Moyes: Unity, togetherness, home advantage, young players and the same old
Leicester City
WHUFC.com
David Moyes sat down with the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of his first
home match in charge of West Ham United.
The Hammers host Leicester City at London Stadium on Friday evening anxious
to end a run of five Premier League matches without a win – a record which
has seen them drop into the bottom three and led to Moyes' appointment a
little over a fortnight ago. The new manager was asked what his team need to
do to improve their fortunes, about his excitement ahead of his first home
game and for his view on Friday's visitors. Here is what he had to say…
Unity and togetherness will be key to our success
I want everybody to be together and be united and help each other along, not
just at London Stadium on Friday evening, but for the remainder of the
season. West Ham have always been a very vocal support. I can vouch for that
over the years and years I've been coming, I was always looking to get away
from Upton Park after the game because we knew it was going to be tough. We
want them to be supportive of the team. We have knowledgeable supporters and
they've seen a lot of good stuff down the years here and they want their
team to play well. What we've got to do is build it [togetherness] and make
sure we are all together and make sure that whatever happens and whatever is
said is affecting us all and not just one.
London Stadium is brilliant and we need to make it our fortress
I've been down a couple of times in the week and was there a year ago as
manager of Sunderland. It's a brilliant stadium and don't let anybody tell
you any different. It's going to be the stadium we play in for the next 100
years. I watched the game against Chelsea last year and it was one of the
best atmospheres I heard in the Premier League last season, if I'm honest,
so it's possible. What we need to do is give the supporters something to
shout about because if we give them something to shout about that's
half-decent then I think they will support us wherever. I think West Ham
supporters will support their team, no matter what stadium they're playing
in.
Youngsters will get their opportunities at the right time
I've always wanted to introduce young players, especially when I think it's
right, as I showed during my time at Everton. Declan Rice has already been
in the side for a few games this season. The bigger problem for Toni
Martinez is that he has competition in front of him from other centre
forwards – Andre Ayew, Diafra Sakho, obviously Andy Carroll as well can do
that roll – so that's his biggest thing. Young Domingos Quina has been
training with us and he was on the bench as well. We're a bit short of
midfield players, so the openings can come for young players due to injuries
or suspensions or just not having players in those positions.
Leicester City – new manager, same playing style
I've watched a couple of Leicester City games as we're playing them and the
structure hasn't really changed even from Claudio Ranieri's time, to be
honest. They've got some outstanding players and their style of play really
fits their team and their club. I've got to say I think the new manager
Claude Puel has introduced one or two different things I've seen, I think,
and overall you'll see the Leicester City most people recognise from the way
they played a few years ago.
Because of their speed and their aggressiveness, I have to think about the
opposition, particularly with where we are in the league When you're at the
top, you think about your own team completely, but when you're in the
position we're in, we have to think about what the opposition could do to
hurt us. We also have to think about what we can do to hurt the opposition
so there's a balance. We obviously know what Leicester's threats are but we
need to give Leicester problems as well by how we play and what we do, so
it's a tight balance and we hope to be able to do both.
Mahrez and Vardy remain the Foxes' biggest threat
Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy were arguably Leicester City's most-important
players when they won the Premier League title two seasons ago and that
remains the case now. While Vardy still plays on the last man and uses his
pace to run in behind, Mahrez now, possibly playing as a No10, gives them a
different way of playing with a more technical player in that position,
rather than a Shinji Okazaki, for example who would give them the energy and
the legs. I don't know if he will play wide or as a No10, but in one of the
games they played he was in that position and gave them a bit more craft in
the middle of the pitch. As for Vardy, his wife is in the jungle on I'm a
Celebrity… and I wouldn't mind Jamie being in the jungle instead, if I could
do a swap deal!
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West Ham United statement: Boxing Day fixtures
WHUFC.com
Contrary to reports, West Ham United have not requested that the Club's
Boxing Day Premier League fixture be played away from London Stadium. A West
Ham United spokesperson said: "There is categorically no agreement in place
that means West Ham United have to play Boxing Day fixtures away from home.
"It is not uncommon for emergency services or other stakeholders to make
requests to the Premier League to avoid certain fixture dates. "However,
these requests will not always be granted by the Premier League and we fully
expect to play at London Stadium on Boxing Day in future seasons."
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Team News: Arnautovic and Ayew available for Leicester match
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has confirmed that Marko Arnautovic and Andre Ayew will be
available for West Ham United's match with Leicester City, but the Irons
will still be without Chicharito and Michail Antonio. The Hammers take on
the Foxes in the Premier League on Friday evening in Moyes's first match at
London Stadium in charge of West Ham United. The manager's squad will be
boosted by the availability of two attacking players in Arnautovic and Ayew.
The No7 was substituted in the second half of last weekend's match with
Watford with a suspected arm injury, but Arnautovic's knock was not as
serious as first feared and he will be able to play against Leicester. Ayew
meanwhile missed Moyes's first match due to illness, but the Ghanaian has
recovered in time to return to consideration for Friday's game "It [Marko
Arnautovic's injury] looked really serious when he came off," Moyes admitted
to his press conference. "It was bad. The first stop was broken arm and then
broken thumb. Thankfully there's no breaks. "It was badly swollen – it was a
bit like a boxer's hand when we saw it the next day. But he's fine. He has
trained with a good plaster on it. He's okay. "Andre Ayew was out with
illness. His wasn't so bad but he has taken a couple of days to find his
feet after. He's back in amongst us too which is good."
Michail Antonio has also returned to full training this week after suffering
an injury which kept the forward out of the Liverpool and Watford matches.
The 27-year-old, like James Collins, is on the road back to fitness after
his set-back but Moyes has indicated that neither will be risked versus
Leicester City, with the manager keeping one eye on a busy festive fixture
list. Moyes added: "Michail Antonio is back among the group but I think he
looks short of fitness and match practice. He won't be included in the squad
for the game but we need him back for the coming weeks. "James Collins has
been back training. He came out of training for one day due to a little
tweak. We are feeding him in and bringing him out, but we're trying to get
him back because we've got so many games and a really busy schedule coming
up. "Rushing James Collins and Michail Antonio back, I don't necessarily
think is the right thing to do at the moment. Because of the heavy period
coming up I'm going to need them in the coming weeks and months."
Moyes also offered updates on Chicharito, who is expected to return to
running next week, as well as Sam Byram – who has been out of action after
suffering an injury in training at the start of the month. "It would be get
to some of the other boys back, like Sam Byram. It would be good to get them
back. "Javier Hernandez will hopefully start some running and join in from
next week. We are hopeful for him from next week."
