Preview - Watford
WHUFC.com
The background
The Hammers will be looking to end their run of Premier League draws, which
was extended to four against Leicester on Sunday, when Watford visit the
Boleyn Ground on Wednesday.
Slaven Bilic's men last tasted victory against Everton in early March and
will be looking to get back into the form that catapulted them into
contention for a Champions League spot.
The Hornets were themselves without a win in six prior to their away victory
against West Brom at the Hawthorns, and Quique Sanchez Flores' side will be
keen to build momentum heading into their Emirates FA Cup semi-final tie
against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Watford started the season, unexpectedly, in terrific fashion, and held a
top-half spot in the Premier League until February, but their form has
tailed off recently, making Wednesday's clash an intriguing fixture.
The history
West Ham and Watford have met on 70 occasions in competitive matches, with
the Claret and Blues winning 40. The Hornets have been victorious in 18 of
the games, while 12 have been ended all square.
The Hertfordshire outfit have been more competitive in the last ten years
however, and the Hammers have recorded just one victory against Wednesday's
opponents in the last seven meetings.
An Odion Ighalo double secured Watford's win in the October league fixture,
the first game between the two sides since West Ham's promotion campaign of
2011/12.
The match
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers have a fully fit squad with Diafra Sakho back from injury and
both James Collins and Sam Byram ready to play their part.
Watford
Quique Sanchez Flores is expected to make wholesale changes to Watford's
side ahead of their Emirates FA Cup semi-final.
Heurelho Gomes is set to keep his place between the sticks but there are
sure to be replacements elsewhere on the pitch.
Match info
Mike Dean will take charge of the fixture at the Boleyn Ground. He last
refereed the Hammers in their 1-0 victory over Sunderland in February. John
Brooks and Simon Long will be Dean's assistants and Mike Jones is the fourth
official.
The sides have met five times in the Premier League in its current form,
with both the clubs winning two fixtures each.
West Ham were unbeaten in 14 matches against Watford for a period of 17
years from 1989 – 2006.
Slaven Bilic's team are unbeaten in 14 Premier League home matches. Their
last league defeat at the Boleyn was against Bournemouth in August.
West Ham have scored in each of their last 12 matches. The last time the
Hammers drew a blank was against Southampton at St. Mary's in February.
Watford have only scored more than twice in two matches this season, against
Aston Villa in a 3-2 victory in November, and when Liverpool were thrashed
3-0 just before Christmas.
Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info
Tickets for this fixture are SOLD OUT.
The District and Hammersmith & City lines are set to serve Upton Park
station as normal on Wednesday. Click here for the latest Tube information
and here for National Rail.
The weather is expected to stay dry in east London on Wednesday, with
temperatures at 9C (48F) around kick-off.
If you're not heading to the game, make sure you keep up to date with the
action on our digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre will have live
audio commentary, in-running stats, photos and more, while you can get
involved in the conversation on social using #WHUWAT
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Antonio - We have still got everything to play for
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Michail Antonio insists the Club have still got
everything to play for and hopes the Boleyn Ground will remain a fortress as
the Hammers look to keep alive their hopes of securing a European place. The
2-2 draw with Leicester on Sunday kept Slaven Bilic's side three points
behind Manchester United in fifth place. The Hammers were heading for a
victory after late goals from Andy Carroll and a wonder strike from Aaron
Cresswell helped the east London Club stage a dramatic comeback against the
Premier League leaders. But Leicester were awarded a controversial penalty
in the 95th minute which Leonardo Ulloa converted and the West Ham players
were forced to settle for a point. Antonio is refusing to be affected by the
late drama at the King Power Stadium and hopes the impressive unbeaten run
in the Premier League at the Boleyn Ground will help them get back to
winning ways when they face Watford on Wednesday night. Antonio said: "We
were trying to be tight at the back and they were trying to find a way
through and they got the penalty right at the end. "We have just got to look
forward now and try and forget this game. "We have still got everything to
play for. The Boleyn Ground has been a fortress for us this season and we
have only lost once in the FA Cup since August so hopefully we can keep
going and pushing on."
Antonio was pleased to see Cresswell back on the scoresheet following his
first goal since Boxing Day, but it was certainly worth waiting for as he
struck a superb left-foot shot into the roof of the net. Antonio added:
"What a strike that was from Aaron. He has hit that very well and we see him
do that in training as well. It was great technique." Having played in the
Midlands, Antonio knows what it would mean for Leicester to win the Premier
League this season. The 26-year-old also feels it would be great for the
whole league if a team outside the top six could win the top flight. "I wish
Leicester good luck for the rest of the season and I hope they can do it.
"It will be good for the Premier League if they can do it and it gives
everyone a boost for next season that any team can win it."
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Slaven Speaks - Watford
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic was keen to focus on the future when he met the media to
discuss Wednesday's Barclays Premier League fixture with Watford. With
Sunday's event-filled 2-2 draw at leaders Leicester City still fresh in the
memories of the press, the manager was asked for further comment on a
controversial afternoon at the King Power Stadium.
However, Bilic was eager to instead talk about the final five fixtures of
the season, starting with the visit of the Hornets.
Slaven, the weekend game is still big news, so how do you look back on the
game now?
"Of course that game is still fresh, but we played well. Leicester had won
their last five or six games 1-0 and kept clean sheets, but we scored two
goals and were good. The only thing I wasn't happy with was the way we
played after we scored our second goal. We just waited for the final
whistle, didn't keep the ball and we should have done better, to be fair."
There were lots of talking points in the game, so what are your thoughts on
those decisions now?
"I spoke about this after the game and I was sympathetic towards the referee
because it was extremely hard for him in that game. We or the FA should find
a way to help them and make their jobs easier. There was pressure there. It
was an unbelievably important game for both teams, so it was hard for them."
Are you still in the race for the top four?
"The gap is big, but the gap can be reduced if we win games. We are still in
a big race for the European spots and we're going to do everything we can."
Have the recent decisions changed the players' approach to games?
"Anyone who watched that game would have no doubt that our defeat by Man
United didn't affect our confidence or motivation, because we came back from
1-0 down on their home soil and were not happy with 1-1, so we chased for
another goal. That showed we have great team spirit and determination, and
great motivation of course."
You face Watford next at the Boleyn Ground in the Barclays Premier League,
so what are your thoughts on this game?
"We have a big game of football on Wednesday night, because Watford are a
good team and one which has an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to this
weekend at Wembley.
"The game at Vicarage Road in October was one of the very few times I have
been really disappointed and angry after the game, because we simply didn't
show up and they deserved the 2-0 win. We had a very bad game.
"They have gone on and are secure in the Premier League and they also beat
Arsenal away to get to the FA Cup semi-final.
"They may rest some players, but they have good and big squad full of
international players. They have a certain way of playing and if they pick
players who didn't play at the weekend, they'll have fresh legs, which is
good for them.
"They are hard to beat and are very compact and it's very hard to play
through them with the way they play. The way their strikers are playing and
have played, they are capable of harming teams."
Finally, what is your team news ahead of the Watford game?
"With one training session to go, Diafra Sakho is back from injury so we
have a full squad available, which is good."
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Payet - The love the fans give me is incredible
WHUFC.com
Dimitri Payet is enjoying a memorable first season in England and has been
rewarded for his impressive displays after being nominated for the PFA
Player of the Year. The French star has wasted no time becoming a cult hero
with the West Ham United fans and is rated one of the best free-kick takers
in the world.
Payet is determined to help the Hammers push for a European place come the
end of the season and also hopes to have a memorable summer by being named
in the France squad for the European Championship Finals.
You must be slightly frustrated after Sunday's match against Leicester when
we fell just short of beating the Premier League leaders at their ground?
DP: "We are frustrated by the last moments of the game. But, if we are
honest, we know that we needed to get the ball clear and we would then have
avoided any doubt in the referee's mind and wouldn't have given away the
penalty. It was a bit scrappy in the midfield and the sending off helped us
and gave us a boost and allowed us to go on and grab the equaliser. I think
where we are today, it is Leicester's title to win now."
Did you find it difficult to get over the disappointment of the elimination
from the FA Cup last week?
DP: "We were disappointed after the defeat against Manchester United.
Continuing in the cup was one of our objectives for the last few weeks of
the season, and so to go out was frustrating. There is an element of the
last few games catching up with us, following a series of very tough games.
We have the Watford game and then we have some time that we can use to
recharge our batteries."
How does it feel to have been nominated for PFA Player of the Year in your
first season in England?
DP: "There is a lot of quality on the list and just to be nominated is
really something special. Some people thought that it was a slightly bizarre
decision to come to West Ham, but like I have done in all the clubs I have
played for, I have improved and taken my game to the next level."
How are you enjoying life here at West Ham?
DP: "I have worked very hard and now I am reaping the rewards and enjoying
my time here. I am making the most of every moment here as things are going
well. The fans here are great, there are lots of things being created for
me. Some t-shirts with the song they sing about me which is really nice.
It's touching to have been welcomed so nicely and the love the fans give me
is absolutely incredible."
With the performances on the pitch both in claret and blue and for the
French team, do you think you are you having the best season of your life?
DP: "I have built on what I did last year with Marseille, with maybe a bit
more coverage this season because I am now playing in the Premier League. I
managed to reproduce what I have done with West Ham when I was playing for
France last month and I feel that I am in the best form of my life. My job
now is just to make sure that this form lasts for as long as possible."
What role has the manager played in your form this season?
DP: "He has of course been really important to my form this year. I have to
say that without my teammates, I wouldn't be able to flourish on the pitch
as I have done and so it is really a combination of several elements. I am
grateful to all the staff at Marseille and all of the other coaches who have
helped me get to where I am today."
Have you already started thinking ahead to the exciting summer you will be
having with the national side in Euro 2016?
DP: "No, I am still fully focussed on my game here. We have had game after
game in the past few weeks. There are too many important things to think
about before then, with so many games that can have an impact on a final
position in the League."
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West Ham United v Watford
WED, 20 APR 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
19:45
Venue: Boleyn Ground
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham have forward Diafra Sakho available again after a knee injury.
Sakho's recovery means the Hammers have a full-strength squad for the visit
of Watford, with Sam Byram, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll in line for a
recall.
Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores has promised to make changes with
Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace in mind. Goalkeeper
Heurelho Gomes is the only confirmed starter for Wednesday's rearranged
fixture.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores: "We will use a lot of new players
(against West Ham). I am completely confident in the first XI I will pick; I
am really curious how we can develop, and the characteristics of the
players. "We respect West Ham, they are very good, they are one of the best
in the Premier League but I trust a lot in my players and I think we can
give a very good performance."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
With the Hornets playing Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals this
weekend, Quique Sanchez Flores is going to change his team around. Because
of that, I am backing West Ham.
Prediction: 2-0
Victory over Watford would set a top-flight West Ham record of 15 unbeaten
home matches - their last league defeat at Upton Park came on 22 August
against Bournemouth.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won just one of their last seven matches against Watford in
all competitions (W1, D2, L4).
The Hammers have won 12 of the 16 league meetings at home (D2, L2).
West Ham
West Ham are unbeaten in eight league games (W3, D5) - but the last four
have been draws.
The Hammers could go nine top-flight matches without defeat for the first
time since an 18-match run in 1985.
They will set a top-flight club record of 15 unbeaten home matches in a row
if they avoid defeat against Watford. Their last league defeat at Upton Park
came on 22 August against Bournemouth.
Andy Carroll has scored eight league goals this season, his best return
since registering 13 in the 2010-11 season. Carroll has scored five goals in
his last five matches in all competitions.
Watford
Watford earned their first league win in seven attempts at the expense of
West Brom on Saturday.
Only five teams have won more away league games than Watford's six this
season.
They have now won twice as many Premier League away games this season as
they did in their previous two Premier League seasons combined.
Ben Watson's winner on Saturday meant he became only the third player to
score more than one league goal for Watford this season.
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ExWHUEmployee many Exclusives: Martinez signing imminent, Stadium Naming
Rights, Pre-Season tour details and much more
April 18, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
The Leicester game was a really strange match. As usual it was full of
referee controversy where I was just baffled at the inconsistency. There
could have been about five penalties either way for pushing in the area and
then he decided to give us one. Then, as Andy Carroll said, he decided to
even it up and give a ridiculous penalty to them. If that is enough
physical contact for a penalty then I would have been sent off every game I
played comparatively as I used to tackle much harder than that, although I
obviously played at a much lower level.
As I have said a number of times I really think we are missing Ginger Pele
in the defence. Not just for his ability but for his leadership qualities.
When Collins played both he and Ogbonna seemed to play well, now with Reid
and Ogbonna they seem to take it in turns and both don't have great games at
the same time. Statistically we have shipped far more goal without Collins
in the team. Another change I would consider making, which will be seen by
some as very odd, is that I believe Randolph should perhaps start the game
at Watford. Adrian wasn't at fault for any of the goals but almost every
game that Randolph has played he has been man of the match and I strongly
believe you should pick players on form.
Valencia and Emineke have been disappointing recently. Valencia is very
much a confidence player and feels low about his form and the reaction of
the fans. The club will not keep Emineke at the end of the season and I do
believe that should the right offer come in for Valencia the club would
consider it. The forward situation is a little delicate at the moment
because Andy Carroll appears to be the only one on form. If we can keep him
fit, we have a superb player on our hands. This takes us on to our other
forward Sakho. I think the club have been very clever on how the have
"managed this situation". I spoke in detail factually about his predicament
in my last column. I was shocked to read that people were blaming me
reporting this news for us losing to Manchester United!?! Of course that is
the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard and if you remember from what I
said last week I deliberately held off reporting it until the papers had
covered the story. One of the same people claimed I was only writing the
story to make money from the hits. I would like to also point out I haven't
made any money for myself. It has either gone back into the site or we have
given almost £2k to charity.
Like I said at the time it was very poor timing for this "injury" to happen.
It appears that the "injury" has been well managed and that he could return
to the squad against Watford. I mentioned another player who had allegedly
been involved in provoking Sakho. This player has also not featured in the
squad since the incident, he is unlikely to feature again, which will spell
the end of his two season career here.
As for new recruits we have scouts everywhere and have watched so many
players. We are looking at a right back, winger and a forward or two.
Whilst I don't think the signing of the Turkish right back from Fenerbahce,
Gokhan Gonul, has been completed it wouldn't surprise me if we do bring in
an experienced right back to cover especially as Joey O'Brien won't be
offered a new contract and will likely join Big Sam at Sunderland and Byram
is still considered "raw".
The signing of Havard Nordtveit has however been completed and the club are
deliberately holding off making it official until the end of the season. I
am not sure why this story keeps getting repeated on facebook groups and
national newspapers. It is done and dusted.
We have looked at a number of options for the wing Tore, Sisto and now Pablo
Sarabia from Getafe who are likely to be relegated this year. He has 5
goals and 5 assists in 25 appearances and has represented Spain at most of
the younger levels. He has been linked with moves to the Premiership in the
past few weeks (Arsenal and Swansea) and it seems we have had a look. Of
course the forward targets are well documented and have been covered in many
columns.
One player who will likely sign tomorrow (Tuesday) is Antonio Martinez the
young Spanish forward from Valencia. As we reported on the site a while
back, the player has already passed his medical but hold ups due to Gary
Neville's sacking as manager and agent demands have meant the transfer has
been delayed. As I said this transfer is expected to go through tomorrow.
We will also be looking at other youngsters from across Europe.
We have agreed in principal to have a partnership with Hajduk Split, Bilic's
old club to be able to sign younger players. Keep an eye out for a
particular Nikola Vlasic, who is an 18 year old winger from there. He may
be someone we look at should this partnership be finalised.
Our preseason summer plans have been shaping up. It has been well
documented that we will have a tour to the USA, this has now been confirmed
and it will be the 4th July until the 12th July. The players will then be
back for a day before they fly to Austria for 10 days. They will be looking
to take in a number of opposition whilst in these countries as well as
intensive fitness work.
The WestHamWay.co.uk hope to be able to cover at least one of these tours by
having representatives at the match. The site is really growing and we have
been in talks with a number of different companies for future work. We will
be featuring heavily on a popular newspaper where our stories will be
included on their apps and also in a new fanzine which will initially be
available online but also at the new ground. I therefore need new and
exciting writers. We have many of you offering to write and I urge if you
are interested please just email me quickly and get started without
hesitation (thewesthamway@gmail.com). We are also expanding further into
merchandise and art work too. It is a great time to advertise with the site
with our App and soon to be new website layout, myself and the site
featuring in national newspapers, our imminent acceptance to News Now and
top journalist, ex-players and celebrities writing for us. We offer many
packages to advertise and have been in talks with three or so companies.
You can have a banner on the site, sponsor a feature, get mentioned by Evan
on our videos, have tweets put out about your company- there are many
possibilities.
There was a lot of rumours in the press and on twitter this morning that the
stadium naming rights had been won by Samsung. Samsung were an initial
mover and did show some interest but they are meant to be right down the
pecking order as confirmed by The West Ham Way writer Jack Sullivan's tweet.
The final deal has not yet been totally concluded and the bidding process is
still ongoing although there is a feeling that the club know who the winner
will be and that the deal is not that far off. I can exclusively reveal
that the company most likely to win is multi billion foreign company who
specialise in IT and vehicles. They are not a massive name in the UK market
but they are hoping to be and have a lot of financial clout. I cannot say
the name as I am not entirely sure of the legal obligations but the company
certainly offer us a lot of financial potential but are not one of the more
famous brands. I can also reveal that Heineken were also front runners at
one point and it is said that they have potentially secured some deals
themselves including providing the match day beer on the day and lots of the
corporate sponsoring.
