitri Payet
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Slaven Bilic has given a positive update on Dimitri Payet's injury. Speaking to the official West Ham website, David Sullivan has admitted that Slaven Bilic has told him about Dimitri Payet's recovery from injury - revealing that he is ahead of schedule. Sullivan said: "Slaven has said that Dimitri is ahead of schedule so that is a major boost for everyone at the Club."
Payet was one of the best players in the Premier League prior to his injury, acting as the main playmaker in an extremely enjoyable Hammers team. The Frenchman had scored five goals and registered three assists in 12 league appearances, but he has missed the last four games due to an injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Everton. He is meant to be out of action recovering until the New Year, but Sullivan has heard from Bilic that Payet is ahead of schedule, and could be back before his expected date. This is fantastic news for Bilic, the West Ham fans, and everyone involved with the Hammers, having seen the East London side struggle in his absence. A number of other players are also out of action through injury, but Payet is the biggest loss, with Bilic's men scoring just two goals in the four games since the start of his absence. It was feared that Payet's injury could end West Ham's season, but Sullivan has been given hope by Bilic that the playmaker will be back before too long.
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West Ham coach Terry Westley raves about Pedro Obiang's Under-21 display
HITC
Olly Dawes
Pedro Obiang has earned praise from West Ham coach Terry Westley. West Ham United academy boss Terry Westley has told the club's official website that he was impressed with Pedro Obiang's performance against Arsenal Under-21. The Hammers first-team drew 0-0 with Stoke City on Saturday, and it was the same story for the club's Under-21 side on Monday evening. West Ham took on Arsenal at Upton Park, and whilst the Hammers took the lead through an Alex Pike goal, Chris Willock rescued a 1-1 draw for the Gunners. By far the biggest name on show during the match was midfielder Pedro Obiang, with the Spaniard still looking to find his feet in English football. The 23-year-old joined West Ham from Italian club Sampdoria over the summer, and whilst he has played nine games in the Premier League so far, only four of those appearances have been starts due to issues with his fitness. On Monday though, Obiang played a key role for West Ham's Under-21 side, and his performance has earned rave reviews from academy boss Terry Westley. Speaking to the West Ham official website, Westley stated that Obiang impressed him in three key areas; a benchmark of how players should play, how experienced players should help young talent, and for having the extra bit of quality on the pitch. "On that, I think Pedro Obiang deserves a big mention, because if a senior player plays for the U21s, he's set a real benchmark of how you should play and how you should help the younger players, as well as having that little bit of quality. He did all three things on Monday," said Westley. With players such as Alex Song, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble competing for places in midfield, Obiang has a tough task on his hands to break in to Slaven Bilic's starting line-up - but his display against Arsenal on Monday was a step in the right direction.
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Burke puts Hammer down to make fast progress with Bradford City
Bradford Telegraph and Argus
Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter / 3 hours ago / Bantams
REECE Burke could be on borrowed time at Valley Parade but he is determined to make every minute count. The gifted West Ham youngster's youth loan runs until the Gillingham away game which kicks off the New Year. At this moment, nobody is sure what will happen after that and whether Burke will still be around to take his place in the heart of the City back four for the FA Cup third-round trip to Bury the following week. In a strange way, Burke might have almost done too well during his stint with the Bantams. The regular reports that the Hammers have received will have been glowing.
A nomination for League One player of the month in October proved that plenty have been taking notice. Phil Parkinson is realistic enough to know that he faces a fight to retain the teenager's services past January 2. An unnamed Championship club tried to muscle in and snatch the defender away before the latest extension. Not that Burke had any desire to make a short-term switch to anywhere else. He said: "There were other clubs interested but I spoke to Phil and, as a young boy, I think it was best to stay here until January and get a few more games in. "I didn't want to go through the upheaval again and if I wasn't playing somewhere else, it would have been a bit of a waste of time. "Phil said to me that if I did stay here I'd most likely get games and that's what I want. "I want to play every game. That's obviously not down to me but I'll keep doing my thing on the training pitch and hopefully get picked.
"I feel like I'm fitting in quite well and it's good for my experience to be playing against big boys out there. I've played against a few physical strikers in the opposition, so it's been good for me. "I know West Ham will be keeping an eye on me, so we'll see where it goes from there."
The weekend postponement denied Burke his 16th start – and his first in the league since November 3 after missing the last four through England under-20 international commitments and injury.
He tweaked the MCL (medial collateral ligament) in his knee, which meant a brief return to east London for treatment with his parent club. Burke said: "It was a bit sore so the best thing was to rest up a while and I felt fine when I came back. It was nice to play again in the FA Cup because it had been a while. "Obviously I'd been keeping an eye on the team when I was at West Ham and they were still doing well. That makes it easier when you come back. "I think we've improved as a team and the boys are playing with confidence now. "You can see we are one of the better teams in the league and other sides will tell you we are hard to play against. "Once all the new signings and loan people came in, everyone got together as a group and that has shown on the pitch."