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'Sore loser' Antonio eager to help Hammers return to winning ways
WHUFC.com
'Sore loser' Michail Antonio is desperate to return to action and help West
Ham United get back to winning ways. The winger has missed the Hammers' last
two Premier League matches with a hamstring injury, but is now back in full
training and hopes to make his first appearance under David Moyes against
Leicester City on Friday evening. Antonio admits watching his teammates lose
out to Liverpool and Watford was difficult and vowed to do everything he can
to help Moyes record his maiden win as West Ham manager at London Stadium.
"My missus calls me a 'sore loser' and I'm definitely someone who is
competitive and wants to win games, so hopefully we can turn things around
and turn these 'Ls' into 'Ws'," he said, with typical bullishness.
"Leicester have picked things up lately and they are doing all right but,
for me, it's one of those things where we have a better squad and have got
better players and on Friday it should be a win for us."
Antonio's unique blend of strength and speed will undoubtedly add something
different to Moyes' squad, should he be declared fit for Friday's game, and
the No30 revealed the manager has spoken to him about his role going
forward. The player himself is desperate to prove his worth, not only to
Moyes but to everyone associated with the Club, after being criticised for
his role in Crystal Palace's last-gasp equaliser at Selhurst Park on his
last appearance in Claret and Blue. "I'm feeling good, to be honest. I had a
little bit of a tweak to my hamstring, but I've been training for a couple
of days now and it's feeling good and hopefully I'll be available for the
game on Friday. "With the wingers that we have in the squad, I believe I
bring a different aspect to the game as I stay wide and have pace and power,
and I also like to get crosses into the box as often as I can and as early
as possible. I am different, so it depends what sort of aspect the gaffer is
going for and we'll see what the team is on Friday. "Obviously I missed the
first week of training under the new manager, which was frustrating, but I
spoke to him and he told me what he expects from me and what he wants from
me. "I've now had a couple of days of training with him and his coaches and
the sessions were good and sharp, so hopefully we can take that sharpness
into the game against Leicester."
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Powell: We can turn over another big team
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23 midfielder Joe Powell is confident his side will be a
match for Arsenal when the sides contest a London derby on Friday in Premier
League 2.
Terry Westley's side take on the Gunners an hour earlier than first team's
match with Leicester City at London Stadium, at Borehamwood FC's Meadow
Park.
And after victories over both Manchester City, Manchester United and
Tottenham Hotspur so far this season, as well as a draw with Chelsea, Powell
believes the Hammers will be more than a handful for Arsenal. He said:
"Coming out of the the game on Tuesday [against Benfica], although we took a
two-goal defeat, it didn't quite feel like that because we were actually the
better team having the young players out that we did. "We go into Friday
with a very positive attitude and knowing that we have done well in the
league this season. We'll look to get three points. Joe Powell"We've turned
over the biggest teams in the league this season already – Manchester City,
Manchester United – and got a good draw against Chelsea. "We've shown that
we can be a force against the big teams in this division and nobody should
be doubting that we can do it again on Friday."
Powell played at left-back in Tuesday's Premier League International Cup
fixture with Benfica, a position he has started in a number of times this
season. The natural winger has also found himself in central midfield and
although he admitted attacking is his main focus, he is happy to play
wherever the manager needs him. "Everyone wants to play in their favoured
position but sometimes you have a got to do a job and when you do it well,
of course it can become very enjoyable as well," he continued. "I've played
central midfield too, and that's somewhere I like playing because I can get
on the ball plenty and try to make this happen through the middle of the
park. "Left-back, you have to show a different side of your game, and as
well getting forward and being positive you have to defend hard, stay
switched on at all times and be strong on your opponent. I do enjoy it, but
not quite as much as my preferred position!"
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West Ham United v Leicester City
FRI 24 NOV 2017
PREMIER LEAGUE
20:00
Venue: London Stadium
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham manager David Moyes remains without injured trio Javier Hernandez,
Michail Antonio and James Collins for his first home game in charge. Andre
Ayew has recovered from illness and Marko Arnautovic is available as a
nasty-looking injury against Watford turned out to be only a swollen thumb.
Leicester manager Claude Puel has no fresh injury worries and has suggested
he will keep changes to a minimum. Defender Robert Huth and midfielder Matty
James remain sidelined.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "There can't be many managers who have to stand on the
touchline listening to cries of 'sack the board', 'you're not fit to wear
the shirt' and 'you destroyed our club', while watching their first match in
charge end in ignominious defeat. "But that was the background to David
Moyes' hostile baptism at Vicarage Road last Sunday. Judging by his
post-match comments, the fans aren't the only ones hoping for more from the
players. "The reaction on and off the field at the London Stadium will be
interesting, with Leicester providing the opposition for Moyes' first home
game. "The Foxes didn't manage a single shot on target last week against
Manchester City but are unbeaten in their last four away matches."
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "We need to give the supporters something to
shout about and something that looks half decent, and then they will support
us.
"I want everyone to be together. I am not aware of the problems before I
came, I was a bit surprised when I heard (chanting against the board). "I
want them behind us to give us a chance of winning."
Leicester City manager Claude Puel: "I have a good feeling with the players;
they listen, they work hard on the pitch and I feel their ambition. "We will
see in the next games, with a good adaption and rotation, to see them
approach it with a positive attitude."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Even a draw against Leicester would be something to build on and I think the
most important thing for David Moyes in his first home game in charge is
that they do not lose.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham are on a six-match winless streak against Leicester in all
competitions, losing five of them.
The Foxes could record three successive away victories in this fixture for
the first time. They had only won one of their 28 league visits to West Ham
prior to back-to-back victories in the past two seasons.
West Ham United
Nine points after 12 games represents West Ham's second worst start to a
Premier League season. They had eight points in the 2010-11 relegation
campaign.
They could lose three successive Premier League home games for the first
time since August 2015 when they still played at the Boleyn Ground.
David Moyes has failed to win any of his 10 Premier League home fixtures in
2017 (D4, L6). The record for most home games in a calendar year without a
victory is 11, set by Mick McCarthy 12 years ago.
West Ham have the division's worst defensive record, with 25 goals conceded
- their joint most at this stage of a Premier League season. They have let
in 89 league goals in 50 games since the start of last season.
The Hammers covered 114.5km against Watford on Sunday, their highest figure
of the season. However, they still trail every other team in the division
bar Manchester United, and they have made the fewest sprints.
They have conceded 12 of their 25 Premier League goals after the hour mark.
West Ham have scored just 11 league goals so far this season from 126
attempts.
Andy Carroll has gone 12 hours and 49 minutes without a goal - spanning 10
games - since scoring against Hull on 1 April.
Leicester City
The Foxes have gone four away matches without defeat in the league, although
their only win came at Swansea.