Whilst the Manchester United result was extremely disappointing and
Leicester frustrating we have to pick ourselves up and beat Watford who will
be concentrating on their FA Cup Semi-Final. The plans that are in place
for our great club are truly amazing. I get frustrated by all the
negativity when we go a goal down (against the top place team!!) and how
quick people are to get upset. In my eyes we need to enjoy the end of a
great season and create as many memories as we can of our beautiful old
stadium. We are drawing our Matthew Etherington signed testimonial shirt
winner tomorrow. I will be meeting up with Matty in the pub and you can see
the Ex Hammer of the year draw the winner of this great prize. There is
still a chance to enter, so get involved. Come and chat to TheWestHamWayTv
at the Watford game and talk about your memories from the magical Boleyn
Ground too and lets think what an amazing future we have.
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West Ham v Watford preview: Diafra Sakho could return for Hammers
By Pete Hall
Last Updated: 19/04/16 1:21pm
SSN
West Ham could welcome back Diafra Sakho for their trip to Watford as they
try to reignite their top four aspirations. Since an enthralling comeback
victory at Everton at the beginning for March, the Hammers have drawn four
games in a row - seeing their Champions League dream dwindle. Victory at
Leicester on Super Sunday would have done their cause a world of good, but a
controversial late penalty denied Slaven Bilic's men a much-needed three
points. Defeat at Watford will all-but end the Hammers' season, but with the
Hornets obviously distracted by their upcoming FA Cup semi-final, West Ham
make the short trip to Vicarage Road as firm favourites. A fortunate victory
at West Brom last time out completely secured Watford's Premier League
status for next season, after a run of six without a win.
Team news
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is planning to make a number of
changes to his side. The Hornets boss wants to keep his players as fresh as
possible ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on Sunday
but intends to play the same shape as usual. Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is
the only player confirmed to be in the starting XI for the game but Flores
has a full squad to chose from with no injuries.
Sakho could return to the West Ham squad. The Senegal striker has recovered
from the knee injury which forced him to miss Barclays Premier League draws
with Arsenal and Leicester, as well as the midweek FA Cup defeat by
Manchester United. Boss Bilic therefore has a full-strength squad and could
hand recalls to Sam Byram, Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll, who climbed off
the bench to score a penalty at Leicester on Sunday.
Opta stats
West Ham United have won just one of their last seven matches against
Watford in all competitions (W1 D2 L4).
The Hornets have scored one goal in each of their last three visits to the
Boleyn Ground, winning two and losing none of those visits.
Watford have scored just seven goals in their last 13 Premier League games
and have averaged just three shots on target per game in this period (39
shots on target overall).
The Hornets have already won twice as many league away games this season (6)
as in their two previous Premier League campaigns combined (3 in 1999-00 &
2006-07 combined).
There have been 23 goals scored in the last five Premier League games
involving Slaven Bilic's side, with West Ham both scoring and conceding at
least twice in each game.
West Ham are unbeaten in eight successive games in the Premier League (W3 D5
L0), but the last four of these have been draws. They haven't gone nine
unbeaten in the top-flight since a run of 18 games between August-December
1985.
West Ham haven't suffered a home league defeat since August 22nd 2015 and
are currently on a 14-game unbeaten league run at the Boleyn Ground (W7 D7
L0). They have never gone 15 in a row there without defeat in the
top-flight.
Dimtri Payet needs one more goal to become just the second West Ham
midfielder to score 10+ goals in a Premier League season, after Kevin Nolan
in 2012/13.
Andy Carroll has scored eight Premier League goals this season; his best
return since 2010/11 (13). Indeed, Carroll has netted five goals in his last
four league games.
Just seven different players have scored a goal for Watford in the Premier
League this season (excl. own goals) - the lowest spread of any team in the
competition.
Charlie predicts
I still think there's a bit of life in West Ham, even though the top four
has gone for them, and they still have a lot more incentive to win here than
their visitors. I know they've been getting the bad luck with the referees'
calls but they always seem to get into a position where they can take
advantage of others' slip-ups and they stumble. It's as if there's a mental
block and that has hurt them. Watford have more than done enough in the
league and with an FA Cup semi-final coming up, they've lost an edge. Odion
Ighalo's goals have dried up. It will be an emotional final few games at
Upton Park and that will keep driving West Ham on.
Charlie predictions: 2-0 and Manuel Lanzini to score first - 33/1 with Sky
Bet
Betting
West Ham are odds-on at 8/13 with Sky Bet to beat Watford and boost their
hopes of securing a place in the top six. The Hammers are 11/10 shots to
achieve that feat with Watford 15/2 outsiders to land a top-half finish. The
Hornets won the corresponding fixture 2-0 and are 9/2 to complete the
double, with the draw trading at 29/10. Andy Carroll bagged a hat-trick in
the last match at Upton Park and is 4/1 to break the deadlock and 6/5 to net
anytime, while Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney are both 9/4 shots to score
anytime. Get the latest odds and tips from our Sky Sports pundits here.
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FA investigates reports Jon Moss was abused by Leicester officials
By Kaveh Solhekol, SSNHQ reporter
Last Updated: 19/04/16 1:18pm
SSN
The Football Association is investigating reports that referee Jon Moss was
verbally abused by Leicester City club officials in the tunnel at the King
Power Stadium on Sunday. The Foxes salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw with West
Ham United in a game overshadowed by a number of controversial decisions by
the official. Leicester have already been charged by the FA for failing to
control their players and surrounding the referee after Moss awarded West
Ham an 83rd-minute penalty. Leicester could face more charges if the FA
decide to act on reports that Moss was abused by club officials and had
water thrown at him by Leicester supporters. The FA would be able take
action if they received reports of such incidents from Moss, members of his
officiating team or other independent witnesses. After the game Moss
returned to the referee's room and asked to see the Leicester club
secretary. He was then seen speaking to Leicester's operations director
Andrew Neville. Leonardo Ulloa scored from the penalty spot in the fifth
minute of injury-time to earn 10-man Leicester, who had Jamie Vardy sent
off, a share of the spoils. Vardy, who opened the scoring on Sunday, has
been charged with improper conduct by the FA for his behaviour following his
red card which could see his one-match ban increased.
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Gold reveals who he wants to win the title
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Gold has made it clear who he wants to win the Championship. Despite a
4-0 drubbing of Stoke City last night the Hammers chairman has made it clear
that Spurs are not the team he wants to see at the top of the pile come the
end of the season. Gold has been receiving messages of support after he and
the Sullivans were abused badly by the Leicester City fans on Sunday.
He had earlier sent a message of assurance that all was well through
ClaretandHugh but has now made it clear the behaviour of a section of Foxes
fans was unacceptable. And on Twitter he made it clear where his affections
lie when it comes to the top honour after a discussion with various
followers. He said: "I want Leicester to win the PL and I am pleased for
their fans but their behaviour towards us was unacceptable. dg"
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Now Mahnidra takes OS naming rights lead
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News
C and H
The Times is this morning (Tues) reporting that Indian technology firm
Mahindra have taken the lead in the race for the Olympic Stadium naming
rights. We reported yesterday that there were unconfirmed rumours Samsung
were set to win the race but despite being involved The Times declares today
talks are advanced with Mahindra. The deal -according to the newspaper will
be worth around £6 million – and that the Irons will benefit to the tune of
£1 million through the tenancy agreement which gives them a naming rights
bonus if they total over £4 million a year.
Mahindra has business interests spanning energy, defence and farm equipment.
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Moss has Irons 'previous'….AT SPURS!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News, Videos, Whispers
C and H
Ok last word on the Leicester match and it takes us back to February 2015
when the Hammers were held to a 2- draw by Spurs after taking a two goal
lead at White Hart Lane. The Hammers had of course taken the lead and six
minutes into extra time the referee awarded a penalty for Spurs which with
time gone should have been the last kick of the match. You may recall that
Adrian saved the penalty and by the letter of the law – or rather tick of
the clock – the follow-up shot should have been ruled out. To quote from the
BBC report at the time: "The striker (Kane) went down in the box under the
slightest pressure from Song and after seeing his penalty saved by Adrian
kept his composure to slot home the rebound for the Premier League's
sixth-placed side."
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Worrying signs on Irons OS catering income
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive
West Ham's Olympic Stadium catering 'partner' has failed to make any profit
on it's two primary catering contracts in the UK with Wembley and Arsenal's
Emirates Stadium. Last week's publication of the Olympic Stadium agreement
confirmed West Ham will earn a 30% share of catering profits after the first
£500,000 of profit is paid to stadium owners E20 Stadium LLP.
But American sub contractor Delaware North (Wembley) posted pre tax losses
of £3.9m for it's Wembley Stadium contract in 2015. Turnover at the contract
was down £3.9m year-on-year to £23.8m, while pre-tax loss increased to £2.3m
from £279,885 in 2013, according to documents filed at Companies House. A
statement within the accounts say "We therefore continue to look for
appropriate additional new business opportunities and we were delighted to
be awarded a long term contract to operate the former Olympic Stadium
[renamed South Park Stadium] from June 2015, which includes UK Athletics and
West Ham United as key tenants,"
It's other UK division called Delaware North Hospitality Services, which
operates at Arsenal's home ground the Emirates, and IPro Stadium, OSc3home
to Derby County Football Club, saw its pre-tax loss rise from £736,182 in
2013 to £1.2m despite turnover growing to £19.1m. The news must raise
serious doubts how much profit if any can be made at the former Olympic
Stadium and whether West Ham will ever see any of it in the profit share
agreement. Catering company Elior currently runs the existing contract for
the Boleyn ground catering and hotel which ends in June. The company says
that contract is worth almost £5m per year at present which means West Ham
will be giving up significant catering income when they move to the former
Olympic Stadium in August.
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Here's the Sakho Watford update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 19, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Diafra Sakho is 100 per cent fit and ready to return to the Irons squad for
tomorrow evening's clash against Watford. The striker has been missing
during a key week of the club's season but ClaretandHugh was assured this
morning that he is now fully fit. We were told by our senior source at the
club: "There is no medical reason why he should not be included in the squad
and our best guess is that he will be on the bench." The club's official
line has been that the Senegal hit man has been suffering from a minor
injury but that has been treated with scepticism by those close to the
squad. It seems certain and has been reported there was a training ground
bust-up between himself and another player when it became clear he was not
going to be involved in the team for the Arsenal match. Now, however, his
situation has been sorted and it will be interesting to see whether or not
he is involved at some stage during the game against the Hornets. Should he
not be then the risk of further negative media speculation could arise at a
critical stage of the season.
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Referee Jon Moss 'had drinks thrown at him' by Leicester fans after draw
with West Ham
TalkSport
Moss sent off Jamie Vardy for two yellow card offences on Sunday afternoon
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Referee Jon Moss was targeted by Leicester fans 'who threw drinks and
shouted abuse at him' following the Foxes' 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday.
Moss came under fierce criticism over his handling of the match in which he
sent off Jamie Vardy and awarded the Hammers a penalty. The home fans were
so incensed that they targeted the official as he headed for the tunnel at
full-time, according to a report in The Times. Moss was also verbally
attacked by at least one player and a member of club staff, the report
claims. The thrilling encouter emded moments after Leonardo Ulloa slotted
home a late penalty to earn the league leaders a draw, but events from that
day could have ramifications for the title run-in. Vardy has been charge by
the Football Association with improper conduct for his behaviour following
his second half dismissal where he appeared to direct verbal abuse at Moss.
The in-form striker, who has scored 21 league goals so far this season,
could miss as many as three of the final four matches of the season.
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SUCCESS HAS GONE TO THEIR HEADS
By Bobby Shovels 19 Apr 2016 at 08:00
WTID
I have never been to a game like on Sunday, where the mood before and after
the 90 minutes has transformed so dramatically.
Before kick off, in the glorious Spring sunshine that made it a perfect day
for a great game of football – and that it was, in the end – West Ham and
Leicester fans were united in their belief that, regardless of the result,
all parties would be happy because Tottenham would still – hopefully – not
finish the season on top of the Premier League.
Come 3:30, how that had changed: as my friend and I walked outside the
ground, two burly Leicester fans shouted in our ears: "You're just like
Arsenal you lot, a bunch of cheaters." My mate piped back, as the two
perpetrators marched off into a retail park: "You guys run pretty quickly."
That was getting it lightly: another Hammers fan and his wife had to deal
with a particularly loud, angry and illogical Leicester fan who, once again,
bemoaned our Arsenal cheating status as he went on and on and on about
refereeing injustice.
Even a few hours later, when one had assumed the dust of Jonathan Moss'
decisions had settled, a foursome of City fans barked snidely: "Nice scarf."
Amazingly, hours after a game that saw Leicester extend their lead at the
top of the league to eight points with just four games to go, and the club's
fans – who have been treated to the greatest season in their many of their
lifetimes, and they still couldn't bear to see a claret and blue scarf.
Colours of a team that had nothing to do with the refereeing decisions that
so irked them. Colours of a team who were dealt the harshest of refereeing
blows in that match. Colours of a team who could far more easily claim that
the referee was the reason why they dropped points and not vice versa.
My friend and I decided that, clearly, in our opinion, success had gone to
the Leicester fans' heads. For a club that one year before had beaten us to
start their amazing great escape, for some of their fans – and I stress some
– to be so irked and petty and confrontational about a draw seemed utterly
bizarre to us. When you reach the dizzying heights of the top of the Premier
League, perhaps you begin to get a sense of entitlement? For a minority of
their fans, not content with a season free of long-term injuries and of
beneficial decisions that have seen them awarded countless penalties, a
referee not on his best form was just too much.
But wait, their anger was because their beloved Jamie Vardy was sent off.
Vardy, a man who's having a film made about him, who has become the talk of
the town and country and had a phenomenal season. A man who has seen a huge
amount of positive media reporting throughout the season. And all that has
hidden from view the fact that he has a diving problem and many pundits
believe he did indeed dive. The game changed at that point, yes. But it
didn't unfairly. It happened because he dived. I think Vardy's story is a
fairy tale, but Leicester fans seem to ignore the fact that: 1, it was a
dive; 2, he has dived before, and 3, he is not a perfect human being. I
still firmly agree with The Telegraph's Jack Liew in his criticism that
Vardy got off very, very lightly regarding his racist comments last summer.
That has nothing to do with Sunday of course, but it must be pointed out
that Vardy – and Leicester – have been given an easy ride by the press. We
all still want City to win the title – but that does not mean they should be
immune to criticism.
And with that, Vardy has been charged with improper conduct and the
possibility of his ban being extended. That sense of privilege from
Leicester's fans clearly filters down to their players.
Yet while my friend and I thought that some sections of the Leicester fans
were poorly behaved, it was clearly felt by many others – including our
chairmen, who faced a hostile environment and had objects thrown at them. I
still don't understand such anger being directed at West Ham for decisions
beyond their control and moreover, for the rightful sending off of a striker
who dived. Who dived. Emphasise that word: dived. That is one of the worst
offences: to sully the game of football with simulation. That is a trait
that is not fitting of champions. Of course, even if the anger comes from
his first yellow card, he had been warned before by the referee and his
yellow was a cumulative decision. The idea that Vardy should not have been
sent off is grounded in the logic that no one should rock the Leicester
bandwagon.
And it is not just us fans and chairmen who have felt the rough side of
Leicester City's fans: take a look at Twitter, and many journalists who
tweeted in favour of the Vardy decision got their fare share of stick for
not siding with the fairytale's poster boy.
Despite all this, I still want Leicester to win the league. Having watched
the Spurs v Stoke game in a pub with Tottenham fans, one cannot explain how
sick their joy makes me. But I am utterly shocked at some of the Leicester
fans' decision – and I once again emphasise that it was not all Leicester
fans, but a decent vocal number of them – to make all West Ham fans and
figures the scapegoats for a blatant dive by their star striker in a season
where they can hardly complain that everyone is out to cheat and take points
off them. They have had the near universal backing from neutrals,
journalists and football fans whose team has no chance of a top four slot
but want to see someone break into that elite pack.
Leicester City sell shirts saying: "The People's Champions." Well, that is
entirely in question now. For the real People's Champions would be far more
friendly to the people than they have shown.
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Leicester launch investigation after West Ham owners claim they were
subjected to sickening abuse by home supporters
Leicester were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham at the King Power Stadium
West Ham were awarded a late penalty to kick-start their comeback
Hammers co-owners say they were subjected to vile abuse by home fans
Leicester have told the West Ham directors they will investigate claims
By BEN NAGLE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 01:18, 19 April 2016 | UPDATED: 01:21, 19 April 2016
Leicester City have launched an investigation after West Ham co-owners David
Gold and David Sullivan were subjected to sickening abuse at the King Power
Stadium on Sunday. The table-topping Foxes were eventually held to a 2-2
draw after three late goals, and among the drama home fans took exception to
the referee's decision to award West Ham a late penalty.