The statistics speak for themselves. City have conceded 11 goals in Burke's 13 league games – and only three in the last six. Throw in two FA Cup outings and he has been involved in seven clean sheets – nearly half the games he has played in. The centre-back said: "I like to get clean sheets. As a defender, that's what you set out to play for every game. I know it is obvious but if they can't score, you can't lose. "Clean sheets are always a bonus and hopefully we can keep doing that. It's good for individuals at the back. If I make a mistake I know that Rozza (Rory McArdle) will be round the back to cover me. "It's good having Ben (Williams) there as well. He's been outstanding and made a few very good saves, especially towards the end of games."
Williams, like Burke before him, found himself on the divisional shortlist for the November player of the month accolade after going over 11 hours without letting a goal past him. Burke said: "Ben deserved the nomination. He's pulled off some unbelievable saves at times to keep us in games. "I was pleased to get nominated myself and a bit surprised after just going on loan. I would love to have won it but I was happy just to get named. "With Ben as well, it's good to have a keeper thrown in. It's not just about the strikers. At the end of the day, all players on the pitch play a big part."
Burke's contribution in City's improving campaign has been substantial. Whatever the approaching transfer window holds, he is convinced the club have developed his game. He said: "I was never going to come here just for one month, play five games and then go somewhere else. It was never going to be like that. By staying here until January, I've had the chance to play plenty of games. "I feel like I've matured a bit by fitting in with the boys at Bradford. They are good lads and it's nice to be properly involved in the first team and playing week in, week out. "I haven't got a Yorkshire accent but I can understand them now just about!"
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's draw with Stoke City...
With Dimitri Payet, Diafra Sakho, Winston Reid, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses all out injured, you'd be forgiven for wondering where the chances would come from before Saturday's game.
But after registering 24 shots, with 10 being on target, it is clear that creating chances wasn't the issue, but a combination of luck, misjudgement and Jack Butland being in the form of his life, forced Slaven Bilic and Co. to settle for a point. Within just three minutes, Michail Antonio was shining on his full debut for the club, forcing the future England No1 into two saves. We were forcing the Potters back into their own half, but their new brand of fast-paced, attacking football was proving an issue, and almost lead to a goal early on. Ibrahim Afellay did excellently out wide, before playing it to Marco van Ginkel, who was drafted in to replace the injured Xherdan Shaqiri, but the Chelsea loanee completely scuffed his shot, and it bobbled wide from inside the six-yard box.
Bojan and Marko Arnautovic, who were both phenomenal against Manchester City last week, struggled to find that form again, and instead were kept relatively quiet by the excellent Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. Andy Carroll was tasked with leading the line, but came up against a resilient Ryan Shawcross, who palmed him off in the face early in the first half, giving him a sign of things to come. Carroll was limited to only four touches in the penalty area over 90 minutes, the same number as Mame Diouf, who only came on with half an hour to go. This might seem like a poor statistic for the former England striker, but credit has to go to the Stoke back four who kept him quiet for most of the game. Mauro Zarate has really upped his game since the injury crisis began, and he was full of energy on Saturday, constantly twisting and turning and running at the Stoke defence, causing all sorts of problems for the back line.
The best chances, bar van Ginkel's miss-kick in the first half, fell to Diouf and Cheikhou Kouyate late on. Diouf should have netted twice, having broken through one-on-one with Adrian on both occasions, but the Spanish keeper was alert and made two excellent stops, leaving the Stoke striker visibly frustrated. We could have won the game with literally the last kick, or should I say head of the game. The ball was put into the box and kept alive by Andy Carroll, but Kouyate's powerful header was cleared off the line by about three Stoke men. A draw against a side who have just beaten Manchester City, with five first team players out injured, is not a bad result at all. Yes, we are now winless in six, but we are also unbeaten in our last six home games, so even with draws, the Boleyn Ground is once against becoming a place where it is difficult to take all three points. Stoke have now kept an amazing seven clean sheets in their last nine Premier League games, and haven't conceded a single goal whilst Shawcross has been on the pitch, so not scoring was to be expected.
Next up for the Hammers is a trip to managerless Swansea, where three points could and should be picked up. We go again.
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Spiegel - We're always improving
WHUFc.com
Development Squad goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel was happy to do his bit as the Hammers secured a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Monday night. The Swiss stopper made a string of fine saves as the Hammers looked set to cling onto the lead given to them by Alex Pike's first half goal.
It took Arsenal until the 81st minute to equalise, but having suffered a heavy defeat at Emirates Stadium earlier in the season, Spiegel is happy with the progress made since. He said: "I think we could have won the game. We had the chances to score at least one more, but in the end it was a tough game for us and we have to respect the point. "It's nice to make some saves - I work hard in training to make those kind of saves in games, so on Monday I was pleased to help the team to get the point. "We didn't start the season that well, but we are always improving. We're playing very well at the moment and we can still improve. The team spirit is good and it's nice to be playing in this team. "We did well in the past few weeks and haven't lost in a long time. That gives us confidence and now we can start again in the New Year."
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Vive la difference
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th December 2015
By: Paul Walker
So exactly what is the difference now as West Ham struggle through their worst injury crisis since…well, last season…but do it with a smile on our faces?
So before any smart Alec comes on with the fact that we are worse off points and position wise now than we were at the same stage last term, let's get it out of our system.
That smart Alec will probably be failed TV man Richard Keys, sneering on twitter and implying that his big mate Sam was hard done by.