They failed to register an attempt on target in a Premier League game for
the first time in 13 months against Manchester City last weekend.
Jamie Vardy has scored two goals and provided two assists in his last four
Premier League appearances against West Ham.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 28%
Probability of home win: 38% Probability of away win: 34%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
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New supporter pressure group launches
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Lifelong Hammers Andy Swallow and Micky Morgan took to social media this
lunchtime in order to deliver an impassioned call for unity from West Ham
supporters.
The hour-long broadcast was published on the 'Real West Ham Fans' Facebook
group, a new initiative that was set up yesterday in order to hold the
club's Board, who have been heavily criticised for their perceived
mismanagement of the club since leaving Upton Park, to account.
Swallow, 57, confirmed that he will be meeting the club in due course in
order to push the new group's agenda. He also denied reports that the club
have cancelled a previously-arranged meeting.
Whilst yet to be determined, the new body's schedule will centre upon
improving the fans' experience at the Olympic Stadium and making the Board
more accountable, following increasing discontent from the fanbase regarding
the manner in which the club is being run.
Additionally, the process will almost certainly involve a planned protest -
with both the Chelsea (9 December) or Arsenal (13 December) home games
mooted as potential dates. However this Friday's televised clash with
Leicester is seen as too soon to rally and organise effectively.
"We're going to demonstrate and take action until we're listened to,"
Swallow told the hundreds of West Ham fans who tuned in to today's live
broadcast. "We've had enough.
"We're looking for suggestions what to do and the best way to do it in order
to maximise it but also ensure limited damage to the football team itself as
they're our priority. We're aiming to make the stadium feel like home - and
to get a piece of our club back."
You may view the entire broadcast on the Real West Ham Fans Facebook group.
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Boxing Day cancelled as Stratford can't cope
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United specifically requested that they play away from home this
coming Boxing Day in order to placate the owners of Westfield, according to
new revelations.
The Telegraph's Sam Wallace writes that West Ham made the request on the
basis that Stratford station would not be able to cope with a 50,000
football crowd in addition to the extra shoppers expected during the
Christmas period. This has since been confirmed by the Premier League.
It is the second successive season that West Ham have asked to play away
from home on Boxing Day. Last season United were sent to Swansea, whilst a
trip to Bournemouth this year will provide its own logistical nightmares for
Hammers hoping to see the game.
The revelation follows a request from the club earlier this year that the
club's opening four games of the season - three in the Premier League and
one in the Carabao Cup - be played away from home as a result of last
summer's World Athletics Championship event.
A club spokesman told the Telegraph: ""It is not uncommon for emergency
services or other stakeholders to make requests to the Premier League to
avoid certain fixture dates, however these requests will not always be
granted by the Premier League and we fully expect to play at London Stadium
on Boxing Day in future seasons."
Back in August, vice-chair Karren Brady insisted that West Ham fixtures
would always take precedence over any other events in Stratford. "When we
signed the contract in 2013 we were aware that the IAFF was going to
happen," she said, in reference to last summer's games.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime situation and it's the only time our games won't
take precedence." West Ham currently sit 18th in the Premier League, having
accrued just nine points from their opening 12 fixtures.
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E20 on the rocks
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Members of the London Assembley have demanded to see accounts relating to
the company that runs the Olympic Stadium, after rumours that they were
about to be wound up emerged.
E20 Stadium LLP was formed in July 2012 as an partnership between Newham
Council and the LLDC (London Legacy Development Corporation). However
rumours that the company is about to go uner led the Assembly to demand
answers in a meeting held earlier this week.
"This company spends vast amounts of public money and we know it is in
financial difficulty," said committee chairman Gareth Bacon. "But we have
been prevented from seeing the accounts of E20 Stadium LLP. Why?
"The assembly needs this information immediately so we can assess whether
[Sadiq Khan] is making the right decisions when it comes to the London
Stadium and Olympic legacy. The assembly needs to do its job of scrutinising
the issues that matter to London, unhindered."
Earlier this month the LLDC confirmed that it had no plans to cancel West
Ham's 99-year lease of the stadium, depite referrring to the agreement as
"onerous".
"We have a concession agreement with West Ham," LLDC Chief Executive David
Goldstone told the assembly. "Those contracts are onerous, we make a loss -
but we are working to fix it so the losses are dramatically less."
Meanwhile E20 have been given a fortnight in which to provide copies of
their latest, up-to-date accounts, whilst an LLDC spokesman confirmed that a
review - ordered recently by Mayor Khan and being prepared by accountancy
firm Moore Stephens - was forthcoming.
"LLDC and Newham Council are working closely with E20, the London Stadium's
owners, to address the long-standing financial challenges in the best
interests of the residents of Newham and Londoners," they said.
"A decision about the future of E20 and the stadium will be made by the
Mayor alongside the publication of the Moore Stephens review."
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Still no details for Tottenham trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 23rd November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham have written an apology to supporters for the delay in providing
ticketing information regarding West Ham United's trip to Wembley on Sunday,
31 December.
With little more than a month to go until the game takes place, ticket
details for the match have still not been released by the North London club
- who blamed "complicated circumstances" (without qualifying exactly what
those circumstances are) for the ensuing delay.
"We fully understand that for those loyal and committed fans anticipating
attending, this delay is inconvenient as we are already beyond the normal
deadline for the confirmations you deserve," read a statment on behalf of
SPurs and the Premier League.
"Staging matches requires many elements to be put in place, primarily to
ensure that you can all enjoy them safely and can get to and from grounds in
reasonable time.
"Given the complicated circumstances we are asking for a little more time to
work through solutions acceptable to those with the ultimate responsibility
for ensuring this match is played and enjoyed safely. We thank you for your
understanding."
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West Ham v Leicester preview: David Moyes' first home game on Friday Night
Football
Last Updated: 23/11/17 6:35pm
SSN
David Moyes presides over his first home game as West Ham manager when
Leicester City visit on Friday Night Football, live on Sky Sports Premier
League. The Hammers fans vented their anger at joint-chairmen David Sullivan
and David Gold, and vice-chair Karren Brady, during the 2-0 defeat at
Watford last Sunday.
Following some poor displays, which have left West Ham in the relegation
zone, Moyes hopes a decent performance will get the fans back on side. He
said: "I want everyone to be together. I am not aware of the problems before
I came, I was a bit surprised when I heard (the board criticism). "I want
them behind us to give us a chance of winning. But I'm looking for better
quality play, I'm looking for more opportunities albeit I don't think we're
going to get many better than the last game but we just need to improve our
all-round play really. Leicester manager Claude Puel believes the spirit
within his camp bodes well for the future as he prepares his team for a trip
to east London. "I have a good feeling with the players, they listen, they
work hard on the pitch and I feel their ambition," Puel told a press
conference. "We will see in the next games, with a good adaption and
rotation, to see them approach it with a positive attitude."