According to the Daily Mirror, supporters turned on the joint West Ham
owners and their families, firing foul-mouthed abuse and gestures at the
group. Speaking to the paper, Sullivan said: 'We didn't stay to applaud our
own players off as we felt threatened. We've spoken to Leicester and they've
told us they would look into it. 'My partner and children were very upset
by the way we were abused. It was the worst we have had for years and we
were not sure why. 'It was the referee making the decisions, not us. If our
fans behaved like that to the away directors I would not stand for it. It's
not good enough in 2016. Almost a throwback to the bad old days!' Leicester
went 1-0 up through Jamie Vardy in the first half, but things took a turn
for the worse when the England striker was sent off and the team conceded
twice late on. The Foxes were awarded a penalty of their own in stoppage
time to salvage a point, but some home fans appeared more keen to dish out
abuse than celebrate. Co-chairman David Gold told fans' website Claret and
Hugh: 'It became very unpleasant and hostile. They were throwing abuse at us
and chucking their cardboard clapper boards at us but you never know in a
mob of people whether there is one very dangerous individual do you? 'The
trouble went on until the referee decided to give them a penalty which was
the softest I have possibly ever seen. 'Nobody on the planet will convince
me that was a spot kick.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 20
Tuesday, April 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th April 2016
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admitted to mixed emotions as a last-minute Leicester City penalty denied his West Ham United side a memorable victory at the Barclays Premier League leaders Leicester City on Sunday. As they have done so many times this season, the Hammers had bravely fought back from a goal down to lead going into added time, only for the hosts to be awarded a controversial spot-kick when Andy Carroll was adjudged to have felled Jeffrey Schlupp in the box. Leonardo Ulloa duly converted to deny Bilic's side a famous win, but after the game the manager, although frustrated, was keen to dwell on the positives of the visitors' performance. "To get a point at Leicester, you've got to be brave, you've got to have quality," he said. "It's great for us to bounce back after the defeat to Manchester United. "To play like we did and not stop at 1-1 was brilliant. Of course we are pleased. On the other hand I don't remember when I felt so frustrated as I think we fully deserved three points."
The Foxes had to play the last 30 minutes with ten men after goalscorer Jamie Vardy was sent off for a second booking. His early departure and the half-time arrival of Andy Carroll – who fired the Hammers level from their own spot-kick – revitalised Bilic's side as they laid siege to Leicester's penalty area. "On the one hand I am proud of my team as it is a very hard game. In the last six games when Leicester score, it is normally game over. "But before the sending-off we were putting them under pressure. We didn't lose our composure, we were playing our game. Apart from the goal, we coped pretty well with their counter attacks. "Especially after the sending-off we totally dominated the game. We came back with a controversial penalty but then we didn't stop. We showed character and quality and pushed the full-backs even more up. Aaron Cresswell scored his goal to put us 2-1 up from left winger position. "At that moment I thought we had done more than enough to win the game but then the moment came with that controversial penalty. "It was a great game of football with everything; with intensity, with penalties and red cards."
The West Ham manager was his usual animated self on the touchline and shared some lively exchanges with his opposite number, Claudio Ranieri. The pair seemed to be enjoying a light-hearted analysis of the game as it neared his conclusion, but Bilic was keeping the details of what was discussed to himself. "We spoke a few times about the game and a bit about the referee but that stays between us," he explained with a wry smile. The Croat will no doubt be hoping to be smiling again after Wednesday's game, when the Hammers host Watford at the Boleyn Ground.
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Carroll - We should have had three points
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was left disappointed after the Hammers conceded a last-gasp penalty equaliser to draw at Leicester City on Sunday. The West Ham United frontman had levelled the game in the second half, converting a spot-kick of his own after Jamie Vardy had given the Foxes the lead. Aaron Cresswell then completed the turnaround with a superb 86th minute strike before the league leaders were awarded a late lifeline after a coming together between Carroll and Jeffrey Schlupp. Leonardo Ulloa tucked away the 95th-minute sucker-punch that meant Slaven Bilic's side left the King Power Stadium with a share of the spoils. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, Carroll said: "It feels like a defeat. We were disappointed at half time and we came back second half and took the lead, but we haven't been able to hold it. "It was good to score again obviously but it's more disappointing that we didn't get the three points. "We worked hard and got the two goals, and it's nice when you're down to come and fire straight back, but on the day we've got to be able to hold it and not concede."
The big forward, who now has four goals in his last three matches, also felt the stoppage time decision that went against the Hammers was harsh. "It's a good point but we keep saying that," he lamented. "When we should have three, it's not really that good. "It was a tough game, but we played well. We had a chance early on and it didn't go in but we kept on working even when we were one down and we eventually got the two goals that we deserved. "We're footballers and when the games come thick and fast, we enjoy it and we're looking forward to Wednesday [against Watford]."
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Dylan's legacy lives on
WHUFC.com
Dylan Tombides passed away on this day two years ago, but his legacy lives on in the shape of the DT38 Foundation...
DT38 Foundation was founded to raise awareness of testicular cancer, following the passing of promising young West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides at the age of just 20 on this day in 2014. The impact made by 'Dyl', as he was known by all, will never been forgotten. And the mission of the DT38 Foundation in tackling the stigma surrounding male health issues will lead to more men getting checked for cancer as a routine, not as an emergency. Dylan's eye for goal and natural flair led to comparisons with Harry Kewell in his native Australia and underlined a talent that saw him shoot his way through the Academy of Football. Off the pitch, he was an 'inspiration for life', 'one of the funniest guys I've ever met' and a 'special, special lad' by his Hammers teammates. But it was in 2011, while representing Australia in the U17 World Cup in Mexico, that Dylan was diagnosed with testicular cancer. With a determination and bravery that astounded everyone around him, he continued to train harder than ever while battling the disease. In 2012, against all the odds and after months of grueling chemotherapy, Dylan made his first-team debut for the Hammers in a Carling Cup tie against Wigan Athletic – what should have been the start of a glittering career.
On April 18, 2014, cancer took Dylan's life, but it can never take his legacy. As tribute to a young man who gave his all to the club right to the end, West Ham United has retired the number 38 shirt and afforded Dylan a place alongside Hammers legends at Champions Place after being nominated by fans. The DT38 Foundation was launched by the Tombides family in 2015 to raise awareness of the risks of testicular cancer.
At the heart of the cause lay three key messages.
Drive the self-awareness campaign for the early detection of testicular cancer.
Focus on youth education through various teaching programmes aligned to national curriculum.
Provide opportunities linked to fun and accessible activities within the community.
Tracy Tombides, Dylan's mother, firmly believes her son's outcome could have been different if he had been diagnosed earlier. "Our mission is to raise awareness and change the stigma associated with men's health issues with a focus on testicular cancer," she revealed. DT38 Foundation has set fundraising targets which will be used to recruit a full-time administrator, purchase a medical van equipped with an ultrasound unit for cancer screening and publish 'Didge's Kingdom' an educational book for schools to raise awareness of testicular cancer and share Dylan's inspiring story. She added: "We aim to do this achieve our goals through awareness campaigns, educational programmes and opportunities for the youth of our community, to help shape a generation of young adults who are self-aware about their health and wellbeing. "If we had known about testicular cancer and what we needed to do to catch it early, we would have insisted on an ultra sound when we went to the GP. It breaks our heart to think that this could have been prevented. "Dylan was robbed of a future that he dreamed of as a young boy. It robbed Taylor of a brother and it robbed my husband and I of watching our beautiful son grow and fulfil his dreams. "Please do not let this happen to your son, brother, friend or father. If you have a concern with your testicles please see a doctor straight away and insist on an ultrasound – it may just save your life."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United loanees Elliot Lee and Leo Chambers went up against fellow Hammer Martin Samuelsen in League One this weekend as Colchester United took on Peterborough United.
Striker Lee played all 90 minutes and hit the woodwork in the second half but could not help the Us to a result, as the visitors were comfortable 4-1 winners.
Norwegian youth international Samuelsen was an used substitute for the Posh, whose four goals were scored by Jon Taylor, Andrew Fox, Shaquile Coulhirst and Marcus Maddison.
Defender Chambers was also left on the bench, and his teammate George Moncur - son of Hammers legend John - notched United's goal.
Elsewhere in League One, Bradford City were held 1-1 at Shrewsbury Town while West Ham pair Reece Burke and Josh Cullen played the full game.
The Bantams thought they'd grabbed the win when Jamie Proctor headed home 19 minutes from time, but a late Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro goal saw the game end all square.
Finally, full-back Sam Westley did not come off the bench for VVV Venlo of Friday as beat Fortuna Sittard 4-1.
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Phillips - We deserved at least a draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18's coach Mark Phillips felt his side deserved at least a point after they secured a third Barclays Premier League Group One draw against Reading at Rush Green on Saturday.
Debutant Nathan Trott dropped a Teddy Howe cross after 20 minutes allowing Royals striker Sam Smith to tap into an empty net, before Anthony Scully levelled the tie on the hour mark after good work by winger Joe Powell. Phillips believes his side could have had a better outcome and was expecting the Academy side to push on and win the game late in the second half. "I think we dominated the second half and no disrespect to Reading but I felt like we were the only team trying to play the game in the right way. I think the least we deserved out of the game was a draw. "We got the ball down and passed it round well, although we didn't actually create too many opportunities on goal. "We created a fantastic move during the second half from our right back position which ended with a little step over and then Kempy [Danny Kemp] had a shot on target which was saved by the keeper - so I really do feel like we played some good football at times."
Phillips named another young team as more players are called up for U21 duty and the Hammers coach was delighted with the way the players dealt with the challenge. He added: "The younger players have had to come in and feature because most of our players from the start of the season have gone up to play for the U21s and you could even see six or seven of them feature for that team in the final. "That's what it's all about. It's about the U18s pushing up to the U21s, who should then be pushing up to making substitute appearances for the first team and also the U16s coming in to fill the gaps in the U18s. "It was Connor Coventry's first U18 start for example and he played for 90 minutes and controlled the game very well - I was very impressed. "The same with Nathan Trott. I was pleased with his attitude, but I think even he knows that he was at fault for Reading's goal. Saying that, Nathan is a fantastic goalkeeper and he showed about ten minutes after the dropped catch how strong his mind and character is by making an outstanding one on one save to stop Reading going two ahead. "That really shows that he is going to be a fantastic goalkeeper for West Ham because when you make a mistake, it's hard to keep your mind in the game but Nathan did very well with that."
With three games left to play in Group One, Phillips was delighted to qualify for the elite group and believes the young Hammers have competed well with older and stronger players. "I am pleased with the way the Play-Off stage is going. I was very keen for us to qualify because it's nice to be able to test our younger players against the best opposition in the country and in all honesty, we've played well and competed so I'm very happy with that."
Up next for the Academy is the rearranged home fixture against Liverpool, which is scheduled for Saturday 23 April at Little Heath.
U18: Trott, Carter, Eggleton, Akinola, Neufville, Sylvestre (c), Scully (Longelo), Coventry, Powell, Kanu, Kemp. Subs not used: T Brown, Johnson, Hannam
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Sakho returns for Watford clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is back in contention for Wednesday night's Premier League clash with Watford. The Senegalese striker has missed West Ham United's last three outings against Arsenal, Manchester United and Leicester City but is available for selection when the Hammers meet the Hornets at the Boleyn in 48 hours' time. The 26-year-old forward has been out of action with what was described by Head of Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke as "a minor right knee injury", said to have been sustained during training 24 hours before the 3-3 draw with Arsenal last weekend. Meanwhile rumours of a bust-up with manager Slaven Bilic have been dismissed by the club who insist that the injury was genuine and not simply created to cover up an ongoing issue with Sakho, who has netted six times for West Ham so far this season.
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Monday musings: How many more times?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Jamie Vardy became the 18th player this season to be sent off in a fixture involving West Ham as title-chasing Leicester held United to a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium. And once again the main post-match talking point this weekend was the referee's performance, rather than any piece of individual skill or flash of brilliance created by one of the 22 players on show.
This week it was Jon Moss' turn to be at the centre of the controversy as he saw fit to dismiss England striker Vardy for diving (a second bookable offence), award a penalty to West Ham after Wes Morgan pushed Winston Reid at a corner and then make amends in the final minute of extra time by awarding the Foxes possibly the weakest penalty you'll ever see.
Moss, whose last game involving West Ham resulted in him erroneously dismissing Cheik Kouyate at Blackburn in the FA Cup (a decision later overturned upon appeal) enjoyed the unusual distinction of being booed off by BOTH sets of supporters following Sunday's clash at the King Power Stadium.
But the sad fact is that these incidents will continue to occur until such time as the Premier League finally see fit to introduce video technology in all areas, as the professional game - especially in the top flight where the stakes are that much higher - is rife with cheats who seek to exploit every possible avenue in order to gain their team an advantage.
Back to the match itself for a moment, where West Ham gave another excellent account of themselves despite falling behind early against a side destined to be crowned league champions this season.
Vardy's first half goal looked like being enough to earn the Foxes yet another 1-0 win until Andy Carroll slotted home from the penalty spot with full time approaching following Morgan's foul on Reid. That in itself was something of a collector's item, being as it was West Ham's first Premier League penalty away from home in some FIVE years!
When Aaron Cresswell volleyed West Ham ahead with just four minutes of normal time remaining it looked as if the Irons had done enough to secure all three points; that was until Moss' crucial intervention, as he awarded the hosts a spot kick deep into added-on time to even things up from which Leonardo Ulloa profited.
The 2-2 draw - West Ham's seventh of an exhilarating season - should be considered a good point but it does the Hammers few favours in their quest for European football next season. The Champions League is all but gone now, whilst Liverpool's game in hand gives them the edge now in the race for sixth place.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Hammers watching Bastia youngster?
April 18, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Representatives of Premier League pair West Ham United and Crystal Palace were deployed to France on Saturday, according to a report in L'Equipe. The French publication claims that Hammers and Eagles scouts were present in Bastia's 1-0 defeat to Saint Etienne, with Francois Kamano the focus of their attentions. The 19-year-old winger, who can play on either flank and up front, has scored two goals in 20 appearances for Bastia this season but will leave the club this summer, according to the report. However, L'Equipe says West Ham and Palace could face competition for Kamano, with Lille keen for 'many months'. Kamano moved to Bastia from Guinean side Satellite FC two summers ago, signing a three-year deal in Corsica. But with his contract expiring in 14 months' time, the seven-cap Guinea international could be available for a cut price at the end of the campaign. West Ham have taken Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet direct from French football in recent seasons, with Palace doing likewise with Pape Souare and Yohan Cabaye. Acquiring a work permit for Kamano could prove difficult however.
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A Referee Analysis: Jon Moss
April 17, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sam Royden-Ryell
After a disappointing end to our FA Cup run this season, losing against Manchester United, we travel to the league leaders, Leicester, in a season which has thrown up a ridiculous amount of surprises. The referee appointed for this fixture was Jon Moss who previously officiated our FA Cup game against Blackburn, where he incorrectly sent off Cheikhou Kouyaté, which was one of the six red cards which have been overturned this season.
The difference between the best referees who have officiated in the Premier League, like the likes of Howard Webb, Mark Clattenburg etc. see the fouls we, as fans and lower level referees, don't see. Jon Moss isn't in that calibre of referees. As a referee myself, I am not perfect when I officiate. I do miss some decisions but that's human error and over time with experience you reduce your human error. Moss throughout this season, and not just in West Ham games, has missed fouls on multiple occasions and it's not good enough as a professional referee. Today wasn't any different.
In the first half, Moss didn't cement his authority on the game and he allowed obvious fouls that he should of saw and called out. Throughout the first half, the Leicester centre halves were all over Emmanuel Emenike making clear fouls on the West Ham striker. Moss also failed to see the forearm/elbow block on Winston Reid by Leicester player Robert Huth. Huth clearly intentionally blocked the Kiwi international from attacking a Dimitri Payet free kick - Huth was extremely lucky that Moss didn't see it.
There were a flurry of cautions in the first half with the first going to Leicester striker Jamie Vardy for a lunge on Kouyaté which you cannot deny was a caution. Winston Reid joined Vardy in Moss' notebook with a challenge on Shinji Okazaki. Mark Noble and Dimarti Payet both joined Vardy and Reid after getting a yellow card for lunging late on Danny Drinkwater and Jamie Vardy respectfully, both challenges weren't really necessary.
After a half with missed decisions, the second half didn't get much better for Moss. Moss finally spoke to both of the Leicester central defenders at a West Ham corner for persistently holding and blocking the West Ham players. Of course, this doesn't stop the players from continuing to do this and this happens throughout the Premier League - until someone is punished for the offence which I will come onto later. One of the biggest decisions Moss made in the game was to give Jamie Vardy a second yellow card which sent the Leicester striker off. Vardy and Ogbonna were chasing the ball into the West Ham penalty box. Jamie Vardy flung his legs to make contact with Ogbonna's legs to try and deceive Moss into thinking there was a challenge by the West Ham defender. Moss rightly showed Vardy a caution for unsporting behaviour and that was his second of the game and he was given his marching orders.
Moss, who was starting to struggle with the intensity of the game, had to make a decision whether Winston Reid deserved a second bookable offence for a blocking off Ulloa. Moss didn't take any action on this foul and the Leicester fans were starting to get on Moss' back. After speaking to Morgan and Huth about their actions during set pieces earlier in the half, Moss clearly had enough with their pushing and blocking and awarded West Ham a penalty for a push from Wes Morgan on Winston Reid. This type of foul has been overlooked throughout the season and it should have been sorted a long time ago to prevent a scenario where we're overlooking an obvious foul to prevent someone getting to the ball.
During the game which was full of inconsistencies, Moss buckled under the pressure with a series of contentious decisions in the later stages of the game. The first incident to point out was where Robert Huth attacked the ball in the West Ham penalty box with the West Ham defenders all over Huth. Technically, if Moss was going to be consistent with the Morgan push on Reid, he should have to give something to Leicester. After that incident with Huth and the West Ham defenders, the Leicester fans were calling for everything and Moss was feeling the pressure. This was optimised by awarding Leicester a penalty 20 seconds before the end of the game. Andy Carroll was tracking back to help the defence when he went shoulder to shoulder with Jeff Schlupp sending the Leicester man flying. I feel this is a very soft penalty given against Carroll, but what I would say is that at this stage of the game, you should never give the opportunity to a referee to make a decision and Carroll unfortunately did exactly that.