Ok, last season at the 16 game stage we were four places higher than we are now with four more points. Four draws in a six match winless run like now would have had us all moaning. Not now, it seems.
Saturday's 0-0 draw with Stoke makes the point, though. My match going pals--son and his mates--walked out of the Boleyn applauding the team, saying how good a game it was and genuinely exciting.
Considering we were missing six key men from the starting line-up a draw against an increasingly impressive Stoke team was very acceptable. But it was the manner of that draw and the way the game was played that impressed, not just the point won.
And this is where Keys and his Sam-loving mates will never get it. We really should ignore him, the abuse he gets when he makes snide remarks about West Ham is the oxygen he needs. This odious, sexist who has been an apologists for the murderous slave labour of his Qatar paymasters. I am just waiting for the next little outburst from his Doha bunker.
The difference was clear. Slav did not once take a backward step against Stoke. Every substitution was positive, Enner Valencia on for a flagging Alex Song, Nikica Jelavic for an equally tired Michail Antonio..not once a thought of 'respecting the point.'
And yes, it gave Stoke the chance to break out and almost win it. That we should have won the game ourselves in that last half hour suggests a draw was about right. What it did do was to produce an entertaining match.
In the previous two home games, draws with Everton and WBA, again all the substitutions were positive. Also the three substitutes used in the awful defeat at Watford. I will forgive Slav sending on Carl Jenkinson and Pedro Obiang at Manchester United, let's not be silly now.
But you cannot see Slav picking a team like Sam did at Chelsea last Boxing Day, a team set-up not to lose and one that intentional left out players with home matches against WBA and Arsenal to follow. We never really recovered from that piece of defensive thinking.
So we are now getting something worth watching. That must also please the Davids, who we are now told are the second best club owners in the country. After Manchester City's money-no-object owners, that is.
I always sense that there is a lot going on behind the scenes of this season. I do not think for one second the second best owners are telling Slav what team to pick. But I fancy he is in no doubt about what is wanted.
David Sullivan desperately wants Mauro Zarate to have a run in the side and to be a success, so he can prove a point to Sam, who it is clear would not play him because he was not his signing. Zarate , for me, has been the surprise of this term even if he still does not do much to protect defenders when not in possession,
But he is grasping his chance with Dimitri Payet injured long-term. Our second best owners also want to see us play the ball out from the back, even if it did cost us that calamity third goal at Spurs. Adrian's roll out was poor and put James Tomkins under needless pressure. The end product of that was predictable.
I would have thought that when you are facing a high pressing team like Spurs, then the 'keeper should clear from his hands to get the ball well away, take opposing players out of the game and give the target man--sorry, I know that's a banned word--the chance to win some sort of possession in our opponents' half not ours. But then what do I know?
And , of course, the second best owners want some return from their vast investment in Andy Carroll. So don't expect him to be sold any time soon. He is slowly getting match fit now, and did well at Old Trafford and against Stoke.
And despite all the rumours, why should be want to leave because he is highly unlikely to get a contract elsewhere like he has here? He has a new Essex-girl partner, a big pink house, a new baby and the love of his life has a nice little nails shop somewhere in the posh Essex suburbs. She is not going to want to move anywhere than means having to learn another language..like the north east!
That all said, it would be nice if the second best owners stopped prattling on about the Champions League and Europe. It is putting undue pressure on Bilic and the team. Our current expenditure and the FFP restrictions does not allow us anywhere near the Champions League party and the top four. It is just not going to happen.
Yep, Chelsea are having a bad time and Liverpool and Everton are below us. But that won't last. And then there is Spurs, who I hate to admit, look a pretty decent side these days. We don't have the fire-power to compete just yet. After the move to the Olympic Stadium maybe.
And that brings me round to the migration to Straford, and I'm sure you will all be delighted to know that me and my mates in the Bobby Moore lower have finally got our season tickets for next season. I have certainly grizzled on about it enough here.
Our interviews were last week, and I had to sit by the phone at home in Cheshire to wait for the call from our elected group leaders. An 11am interview in Stratford was never going to see me there in person, so the group idea was a bonus.
Hard to finger the club for that, they can hardly be expected to look at every address and than have a debate with the person as to when he can be make it.
And it went pretty well, I am told. But the fears I had were about right. No chance of upgrading to a view down the sides rather than at the ends, the 'plus twos' have seen to that. And we all had to upgrade to band three to get a comparable seat. I have since noticed a new phrase now appearing, 'comparable seat at comparable prices.' Thanks for that Karren.
It is fair to say that it is just a change of number, and where we are now sitting in band three is still cheaper than our current band four at the Boleyn. But it was not what we were told initially.
And it seems than the first few rows behind the goals are now branded as band four, I suppose because the view is just rubbish that low down. And it means that a third of the way up the seating in the lower tier, a more expensive band three ticket holder will sit right behind a cheaper band four fan, with the view obviously no different.
We are three rows from the back of the lower tier, just behind the left hand goal post and with the two aisle seats we have now. If you want band four prices, you are going to have to move to the far reaches of the upper tier, where you are probably nearer to the Gherkin than you are to the pitch.