Team news
West Ham will still be without Mexico striker Javier Hernandez, winger
Michail Antonio and defender James Collins through injury. But forward Andre
Ayew is fit after illness ruled him out at Vicarage Road and Marko
Arnautovic has made what appears to be a remarkable recovery from the horror
injury he seemed to suffer against the Hornets. The Austria international
was left writing on the pitch in agony and left the field after lengthy
treatment on what turned out to be a sore thumb.
Leicester boss Puel has no fresh injury worries, but continues to be without
Robert Huth. The defender is yet to play this season as he continues to
battle a knee injury while Matty James is also sidelined with an Achilles
problem. Puel suggested he is unlikely to rotate his squad following last
weekend's defeat to Manchester City as he looks ahead to making changes
during the Christmas period instead.
Opta stats
West Ham are winless in their last five Premier League meetings with
Leicester, drawing one and losing four since a 2-0 home win in December
2014. Leicester have won their last two away league games against West Ham,
having won just one of their previous 28 in east London (W1 D6 L21). They've
never won three consecutively at the Hammers before. Having won their
previous two home Premier League matches on a Friday, West Ham lost their
last such match 0-3 against Brighton last month. Leicester City are yet to
win a Premier League game on a Friday (W0 D1 L3), though their four previous
matches have seen both sides score each time, producing a total of 15 goals
(3.8 per game).
Merson's prediction
Massive game, and I'm going for Leicester. I think this is a nightmare game
for West Ham. Firstly, they're not playing well, and Leicester are a
counter-attacking team. West Ham have to have a go, and I'm not sure about
what David Moyes said about the players after the defeat at Watford. He
criticised some of them for their performances; you say that to the players
in the dressing room, don't come out and say it on your first day! The
players won't be happy with that, no way.
If I were a player, I'd be thinking: 'Come on, tell us in the dressing room,
don't blame us in public.' I know it was the players' fault, but there's a
way of doing it. That was poor in my opinion.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3 (22/1 with Sky Bet)
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David Moyes wants 'better quality play' from West Ham
By Richard Cooke
Last Updated: 23/11/17 3:27pm
SSN
West Ham manager David Moyes says he is looking for more quality on the
pitch and has reitarated the need for togetherness ahead of his first home
game against Leicester. West Ham manager David Moyes says he wants to see
more quality on the pitch. Moyes first match in charge ended in a 2-0 defeat
at Watford on Sunday and he is looking to put things right in his first home
game against Leicester on Friday live on Sky Sports. The result left West
Ham in the bottom three with just two wins from 12 games and Moyes was
disappointed with the standard of football from his team. He said: "I think
their attitude and their application wasn't in question for me against
Watford, far from it, we could show that wasn't the case, so I think that's
the first thing we need to say. "But I'm looking for better quality play,
I'm looking for more opportunities albeit I don't think we're going to get
many better than the last game but we just need to improve our all round
play really. West Ham's travelling support made their feelings known during
and after the game, but Moyes wants them to get behind the team on Friday
night. He added: "I want everybody to be together and be united and help
each other along. I'm not aware of any problems before I came, I wasn't made
aware of anything. I was a little bit surprised when I heard it [the abuse
at Watford] I've got to say. I want them behind us, I want to give the team
every chance of winning. "West Ham have always been a really vocal support,
I can vouch for that over the years. For years and years I came and you're
always looking forward to getting away from Upton Park after the game
because you knew it was going to be tough so we want them to be supportive
of the team. "They are knowledgeable supporters, they've seen a lot of good
stuff going on over the years here and they will be wanting the team to play
well. "What we've got to do is build it [togetherness], make sure within the
team we build it. I've said many times you've got to be all together and
make sure whatever happens and whatever is said outside is affecting us all,
not just one".
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SUPPORTING WEST HAM-SUPPORTING MOYES
By Blind Hammer 23 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer looks at avoiding relegation and argues against protest.
Tomorrow night's game against Leicester will be a test not just for David
Moyes and the team but also the fans. By now Moyes will realised the huge
size of the task confronting him. Our display demonstrated a disjointed and
ineffectual effort against a depleted Watford shorn of many first team
regulars. Despite this Silva's men produced a confident display of verve and
attacking football which West Ham can only dream of. Those who argued for
the hiring of Silva over the summer will feel vindicated.
Yet there is no point in now dwelling on what might have been, in actual
fact, we need managerial speculation now like we need a hole in the head.
What we do need to manage is expectation. I wrote last week that Moyes'
capacity to transform our squad's fitness was fancifully overblown. Large
numbers of our squad, absent during the international break, would have
barely met Moyes, in Winston Read's case, returning only hours before
travelling to Watford. , Upcoming fixture congestion will [[[provide no
opportunity for any boot camp style fitness program. Expecting Moyes to wave
an immediate fitness magic wand was unrealistic. The club videos advertising
new training intensity looks like unfortunate spin now.
We need to face some unpalatable facts. For some weeks it has been clear
that we are in for a relegation fight. Too many points have been conceded
against average or poor teams. Games will get no easier in the weeks ahead.
We have consistently demonstrated that we have the worst defence in the
premiership. An average team with the worst defence will always struggle. We
are in for a rocky ride.
Things are already turning ugly with some of our fans. The stupidity of some
of Carroll's play against Watford was immediately exceeded by the stupidity
of fans who abuse him outside the ground. This is entirely
counterproductive. In this period of adversity with a team struggling for
confidence players will need not abuse but support like they has rarely
needed it before.
There will be no easy games. An expectation to roll over teams like Watford,
Brighton, Stoke, and Bournemouth West Bromwich should not currently exist.
Lashing out at the team, manager and even the Board because we have a team
bereft of confidence is a luxury we cannot afford.
Moyes was not a popular appointment and the chances are that he has
inherited a squad which will give him negative results. It is likely that
any honeymoon period will be brief and dissent will emerge. But for people
to react with an "I told you so" will not help, Moyes is the Manager until
the end of the season and no fan protest will or indeed even should change
this. Multiple managerial sacking rarely helps any club.
Equally futile is lashing out at our Board. We cannot afford the luxury of
petulant Stadium protests. We all tend to look for blame but this is
currently an indulgence.
We have been here before. The protest against the huge own goal of the Bond
scheme in 1991 was objectively entirely justified. Nevertheless however
justified the protest was it still resulted in a toxic atmosphere which
Billy Bonds, our manager at the time, was convinced was the cause of our
relegation.