Overall, I felt Moss was incredibly poor and I think both teams would agree with that. Moss was inconsistent throughout and I will always look at why the referee has made a decision and his reasoning behind the decision. On this occasion, Moss was so inconsistent throughout the game and that is not just with the fouls or the lack of protection for the attackers but with the penalty decisions too. When Moss reflects on his performance, he will be disappointed and it is simply not good enough and not up to standard for such a high stake game in the Premier League. Throughout this season, there has been a huge amount of inconsistencies and decisions which are unacceptable for the professional status of the referees. As a referee, even if you've made a error and given a foul, you should never try and even a decision by making another which is incorrect.
A note on West Ham; a third draw in a row and against a team down to 10 men and coming back from 1-nil down, we needed to be a lot better. Carroll shouldn't have given Moss the opportunity to give a penalty which was his error. He should never come steaming in to make a challenge 30 seconds before the end of the game when you're winning 2-1 and seeing the game out. We must win our next 3 games to have any chance of European football and this starts with keeping our unbeaten Premier League run on Wednesday against Watford.
Thanks,
Sam
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Alan Shearer and Ian Wright on referee Jon Moss in Leicester draw
By Chris Bevan
BBC Sport
8 hours ago From the section Football
One red card, two penalties, a thrilling comeback - and a heap of controversy. Referee Jon Moss has been criticised for the decisions that shaped the outcome of Leicester's dramatic 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday, but did he get anything right? Match of the Day 2 pundits Alan Shearer and Ian Wright take a look at how Moss handled the incidents that mattered, and what the result means for the Foxes' title bid. "The game became too much of a pressurised situation for him. He could not handle the pressure and I think that clouded his decisions," said Shearer. "The inconsistencies were mind-boggling." "I would give Moss a mark of three out of 10, and I think I am being quite generous," added Wright.
56 min: Jamie Vardy sent off for diving
With Leicester leading 1-0, Foxes goalscorer Jamie Vardy - who had earlier been shown the first yellow card of the day for a foul on Cheikhou Kouyate - went to ground after tangling with Hammers' defender Angelo Ogbonna inside the area. Referee Moss said no penalty, and showed Vardy a second yellow card for diving.
There was definitely contact between Ogbonna and Vardy inside the box, but did the Leicester striker engineer it, and exaggerate his fall?
Shearer: "This was the decision that changed the whole dynamic of the game. It had looked like we were heading for another 1-0 Leicester win - suddenly they were down to 10 men and there was a very different atmosphere. "I did not think the tackle that got Vardy his first booking was worthy of a yellow card at all, but this one was definitely a dive. "As much as you can criticise the referee for what happens later, Vardy has to take some criticism because it is blatant. "There was no need for him to dive, because he has got the wrong side of the defender anyway. He was expecting contact, contact didn't come and there was even a little pirouette in there just as he was going over."
Vardy reacted angrily after being sent off by referee Jon Moss - he is suspended for next weekend's home game against Swansea and will miss his first Premier League game of the season
Wright: "Vardy hardly touched Kouyate - that one was a very, very harsh booking. The referee could easily have had a word with him for that. "For his second yellow card, it looks like a dive to me because of the way he goes into Ogbonna and then gets his legs all tangled up. That is why he got sent off."
84 min: West Ham penalty for foul on Winston Reid
Referee Moss warns the Leicester defenders for pushing and pulling opponents inside their own penalty area - then points to the spot moments later when Winston Reid falls to the floor after being held by Leicester captain Wes Morgan from a corner. Hammers striker Andy Carroll steps up to make it 1-1.
West Ham penalty
Reid, who is on the ground wearing the number two shirt, was adjudged to have been fouled by Morgan, who is partially obscured, to the left of Danny Simpson (no. 17)
Wright: "Reid had the march on Morgan, who had to try and catch him up. It is soft, but he had grabbed him. "If the referee tells the teams in the dressing room before the game that he will not stand for any holding inside the box, then he should not have to tell the players again during the game. "He has warned them, so he can give a penalty when it happens."
Shearer: "He warned Huth and Morgan just after half-time but here is no need to give a warning. If it is a penalty, give a penalty. You don't get a warning for a foul outside the box, do you? "I am staggered that the referee chose the 34th game of the season for Leicester to make this point about pulling and shoving in the box. "Why not make the point at the beginning of the season, and go into all the dressing rooms and say 'we are going to try to stamp this out completely so don't complain and moan when we give penalties for holding'. "Do it then, not in the 34th game. This is something that has gone on not only all game, it has gone on all season and it will continue to go on until all referees make the same point. "Moss actually gives this penalty for the softest offence. There were far worse incidents in the game than this one. "Reid goes down far easier than he should do - he dives as well. Morgan pulls him a little bit, but he actually falls forward so it is not as though he is pulling him back. "I don't think that was enough for a penalty - if it was, then there should have been four penalties in the game, at least. Technically, this one is a foul but, if he gives it, he has to give the others too."
89 min: Ogbonna grabs Huth around the neck - nothing given
With Leicester now trailing 2-1 to Aaron Cresswell's superb strike, they throw men forward to try to force an equaliser. Ogbonna grapples with Foxes centre-back Huth as he tries to get on the end of a long throw but Moss allows play to continue. Ogbonna is obscured by Robert Huth but his arm is clearly visible around the Leicester defender as he tries to get on the end of a ball into the box
Shearer: "This is bizarre. It was five minutes after Moss had given a penalty to West Ham for Morgan holding in the box, so he should be looking out for things like this. "It shows why lack of consistency from referees is part of the problem."
Huth and Ogbonna
Huth was unable to get off the ground and Leicester appealed for a penalty, but Moss waved away their appeals.
Wright: "West Ham know Huth is a danger in the air in the opposition area. Ogbonna has got his hand around his neck so he cannot jump and that is impeding him. "I cannot see the difference between this one and the West Ham penalty that was given. I have got no problem with that one, as long as this is given too."
94 min: Leicester penalty for foul on Jeffrey Schlupp
In the final minute of stoppage time, Leicester substitute Jeffrey Schlupp picks up the ball and runs down the left-hand side of the West Ham area. Hammers striker Andy Carroll blocks him off, Schlupp goes down, Moss points to the spot. After the game, Carroll was adamant he had not fouled Schlupp, saying: "He was going down before I got to him - 100% he took a touch, the referee has looked to even it out"
Wright: "The most you can point your finger at Carroll for is to say he was running back in there recklessly and he made contact. He should have shepherded him away from goal, but a penalty? Really? "If I had been playing for West Ham in that game, I would have felt that the referee had tried to even things up, even if he did miss the foul on Huth. It was very soft."
Shearer: "It was never a penalty in a million years. "I think the referee realised he has messed up in not awarding a penalty for the foul on Huth, which is why he has given this one, with the last kick of the game."
Where does all this leave Leicester?
Leonardo Ulloa stepped up to convert the spot-kick and rescue a draw for his side. It means Claudio Ranieri's side are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with four games to go and they need eight more points to secure the title. Second-placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand, play Stoke on Monday night. Ulloa has not started a league game since 2 January and 28 of his 33 league appearances this season have come as a substitute but this was not his first vital goal - he also scored the winner against Norwich in February
Shearer: "It was a tremendous point for Leicester at the end. "Their right-back Danny Simpson came out afterwards and talked about how that showed they would fight to the death.
"It was a bit like when I won the title with Blackburn in 1995 and our goalkeeper Tim Flowers came out after we had battled to beat Newcastle 1-0 right at the end of the season and said 'we have got bottle'. "Nobody remembers we were hopeless in that game, and that we were were lucky to win it, people just remember we won 1-0. "It is exactly the same with Leicester here - they were nowhere near their best but picking up points in games like this to get across the line is all that matters, not the way they do it."
Shearer: "The impressive thing about Leicester against West Ham was their team spirit, and how they did not give up. "They were up against it, a man down, 2-1 down and under the cosh with a couple of minutes left. Some people might have thought this was the blip they have been waiting for, but then Leicester came up with another answer, which is what they have done for the vast majority of the season. "You have got to admire how they have kept on going and fought back for what could be a very valuable point in the title race."
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West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan suffers abuse at Leicester
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 18/04/16 12:21pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and his family were forced to leave their seats before the end of Sunday's 2-2 draw at Leicester after suffering verbal abuse from the home support.
Sky Sports News HQ understands the abuse from a certain section of the Leicester support started when Aaron Cresswell scored in the 86th minute to put West Ham 2-1 in front. After the atmosphere became hostile and threatening, Sullivan, his partner and two sons were forced to leave their seats and watch the remainder of the match from inside the King Power Stadium.
Sullivan and his family, who were unable to applaud West Ham off the pitch at the end of the game, needed to be escorted to their cars by security following the final whistle.
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Ten years on: Lyall remembered
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
It's ten years to the day since former West Ham United manager John Lyall passed away. Lyall, who managed West Ham from 1974 and 1989 died on 18 April 2006 following a heart attack - just five days before West Ham faces Middlesbrough in an FA Cup semi final at Villa Park. The game was preceded by a minute's silence for Lyall - which was interrupted by one brave fan whose solo chant of 'Johnny Lyall's claret and blue army' was ringing round the stadium within seconds.
Ilford-born Lyall, who began his career as a player at West Ham saw his career cut short by injury, prompting him to go into management. In 1974 he suceeded Ron Greenwood, his mentor, as Hammers boss and went on to lead the Hammers to two FA Cup wins, a European Cup Winners Cup Final and a League Cup Final - not to mention West Hm's highest league finish, 3rd place in the 1985/86 season.
* Today is also the anniversary of the death of Academy star Dylan Tombides, who lost his lengthy battle with cancer two years ago.
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Foxes fiddle Tunnel cam fracas
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Leicester City have removed a 'Tunnel Cam' video that included an altercation between referee Jon Moss and an unnamed City official.
The video, which was published on YouTube shortly after the end of West Ham's 2-2 draw with the title-chasers showed Moss challenging a Foxes employee who had made derogatory comments towards him as he made his way back to the changing rooms.
However the video was quickly removed once the argument between the two gentlemen became a talking point on forums and social media - and replaced by a new video minus the controversial confrontation.
According to sources who viewed the original recording before its removal, Moss approached the official asking: "Did you say something to me? Did you say something to me?"
However the official's reply was muted out by Leiceter's production team - indicating that they were aware of the content and happy to allow it to be published before changing.
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Jon Moss blasted for "worst refereeing performance of the season" by former ref's chief Keith Hackett
13:17, 18 APR 2016 UPDATED 18:57, 18 APR 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
The 45-year-old Premier League official has come under fire following his display in Leicester's draw with West Ham on Sunday
The Mirror
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has claimed Jon Moss produced the "worst refereeing performance of the season." Premier League official Moss sent off Jamie Vardy and gave two controversial penalties as he played a major part in Leicester's draw with West Ham. Ex-referees' chief Hackett said Moss lost control, was "totally inconsistent" and claimed the title showdown was "too big for him." Hackett told you-are-the-ref.com: "Jamie Vardy and his sending off- his first yellow card, for me, was not an offence. "Later, Moss was in a poor position to issue a second yellow for Vardy's alleged act of simulation." Jeff Schlupp went down under the challenge of Andy Carroll in injury-time and Moss pointed to the spot - but Hackett believes that was also an incorrect decision. "In added time, with West Ham leading 2-1, Moss awarded a penalty kick to Leicester which was completely incorrect – no offence had taken place," Hackett said. "Frankly this was too big a game for him – he failed to remain calm and in control. Tempo management was missing. He needed to put his foot on the ball. "Moss was totally inconsistent with his decision making, highlighted by the large number of grappling offences that went unpunished. "Crucially, we are seeing the product of weak refereeing throughout the season when it comes to grappling. The fact that referees are not penalising it in a consistent manner has made this a cancer in the game.
"The worst refereeing performance I have witnessed all season."
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Ref Watch: Dermot Gallagher says late Leicester penalty was incorrectly awarded
By Stephen Mills
Last Updated: 18/04/16 11:24am
SSN
Referee Jon Moss was at the heart of several controversial moments in Leicester's thrilling 2-2 draw with West Ham on Super Sunday. And former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher joined us on Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning to review the incidents in his regular Ref Watch feature.
Should Jamie Vardy have been sent off? Should he receive an extended ban? And what about those late penalty shouts? Read on for the expert verdict...
INCIDENT: Jamie Vardy receives a yellow card in the 28th minute for a lunge on Cheikhou Kouyate, despite not appearing to make contact with the West Ham player.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: The ref has penalised him for persistent misconduct.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "In isolation, it's not a yellow card, but what's happened is he has spoken to him just before. Vardy had committed two fouls just prior and if you watch the tape, the referee goes to Vardy privately and says to him 'I'm going to have to book you if you continue'. For the next tackle, he takes action against him. "The mistake the referee has made is that he has spoken to him in private, but if you're looking to yellow card a player for persistent misconduct on the next tackle, he really needs to make it public to everybody so the whole 30,000 crowd knew. His problem was he didn't. If you look at the tackle in isolation, you'd say it's not a yellow card, but in the bigger scheme of things, it is. The referee's mistake was that he didn't sell it to everybody. Vardy didn't touch him with the challenge, but caught him with the follow-through and at that point, he has decided to yellow card him."
INCIDENT: Vardy receives a second yellow card for simulation and is sent off, after tumbling in the penalty area under a challenge from Angelo Ogbonna.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Correct decision.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It's definitely a dive for me. The law says 'acting to try and deceive the referee' and there's no doubt in my mind he's trying to win a penalty there. I don't think he is fouled. He initiates the contact and goes into the player, then bounces off him. Somebody said to me he had been given a pull, but if you're pulled back, you don't go flying through the air. I think that sold it to the referee. "The referee has to make a choice: has he tried to deceive me to win a penalty? We look back now and it's not really about that decision. It's about the first yellow card, because that has impacted so heavily on the second one."
INCIDENT: Vardy reacts angrily to his red card, but could he face an extended ban for pointing his finger and shouting at the referee?
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: It depends what was said.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It depends on what Jamie has said to the referee and if it was offensive, insulting or abusive. As such, he could be facing down the barrel of a further charge. It happened quickly and he was angry, but we don't know what was said. Only Jon Moss knows that, and that's what will follow through. Is it offensive? Is it insulting? Is it abusive? It all hinges on that."
INCIDENT: West Ham are awarded a penalty in the 84th minute when Wes Morgan is penalised for holding onto Winston Reid.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Correct decision.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "I think he has got to give it and the reason is because he has made such a big point just beforehand with both Morgan and Huth, saying 'I'm watching you'. "It's quite perverse to be sat here today. One of the things we've talked about over and over again is everybody wanting referees to be more proactive and to give more penalties - but when suddenly a referee gives a penalty, we don't like it. It's a double jeopardy."
INCIDENT: In the 90th minute, Robert Huth goes down in the penalty area after being held by Ogbonna. It looks similar to West Ham's penalty, but the referee doesn't award a spot kick.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Correct decision
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It's what he sees. I think he sees Huth foul as well. When the ball comes in, Ulloa had his arm on somebody and there's so much going on in the game, it was unbelievable. Both penalty areas were littered with people pushing and shoving and I think there comes a point where the referee has got to step in. When he stepped in, he pulled out Huth and Morgan and said 'I have got to do you for the next one'. "I can 100% see the frustration of the fans, but I can also understand why it's so difficult for the referee because he's got to pick the right one."
INCIDENT: Five minutes into injury time, Jeff Schlupp goes down under slight contact from Andy Carroll and this time, Jon Moss does point to the spot to give Leicester the chance to snatch a late draw.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Wrong decision.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It's not a penalty. One thing I am is consistent. I sat here last week and watched Damien Delaney go into Matt Jarvis and I said it wasn't a penalty - and this one is nowhere near. Carroll has been strong, his arm is by his side and Schlupp has seen him coming and knows there's going to be contact. It's what I'd call 'a coming-together' and the minute he has touched him, he has gone down."
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Fry advises Daves on Samuelsen's future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Martin Samuelsen has had his future settled for next season and it's Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry who has decided what's best for him.
Barry was the guest of the two Davids at the Manchester United FA Cup replay when he spoke of the Norwegian teenager's next step and said: "He needs a Championship loan.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "We had hoped it would be us up there but it's not to be now and he is better than Peterborough United. so I told the Davids he should be found a club in the second tier.
"I spoke to Terry Westley today and told him the same thing and I think that's what is possibly going to happen. His future is not with us.
"I also explained that I think if they decide to take the course I have suggested they should only loan him out from August to January because I really think he will come back and be in serious contention for a Hammers first team place with that experience behind him."
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Two signings Bilic has got wrong
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic's decision to bring in first Nikita Jelavic followed by Emmanuele Emineke have not covered the manager in glory. And the decision to start thrashing the ball to the far post when Andy Carroll appeared for the second period against Leicester was not appreciated by ClaretandHugh's chief analyst Leroy Rosenior. The former striker is an unashamed fan of the manager but was very surprised about the arrival of Jelavic and has addressed some harsh words at the Fenerbahce loan striker. Speaking to us following the match against Leicester City he said: "Jelavic was never the man for me. He wasn't a line leader, he didn't link player and was really nothing more than a poacher without a lot of control. "Slav has had a brilliant start to his managerial career at Upton Park but I think he might agree in retrospect he got those two wrong .