But we are all pretty happy with what we were offered, and grateful for the research from one of our leaders, who attended rugby and athletics event at the OS and took lots of pictures of our potential seating positions. And he was proved right, so we have all seen for ourselves because you still cannot take pictures of the views offered at the meetings. Absolute nonsense, that.
And a lot of our close neighbours from the Boleyn are very near (you don't get rid of us that easily). So the banter can continue. One guy did note that his seat is now a few rows in front of us, so he does not have to sit behind one of our number who spends a fair amount of time loudly abusing the visitor's goalkeeper!
He seems to have a problem with 'fat' goalkeepers and the size of their backsides.(Boaz Myhill is the worst , it seems)!I can only apologise.
So onwards and upwards. A few big names back soon and we may well have decent league position in our sights.
And Slav is proving to be a cute manager. On the weekend that the injury toll was at it's worst, Slav got stuck into the old argument about our Chadwell Heath training ground. He blamed the pitches there for the injury toll and demanded we move early to Rush Green.
He is a lucky manager. Previously other managers and players have moaned about the outdated Chadwell Heath, but a least Slav had an alternative and he grabbed it. And of course we hear Sam praising him for that decision and moaning himself about the place.
In fact, only Winston Reid and Lanzini had suffered injuries in training from the six big names out. Valencia and Payet were kicked out of the game by Everton, Victor Moses did his hamstring at Old Trafford, Diafra Sakho hurt his thigh at Upton Park against West Brom. So it is not all down to the training pitches.
But Slav got action. Chadwell Heath is way below the standards in the Premier League. Chelsea have a state of the art premises in deepest Surrey rather than the old windswept field alongside the M4 at Harlington, where players had to book airport hotel rooms nearby for a shower!
Spurs have new facilities, Arsenal's are excellent while Manchester City have built an amazing campus in east Manchester. Neighbours United have top notch stuff at Carrington rather than the old Cliff while Everton have also built a very impressive new set-up near Liverpool airport. Stoke City also have a new place.
We have been lagging behind. It's hard to blame the second best owners, at least they have been doing something, although it is now several years since the old Fords sports ground was bought, it really should have been finished by now.
The task for Slav is now not to worry about being a little behind our position from last term, but to ensure there is no criminal collapse in form like last term. Sam, I see, is re-writing history and blaming it all on injuries. What rubbish.
We now know, because Ian Hendon has told us, that everyone knew Sam wasn't going to be re-employed last January and the man himself was never going to sign a new deal.
All that nonsense from the Davids about a new contract depending on the final dozen games! It was never going to happen and Sam just allowed things to drift…just like it seems is happening at Sunderland!
Oh, and one more thing about the second best owners and one of the brothers Grimm! Please stop giving our opponents chapter and verse about our injuries and when players may be about to return.
I am amazed Slav permits this. Can you imagine the uproar if ,say, Roman starting tweeting about Chelsea injuries, or Sir Alex's reaction if a Manchester United owner did the same thing. Or even if Yanks started talking about Jurgen Klopp's players in that way. It is very unprofessional.
Slav may well want to keep opponents guessing about his team selection. Ferguson used to tell bare faced lies to the media every Friday on the subject. Now days every scrap of information that can be gathered about a team's opponents is very useful, so why give stuff to rivals on a plate.
The interesting point about Lanzini's injury ahead of the excellent point at Old Trafford--it should have been three and they should have been down to nine men, anyway--was the surprise.
Nobody knew about the injury until the teams were announced, and it must have caused Louis van Gaal to change his tactics…it does not take much to confuse him, does it! So lets keep our team and injury information to ourselves and out of the twittering of David Gold or Sullivan's lad.
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Potential January window signings
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th December 2015
By: Staff Writer #3
West Ham may have extended their barren run without a Premier League victory to six games following the goalless draw against Stoke City, whilst coming away disappointed with just a point against Old Trafford the week before is a real indication of how far the team have come this season under Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers currently sit eighth in the table following an impressive start to the campaign that may have taken those outside of the Boleyn Ground by surprise, with memorable victories against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool raising hopes that Europa League qualification could be on the cards (again).
Bookies.com have reduced the odds on West Ham to qualify for Europe this season, but although there is evident quality at Bilic's disposal, a spate of key injuries has dented the strength in depth that made fans confident of challenging the big guns.
With Diafra Sakho ruled out until March 2016, and the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses also on the sidelines, it may be the right time for Bilic to consider his options ahead of the January transfer market.
He has already proven himself to be a shrewd negotiator with targeting players that have significantly improved the quality at West Ham, but although it remains to be seen if the board are willing to back him with sufficient funds next month, strengthening the squad further could make the difference between a top ten finish and European qualification.
Gokhan Tore
Managers often develop an attachment to certain players who make a real impact under their guidance and deliver the goods when their club needs them the most. It often results in the same two individuals being often reunited at different clubs when a manager leaves for pastures new, with Besiktas winger Gokhan Tore rumoured to be high on Bilic's January transfer market wishlist.
The 23-year-old has reignited his career after failing to make the cut at Chelsea, with the Turkish international developing into a powerful midfielder who offers creativity and pace on either flank. Joining up with his former manager would certainly make sense and worth backing with Betway Free Bets, particularly as Moses' hamstring injury may leave Bilic short of options in an area of pitch where West Ham have enjoyed a lot of success this season.