I do not want to see history repeat itself. It seems some would almost
welcome relegation if it gave them a stick to beat the Board with and punish
them for moving to what they repeatedly call the "Athletics Bowl in a
desperate attempt to create a "feel bad" atmosphere. There should be no
satisfaction in seeing West Ham fail. Constant whining about how the Board
allegedly "promised the next level" is pointless now. We have to become more
positive if West Ham is ever to thrive again. Opposition fans love watching
our current disunity. Upton Park is no more, we can either engage in
perennial but futile whingeing about the past or we can try to move on a
support the club.
Having said that, I will now make my own constructive Board criticism. The
fact is that they also have to considerably up their game. The announcement
following Moyes' appointment was clumsy at best. They are far too fond of
getting excuses in early. They seem to have been taking lessons from the
Boris Johnston School of Diplomacy. Sullivan's "shooting from the hip"
description of Moyes as a "gamble" was crass in the extreme. His subsequent
description of Moyes as not the best but only "the "best available" also
damns him with faint praise. Sullivan is the boss at West Ham so he has the
right to speak his mind. However despite Boris's example a political leader
is normally media coached to avoid making these sorts of gaffs. , Sullivan
desperately needs similar support. The problem is who, at West Ham, will be
able to tell him he needs this? Will the brave PR person please stand up?
So we must positively support Moyes and the club as a whole in the difficult
weeks ahead. From top to bottom, from Board to fans, we must embrace Moyes
as a legitimate Manager and try to build confidence in our team.
Once upon a time West Ham used to be famous for supporting our team in
adversity. Players remember fans support much more when things are going
badly rather than when they are going well. From tomorrow night's game
against Leicester I have committed myself to supporting the team through our
current adversity. I will not leave early no matter what the score. I will
not boo, no matter what. I will try to encourage and do my tiny bit to
improve the love and support the team can feel. In return I expect the team
to try their best. This use to be the West Ham Mojo. If we are to prove that
there are three teams worse than us we need to rediscover it fast.
COYI
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM'S DAVID MOYES PREVIEWS LEICESTER GAME
The Mirror
New boss David Moyes showed his West Ham players he means business — by
reading Andy Carroll the riot act after his first game in charge. Manager
Moyes stunned witnesses by "hammering" star striker Carroll over his display
in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Watford. The England international was taken off
in the 65th minute, immediately after the Hornets' second goal. He was
walking a tightrope after being booked for a foul on Richarlison, having
escaped punishment for catching defender Marvin Zegelaar with a stray elbow
just six seconds into the match. However, it was his overall performance
rather than just his ill-discipline – in his first league start for five
weeks following a red card at Burnley – that angered Moyes. The Scot is
understood to have told Carroll in no uncertain terms in Vicarage Road's
away dressing room that his display was not up to scratch and he needed to
liven up. Moyes, who has vowed to get tough with West Ham's players, hasn't
held back in publicising his expectations of the squad he's inherited from
the sacked Slaven Bilic. He underlined that in his treatment of Carroll, and
sent out a warning to the rest of his squad in the process. Though Moyes
didn't begin his reign with the result he wanted at Watford, he is
understood to have made a positive impression since taking charge. His
straight-talking communication style and hard work have gone down well with
many of the players, along with the intensity and hands-on approach he has
brought to training sessions. Moyes' displeasure was clear after the Watford
defeat, when he said diplomatically that "there were some players with big
reputations who disappointed me a little bit" having singled out Carroll
behind closed doors. And his criticism of West Ham's one-time £15m record
signing will increase the scrutiny on the striker in Friday's home game
against Leicester. He was taunted with chants of "You're not fit to wear the
shirt" when hooked on Sunday — having angered sections of the fan-base after
what proved to be Bilic's final game, a 4-1 loss to Liverpool, by telling
them they "really should be staying until the end" of matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, November 24
Thursday, November 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd November 2017
Hammers' 15-year-old stars impress for U23s
WHUFC.com
When West Ham United U23s took on Benfica in the Premier League
International Cup on Tuesday, there were a number of stars on show all over
the pitch at Billericay Town's AGP Arena. However it was two 15-year-olds –
Josh Okotcha and Will Greenidge – who manager Terry Westley singled out as
having impressed as they made their debuts at U23 level. Full-back Greenidge
stepped up from U16 level to play for the U18s earlier this season and his
progress went one step further when he started at right-back against the
Portuguese outfit. The story was similar for Okotcha – who is 16 next month
– and the centre-back looked solid against a number of experienced Benfica
forwards. Greenidge's night ultimately ended in disappointment as he was
replaced due to an Achilles injury, but Westley praised the pair for the way
they dealt with the challenge. "If you're going to play Josh and Will in an
U23 game, they have clearly done well at U16 and U18 level this season,"
said the Academy Director. "They have been the two standouts. We were short
defensively and it meant they got the opportunity. "And it was a chance for
them. You get a chance to show people what you can do. I was so disappointed
for Will because he started so well. He looked very accomplished on the
ball, had a good awareness of where he needed to be defensively and he grew
into the game. "He took a nasty Achilles injury which has been accessed
today and it could be a while before he's ready to come back."
Benfica forward Alan Junior Oliveira – 24-years-old – scored both goals in
the 2-0 victory for the visitors in the Hammers' final match in the
competition. And Westley recognised the difficulty of the contest Okotcha,
playing alongside U18 skipper Ben Wells, faced. "For Josh, it was a real
challenge and you have to concentrate all the game. You make errors at U16
and U18 level which you might get away with, but at our level and the next
level up with the first team, you get punished. "He knows he could have done
better for the first goal but overall, playing that level of competition and
surviving and doing well shows you have much he's come on. "We spoke at the
end to the players about coming out of the game in credit and those two
certainly did that. "If you looked at the game in general, we all came out
in the positive rather than the negative on Tuesday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scully delighted with Benfica game-time
WHUF.com
Anthony Scully was delighted to complete his first 90 minutes of the season
when West Ham United's U23s hosted Benfica on Tuesday night. The Hammers
were beaten 2-0 by their Portuguese opponents on a blustery evening in
Billericay, though they went into the game knowing their fate was sealed and
they could no longer progress past the group stages of the Premier League
International Cup. And as a result, Terry Westley fielded a very young side,
containing two U16 players, and the Hammers held their own against an
experienced Benfica outfit whose first half goals won them the match.