"Having seen him leave I was hoping we'd get a really good forward in on loan but I'm afraid that hasn't proved to be the case. "I don't quite get why Emenike keeps getting on because he's been off the pace and nothing like competitive enough for Premier League football. "Enner Valencia has not looked the part either at all suddenly our options up front are looking thin. We are a very good team when we start to play but when Andy Carroll came on they started smashing it to the far post as we did in the old days. "It wasn't until Michail Antonio started that run and crossed for Cresswell tht we looked like the team we all now we are and that's how they need to continue. "The team has looked jaded and tired over the last couple of games and, yes, it's been a very long campaign so that's understandable to an extent. But we have to improve on what we have up front and I can see why the management is making the position a priority this summer."
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Carroll could get fined over social media gaff
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
In addition to facing a possible disciplinary hearing by the FA for comments he made in an interview about referee Jon Moss, Andy Carroll could face a heavy fine for breaching strict social media rules. The West Ham striker retweeted a message by former Manchester United stopper Peter Schmeichel on twitter saying "Is that ref on drugs". Although he didn't pen the message, his retweet will be seen as an endorsement of the message to his 308,000 followers could well be seen as a breach of the FA's social media rules not to bring the game of football into disrepute.
Liverpool's Ryan Babel was once fined for the FA for reposting a photo of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt and the FA have since collected over £350,000 in fines including high-profile cases involving Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand who also received a 3 match ban in addition to a fine. Former Hammer, Carlton Cole was fined twice paying £60,000 to theFA for social media breaches. Following his second offence Cole said: "I was disappointed I got done. The amount of abuse you get on Twitter is sometimes unruly and you can't defend yourself as a footballer. Obviously I know I've got responsibility and I'm a role model and some of the language that gets spouted at you, you can't return it. You've got to be very aware of that and I did make a mistake. "You can't defend yourself. You're a sitting duck really and you need to try and be able to blank it out of your mind – but some of the stuff they say is too much. If you can't handle it you should stay off Twitter or else you're going to be getting fined a lot."
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Slav can't recall ever being so frustrated
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic's frustration at yesterday's result is beyond anything he can ever remember. He watched his team battle back from a losing position to come within five seconds of victory before being deprived of two valuable points by a penalty decision which the world fails to understand. And speaking to the official site he said: ""To get a point at Leicester, you've got to be brave, you've got to have quality. It's great for us to bounce back after the defeat to Manchester United. "To play like we did and not stop at 1-1 was brilliant. Of course we are pleased. On the other hand I don't remember when I felt so frustrated as I think we fully deserved three points." "On the one hand I am proud of my team as it is a very hard game. In the last six games when Leicester score, it is normally game over. "But before the sending-off we were putting them under pressure. We didn't lose our composure, we were playing our game. Apart from the goal, we coped pretty well with their counter attacks. "Especially after the sending-off we totally dominated the game. We came back with a controversial penalty but then we didn't stop. We showed character and quality and pushed the full-backs even more up. Aaron Cresswell scored his goal to put us 2-1 up from left winger position. "At that moment I thought we had done more than enough to win the game but then the moment came with that controversial penalty. "It was a great game of football with everything; with intensity, with penalties and red cards."
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Electronics giant looks set for OS naming rights
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Strong rumours this morning (Mon) say the Olympic Stadium could be renamed the Samsung stadium before West Ham move in later this year. The whisper is that the biggest electonics company around has won the naming rights race and will pay the stadium owners, E20 Stadium LLP £120m over 20 years with West Ham set to receive around £20m in stadium rent rebates as their share of the deal. The mobile phone giant based in South Korea has a global turnover of more than £215 billion and is just the kind of global Blue chip brand the owners have been searching for.
Samsung terminated it's £18m per year shirt sponsorship with London rivals Chelsea in 2014 so this deal if confirmed will come cheap at one of third of the price. The South Korean company have previously sponsored Diamond League athletics series at £3m per year, some meetings of which were held at the former Olympic stadium. Samsung are also a major sponsor of the summer Olympics in Rio later this year.
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Leroy: 'Bravery and stupidity in equal parts'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in Leroy's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
Absolutely no question about it – Jon Moss' decision to give Leicester City a last second penalty was a disgrace – embarrassing…and yes I genuinely feel he was trying to even things up for the one he gave to the Hammers. There are no excuses for that but hold on a minute prior to that thoroughly awful call, he had – in my opinion – got everything else right and showed a lot of bravery. To rightly send off Jamie Vardy for cheating – and he'd been at it all game – was brilliant and he got it spot on when awarding the Irons a pen after warning Wes Morgan and Robert Huth for their dreadful behaviour in the box. Incredibly brave decisions in front of a hostile crowd screaming and expecting the Title – I think the Hammers got decisions no other ref would have been brave enough to give…ridiculously he then ruined everything with the decision against AC.
Bravery and stupidity in equal parts
That was not even coming together. it was absolutely nothing and for me it was the action of a man who had bottled it. Really sad, wrong and as I say a case of evening things up even though he had got the earlier decision spot on. When players carry on as Morgan and Hth had been it's a pen every time for me. I don't want to see that in the game and Moss could have been a real hero …instead he made himself into a villain. Beyond that you have to ask what Enner Valenca was trying to achieve with that pass which led to the goal…that was shocking when he should have been putting his boot through it. Valencia hasn't done it and is one who is very much up for sale as far as I'm concerned. We have to find someone better. It led to the penalty that should never have been given and more points lost. Some might think a point to the leaders is a good point. It wasn't. It was two points lost and for that we have to point the finger at a man who got so much right but the real big decision so wrong.
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Jonathan Moss divides opinion among former referees in Leicester match
• Keith Hackett says draw against West Ham was 'too big' for official
• Howard Webb and Graham Poll largely supportive of embattled referee
Guardian sport
Monday 18 April 2016 12.41 BST Last modified on Monday 18 April 2016 12.42 BST
The performance of Jonathan Moss in Leicester City's draw with West Ham United has divided opinion with former referees split over his decision-making during the game. The former referees' head Keith Hackett was daming in his assessment, describing the game as "too big" for Moss and accusing him of going "from one chaotic decision to another". Moss sent off Jamie Vardy for two bookable offences after showing his a second yellow card for diving and then awarded West Ham a penalty when he decided Wes Morgan had fouled Winston Reid. Having failed to give Leicester a penalty for a similar offence committed by Angelo Ogbonna on Robert Huth, he then did award a penalty for a questionable amount of contact made by Andy Carroll on Jeffrey Schlupp, leading the West Ham striker to accuse him of "trying to even things up".
Leonardo Ulloa put away the 95th-minute spot kick to salvage a 2-2 draw for the home side and the referee was escorted from the pitch, though whether to protect him from angry fans or players was unclear.
Hackett told Talksport that he thought the referee's performance "was terrible". "I thought the game was too big for him," he said. "A referee in these big games has got to show composure. You got to have body language that is positive. "He started off his performance by cautioning Vardy and the first yellow card was where it all started to go wrong. It wasn't a caution. It then set the trail going for what was a disastrous afternoon from a refereeing point of view. He lost credibility in the eyes of both sets of players and both sets of fans."
Hackett added: "He doesn't understand tempo management. It is like the team manager saying to the players: 'look lads, slow it down a bit'. The referee can do that. He is in control, he orchestrates the tempo of the game. He didn't do that. He went from one chaotic decision to another one. He lost all credibility." Hackett also said he agreed with Carroll that Moss had tried to even things up. "The final penalty that he gave against Andy Carroll was a joke," he said. "It obviously led to Andy Carroll making that statement which will probably get him into trouble, but he has actually said what he thinks and most of us watching on TV and in the ground think the same. It was never a penalty."
Moss, however, found backing from the former officials Graham Poll and Howard Webb, who both broadly agreed with the referee's decision-making. "It was a tough afternoon but I don't think his decisions were as bad as some people have made out," Webb told The Times. Of the Vardy sending off, Webb said the contact in the area "was instigated by Vardy and Moss was 100% correct to give him a second yellow card" though he was less convinced by the awarding of a penalty against Morgan: "Robert Huth had fouled Winston Reid in similar fashion just before Leicester opened the scoring and Ogbonna had Huth round the neck in the closing moments of the match. Neither of those was given. So would I have given the penalty against Morgan? No. There wasn't significant enough contact and it increased hostility levels." He felt the penalty given against Carroll was "soft", suggesting: "Maybe the crowd's pressure had an effect."
Poll, meanwhile, thought a penalty should have been awarded against Huth for the foul on Reid but sympathised with Moss who endured "a really tough afternoon". The referee was right to issue a first yellow for Vardy's foul on Chiekhou Kouyaté and he was "100% correct" to send the striker off, Poll told the Daily Mail. The penalty given against Morgan was correct though he felt Leicester should have also have had one awarded for Ogbonna's foul on Huth. In contrast with Hackett and Webb, Poll thought the penalty awarded against Carroll was the right call. "Carroll ran across the penalty area and knocked Schlupp over with no intention of playing the ball; contact occurring just inside the penalty area," he said.
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Recent Hodgson comments will only anger Carroll even more
Date: 18th April 2016 at 11:29 am
Written by: Matt Bourne
foreverwestham.com
England manager Roy Hodgson has spoken about Andy Carroll's England chances and it certainly won't please West Ham fans. Hammers front man Carroll has been in good form lately, scoring a hat-trick against Arsenal before dispatching an excellent penalty against Leicester City in the Hammers' 2-2 draw against the league leaders yesterday. When the England manager was questioned about including Carroll in the England squad, his response didn't exactly inspire confidence: "I'm certainly not going to pick him on the basis that he scored a hat-trick so therefore has to be in the England team." "We know Andy, we know his qualities," "In an ideal world, if you had a lot of places at your disposal, you'd always include a guy like him because he is exceptional in the air – but whether or not I'd be able to include him with all these others, I don't know."
It looks as if Carroll may have to keep his fine form up for the rest of the season if he is to catch the attention of the Geordie forward. What will frustrate Hammers fans is the fact that Andy Carroll certainly offers something different up front for England. His commanding presence in the air caused Leicester problems yesterday, summing up the effect he can have on teams when he is in good form. Another player that must be grabbing the attention of the England manager is Aaron Cresswell, who scored a fantastic goal at the King Power stadium in front of a watching Roy Hodgson. Whether he is considered for the Euros remains to be seen as Hodgson's recent comments regarding Carroll seem to follow a familiar pattern when the England manager comments on West Ham players.
Will any West Ham player feature for England this summer?
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'The game was too big for him' - Former referees' chief slams performance of Jon Moss in Leicester's draw with West Ham
talkSport
By Alex Varney - @lexvarney
Monday, April 18, 2016
Former referees' chief Keith Hackett has delivered a damning assessment of Jon Moss' performance in Leicester's 2-2 draw with West Ham. Moss, the man in the middle for Sunday's Premier League clash, made a host of controversial calls. He angered the home side by sending off Jamie Vardy for two bookable offences and awarding a penalty against them when he adjudged Wes Morgan to have fouled Winston Reid. He then left West Ham infuriated with the decision to give Leicester a last gasp spot-kick after Andy Carroll made the slightest of contact with Jeffrey Schlupp. Moss was duly booed off by both sets of supporters and Hackett, a former top-flight official and one-time head of the Professional Game Match Officials board, claims he fell well below the standards expected of him. Asked what he made of the referee's display at the King Power Stadium, Hackett told talkSPORT: "It was terrible. "I thought the game was too big for him. A referee in these big games has got to show composure. You got to have body language that is positive. "He started off his performance by cautioning Vardy and the first yellow card was where it all started to go wrong. It wasn't a caution. It then set the trail going for what was a disastrous afternoon from a refereeing point of view. "He lost credibility in the eyes of both sets of players and both sets of fans. "He doesn't understand tempo management. It is like the team manager saying to the players: 'look lads, slow it down a bit'. The referee can do that. He is in control, he orchestrates the tempo of the game. He didn't do that. "He went from one chaotic decision to another one. He lost all credibility."
Carroll accused Moss of trying to 'even things up' by awarding Leicester their stoppage-time penalty, which the leaders converted to claim a crucial point. The West Ham striker is likely to face a Football Association rap for his criticism, but Hackett says he has every right to feel aggrieved. "The final penalty that he gave against Andy Carroll was a joke," he said.
"It obviously led to Andy Carroll making that statement which will probably get him into trouble, but he has actually said what he thinks and most of us watching on TV and in the ground think the same. It was never a penalty."
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Hammers looking to take advantage of Watford situation ahead of Boleyn clash
Date: 18th April 2016 at 10:49 am
Written by: Matt Bourne forverwestham.com
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is expected to make a lot of changes ahead of their trip to the Boleyn Ground in order to give them an opportunity to impress ahead of the FA Cup semi-final. The Hornets grabbed all three points against West Bromwich Albion after Heurelho Gomes denied Saido Berahino twice from the penalty spot. Watford's Ben Watson scored the only goal of the game as Sanchez fielded a strong side at the Hawthorns.
Sanchez spoke to the media ahead of the upcoming games against West Brom and West Ham: "It's very difficult to play against West Ham but trying again to come back to our best feelings, trying to defend well, and to change a lot of players because I promised yesterday before training, I said to the players I think practically all of them are going to play in these two matches. The Hammers will feel that the game against Watford is a must-win in their pursuit for European football. With Sanchez preparing for an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace, Slaven Bilic will be hoping that his team can turn it on against a preoccupied Watford team. West Ham are now seven points off Arsenal in fourth place but the race for fifth is very much on with three points separating Manchester United and the Hammers. Three of West Ham's final five league games are at home and the Boleyn Ground will host a huge send-off encounter against Manchester United. The Hammers are without a league win in four matches but you get the sense that the team are due a victory after a run of bad luck in recent weeks.
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Dimitri Payet reveals why he turned down offers and moved to West Ham
Date: 18th April 2016 at 5:30 am
Written by: Gareth McKnight
foreverwestham.com
West Ham star Dimitri Payet has stated that the allure of playing in the Premier League and being impressed by Slaven Bilic were the key reasons in moving to the Boleyn Ground last summer.
The France international midfielder has been a revelation in his debut campaign in English football and has spearheaded the Hammers' drive towards the top four this season. Payet's form has led him to be selected in the shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year accolade, while the former Lille and Marseille attacker is now a critical member of the London club's first team.
The 29-year-old has admitted that he could have moved to other clubs across the continent, but a switch to West Ham was the ideal option for him. "Other clubs did get in contact, but it didn't go further than that," The Daily Mail quote Payet as saying. "My choice was to come to West Ham, mainly because I'd spoken to the manager. "Speaking to the coach has been my number-one criterion at every club I've played for to find out what he expects from me, how he will make me improve and that he'll play me. "West Ham was the best choice for me on the back of my best season in Ligue 1. I don't think there was much room left for progress in Ligue 1. I'd done almost everything there. "Coming to England to play in a different league under a coach who already wanted me when he was at Besiktas… I understood that I'd be an important player for him and a club like West Ham that, as you said, is not one of the biggest, was the best platform for me to continue my development."
Payet is set to star for France at Euro 2016 this summer and has been linked with a big-money move to Barcelona or Real Madrid, which is a testament to just how well the playmaker has performed this season.
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West Ham's Olympic Stadium Deal Isn't as Shady as Everyone Wanted
ByJoe Difford
17 APR 2016
90min.com
Ever since West Ham United were announced as the club chosen to move into the Olympic Stadium this summer, fans and even owners of other clubs have questioned the deal. How could such a tiny little club who are surely relegation candidates like West Ham get one of the best stadiums in Europe, they said. Just last week the details of the deal were unveiled, and although David Gold, David Sullivan and Karen Brady welcomed the decision and said that they had nothing to hide, many were still waiting to find something to complain about.
It turns out however, that the deal in place is not as shady or outrageous as people were hoping, and instead it represents a good deal for the taxpayer, despite what it initially suggests.
Yes, the deal is a good one, because the Hammers have a brand new stadium for the lowly price of £2.5m-per-year, but it is important to remember that the club will only be using it for roughly 25 days of the footballing calendar. If they play any games over that amount, they owe a further £100,000 per match.
The bit that is drawing a lot of the attention is the fact that the club does not have to fork out for running costs, maintenance or even corner flags. But bar the running costs, it is akin to renting a flat as one would usually expect it to come with the essentials and the landlord to be responsible for fixing things when they break.
What is being overlooked in all of this, is that the other offers on the table were, quite frankly, ridiculous. Leyton Orient wanted the ground, the same Leyton Orient who attract roughly 5000 to their games, and the other two conversion options were to turn it into a Formula One track or facilities for a university's sports degree.
Other than that, Tottenham Hotspur wanted to knock the whole building down and start again, which means that the taxpayer's money to build it in the first place would have been wasted.
West Ham were the only viable option, and the Hammers actually wanted to buy the ground, but rules were in place to prevent them from buying a ground built using state money.
The taxpayer costs seem bad at a glance, but the LLDC will receive money from stadium naming rights, profits from catering and other bonuses, depending on the club's league and cup standings.
The local area will see a boom as more jobs become available and more shops, bookies and eateries open to support the match-day crowd.
People who were hoping for a scandal with the release of the Olympic Stadium deal will probably be digging around for something to complain about right now, but without West Ham, taxpayers money would have been used for something else either way.