Seydou Doumbia
With Diafra Sakho ruled out through injury, it would come as no surprise if Bilic scours the market for more options upfront. The rumour mill has already thrown out a number of strikers that West Ham are lining up in January, and although fans are left to decipher fact from fiction, there would be few complaints if Seydou Doumbia walked through the doors at the Boleyn Ground.
His arrival would undoubtedly improve West Ham's odds of 9/1 to finish in the top six or compete for the FA Cup where they will be good value for taking up any offer from Betway, as seen on West Ham shirts, to back them as dark horses. An injection of firepower and quality in attack is always welcome at West Ham, and with a number of forward options currently sidelined, any opportunity to sign someone of Doumbia's calibre should certainly be considered.
The striker is enjoying something of a renaissance since returning to CSKA Moscow on loan after he struggled to make an impact at Serie A side Roma, with reports that the Italian side are willing to offload the Ivorian international sparking interest in a striker who has proven his worth in Europe over the years. He currently has three goals, including a penalty against Manchester United, to his name in the Champions League, but although he has endured a barren spell of ten games without a goal in all competitions, Doumbia's pace and power could be a valuable asset if Bilic was able to lure him to East London.
Kevin Mirallas
Convincing a Premier League rival to sell one of their players may come at a considerable cost, but with Kevin Mirallas seemingly out of favour at Everton, there could an opportunity for West Ham to swoop in January. The 28-year-old has cut a forlorn figure on the bench as Gerard Deulofeu has continued to shine in his place, and with Euro 2016 on the horizon, Mirallas may look for a move in order to remain in Marc Wilmots' thoughts for the Belgium squad.
West Ham have been long-term admirers of the winger-cum-striker, and although a move failed to materialise in the summer, Bilic may see the January transfer window as the perfect opportunity to add a player who can certainly make an impact into the squad.
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A TRANSITION CAN BE A DRAWN-OUT PROCESS
By Benjamin Cronin 15 Dec 2015 at 17:00
WTID
In recent weeks, you could be forgiven for thinking our impressive start to the season was beginning to crumble away, just like many rival fans had hoped for (they'll say 'predicted'). However, I believe recent results have shown we are more than capable of mixing it with the 'big teams' in the Premier League. It was over a month ago that we lost Dimitri Payet, for what was initially reported as a 3 month absence, and after the embarrassing loss to Spurs that followed, many fans went into a state of meltdown. Although we haven't managed to get a win on the board since that demoralising defeat, under the circumstances, I'm quite proud of what the squad has achieved.
I'm not suggesting that going without a win in six Premier League matches is acceptable form, but the way I look at it, things could have gone a lot worse. In the wake of Payet's injury, we saw another four influential players get signed up for a stint in the treatment room. In my analysis of the implications Payet's ankle injury could have on the club's fortunes, I suggested that players like Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses were more than capable of filling the void left by the Frenchman. Within weeks of that observation, both had been ruled out, along with another two key players, Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid. If people thought we were going to struggle without the creative prowess of Payet, I dread to think what was going through their minds when they discovered we'd be without the pace and flair of Lanzini and Moses, the movement and goal threat of Sakho and the stability in defence provided by Reid.
It isn't bad luck to have five players out injured (in fact, it puts us slap bang in the middle of the premier league injury table) but where we can feel hard done by, is when you consider not the number of injuries, but the importance of the individuals who have been sidelined. If I were asked to pick our four most dangerous players, the ones who have the biggest impact in our successful counter-attacking set-up, the names of; Payet, Lanzini, Sakho and Moses would pass my lips without a moment's hesitation. It isn't just these injuries and the strength of the team left at our disposal that has made me see the last three results as acceptable though, it's the way we have played to get them.
Under Sam Allardyce's reign , we probably could have scraped out similar results in the last three fixtures but I can assure you, it wouldn't have looked the same. There was one striking similarity present in the games against West Brom, Manchester United and Stoke. We wanted to win the game. Not just that, we actually tried to win the game. Rather than sit back and contain the game, we took it to our opponents and if truth be told, we could have (maybe should have) won all three games. We were by far the better side in the first 45 minutes against West Brom and should have gone into the break three goals to the good. Once they clawed themselves back into the game (with a stroke of good fortune), they did everything they possibly could to spoil whatever time for playing football was left. Next up was Manchester United and granted, it was a more even contest, but it was still one I certainly felt like we could have won. This weekend's fixture against Stoke saw us face the same problem, we created several decent chances and had someone been on the pitch who was capable of putting the ball in the back of net, we would have come away with three points.
Some may be reading this and thinking failing to win games when we've had plenty of chances to do so is a major problem. It may well be, but it's a problem I'm happy to have at the moment. We're limiting our defensive mistakes (something that has been a recurring problem this season) and still managing to pose an attacking threat, all without four of our strongest attacking players. I also believe this period, along with upcoming fixtures, has allowed the likes of Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll to start producing what we know they are capable of. Yes, we haven't got a win in the last three games when we should have but we haven't been beaten, when many thought we would have.