Republic of Ireland U19 international Scully had started just one match
previously this campaign before Tuesday, and he complemented his second
start by remaining on the pitch until the full time whistle at the AGP
Arena, something he was extremely happy to do. "It was my first 90 minutes
since last season, so it was great to start and it was a massive positive
for me to do the 90," the midfielder, who has come off the bench five times
in Premier League 2 this season, said after the clash. "Obviously every
player always wants to play, but you have to understand that you're not
always going to get that opportunity and you have to keep working hard. "At
this age and not being able to play for the youth team, you have got to work
as hard as possible to force your way into the U23 squad. But you've always
got to respect the manager's decision."
The tie against Benfica was the Hammers' third in the International Cup,
after previous defeats to first London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and then
Spanish side Villarreal. And Scully believes though the U23s, who have
fielded young starting XIs in all three games, have not picked up the
results in the competition, they are better off for the experience. "It's
been good playing sides from different countries in this competition," he
contined. "I'm a bit more used to it as I get to at international level with
Ireland, but you can see the different ways different countries and clubs
from there play. "We obviously got that Spanish test against Villarreal and
then a Portuguese side tonight. It's great to get a variation of teams to
play at this level; it's good for our development. "We did well tonight,
considering we had two U16s in Will [Greenidge] and Josh [Okotcha] starting.
They both did brilliant, stepping up and playing at this level. "We were
told this was Benfica's best team possible as they were out to qualify for
the next stage, so that lads have done brilliant regardless of the result.
We must be proud of the way we've played."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Watford 2-0 West Ham (And Other Ramblings)
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st November 2017
By: HeadHammerShark
Let's not fuck about. We're in desperate straits.
I'd love to tell you that I saw the green shoots of recovery in this game,
but in reality it was the same show we've all been watching for two years,
with merely a different conductor. And, by the way, it didn't take David
Moyes long to look like an extra from Full Metal Jacket did it?
I. What. How. Jesus H CHRIST
So let's examine the anatomy of this relegation battle, because that is
where we are right now, irrespective of the pie in the sky nonsense that is
being spouted by the club. What are the key areas we need to address?
***
Refusing to accept we are in a relegation battle
In 2010/11 we were relegated bottom of the league having allowed Avram Grant
to manage the team all season because of *spins wheel* . At this exact point
of the season our records can be compared thusly:
2010/11
Played: 12
Goal Difference: -11
Points: 8
Position: Bottom
2017/18
Played: 12
Goal Difference: -14
Points: 9
Position: 18th
It should be noted that with their current record this year's team would be
bottom of the 2010/11 league as well. They are only presently being saved
from that fate by the fact Swansea and Crystal Palace are so bad.
So, by any definition of the term we are knee deep in shit, and yet the team
and hierarchy are parading around with the familiar overconfidence that we
have all come to know and love. "Look at our attacking options" they say,
"That squad is way too good to be down there" I hear, and even as that
misplaced bluster floats out into the ether, we continue to lose games like
this.
For shitty 2-0 defeats at Watford are the building blocks of relegation. It
happens, we deserved to lose, Watford were the better side and we move on,
but the problem with that is one then looks up in February and such defeats
are scattered everywhere throughout the season.
We have managed just three away draws so far this campaign, and when you
play your home games at an abandoned nuclear bunker you don't get much home
comfort. I'm really beginning to think that Karren should have put "Too Good
To Go Down" on the new club badge, given I hear that said an awful lot more
about West Ham than I ever hear the phrase "London".
***
Civil War
Ah yes, the third rail of West Ham politics. The board. The fans. The
players. The bloggers. The flags. The stewards. The poisonous atmosphere
that hangs over the club like our own private ozone layer. As soon as we
fell behind yesterday the "Sack The Board" chants started up closely
followed by "You're Not Fit To Wear The Shirt". I'd heard something similar
at Spurs when we went 2-0 down, and other more regular away followers may be
able to pinpoint earlier instances too.
I will defend to the death the rights of football fans to protest about
their club. I despise the patronising "well what do they expect, they should
be grateful" media types who parachute into clubs for brief moments, shake
hands with the owners and then disappear again like weekend tourists. The
prime difference between the fans at the game yesterday and those talking
heads is that the former have paid to be there. Both literally and
emotionally. So if West Brom fans want to be entertained for their entrance
fee then they are entitled to say so, and if West Ham fans want to
understand exactly why we gave up our ground to actually get worse on the
pitch then that is also perfectly reasonable.
"But Zabaleta used to be good for City so how could he be bad for us?"
But I will also say this - such division never ends well for us. I was there
for the Bond Scheme and the anti-Cearns protests and all it does is transmit
a "get the fuck out of Dodge" vibe to the players on the pitch. It leads to
fearful, nervy performances like we saw yesterday where a team bereft of
confidence look petrified to get on the ball, and eliminates any synergy
between the crowd and the team. And ultimately all any of us want is for the
team to do well.
For those who were at Spurs you will know what I mean when I say that there
was a sense of inevitability to that comeback once the first went in. The
fans abandoned their pursuit of the Board and instead turned to the team and
a force of millions couldn't have stopped us. I'm not suggesting it's as
straightforward as everybody going all Harry Potter and thinking positive
thoughts to make bad things go away, but I'm also certain that history tells
us the team cannot win while there is an open war between fans and the
Board.
So, as we go into Leicester at home on Friday the risk is that we let in a
an early goal again, Jamie Vardy gloats again, and suddenly all that vitriol
is on display once more. All of which might serve to make us feel a little
better in the very short term, but with every game that we flush down the
drain and with every point we let slip away, we stumble a foot closer to the
trapdoor. And the ultimate sad truth is that if we go back down, the future
makes for very grim reading.
Now before anyone accuses me of being a stooge for the Board, let me say
this. I'm not saying don't protest, I'm simply saying that protesting while
the team is playing is just about the most self defeating thing we can do. I
take a back step to nobody in holding up a spotlight to the failings of our
Board, but whatever you are thinking about the value of getting your message
across while we lose on the pitch, I'm here to tell you it isn't worth it.
Inevitably what happens is that the message loses direction and starts going
toward those on the pitch, and if you think we're getting out of trouble as
sixty thousand of us slaughter Andy Carroll for 90 minutes then I don't know
what planet you're on.
So how do we protest? Well, there are quite a lot of ways. First among them
has to be to join the West Ham Independent Supporters Association (WHUISA).
It is a minimal cost of £3 that is charged not to make money, but to cover
running costs and to give leverage to the group, and takes you all of about
two minutes.
Giving them numbers gives them credibility as they engage with the club, and
the WHUISA board are all West Ham lifers with the best interests of the club
at hand. If you don't like the cherrypicked nature of the SAB or the
Bloggers Meetings then join up and demand that the club engage with your
elected representatives.