If you look at other Olympic Stadiums around the world, some are derelict and an eyesore on the city's skyline, but West Ham United will be putting money back into the local area and giving a future to a stadium that holds so many happy memories from the 2102 games.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic admitted to mixed emotions as a last-minute Leicester City penalty denied his West Ham United side a memorable victory at the Barclays Premier League leaders Leicester City on Sunday. As they have done so many times this season, the Hammers had bravely fought back from a goal down to lead going into added time, only for the hosts to be awarded a controversial spot-kick when Andy Carroll was adjudged to have felled Jeffrey Schlupp in the box. Leonardo Ulloa duly converted to deny Bilic's side a famous win, but after the game the manager, although frustrated, was keen to dwell on the positives of the visitors' performance. "To get a point at Leicester, you've got to be brave, you've got to have quality," he said. "It's great for us to bounce back after the defeat to Manchester United. "To play like we did and not stop at 1-1 was brilliant. Of course we are pleased. On the other hand I don't remember when I felt so frustrated as I think we fully deserved three points."
The Foxes had to play the last 30 minutes with ten men after goalscorer Jamie Vardy was sent off for a second booking. His early departure and the half-time arrival of Andy Carroll – who fired the Hammers level from their own spot-kick – revitalised Bilic's side as they laid siege to Leicester's penalty area. "On the one hand I am proud of my team as it is a very hard game. In the last six games when Leicester score, it is normally game over. "But before the sending-off we were putting them under pressure. We didn't lose our composure, we were playing our game. Apart from the goal, we coped pretty well with their counter attacks. "Especially after the sending-off we totally dominated the game. We came back with a controversial penalty but then we didn't stop. We showed character and quality and pushed the full-backs even more up. Aaron Cresswell scored his goal to put us 2-1 up from left winger position. "At that moment I thought we had done more than enough to win the game but then the moment came with that controversial penalty. "It was a great game of football with everything; with intensity, with penalties and red cards."
The West Ham manager was his usual animated self on the touchline and shared some lively exchanges with his opposite number, Claudio Ranieri. The pair seemed to be enjoying a light-hearted analysis of the game as it neared his conclusion, but Bilic was keeping the details of what was discussed to himself. "We spoke a few times about the game and a bit about the referee but that stays between us," he explained with a wry smile. The Croat will no doubt be hoping to be smiling again after Wednesday's game, when the Hammers host Watford at the Boleyn Ground.
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Carroll - We should have had three points
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was left disappointed after the Hammers conceded a last-gasp penalty equaliser to draw at Leicester City on Sunday. The West Ham United frontman had levelled the game in the second half, converting a spot-kick of his own after Jamie Vardy had given the Foxes the lead. Aaron Cresswell then completed the turnaround with a superb 86th minute strike before the league leaders were awarded a late lifeline after a coming together between Carroll and Jeffrey Schlupp. Leonardo Ulloa tucked away the 95th-minute sucker-punch that meant Slaven Bilic's side left the King Power Stadium with a share of the spoils. Speaking to West Ham TV after the game, Carroll said: "It feels like a defeat. We were disappointed at half time and we came back second half and took the lead, but we haven't been able to hold it. "It was good to score again obviously but it's more disappointing that we didn't get the three points. "We worked hard and got the two goals, and it's nice when you're down to come and fire straight back, but on the day we've got to be able to hold it and not concede."
The big forward, who now has four goals in his last three matches, also felt the stoppage time decision that went against the Hammers was harsh. "It's a good point but we keep saying that," he lamented. "When we should have three, it's not really that good. "It was a tough game, but we played well. We had a chance early on and it didn't go in but we kept on working even when we were one down and we eventually got the two goals that we deserved. "We're footballers and when the games come thick and fast, we enjoy it and we're looking forward to Wednesday [against Watford]."
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Dylan's legacy lives on
WHUFC.com
Dylan Tombides passed away on this day two years ago, but his legacy lives on in the shape of the DT38 Foundation...
DT38 Foundation was founded to raise awareness of testicular cancer, following the passing of promising young West Ham United striker Dylan Tombides at the age of just 20 on this day in 2014. The impact made by 'Dyl', as he was known by all, will never been forgotten. And the mission of the DT38 Foundation in tackling the stigma surrounding male health issues will lead to more men getting checked for cancer as a routine, not as an emergency. Dylan's eye for goal and natural flair led to comparisons with Harry Kewell in his native Australia and underlined a talent that saw him shoot his way through the Academy of Football. Off the pitch, he was an 'inspiration for life', 'one of the funniest guys I've ever met' and a 'special, special lad' by his Hammers teammates. But it was in 2011, while representing Australia in the U17 World Cup in Mexico, that Dylan was diagnosed with testicular cancer. With a determination and bravery that astounded everyone around him, he continued to train harder than ever while battling the disease. In 2012, against all the odds and after months of grueling chemotherapy, Dylan made his first-team debut for the Hammers in a Carling Cup tie against Wigan Athletic – what should have been the start of a glittering career.
On April 18, 2014, cancer took Dylan's life, but it can never take his legacy. As tribute to a young man who gave his all to the club right to the end, West Ham United has retired the number 38 shirt and afforded Dylan a place alongside Hammers legends at Champions Place after being nominated by fans. The DT38 Foundation was launched by the Tombides family in 2015 to raise awareness of the risks of testicular cancer.
At the heart of the cause lay three key messages.
Drive the self-awareness campaign for the early detection of testicular cancer.
Focus on youth education through various teaching programmes aligned to national curriculum.
Provide opportunities linked to fun and accessible activities within the community.
Tracy Tombides, Dylan's mother, firmly believes her son's outcome could have been different if he had been diagnosed earlier. "Our mission is to raise awareness and change the stigma associated with men's health issues with a focus on testicular cancer," she revealed. DT38 Foundation has set fundraising targets which will be used to recruit a full-time administrator, purchase a medical van equipped with an ultrasound unit for cancer screening and publish 'Didge's Kingdom' an educational book for schools to raise awareness of testicular cancer and share Dylan's inspiring story. She added: "We aim to do this achieve our goals through awareness campaigns, educational programmes and opportunities for the youth of our community, to help shape a generation of young adults who are self-aware about their health and wellbeing. "If we had known about testicular cancer and what we needed to do to catch it early, we would have insisted on an ultra sound when we went to the GP. It breaks our heart to think that this could have been prevented. "Dylan was robbed of a future that he dreamed of as a young boy. It robbed Taylor of a brother and it robbed my husband and I of watching our beautiful son grow and fulfil his dreams. "Please do not let this happen to your son, brother, friend or father. If you have a concern with your testicles please see a doctor straight away and insist on an ultrasound – it may just save your life."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United loanees Elliot Lee and Leo Chambers went up against fellow Hammer Martin Samuelsen in League One this weekend as Colchester United took on Peterborough United.
Striker Lee played all 90 minutes and hit the woodwork in the second half but could not help the Us to a result, as the visitors were comfortable 4-1 winners.
Norwegian youth international Samuelsen was an used substitute for the Posh, whose four goals were scored by Jon Taylor, Andrew Fox, Shaquile Coulhirst and Marcus Maddison.
Defender Chambers was also left on the bench, and his teammate George Moncur - son of Hammers legend John - notched United's goal.
Elsewhere in League One, Bradford City were held 1-1 at Shrewsbury Town while West Ham pair Reece Burke and Josh Cullen played the full game.
The Bantams thought they'd grabbed the win when Jamie Proctor headed home 19 minutes from time, but a late Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro goal saw the game end all square.
Finally, full-back Sam Westley did not come off the bench for VVV Venlo of Friday as beat Fortuna Sittard 4-1.
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Phillips - We deserved at least a draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18's coach Mark Phillips felt his side deserved at least a point after they secured a third Barclays Premier League Group One draw against Reading at Rush Green on Saturday.
Debutant Nathan Trott dropped a Teddy Howe cross after 20 minutes allowing Royals striker Sam Smith to tap into an empty net, before Anthony Scully levelled the tie on the hour mark after good work by winger Joe Powell. Phillips believes his side could have had a better outcome and was expecting the Academy side to push on and win the game late in the second half. "I think we dominated the second half and no disrespect to Reading but I felt like we were the only team trying to play the game in the right way. I think the least we deserved out of the game was a draw. "We got the ball down and passed it round well, although we didn't actually create too many opportunities on goal. "We created a fantastic move during the second half from our right back position which ended with a little step over and then Kempy [Danny Kemp] had a shot on target which was saved by the keeper - so I really do feel like we played some good football at times."
Phillips named another young team as more players are called up for U21 duty and the Hammers coach was delighted with the way the players dealt with the challenge. He added: "The younger players have had to come in and feature because most of our players from the start of the season have gone up to play for the U21s and you could even see six or seven of them feature for that team in the final. "That's what it's all about. It's about the U18s pushing up to the U21s, who should then be pushing up to making substitute appearances for the first team and also the U16s coming in to fill the gaps in the U18s. "It was Connor Coventry's first U18 start for example and he played for 90 minutes and controlled the game very well - I was very impressed. "The same with Nathan Trott. I was pleased with his attitude, but I think even he knows that he was at fault for Reading's goal. Saying that, Nathan is a fantastic goalkeeper and he showed about ten minutes after the dropped catch how strong his mind and character is by making an outstanding one on one save to stop Reading going two ahead. "That really shows that he is going to be a fantastic goalkeeper for West Ham because when you make a mistake, it's hard to keep your mind in the game but Nathan did very well with that."
With three games left to play in Group One, Phillips was delighted to qualify for the elite group and believes the young Hammers have competed well with older and stronger players. "I am pleased with the way the Play-Off stage is going. I was very keen for us to qualify because it's nice to be able to test our younger players against the best opposition in the country and in all honesty, we've played well and competed so I'm very happy with that."
Up next for the Academy is the rearranged home fixture against Liverpool, which is scheduled for Saturday 23 April at Little Heath.
U18: Trott, Carter, Eggleton, Akinola, Neufville, Sylvestre (c), Scully (Longelo), Coventry, Powell, Kanu, Kemp. Subs not used: T Brown, Johnson, Hannam
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Sakho returns for Watford clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho is back in contention for Wednesday night's Premier League clash with Watford. The Senegalese striker has missed West Ham United's last three outings against Arsenal, Manchester United and Leicester City but is available for selection when the Hammers meet the Hornets at the Boleyn in 48 hours' time. The 26-year-old forward has been out of action with what was described by Head of Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke as "a minor right knee injury", said to have been sustained during training 24 hours before the 3-3 draw with Arsenal last weekend. Meanwhile rumours of a bust-up with manager Slaven Bilic have been dismissed by the club who insist that the injury was genuine and not simply created to cover up an ongoing issue with Sakho, who has netted six times for West Ham so far this season.
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Monday musings: How many more times?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Graeme Howlett
Jamie Vardy became the 18th player this season to be sent off in a fixture involving West Ham as title-chasing Leicester held United to a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium. And once again the main post-match talking point this weekend was the referee's performance, rather than any piece of individual skill or flash of brilliance created by one of the 22 players on show.
This week it was Jon Moss' turn to be at the centre of the controversy as he saw fit to dismiss England striker Vardy for diving (a second bookable offence), award a penalty to West Ham after Wes Morgan pushed Winston Reid at a corner and then make amends in the final minute of extra time by awarding the Foxes possibly the weakest penalty you'll ever see.
Moss, whose last game involving West Ham resulted in him erroneously dismissing Cheik Kouyate at Blackburn in the FA Cup (a decision later overturned upon appeal) enjoyed the unusual distinction of being booed off by BOTH sets of supporters following Sunday's clash at the King Power Stadium.
But the sad fact is that these incidents will continue to occur until such time as the Premier League finally see fit to introduce video technology in all areas, as the professional game - especially in the top flight where the stakes are that much higher - is rife with cheats who seek to exploit every possible avenue in order to gain their team an advantage.
Back to the match itself for a moment, where West Ham gave another excellent account of themselves despite falling behind early against a side destined to be crowned league champions this season.
Vardy's first half goal looked like being enough to earn the Foxes yet another 1-0 win until Andy Carroll slotted home from the penalty spot with full time approaching following Morgan's foul on Reid. That in itself was something of a collector's item, being as it was West Ham's first Premier League penalty away from home in some FIVE years!
When Aaron Cresswell volleyed West Ham ahead with just four minutes of normal time remaining it looked as if the Irons had done enough to secure all three points; that was until Moss' crucial intervention, as he awarded the hosts a spot kick deep into added-on time to even things up from which Leonardo Ulloa profited.
The 2-2 draw - West Ham's seventh of an exhilarating season - should be considered a good point but it does the Hammers few favours in their quest for European football next season. The Champions League is all but gone now, whilst Liverpool's game in hand gives them the edge now in the race for sixth place.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Hammers watching Bastia youngster?
April 18, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
BKHammer
Representatives of Premier League pair West Ham United and Crystal Palace were deployed to France on Saturday, according to a report in L'Equipe. The French publication claims that Hammers and Eagles scouts were present in Bastia's 1-0 defeat to Saint Etienne, with Francois Kamano the focus of their attentions. The 19-year-old winger, who can play on either flank and up front, has scored two goals in 20 appearances for Bastia this season but will leave the club this summer, according to the report. However, L'Equipe says West Ham and Palace could face competition for Kamano, with Lille keen for 'many months'. Kamano moved to Bastia from Guinean side Satellite FC two summers ago, signing a three-year deal in Corsica. But with his contract expiring in 14 months' time, the seven-cap Guinea international could be available for a cut price at the end of the campaign. West Ham have taken Diafra Sakho and Dimitri Payet direct from French football in recent seasons, with Palace doing likewise with Pape Souare and Yohan Cabaye. Acquiring a work permit for Kamano could prove difficult however.
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A Referee Analysis: Jon Moss
April 17, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Sam Royden-Ryell
After a disappointing end to our FA Cup run this season, losing against Manchester United, we travel to the league leaders, Leicester, in a season which has thrown up a ridiculous amount of surprises. The referee appointed for this fixture was Jon Moss who previously officiated our FA Cup game against Blackburn, where he incorrectly sent off Cheikhou Kouyaté, which was one of the six red cards which have been overturned this season.
The difference between the best referees who have officiated in the Premier League, like the likes of Howard Webb, Mark Clattenburg etc. see the fouls we, as fans and lower level referees, don't see. Jon Moss isn't in that calibre of referees. As a referee myself, I am not perfect when I officiate. I do miss some decisions but that's human error and over time with experience you reduce your human error. Moss throughout this season, and not just in West Ham games, has missed fouls on multiple occasions and it's not good enough as a professional referee. Today wasn't any different.
In the first half, Moss didn't cement his authority on the game and he allowed obvious fouls that he should of saw and called out. Throughout the first half, the Leicester centre halves were all over Emmanuel Emenike making clear fouls on the West Ham striker. Moss also failed to see the forearm/elbow block on Winston Reid by Leicester player Robert Huth. Huth clearly intentionally blocked the Kiwi international from attacking a Dimitri Payet free kick - Huth was extremely lucky that Moss didn't see it.
There were a flurry of cautions in the first half with the first going to Leicester striker Jamie Vardy for a lunge on Kouyaté which you cannot deny was a caution. Winston Reid joined Vardy in Moss' notebook with a challenge on Shinji Okazaki. Mark Noble and Dimarti Payet both joined Vardy and Reid after getting a yellow card for lunging late on Danny Drinkwater and Jamie Vardy respectfully, both challenges weren't really necessary.
After a half with missed decisions, the second half didn't get much better for Moss. Moss finally spoke to both of the Leicester central defenders at a West Ham corner for persistently holding and blocking the West Ham players. Of course, this doesn't stop the players from continuing to do this and this happens throughout the Premier League - until someone is punished for the offence which I will come onto later. One of the biggest decisions Moss made in the game was to give Jamie Vardy a second yellow card which sent the Leicester striker off. Vardy and Ogbonna were chasing the ball into the West Ham penalty box. Jamie Vardy flung his legs to make contact with Ogbonna's legs to try and deceive Moss into thinking there was a challenge by the West Ham defender. Moss rightly showed Vardy a caution for unsporting behaviour and that was his second of the game and he was given his marching orders.
Moss, who was starting to struggle with the intensity of the game, had to make a decision whether Winston Reid deserved a second bookable offence for a blocking off Ulloa. Moss didn't take any action on this foul and the Leicester fans were starting to get on Moss' back. After speaking to Morgan and Huth about their actions during set pieces earlier in the half, Moss clearly had enough with their pushing and blocking and awarded West Ham a penalty for a push from Wes Morgan on Winston Reid. This type of foul has been overlooked throughout the season and it should have been sorted a long time ago to prevent a scenario where we're overlooking an obvious foul to prevent someone getting to the ball.
During the game which was full of inconsistencies, Moss buckled under the pressure with a series of contentious decisions in the later stages of the game. The first incident to point out was where Robert Huth attacked the ball in the West Ham penalty box with the West Ham defenders all over Huth. Technically, if Moss was going to be consistent with the Morgan push on Reid, he should have to give something to Leicester. After that incident with Huth and the West Ham defenders, the Leicester fans were calling for everything and Moss was feeling the pressure. This was optimised by awarding Leicester a penalty 20 seconds before the end of the game. Andy Carroll was tracking back to help the defence when he went shoulder to shoulder with Jeff Schlupp sending the Leicester man flying. I feel this is a very soft penalty given against Carroll, but what I would say is that at this stage of the game, you should never give the opportunity to a referee to make a decision and Carroll unfortunately did exactly that.