I often think I'm far too optimistic for my own good but it's hard not to be this season. We got off to a flyer and now, when everything seems to be going wrong, there still seems to be so much going right. We sit in 8th position in the Premier League, still only 5 points off 4th, going into a run of Christmas and New Year fixtures that on paper, many would be happy with. Enner Valencia is now back in the fold and will be gaining match fitness, with reports surfacing that Lanzini and Payet are ahead of schedule in their recovery. Bilic has been quoted as saying he's unsure as to whether Lanzini will feature against Swansea this Sunday but either way, it's certainly promising news.
I think these last few weeks were always going to be a test of character. After all the talk of our strength in depth, it was almost inevitable and I think, so far, plenty of character has been shown. I understand that people will say things could have gone a bit better (if we won the last three games, people would still be saying that) but it definitely could have been a lot worse. Not only have we managed to show we are hard to beat, we've done so whilst playing good football and not just settling for a point. Players who weren't performing to a standard we are used to have stepped up to the mark and the ones we are desperate to see again, will soon be playing their part. I must admit, I'm getting quite excited about Christmas. Not because of the socks and toiletries I'll be inundated with and not because I've got to cook for 12 different tastes on Christmas Day, but because of all the football coming our way and the opportunity West Ham has to do something with it.
COYI!
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Rock legends AC/DC will be first band to perform at revamped Olympic Stadium
19:34, 15 DEC 2015 UPDATED 19:35, 15 DEC 2015
BY KERRI-ANN ROPER
Aussie band, whose hits include Thunderstruck and Whole Lotta Rosie, set for UK gig as part of their 2016 European "Rock or Bust" tour
The Mirror
Rock band AC/DC will be the first band to perform at the former Olympic Stadium following its re-vamp. The Australian band , whose hits include Thunderstruck and Highway to Hell, will perform in a concert there as part of their 2016 European "Rock or Bust" tour. The concert will be the first major event to be held at the former Olympic Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park following extensive work to transform the venue. Work on the stadium, to turn it into a year round multi-use venue, includes installing the largest roof of its kind in the world, retractable seating and more. Other notable events on the 2016 calendar include Usain Bolt at the Anniversary Games, and the first match for West Ham United in their newly renovated home.
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Loss of Lanzini is as big as Payet
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Hammers hero George Parris believes Manuel Lanzini's injury has been as big a blow as losing Dimitri Payet. Writing in December's issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly http://www.blowing-bubbles.co.uk/read-our-latest-issue.html, Parris said that whilst Payet's injury was a 'huge blow', he hadn't feared for the Hammers season with Lanzini playing well. He said: "He'd done all right this season, and I'd been impressed with what I'd seen. He's scored some crucial goals already, and took his goal against Spurs very well, and you just thought he was starting to step out of Payet's shadow.
With no Payet until , we needed him to keep scoring, creating chances, and playing well but his injury is very cruel on Slaven Bilic."
Meanwhile, Sky Sports' Bianca Westwood believes now is a brilliant time to be born into West Ham's brave new world following the arrival of her nephew but admitted there was a time she didn't want any child of hers, niece or nephew to support West Ham. Blowing Bubbles' writers also give their views on whether or not it's time for the Premier League to consider a winter break, and if it's time we stopped taking Karren Brady for granted. The latest issue of Blowing Bubbles Monthly is now available to read for FREE on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
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Irons chase 10 million rated German
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham this afternoon admitted that Beskitas winger Gokhan Tore is still very much on the club's radar next summer. The German-born Turkish international is a particular favourite of Slaven Bilic's, who's on public record as saying: ""I have always said that Gökhan Töre could play at any European team. He has both the quality and the potential. "After agreeing terms with West Ham I told the board that I want him and I strongly believe he would add a lot to the team and be a success in England." Töre joined Beşiktaş permanently on a five-year deal in 2014 for a fee believed to be in the region of €4.5 million and is currently quoted on his www.transfermarkt.co.uk profile as having valuation of €10.5 million. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "Yes he is one we are looking at because quite apart from anything else he is German born and qualifies for a work permit. "The big question is how much Besiktas want for him and he is not to be ruled out. Having said that we rule nobody out at this stage."
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Crazy season gives us a real chance
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
It's a season like no other with Leicester City top having made the best start in their 131 year history to go top just 10 days before Christmas. It's another of those little ironies that Claudio Ranieri was mentioned in dispatches as a future Boleyn boss at one stage but, as well as he's doing, I'd sooner have Slav at the Hammers helm. Chelsea are in 16th, Liverpool celebrated a home draw against West Brom on Sunday by linking hands in front of the Kop to celebrate and Spurs are nailed by Newcastle who turned up at White Hart Lane in the relegation places.
West Ham, meanwhile with five massive players injured, sit in eighth place after a thoroughly competitive performance at Old Trafford and a highly entertaining display against Stoke City.
Yet I continue to read comments from fans on social network claiming we are worse off as far as points are concerned than we were were last year. The fact that we are also fewer off the top is conveniently forgotten. These comparisons and complaints are best ignored in a season when the likes of Palace and Watford are directly above us – emphasising again this abnormal season when everybody is beating everyone else. We were victorious against one fo those teams and beaten by the other.