At this point I cannot understand why any West Ham fan would not have joined
WHUISA. I hear those who say that they think it's pointless, but the group
are already building links with the club and have succeeded in getting a
platform with them too. From little acorns and all that, but you only need
to look at the success of ISA's at places like Spurs to see what a force for
good they can be. Don't sit outside the tent pissing in - sign up now. An
ISA representing fifty thousand fans is a hell of a lot more credible than
one representing a few hundred.
Secondly, those other meetings that are run by Karren Brady are also
platforms to air views. I know that Graeme Howlett of KUMB and Geo Mackie of
Hammers Chat have attended past meetings and will willingly put forward
questions on behalf of their readers. Engage, contribute, participate -
standing in the away end and calling Karren Brady a tranny really isn't the
Wildean contribution to this debate that you think it is.
And on that very point - don't make the attacks personal. I really struggle
to understand how Brady gets the same abuse as the Chairmen. She didn't
choose to move the club, they did, and she has no involvement in on the
field matters. Every time someone calls her a slag or a bint or a dyke or
any other misogynistic, homophobic term, I tune out and ascribe it to the
fact that lots of men don't like women. When you resort to attacking her
gender, you're really showing you have nothing at all to say.
Equally, let's refrain from going to peoples houses and hanging up flags,
especially when there are young families inside. It's a nonsense.
Sacking Karren Brady will definitely sort out our defence
If you must protest, and I'm not denying there are plenty of reasons to do
so, then do it after games, or boycott the clubs commercial activities or do
everything you can to get the media to acknowledge the depths of feeling,
but ultimately I would suggest steering clear of anything that harms the
team. To put it bluntly, we've got a better chance of winning on Friday with
the Spurs atmosphere than we have with the one from yesterday. If we
splinter now - we are done for.
***
Incompetence
So, yeah, digging out the Board while the team flail away on the pitch isn't
all that helpful but it sure is deserved.
The frustrating thing that continues to drive me to despair about our Board
is how they seem so impervious to outside forces. Having moved the club to
the London Stadium they still seem to want to be judged as if we are at
Upton Park, and scrabbling around for a few spare pennies from the Sky
table. It is as though the clock stopped for them the moment they took over
in 2010 and football has remained static ever since. So while English clubs
have established a financial dominance over European clubs due to our TV
deal, West Ham have shied away from dealing with overseas teams and instead
tethered ourselves to the English market where everybody else gets the same
bloody income and we have no advantage. That way Robert Snodgrass lies.
The best thing we could do would be to buy a right load of old shit in
January
Similarly, while other clubs look to scoop up promising young managers and
snaffle their prime years, we instead look backwards to the distant past. I
don't necessarily know if Moyes is a busted flush but he was last good about
five years ago, which coincidentally is a rough match to where David
Sullivan seems to think we currently are. From the transfer policy to the
youth setup to the recruitment process to the interaction with fans -
everything is retrograde.
And people are swift to mock David Gold and his tweet about Champions League
football but, to my mind, it's the only sensible thing they've ever said. It
is, after all, the one time they've actually shown a scintilla of the
ambition needed to match moving to that stadium.
It was perhaps fitting that this game was against Watford, who seem to be a
maelstrom of chaos but are actually a progressively modern organisation with
a far better idea about where managers should fit into the structure of a
football club than we do. So while Marco Silva is one of those young,
progressive managers he is also fairly disposable within the Watford way of
working. They have acknowledged that managers have a short shelf life and
that asking them to spend all the clubs money is a short cut to having
exasperated replacements on the touchline bemoaning the lack of pace in the
team they have inherited.
By contrast, we seemingly put the manager at the epicentre of everything.
Truthfully, our transfer policy is opaque so it's impossible to know who is
buying the players - a massive problem in itself - but if rumours are to be
believed, then this is a Bilic team. But Bilic doesn't work here any more so
what fucking use was it to give him £40m to spend ten weeks ago when this
risk was always there? And watching this painfully slow team play in exactly
the same manner as they did under Bilic, just highlights even more the
lunacy of not having a proper Director of Football in place.
When we moved from Upton Park, we were stepping up a level. A London club
with fifty thousand season ticket holders, plenty of money, a playing staff
good enough to have made the Champions League the season before. And what
did we change off the pitch to match our newer, broader ambitions? Nothing.
We persisted with the same structure and set up, meaning that our Director
of Football was the man who led Birmingham to being a yo-yo club. That's it.
That's his sole qualification for the job. I have said it repeatedly but it
must be said again now - David Sullivan would not get the role he currently
has at any other Premier League club, just as I cannot envisage any other
top flight outfit employing David Moyes.
For a club so desperate to break into the Champions League, we seem
remarkably reluctant to employ any people who've actually done it.
Consider this. When Sullivan took over in 2010, the following clubs were in
the Championship or lower - Brighton, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Swansea,
Leicester, Bournemouth, Southampton, West Brom, Palace and Watford. Burnley
were also four months from relegation.
So in the intervening seven years these clubs have all had to climb to the
Premier League. We had an advantage over all of them at that point, simply
by virtue of our loftier position. And yet, what has happened in that time
is that smaller clubs have been forced to become smarter to bridge the gap
to the monied elite. And while the smaller teams have got more intelligent,
those larger beasts who have refused to adapt - helloooo Aston Villa - have
fallen by the wayside. And once those smaller teams get here, and start
making proper money, then they start to outperform us because they simply
have better people making crucial decisions for them.
So, look, we may go down this year or we may not, but until we show some
desire to drag ourselves kicking and screaming out of the 1970's and into
the modern world of professional football - where the chairman sits in the
Director's Box and stays out of the managers office, and where we have
proper scouts and not agents - we are always going to start every season on
the back foot. The panic hiring of Moyes simply reflects the tearing up of
yet another plan drawn up on the hoof, when the sad reality is that they
should have been planning every aspect of the stadium move from the day they
won the contract. But they weren't, and they didn't and this current mess is
what you get when amateurs mix it with professionals.
***
Bad luck
So with all of that whinging out of the way, I can honestly say that this
was a very strange game to watch. I don't think any West Ham fan would dare
suggest that we we deserved to win, but if you worship at the altar of xG
then you would have to at least acknowledge that we really did create some
outstanding chances. The Caley Graphics model below displays that rather
nicely, and doesn't even adjust for the fact that the second Watford goal
should have been ruled out for handball.
Cheikhou Kouyate was deployed in an advanced role and had the kind of
movement one usually associates with a bee trying to get out through a
closed window. And yet for all that wasted energy, he had two glorious
chances. The first produced a wonder save from Heurelho Gomes and the second
was skied into that poisonous ozone layer like he was wearing a pair of
flippers.