Overall, I felt Moss was incredibly poor and I think both teams would agree with that. Moss was inconsistent throughout and I will always look at why the referee has made a decision and his reasoning behind the decision. On this occasion, Moss was so inconsistent throughout the game and that is not just with the fouls or the lack of protection for the attackers but with the penalty decisions too. When Moss reflects on his performance, he will be disappointed and it is simply not good enough and not up to standard for such a high stake game in the Premier League. Throughout this season, there has been a huge amount of inconsistencies and decisions which are unacceptable for the professional status of the referees. As a referee, even if you've made a error and given a foul, you should never try and even a decision by making another which is incorrect.
A note on West Ham; a third draw in a row and against a team down to 10 men and coming back from 1-nil down, we needed to be a lot better. Carroll shouldn't have given Moss the opportunity to give a penalty which was his error. He should never come steaming in to make a challenge 30 seconds before the end of the game when you're winning 2-1 and seeing the game out. We must win our next 3 games to have any chance of European football and this starts with keeping our unbeaten Premier League run on Wednesday against Watford.
Thanks,
Sam
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Alan Shearer and Ian Wright on referee Jon Moss in Leicester draw
By Chris Bevan
BBC Sport
8 hours ago From the section Football
One red card, two penalties, a thrilling comeback - and a heap of controversy. Referee Jon Moss has been criticised for the decisions that shaped the outcome of Leicester's dramatic 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday, but did he get anything right? Match of the Day 2 pundits Alan Shearer and Ian Wright take a look at how Moss handled the incidents that mattered, and what the result means for the Foxes' title bid. "The game became too much of a pressurised situation for him. He could not handle the pressure and I think that clouded his decisions," said Shearer. "The inconsistencies were mind-boggling." "I would give Moss a mark of three out of 10, and I think I am being quite generous," added Wright.
56 min: Jamie Vardy sent off for diving
With Leicester leading 1-0, Foxes goalscorer Jamie Vardy - who had earlier been shown the first yellow card of the day for a foul on Cheikhou Kouyate - went to ground after tangling with Hammers' defender Angelo Ogbonna inside the area. Referee Moss said no penalty, and showed Vardy a second yellow card for diving.
There was definitely contact between Ogbonna and Vardy inside the box, but did the Leicester striker engineer it, and exaggerate his fall?
Shearer: "This was the decision that changed the whole dynamic of the game. It had looked like we were heading for another 1-0 Leicester win - suddenly they were down to 10 men and there was a very different atmosphere. "I did not think the tackle that got Vardy his first booking was worthy of a yellow card at all, but this one was definitely a dive. "As much as you can criticise the referee for what happens later, Vardy has to take some criticism because it is blatant. "There was no need for him to dive, because he has got the wrong side of the defender anyway. He was expecting contact, contact didn't come and there was even a little pirouette in there just as he was going over."
Vardy reacted angrily after being sent off by referee Jon Moss - he is suspended for next weekend's home game against Swansea and will miss his first Premier League game of the season
Wright: "Vardy hardly touched Kouyate - that one was a very, very harsh booking. The referee could easily have had a word with him for that. "For his second yellow card, it looks like a dive to me because of the way he goes into Ogbonna and then gets his legs all tangled up. That is why he got sent off."
84 min: West Ham penalty for foul on Winston Reid
Referee Moss warns the Leicester defenders for pushing and pulling opponents inside their own penalty area - then points to the spot moments later when Winston Reid falls to the floor after being held by Leicester captain Wes Morgan from a corner. Hammers striker Andy Carroll steps up to make it 1-1.
West Ham penalty
Reid, who is on the ground wearing the number two shirt, was adjudged to have been fouled by Morgan, who is partially obscured, to the left of Danny Simpson (no. 17)
Wright: "Reid had the march on Morgan, who had to try and catch him up. It is soft, but he had grabbed him. "If the referee tells the teams in the dressing room before the game that he will not stand for any holding inside the box, then he should not have to tell the players again during the game. "He has warned them, so he can give a penalty when it happens."
Shearer: "He warned Huth and Morgan just after half-time but here is no need to give a warning. If it is a penalty, give a penalty. You don't get a warning for a foul outside the box, do you? "I am staggered that the referee chose the 34th game of the season for Leicester to make this point about pulling and shoving in the box. "Why not make the point at the beginning of the season, and go into all the dressing rooms and say 'we are going to try to stamp this out completely so don't complain and moan when we give penalties for holding'. "Do it then, not in the 34th game. This is something that has gone on not only all game, it has gone on all season and it will continue to go on until all referees make the same point. "Moss actually gives this penalty for the softest offence. There were far worse incidents in the game than this one. "Reid goes down far easier than he should do - he dives as well. Morgan pulls him a little bit, but he actually falls forward so it is not as though he is pulling him back. "I don't think that was enough for a penalty - if it was, then there should have been four penalties in the game, at least. Technically, this one is a foul but, if he gives it, he has to give the others too."
89 min: Ogbonna grabs Huth around the neck - nothing given
With Leicester now trailing 2-1 to Aaron Cresswell's superb strike, they throw men forward to try to force an equaliser. Ogbonna grapples with Foxes centre-back Huth as he tries to get on the end of a long throw but Moss allows play to continue. Ogbonna is obscured by Robert Huth but his arm is clearly visible around the Leicester defender as he tries to get on the end of a ball into the box
Shearer: "This is bizarre. It was five minutes after Moss had given a penalty to West Ham for Morgan holding in the box, so he should be looking out for things like this. "It shows why lack of consistency from referees is part of the problem."
Huth and Ogbonna
Huth was unable to get off the ground and Leicester appealed for a penalty, but Moss waved away their appeals.
Wright: "West Ham know Huth is a danger in the air in the opposition area. Ogbonna has got his hand around his neck so he cannot jump and that is impeding him. "I cannot see the difference between this one and the West Ham penalty that was given. I have got no problem with that one, as long as this is given too."
94 min: Leicester penalty for foul on Jeffrey Schlupp
In the final minute of stoppage time, Leicester substitute Jeffrey Schlupp picks up the ball and runs down the left-hand side of the West Ham area. Hammers striker Andy Carroll blocks him off, Schlupp goes down, Moss points to the spot. After the game, Carroll was adamant he had not fouled Schlupp, saying: "He was going down before I got to him - 100% he took a touch, the referee has looked to even it out"
Wright: "The most you can point your finger at Carroll for is to say he was running back in there recklessly and he made contact. He should have shepherded him away from goal, but a penalty? Really? "If I had been playing for West Ham in that game, I would have felt that the referee had tried to even things up, even if he did miss the foul on Huth. It was very soft."
Shearer: "It was never a penalty in a million years. "I think the referee realised he has messed up in not awarding a penalty for the foul on Huth, which is why he has given this one, with the last kick of the game."
Where does all this leave Leicester?
Leonardo Ulloa stepped up to convert the spot-kick and rescue a draw for his side. It means Claudio Ranieri's side are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with four games to go and they need eight more points to secure the title. Second-placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand, play Stoke on Monday night. Ulloa has not started a league game since 2 January and 28 of his 33 league appearances this season have come as a substitute but this was not his first vital goal - he also scored the winner against Norwich in February
Shearer: "It was a tremendous point for Leicester at the end. "Their right-back Danny Simpson came out afterwards and talked about how that showed they would fight to the death.
"It was a bit like when I won the title with Blackburn in 1995 and our goalkeeper Tim Flowers came out after we had battled to beat Newcastle 1-0 right at the end of the season and said 'we have got bottle'. "Nobody remembers we were hopeless in that game, and that we were were lucky to win it, people just remember we won 1-0. "It is exactly the same with Leicester here - they were nowhere near their best but picking up points in games like this to get across the line is all that matters, not the way they do it."
Shearer: "The impressive thing about Leicester against West Ham was their team spirit, and how they did not give up. "They were up against it, a man down, 2-1 down and under the cosh with a couple of minutes left. Some people might have thought this was the blip they have been waiting for, but then Leicester came up with another answer, which is what they have done for the vast majority of the season. "You have got to admire how they have kept on going and fought back for what could be a very valuable point in the title race."
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West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan suffers abuse at Leicester
By Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 18/04/16 12:21pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and his family were forced to leave their seats before the end of Sunday's 2-2 draw at Leicester after suffering verbal abuse from the home support.
Sky Sports News HQ understands the abuse from a certain section of the Leicester support started when Aaron Cresswell scored in the 86th minute to put West Ham 2-1 in front. After the atmosphere became hostile and threatening, Sullivan, his partner and two sons were forced to leave their seats and watch the remainder of the match from inside the King Power Stadium.
Sullivan and his family, who were unable to applaud West Ham off the pitch at the end of the game, needed to be escorted to their cars by security following the final whistle.
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Ten years on: Lyall remembered
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
It's ten years to the day since former West Ham United manager John Lyall passed away. Lyall, who managed West Ham from 1974 and 1989 died on 18 April 2006 following a heart attack - just five days before West Ham faces Middlesbrough in an FA Cup semi final at Villa Park. The game was preceded by a minute's silence for Lyall - which was interrupted by one brave fan whose solo chant of 'Johnny Lyall's claret and blue army' was ringing round the stadium within seconds.
Ilford-born Lyall, who began his career as a player at West Ham saw his career cut short by injury, prompting him to go into management. In 1974 he suceeded Ron Greenwood, his mentor, as Hammers boss and went on to lead the Hammers to two FA Cup wins, a European Cup Winners Cup Final and a League Cup Final - not to mention West Hm's highest league finish, 3rd place in the 1985/86 season.
* Today is also the anniversary of the death of Academy star Dylan Tombides, who lost his lengthy battle with cancer two years ago.
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Foxes fiddle Tunnel cam fracas
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 18th April 2016
By: Staff Writer
Leicester City have removed a 'Tunnel Cam' video that included an altercation between referee Jon Moss and an unnamed City official.
The video, which was published on YouTube shortly after the end of West Ham's 2-2 draw with the title-chasers showed Moss challenging a Foxes employee who had made derogatory comments towards him as he made his way back to the changing rooms.
However the video was quickly removed once the argument between the two gentlemen became a talking point on forums and social media - and replaced by a new video minus the controversial confrontation.
According to sources who viewed the original recording before its removal, Moss approached the official asking: "Did you say something to me? Did you say something to me?"
However the official's reply was muted out by Leiceter's production team - indicating that they were aware of the content and happy to allow it to be published before changing.
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Jon Moss blasted for "worst refereeing performance of the season" by former ref's chief Keith Hackett
13:17, 18 APR 2016 UPDATED 18:57, 18 APR 2016
BY JOHN CROSS
The 45-year-old Premier League official has come under fire following his display in Leicester's draw with West Ham on Sunday
The Mirror
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has claimed Jon Moss produced the "worst refereeing performance of the season." Premier League official Moss sent off Jamie Vardy and gave two controversial penalties as he played a major part in Leicester's draw with West Ham. Ex-referees' chief Hackett said Moss lost control, was "totally inconsistent" and claimed the title showdown was "too big for him." Hackett told you-are-the-ref.com: "Jamie Vardy and his sending off- his first yellow card, for me, was not an offence. "Later, Moss was in a poor position to issue a second yellow for Vardy's alleged act of simulation." Jeff Schlupp went down under the challenge of Andy Carroll in injury-time and Moss pointed to the spot - but Hackett believes that was also an incorrect decision. "In added time, with West Ham leading 2-1, Moss awarded a penalty kick to Leicester which was completely incorrect – no offence had taken place," Hackett said. "Frankly this was too big a game for him – he failed to remain calm and in control. Tempo management was missing. He needed to put his foot on the ball. "Moss was totally inconsistent with his decision making, highlighted by the large number of grappling offences that went unpunished. "Crucially, we are seeing the product of weak refereeing throughout the season when it comes to grappling. The fact that referees are not penalising it in a consistent manner has made this a cancer in the game.
"The worst refereeing performance I have witnessed all season."
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Ref Watch: Dermot Gallagher says late Leicester penalty was incorrectly awarded
By Stephen Mills
Last Updated: 18/04/16 11:24am
SSN
Referee Jon Moss was at the heart of several controversial moments in Leicester's thrilling 2-2 draw with West Ham on Super Sunday. And former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher joined us on Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning to review the incidents in his regular Ref Watch feature.
Should Jamie Vardy have been sent off? Should he receive an extended ban? And what about those late penalty shouts? Read on for the expert verdict...
INCIDENT: Jamie Vardy receives a yellow card in the 28th minute for a lunge on Cheikhou Kouyate, despite not appearing to make contact with the West Ham player.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: The ref has penalised him for persistent misconduct.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "In isolation, it's not a yellow card, but what's happened is he has spoken to him just before. Vardy had committed two fouls just prior and if you watch the tape, the referee goes to Vardy privately and says to him 'I'm going to have to book you if you continue'. For the next tackle, he takes action against him. "The mistake the referee has made is that he has spoken to him in private, but if you're looking to yellow card a player for persistent misconduct on the next tackle, he really needs to make it public to everybody so the whole 30,000 crowd knew. His problem was he didn't. If you look at the tackle in isolation, you'd say it's not a yellow card, but in the bigger scheme of things, it is. The referee's mistake was that he didn't sell it to everybody. Vardy didn't touch him with the challenge, but caught him with the follow-through and at that point, he has decided to yellow card him."
INCIDENT: Vardy receives a second yellow card for simulation and is sent off, after tumbling in the penalty area under a challenge from Angelo Ogbonna.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Correct decision.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It's definitely a dive for me. The law says 'acting to try and deceive the referee' and there's no doubt in my mind he's trying to win a penalty there. I don't think he is fouled. He initiates the contact and goes into the player, then bounces off him. Somebody said to me he had been given a pull, but if you're pulled back, you don't go flying through the air. I think that sold it to the referee. "The referee has to make a choice: has he tried to deceive me to win a penalty? We look back now and it's not really about that decision. It's about the first yellow card, because that has impacted so heavily on the second one."
INCIDENT: Vardy reacts angrily to his red card, but could he face an extended ban for pointing his finger and shouting at the referee?
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: It depends what was said.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It depends on what Jamie has said to the referee and if it was offensive, insulting or abusive. As such, he could be facing down the barrel of a further charge. It happened quickly and he was angry, but we don't know what was said. Only Jon Moss knows that, and that's what will follow through. Is it offensive? Is it insulting? Is it abusive? It all hinges on that."
INCIDENT: West Ham are awarded a penalty in the 84th minute when Wes Morgan is penalised for holding onto Winston Reid.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Correct decision.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "I think he has got to give it and the reason is because he has made such a big point just beforehand with both Morgan and Huth, saying 'I'm watching you'. "It's quite perverse to be sat here today. One of the things we've talked about over and over again is everybody wanting referees to be more proactive and to give more penalties - but when suddenly a referee gives a penalty, we don't like it. It's a double jeopardy."
INCIDENT: In the 90th minute, Robert Huth goes down in the penalty area after being held by Ogbonna. It looks similar to West Ham's penalty, but the referee doesn't award a spot kick.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Correct decision
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It's what he sees. I think he sees Huth foul as well. When the ball comes in, Ulloa had his arm on somebody and there's so much going on in the game, it was unbelievable. Both penalty areas were littered with people pushing and shoving and I think there comes a point where the referee has got to step in. When he stepped in, he pulled out Huth and Morgan and said 'I have got to do you for the next one'. "I can 100% see the frustration of the fans, but I can also understand why it's so difficult for the referee because he's got to pick the right one."
INCIDENT: Five minutes into injury time, Jeff Schlupp goes down under slight contact from Andy Carroll and this time, Jon Moss does point to the spot to give Leicester the chance to snatch a late draw.
GALLAGHER'S VIEW: Wrong decision.
GALLAGHER SAYS: "It's not a penalty. One thing I am is consistent. I sat here last week and watched Damien Delaney go into Matt Jarvis and I said it wasn't a penalty - and this one is nowhere near. Carroll has been strong, his arm is by his side and Schlupp has seen him coming and knows there's going to be contact. It's what I'd call 'a coming-together' and the minute he has touched him, he has gone down."
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Fry advises Daves on Samuelsen's future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Martin Samuelsen has had his future settled for next season and it's Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry who has decided what's best for him.
Barry was the guest of the two Davids at the Manchester United FA Cup replay when he spoke of the Norwegian teenager's next step and said: "He needs a Championship loan.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "We had hoped it would be us up there but it's not to be now and he is better than Peterborough United. so I told the Davids he should be found a club in the second tier.
"I spoke to Terry Westley today and told him the same thing and I think that's what is possibly going to happen. His future is not with us.
"I also explained that I think if they decide to take the course I have suggested they should only loan him out from August to January because I really think he will come back and be in serious contention for a Hammers first team place with that experience behind him."
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Two signings Bilic has got wrong
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic's decision to bring in first Nikita Jelavic followed by Emmanuele Emineke have not covered the manager in glory. And the decision to start thrashing the ball to the far post when Andy Carroll appeared for the second period against Leicester was not appreciated by ClaretandHugh's chief analyst Leroy Rosenior. The former striker is an unashamed fan of the manager but was very surprised about the arrival of Jelavic and has addressed some harsh words at the Fenerbahce loan striker. Speaking to us following the match against Leicester City he said: "Jelavic was never the man for me. He wasn't a line leader, he didn't link player and was really nothing more than a poacher without a lot of control. "Slav has had a brilliant start to his managerial career at Upton Park but I think he might agree in retrospect he got those two wrong .