Given this topsy turvy season and with the news that Lanzini and Payet are on their ways back ahead of schedule I'll make the same forecast as I made a few games in. I believe we will finish in the top six and that our last season at the Boleyn will have started with European football and end with us having qualified to take our place in the Uefa Cup Tournament next season. And that will be the perfect end to our final system as we wave farewell to the 'old lady' has had our hearts for so long and will remain there forever.
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Lanzini deal safe despite Al Jaziera change
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Gianluca Nani's arrival at Manu Lanzini's parent club Al Jaziera will make no difference to the player's availability to West Ham. ClaretandHugh reported yesterday that Nani had joined the club as technical director raising fears that the man fired by David Sullivan and David Gold in 2010 could look at the deal again. Nani of course was brought in to assist Alan Curbishley in the summer of 2008, but his £300,000 a year deal was considered surplus to requirements by the new joint owners. But with Lanzini having performed at Upton Park, it was feared Nani may try to re-negotiate or even scupper the deal but a Hammers source declared emphatically this morning: "That's not possible. We have a solid option to buy out the player's contract.
"We have said several times in the past, it's watertight and a change of personnel at the club can't change that."
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LET'S END THE WINLESS RUN AT SWANSEA
By Bobby Shovels 15 Dec 2015 at 08:00
WTID
The Stoke game felt a lot like the previous home match against West Brom: while we deserved to have won three points, it was to the opposing team that the best chances fell. We have been lucky that both these sides failed to utilise clear-cut opportunities – although Adrian has proved his immense worth as a goalkeeper too.
Having written about how exciting our attacking options were at the start of the season, the injuries have clearly deadened our goal-scoring prowess. That is to be accepted given the absence of Diafra Sakho, Dimitri Payet, Victor Moses and Manuel Lanzini. Yet I can't help but feel there is now a lack of confidence among other players who are not using the opportunity to make their mark on the first team when it comes to having a punt at goal. Too often against Stoke was there a desire to pass the ball into the net – an admirable tactic but one that is not that effective when you most deft passers of the ball are not on the pitch.
There is also a clear issue with poor decision-making, and on that point Mauro Zarate is most at fault. I certainly feel his dribbling and control on the ball has become so much better since last season, a rare possible case of QPR actually increasing a player's worth. However, far too often he becomes selfish on the ball and fails to make a decisive, effective pass. Yes, he hit the post, but too often he either doesn't shoot at the right time or shoots at completely the wrong time or doesn't pass ever. It is something Slaven Bilic must improve in him – but also the rest of the team: he has spoken before at our lack of shots on goal.
Indeed, the first five minute were so promising after Cheikhou Kouyaté stung the fingers of Jack Butland. Yet after that, it felt like we failed to test the keeper, albeit it is very tough to test someone of Butland's prowess and confidence.
On a final note regarding the Stoke game, I have to vocalise something I have long felt but never spoken of: the brilliance of Kouyaté. He has the defensive, holding play of Noble but with more drive and energy, seemingly mustering bundles of energy at certain points in any game to make surging runs forward. Moreover, I have never seen him fail to give a solid performance. He is an underrated star among out first eleven, and what a signing he has been.
I have been blessed in recent years by West Ham always winning on the match falling closest to my birthday, 23 October. That was Chelsea this year (24 October 2015) and Manchester City last year (25 October). Of course, since that joyous afternoon against Mourinho's lacklustre men, we have not won a game, enduring a rather dismal November. How much I hope we end this run – that admittedly has not been full of losses – against Swansea.
However, it is just our luck that Swansea will be raring to go after such misfortune against City last weekend and will most probably have the excitement of the "new manager bounce" that means next Sunday's fixture will be no easy feat. However, it is games like these that we should really test the depth of our squad and see whether we can weather our long injury list with a vital three points before Christmas.
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David Sullivan discloses what Slaven Bilic has told him about Dimitri Payet
HITC
Billy Hawkins
Slaven Bilic has given a positive update on Dimitri Payet's injury. Speaking to the official West Ham website, David Sullivan has admitted that Slaven Bilic has told him about Dimitri Payet's recovery from injury - revealing that he is ahead of schedule. Sullivan said: "Slaven has said that Dimitri is ahead of schedule so that is a major boost for everyone at the Club."
Payet was one of the best players in the Premier League prior to his injury, acting as the main playmaker in an extremely enjoyable Hammers team. The Frenchman had scored five goals and registered three assists in 12 league appearances, but he has missed the last four games due to an injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Everton. He is meant to be out of action recovering until the New Year, but Sullivan has heard from Bilic that Payet is ahead of schedule, and could be back before his expected date. This is fantastic news for Bilic, the West Ham fans, and everyone involved with the Hammers, having seen the East London side struggle in his absence. A number of other players are also out of action through injury, but Payet is the biggest loss, with Bilic's men scoring just two goals in the four games since the start of his absence. It was feared that Payet's injury could end West Ham's season, but Sullivan has been given hope by Bilic that the playmaker will be back before too long.