"Having seen him leave I was hoping we'd get a really good forward in on loan but I'm afraid that hasn't proved to be the case. "I don't quite get why Emenike keeps getting on because he's been off the pace and nothing like competitive enough for Premier League football. "Enner Valencia has not looked the part either at all suddenly our options up front are looking thin. We are a very good team when we start to play but when Andy Carroll came on they started smashing it to the far post as we did in the old days. "It wasn't until Michail Antonio started that run and crossed for Cresswell tht we looked like the team we all now we are and that's how they need to continue. "The team has looked jaded and tired over the last couple of games and, yes, it's been a very long campaign so that's understandable to an extent. But we have to improve on what we have up front and I can see why the management is making the position a priority this summer."
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Carroll could get fined over social media gaff
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
In addition to facing a possible disciplinary hearing by the FA for comments he made in an interview about referee Jon Moss, Andy Carroll could face a heavy fine for breaching strict social media rules. The West Ham striker retweeted a message by former Manchester United stopper Peter Schmeichel on twitter saying "Is that ref on drugs". Although he didn't pen the message, his retweet will be seen as an endorsement of the message to his 308,000 followers could well be seen as a breach of the FA's social media rules not to bring the game of football into disrepute.
Liverpool's Ryan Babel was once fined for the FA for reposting a photo of referee Howard Webb in a Manchester United shirt and the FA have since collected over £350,000 in fines including high-profile cases involving Ashley Cole and Rio Ferdinand who also received a 3 match ban in addition to a fine. Former Hammer, Carlton Cole was fined twice paying £60,000 to theFA for social media breaches. Following his second offence Cole said: "I was disappointed I got done. The amount of abuse you get on Twitter is sometimes unruly and you can't defend yourself as a footballer. Obviously I know I've got responsibility and I'm a role model and some of the language that gets spouted at you, you can't return it. You've got to be very aware of that and I did make a mistake. "You can't defend yourself. You're a sitting duck really and you need to try and be able to blank it out of your mind – but some of the stuff they say is too much. If you can't handle it you should stay off Twitter or else you're going to be getting fined a lot."
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Slav can't recall ever being so frustrated
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in News
C and H
Slaven Bilic's frustration at yesterday's result is beyond anything he can ever remember. He watched his team battle back from a losing position to come within five seconds of victory before being deprived of two valuable points by a penalty decision which the world fails to understand. And speaking to the official site he said: ""To get a point at Leicester, you've got to be brave, you've got to have quality. It's great for us to bounce back after the defeat to Manchester United. "To play like we did and not stop at 1-1 was brilliant. Of course we are pleased. On the other hand I don't remember when I felt so frustrated as I think we fully deserved three points." "On the one hand I am proud of my team as it is a very hard game. In the last six games when Leicester score, it is normally game over. "But before the sending-off we were putting them under pressure. We didn't lose our composure, we were playing our game. Apart from the goal, we coped pretty well with their counter attacks. "Especially after the sending-off we totally dominated the game. We came back with a controversial penalty but then we didn't stop. We showed character and quality and pushed the full-backs even more up. Aaron Cresswell scored his goal to put us 2-1 up from left winger position. "At that moment I thought we had done more than enough to win the game but then the moment came with that controversial penalty. "It was a great game of football with everything; with intensity, with penalties and red cards."
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Electronics giant looks set for OS naming rights
Posted by Sean Whetstone on April 18, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Strong rumours this morning (Mon) say the Olympic Stadium could be renamed the Samsung stadium before West Ham move in later this year. The whisper is that the biggest electonics company around has won the naming rights race and will pay the stadium owners, E20 Stadium LLP £120m over 20 years with West Ham set to receive around £20m in stadium rent rebates as their share of the deal. The mobile phone giant based in South Korea has a global turnover of more than £215 billion and is just the kind of global Blue chip brand the owners have been searching for.
Samsung terminated it's £18m per year shirt sponsorship with London rivals Chelsea in 2014 so this deal if confirmed will come cheap at one of third of the price. The South Korean company have previously sponsored Diamond League athletics series at £3m per year, some meetings of which were held at the former Olympic stadium. Samsung are also a major sponsor of the summer Olympics in Rio later this year.
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Leroy: 'Bravery and stupidity in equal parts'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 18, 2016 in Leroy's Blogs, News, Whispers
C and H
Absolutely no question about it – Jon Moss' decision to give Leicester City a last second penalty was a disgrace – embarrassing…and yes I genuinely feel he was trying to even things up for the one he gave to the Hammers. There are no excuses for that but hold on a minute prior to that thoroughly awful call, he had – in my opinion – got everything else right and showed a lot of bravery. To rightly send off Jamie Vardy for cheating – and he'd been at it all game – was brilliant and he got it spot on when awarding the Irons a pen after warning Wes Morgan and Robert Huth for their dreadful behaviour in the box. Incredibly brave decisions in front of a hostile crowd screaming and expecting the Title – I think the Hammers got decisions no other ref would have been brave enough to give…ridiculously he then ruined everything with the decision against AC.
Bravery and stupidity in equal parts
That was not even coming together. it was absolutely nothing and for me it was the action of a man who had bottled it. Really sad, wrong and as I say a case of evening things up even though he had got the earlier decision spot on. When players carry on as Morgan and Hth had been it's a pen every time for me. I don't want to see that in the game and Moss could have been a real hero …instead he made himself into a villain. Beyond that you have to ask what Enner Valenca was trying to achieve with that pass which led to the goal…that was shocking when he should have been putting his boot through it. Valencia hasn't done it and is one who is very much up for sale as far as I'm concerned. We have to find someone better. It led to the penalty that should never have been given and more points lost. Some might think a point to the leaders is a good point. It wasn't. It was two points lost and for that we have to point the finger at a man who got so much right but the real big decision so wrong.
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Jonathan Moss divides opinion among former referees in Leicester match
• Keith Hackett says draw against West Ham was 'too big' for official
• Howard Webb and Graham Poll largely supportive of embattled referee
Guardian sport
Monday 18 April 2016 12.41 BST Last modified on Monday 18 April 2016 12.42 BST
The performance of Jonathan Moss in Leicester City's draw with West Ham United has divided opinion with former referees split over his decision-making during the game. The former referees' head Keith Hackett was daming in his assessment, describing the game as "too big" for Moss and accusing him of going "from one chaotic decision to another". Moss sent off Jamie Vardy for two bookable offences after showing his a second yellow card for diving and then awarded West Ham a penalty when he decided Wes Morgan had fouled Winston Reid. Having failed to give Leicester a penalty for a similar offence committed by Angelo Ogbonna on Robert Huth, he then did award a penalty for a questionable amount of contact made by Andy Carroll on Jeffrey Schlupp, leading the West Ham striker to accuse him of "trying to even things up".
Leonardo Ulloa put away the 95th-minute spot kick to salvage a 2-2 draw for the home side and the referee was escorted from the pitch, though whether to protect him from angry fans or players was unclear.
Hackett told Talksport that he thought the referee's performance "was terrible". "I thought the game was too big for him," he said. "A referee in these big games has got to show composure. You got to have body language that is positive. "He started off his performance by cautioning Vardy and the first yellow card was where it all started to go wrong. It wasn't a caution. It then set the trail going for what was a disastrous afternoon from a refereeing point of view. He lost credibility in the eyes of both sets of players and both sets of fans."
Hackett added: "He doesn't understand tempo management. It is like the team manager saying to the players: 'look lads, slow it down a bit'. The referee can do that. He is in control, he orchestrates the tempo of the game. He didn't do that. He went from one chaotic decision to another one. He lost all credibility." Hackett also said he agreed with Carroll that Moss had tried to even things up. "The final penalty that he gave against Andy Carroll was a joke," he said. "It obviously led to Andy Carroll making that statement which will probably get him into trouble, but he has actually said what he thinks and most of us watching on TV and in the ground think the same. It was never a penalty."
Moss, however, found backing from the former officials Graham Poll and Howard Webb, who both broadly agreed with the referee's decision-making. "It was a tough afternoon but I don't think his decisions were as bad as some people have made out," Webb told The Times. Of the Vardy sending off, Webb said the contact in the area "was instigated by Vardy and Moss was 100% correct to give him a second yellow card" though he was less convinced by the awarding of a penalty against Morgan: "Robert Huth had fouled Winston Reid in similar fashion just before Leicester opened the scoring and Ogbonna had Huth round the neck in the closing moments of the match. Neither of those was given. So would I have given the penalty against Morgan? No. There wasn't significant enough contact and it increased hostility levels." He felt the penalty given against Carroll was "soft", suggesting: "Maybe the crowd's pressure had an effect."
Poll, meanwhile, thought a penalty should have been awarded against Huth for the foul on Reid but sympathised with Moss who endured "a really tough afternoon". The referee was right to issue a first yellow for Vardy's foul on Chiekhou Kouyaté and he was "100% correct" to send the striker off, Poll told the Daily Mail. The penalty given against Morgan was correct though he felt Leicester should have also have had one awarded for Ogbonna's foul on Huth. In contrast with Hackett and Webb, Poll thought the penalty awarded against Carroll was the right call. "Carroll ran across the penalty area and knocked Schlupp over with no intention of playing the ball; contact occurring just inside the penalty area," he said.
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Recent Hodgson comments will only anger Carroll even more
Date: 18th April 2016 at 11:29 am
Written by: Matt Bourne
foreverwestham.com
England manager Roy Hodgson has spoken about Andy Carroll's England chances and it certainly won't please West Ham fans. Hammers front man Carroll has been in good form lately, scoring a hat-trick against Arsenal before dispatching an excellent penalty against Leicester City in the Hammers' 2-2 draw against the league leaders yesterday. When the England manager was questioned about including Carroll in the England squad, his response didn't exactly inspire confidence: "I'm certainly not going to pick him on the basis that he scored a hat-trick so therefore has to be in the England team." "We know Andy, we know his qualities," "In an ideal world, if you had a lot of places at your disposal, you'd always include a guy like him because he is exceptional in the air – but whether or not I'd be able to include him with all these others, I don't know."
It looks as if Carroll may have to keep his fine form up for the rest of the season if he is to catch the attention of the Geordie forward. What will frustrate Hammers fans is the fact that Andy Carroll certainly offers something different up front for England. His commanding presence in the air caused Leicester problems yesterday, summing up the effect he can have on teams when he is in good form. Another player that must be grabbing the attention of the England manager is Aaron Cresswell, who scored a fantastic goal at the King Power stadium in front of a watching Roy Hodgson. Whether he is considered for the Euros remains to be seen as Hodgson's recent comments regarding Carroll seem to follow a familiar pattern when the England manager comments on West Ham players.
Will any West Ham player feature for England this summer?
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'The game was too big for him' - Former referees' chief slams performance of Jon Moss in Leicester's draw with West Ham
talkSport
By Alex Varney - @lexvarney
Monday, April 18, 2016
Former referees' chief Keith Hackett has delivered a damning assessment of Jon Moss' performance in Leicester's 2-2 draw with West Ham. Moss, the man in the middle for Sunday's Premier League clash, made a host of controversial calls. He angered the home side by sending off Jamie Vardy for two bookable offences and awarding a penalty against them when he adjudged Wes Morgan to have fouled Winston Reid. He then left West Ham infuriated with the decision to give Leicester a last gasp spot-kick after Andy Carroll made the slightest of contact with Jeffrey Schlupp. Moss was duly booed off by both sets of supporters and Hackett, a former top-flight official and one-time head of the Professional Game Match Officials board, claims he fell well below the standards expected of him. Asked what he made of the referee's display at the King Power Stadium, Hackett told talkSPORT: "It was terrible. "I thought the game was too big for him. A referee in these big games has got to show composure. You got to have body language that is positive. "He started off his performance by cautioning Vardy and the first yellow card was where it all started to go wrong. It wasn't a caution. It then set the trail going for what was a disastrous afternoon from a refereeing point of view. "He lost credibility in the eyes of both sets of players and both sets of fans. "He doesn't understand tempo management. It is like the team manager saying to the players: 'look lads, slow it down a bit'. The referee can do that. He is in control, he orchestrates the tempo of the game. He didn't do that. "He went from one chaotic decision to another one. He lost all credibility."
Carroll accused Moss of trying to 'even things up' by awarding Leicester their stoppage-time penalty, which the leaders converted to claim a crucial point. The West Ham striker is likely to face a Football Association rap for his criticism, but Hackett says he has every right to feel aggrieved. "The final penalty that he gave against Andy Carroll was a joke," he said.
"It obviously led to Andy Carroll making that statement which will probably get him into trouble, but he has actually said what he thinks and most of us watching on TV and in the ground think the same. It was never a penalty."
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Hammers looking to take advantage of Watford situation ahead of Boleyn clash
Date: 18th April 2016 at 10:49 am
Written by: Matt Bourne forverwestham.com
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is expected to make a lot of changes ahead of their trip to the Boleyn Ground in order to give them an opportunity to impress ahead of the FA Cup semi-final. The Hornets grabbed all three points against West Bromwich Albion after Heurelho Gomes denied Saido Berahino twice from the penalty spot. Watford's Ben Watson scored the only goal of the game as Sanchez fielded a strong side at the Hawthorns.
Sanchez spoke to the media ahead of the upcoming games against West Brom and West Ham: "It's very difficult to play against West Ham but trying again to come back to our best feelings, trying to defend well, and to change a lot of players because I promised yesterday before training, I said to the players I think practically all of them are going to play in these two matches. The Hammers will feel that the game against Watford is a must-win in their pursuit for European football. With Sanchez preparing for an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace, Slaven Bilic will be hoping that his team can turn it on against a preoccupied Watford team. West Ham are now seven points off Arsenal in fourth place but the race for fifth is very much on with three points separating Manchester United and the Hammers. Three of West Ham's final five league games are at home and the Boleyn Ground will host a huge send-off encounter against Manchester United. The Hammers are without a league win in four matches but you get the sense that the team are due a victory after a run of bad luck in recent weeks.
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Dimitri Payet reveals why he turned down offers and moved to West Ham
Date: 18th April 2016 at 5:30 am
Written by: Gareth McKnight
foreverwestham.com
West Ham star Dimitri Payet has stated that the allure of playing in the Premier League and being impressed by Slaven Bilic were the key reasons in moving to the Boleyn Ground last summer.
The France international midfielder has been a revelation in his debut campaign in English football and has spearheaded the Hammers' drive towards the top four this season. Payet's form has led him to be selected in the shortlist for the PFA Player of the Year accolade, while the former Lille and Marseille attacker is now a critical member of the London club's first team.
The 29-year-old has admitted that he could have moved to other clubs across the continent, but a switch to West Ham was the ideal option for him. "Other clubs did get in contact, but it didn't go further than that," The Daily Mail quote Payet as saying. "My choice was to come to West Ham, mainly because I'd spoken to the manager. "Speaking to the coach has been my number-one criterion at every club I've played for to find out what he expects from me, how he will make me improve and that he'll play me. "West Ham was the best choice for me on the back of my best season in Ligue 1. I don't think there was much room left for progress in Ligue 1. I'd done almost everything there. "Coming to England to play in a different league under a coach who already wanted me when he was at Besiktas… I understood that I'd be an important player for him and a club like West Ham that, as you said, is not one of the biggest, was the best platform for me to continue my development."
Payet is set to star for France at Euro 2016 this summer and has been linked with a big-money move to Barcelona or Real Madrid, which is a testament to just how well the playmaker has performed this season.
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West Ham's Olympic Stadium Deal Isn't as Shady as Everyone Wanted
ByJoe Difford
17 APR 2016
90min.com
Ever since West Ham United were announced as the club chosen to move into the Olympic Stadium this summer, fans and even owners of other clubs have questioned the deal. How could such a tiny little club who are surely relegation candidates like West Ham get one of the best stadiums in Europe, they said. Just last week the details of the deal were unveiled, and although David Gold, David Sullivan and Karen Brady welcomed the decision and said that they had nothing to hide, many were still waiting to find something to complain about.
It turns out however, that the deal in place is not as shady or outrageous as people were hoping, and instead it represents a good deal for the taxpayer, despite what it initially suggests.
Yes, the deal is a good one, because the Hammers have a brand new stadium for the lowly price of £2.5m-per-year, but it is important to remember that the club will only be using it for roughly 25 days of the footballing calendar. If they play any games over that amount, they owe a further £100,000 per match.
The bit that is drawing a lot of the attention is the fact that the club does not have to fork out for running costs, maintenance or even corner flags. But bar the running costs, it is akin to renting a flat as one would usually expect it to come with the essentials and the landlord to be responsible for fixing things when they break.
What is being overlooked in all of this, is that the other offers on the table were, quite frankly, ridiculous. Leyton Orient wanted the ground, the same Leyton Orient who attract roughly 5000 to their games, and the other two conversion options were to turn it into a Formula One track or facilities for a university's sports degree.
Other than that, Tottenham Hotspur wanted to knock the whole building down and start again, which means that the taxpayer's money to build it in the first place would have been wasted.
West Ham were the only viable option, and the Hammers actually wanted to buy the ground, but rules were in place to prevent them from buying a ground built using state money.
The taxpayer costs seem bad at a glance, but the LLDC will receive money from stadium naming rights, profits from catering and other bonuses, depending on the club's league and cup standings.
The local area will see a boom as more jobs become available and more shops, bookies and eateries open to support the match-day crowd.
People who were hoping for a scandal with the release of the Olympic Stadium deal will probably be digging around for something to complain about right now, but without West Ham, taxpayers money would have been used for something else either way.
If you look at other Olympic Stadiums around the world, some are derelict and an eyesore on the city's skyline, but West Ham United will be putting money back into the local area and giving a future to a stadium that holds so many happy memories from the 2102 games.
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