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West Ham coach Terry Westley raves about Pedro Obiang's Under-21 display
HITC
Olly Dawes
Pedro Obiang has earned praise from West Ham coach Terry Westley. West Ham United academy boss Terry Westley has told the club's official website that he was impressed with Pedro Obiang's performance against Arsenal Under-21. The Hammers first-team drew 0-0 with Stoke City on Saturday, and it was the same story for the club's Under-21 side on Monday evening. West Ham took on Arsenal at Upton Park, and whilst the Hammers took the lead through an Alex Pike goal, Chris Willock rescued a 1-1 draw for the Gunners. By far the biggest name on show during the match was midfielder Pedro Obiang, with the Spaniard still looking to find his feet in English football. The 23-year-old joined West Ham from Italian club Sampdoria over the summer, and whilst he has played nine games in the Premier League so far, only four of those appearances have been starts due to issues with his fitness. On Monday though, Obiang played a key role for West Ham's Under-21 side, and his performance has earned rave reviews from academy boss Terry Westley. Speaking to the West Ham official website, Westley stated that Obiang impressed him in three key areas; a benchmark of how players should play, how experienced players should help young talent, and for having the extra bit of quality on the pitch. "On that, I think Pedro Obiang deserves a big mention, because if a senior player plays for the U21s, he's set a real benchmark of how you should play and how you should help the younger players, as well as having that little bit of quality. He did all three things on Monday," said Westley. With players such as Alex Song, Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble competing for places in midfield, Obiang has a tough task on his hands to break in to Slaven Bilic's starting line-up - but his display against Arsenal on Monday was a step in the right direction.
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Burke puts Hammer down to make fast progress with Bradford City
Bradford Telegraph and Argus
Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter / 3 hours ago / Bantams
REECE Burke could be on borrowed time at Valley Parade but he is determined to make every minute count. The gifted West Ham youngster's youth loan runs until the Gillingham away game which kicks off the New Year. At this moment, nobody is sure what will happen after that and whether Burke will still be around to take his place in the heart of the City back four for the FA Cup third-round trip to Bury the following week. In a strange way, Burke might have almost done too well during his stint with the Bantams. The regular reports that the Hammers have received will have been glowing.
A nomination for League One player of the month in October proved that plenty have been taking notice. Phil Parkinson is realistic enough to know that he faces a fight to retain the teenager's services past January 2. An unnamed Championship club tried to muscle in and snatch the defender away before the latest extension. Not that Burke had any desire to make a short-term switch to anywhere else. He said: "There were other clubs interested but I spoke to Phil and, as a young boy, I think it was best to stay here until January and get a few more games in. "I didn't want to go through the upheaval again and if I wasn't playing somewhere else, it would have been a bit of a waste of time. "Phil said to me that if I did stay here I'd most likely get games and that's what I want. "I want to play every game. That's obviously not down to me but I'll keep doing my thing on the training pitch and hopefully get picked.
"I feel like I'm fitting in quite well and it's good for my experience to be playing against big boys out there. I've played against a few physical strikers in the opposition, so it's been good for me. "I know West Ham will be keeping an eye on me, so we'll see where it goes from there."
The weekend postponement denied Burke his 16th start – and his first in the league since November 3 after missing the last four through England under-20 international commitments and injury.
He tweaked the MCL (medial collateral ligament) in his knee, which meant a brief return to east London for treatment with his parent club. Burke said: "It was a bit sore so the best thing was to rest up a while and I felt fine when I came back. It was nice to play again in the FA Cup because it had been a while. "Obviously I'd been keeping an eye on the team when I was at West Ham and they were still doing well. That makes it easier when you come back. "I think we've improved as a team and the boys are playing with confidence now. "You can see we are one of the better teams in the league and other sides will tell you we are hard to play against. "Once all the new signings and loan people came in, everyone got together as a group and that has shown on the pitch."
The statistics speak for themselves. City have conceded 11 goals in Burke's 13 league games – and only three in the last six. Throw in two FA Cup outings and he has been involved in seven clean sheets – nearly half the games he has played in. The centre-back said: "I like to get clean sheets. As a defender, that's what you set out to play for every game. I know it is obvious but if they can't score, you can't lose. "Clean sheets are always a bonus and hopefully we can keep doing that. It's good for individuals at the back. If I make a mistake I know that Rozza (Rory McArdle) will be round the back to cover me. "It's good having Ben (Williams) there as well. He's been outstanding and made a few very good saves, especially towards the end of games."
Williams, like Burke before him, found himself on the divisional shortlist for the November player of the month accolade after going over 11 hours without letting a goal past him. Burke said: "Ben deserved the nomination. He's pulled off some unbelievable saves at times to keep us in games. "I was pleased to get nominated myself and a bit surprised after just going on loan. I would love to have won it but I was happy just to get named. "With Ben as well, it's good to have a keeper thrown in. It's not just about the strikers. At the end of the day, all players on the pitch play a big part."
Burke's contribution in City's improving campaign has been substantial. Whatever the approaching transfer window holds, he is convinced the club have developed his game. He said: "I was never going to come here just for one month, play five games and then go somewhere else. It was never going to be like that. By staying here until January, I've had the chance to play plenty of games. "I feel like I've matured a bit by fitting in with the boys at Bradford. They are good lads and it's nice to be properly involved in the first team and playing week in, week out. "I haven't got a Yorkshire accent but I can understand them now just about!"
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