In between Marko Arnautovic forced an incredible double save from Gomes, and
when it's not your day you may as well give up and go home. Sadly, the
Austrian didn't and instead broke his thumb and David Moyes is about to find
out that every Christmas West Ham get a nightmare run of fixtures and every
Christmas West Ham get a nightmare run of injuries and as such I'm already
counting down until we hear his first "I've never known anything like it".
But while we may have been a bit unlucky with our finishing there was
precious little else to get excited about. What was most disappointing was
that our tactical setup looked pretty much identical to that under Bilic,
which rather begged the question of why we bothered to make a change. Andy
Carroll was still isolated up front, displaying the temperament of an irate
toddler denied his lunchtime Calipo, and should have been sent off before
half time. Behind him we essentially deployed a flat midfield five, wasting
Lanzini on the left and even then, didn't manage to offer up any more cover
for the defence than usual.
So the team ran the furthest they had all season, and Arnautovic sprinted
about a bit and it still didn't make any difference because Watford still
scored twice down his right side and running about a lot in and of itself,
is actually fairly meaningless. Players need to be running with a purpose,
to press or to harry or to get back from attacking positions into a tight
defensive shape. I can't say that I noticed any of that - it just looked
like the same thing I've been watching for months.
But that said, we are probably due a bit of luck. A sending off or a penalty
or a deflected goal or just something to cling on to. Because although all
football fans collect examples of misfortune like coins in a purse, I feel
like we've been on a bit of a tough run lately and when I think back to
those relegation seasons of years past I can't help but think that there was
quite a bit of ill fortune along the way.
***
Confidence
Which brings me, mercifully, to the end. And I want to talk a bit about
confidence because it's so hard to define but it's so clearly important, and
we are a team demonstrably lacking in it. When assessing football games it's
wise to remember it's a game played by humans. They behave weirdly and are
affected by different things of which we know nothing.
Who among us knows which player is suffering with injury or is playing in
fear of losing his place in this team and then maybe his World Cup place?
None of us knows who is an alcoholic or going through a divorce. I've made
all these points before, but this is simply to reinforce that there is an
awful lot going on that we don't see. Andy Carroll named his new born son
Wolf Nine during the week, so it's safe to say that he probably has a lot on
his plate just now like maybe a visit from social services, and he played
like it.
But confidence springs from lots of different places. Self confidence is one
element, obviously, but there is confidence in your team mates too, or your
manager, or the recruitment team who will provide you with some help in
January, or in your home stadium where you simply know you will pick up
points. And yet, as I lay all of that out in black and white it's pretty
easy to see why our players might be on the floor right now.
So many of them are out of form, playing for a manager they probably don't
trust a great deal given his chequered history and knowing that there isn't
any help coming in January because there never ever is under Sullivan, and
playing at a stadium they all hate. That's the worst combination I've seen
since some monster decided to put pineapple on pizza.
Confidence can also come from believing in your team structure or tactics,
or knowing that you are a fit team who can outrun any opposition. And I'm
drawing a blank again.
So for all the running that Moyes may have them doing, it's worth noting
that fitter is not faster. And while there may be a lot of work getting done
on defensive shape, that isn't going to make our midfield suddenly creative.
And for all those four managers on the bench, if you just play 4-5-1 and get
no service to your striker and your goalkeeper can't save anything low to
his left, then it's hard to see change there either.
Which brings me rather neatly back to where I started. I think us fans have
a part to play here. Things are pretty desperate and it feels like it might
get worse before it gets better. Plenty of you tell me that these columns
are too negative and that's fine but your negativity is my reality. And I
would call upon all fans to pull together now and forget that other shit.
The team needs us. West Ham needs you. We need an atmosphere to pull the
team up on Friday night and not force them back into their shells.
I want a change in structure at West Ham but it's not going to happen now,
and the most pressing matter we all face is beating Leicester. And if you
don't do it for me, well, do it for poor little Wolf Nine.
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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Leicester manager Claude Puel wary of West Ham reaction
By Christopher Heal
Last Updated: 22/11/17 6:30pm
SSN
Leicester City boss Claude Puel says his team need to "be careful" when they
face West Ham United on Friday night, Live on Sky Sports. The Hammers lost
their first game under David Moyes last Sunday when they were beaten 2-0 by
Watford, but Puel believes West Ham will produce a response. "Their fans
want a reaction so we have to be careful," said Puel. "We know this team and
they will want to show their qualities at home. "When a new manager arrives,
there is always a possibility for different players to show their qualities
and try and win their place. "It will be a strong game against them and we
have to keep our focus because it will be a crucial game for us. "I know him
[Moyes] from last season with Sunderland. After our game, I wish success for
him and for his team. Just not on Friday!"
Leicester travel to the London Stadium following a 2-0 defeat at home to
league leaders Manchester City last weekend, which was the Foxes' first loss
in six matches. Puel took charge of the club at the end of October and says
he is enjoying his start at the King Power Stadium following four points
from his first three games. "My first week at Leicester was very important
to me, he added. "It was a good feeling and that is with the fans also. Our
fans, in any game are super and create a great atmosphere. "The chairman is
the first fan of his team and the most important thing is having a good
feeling with the whole team."
Despite Robert Huth and Matty James being unavailable, Leicester do not have
any other major injury concerns ahead of Friday's game but Puel is unsure if
he will rotate his squad despite talking about their busy schedule. Puel
said: "It will be important to examine rotation. But for the moment, we have
some days to recover and we will see after the game. "If we have just two or
three days [to recover], it will be important to make some rotation. "We may
gradually look at some different players. It will be a normal thing for me,
sometimes we will have tiredness and some injuries."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
When West Ham United U23s took on Benfica in the Premier League
International Cup on Tuesday, there were a number of stars on show all over
the pitch at Billericay Town's AGP Arena. However it was two 15-year-olds –
Josh Okotcha and Will Greenidge – who manager Terry Westley singled out as
having impressed as they made their debuts at U23 level. Full-back Greenidge
stepped up from U16 level to play for the U18s earlier this season and his
progress went one step further when he started at right-back against the
Portuguese outfit. The story was similar for Okotcha – who is 16 next month
– and the centre-back looked solid against a number of experienced Benfica
forwards. Greenidge's night ultimately ended in disappointment as he was
replaced due to an Achilles injury, but Westley praised the pair for the way
they dealt with the challenge. "If you're going to play Josh and Will in an
U23 game, they have clearly done well at U16 and U18 level this season,"
said the Academy Director. "They have been the two standouts. We were short
defensively and it meant they got the opportunity. "And it was a chance for
them. You get a chance to show people what you can do. I was so disappointed
for Will because he started so well. He looked very accomplished on the
ball, had a good awareness of where he needed to be defensively and he grew
into the game. "He took a nasty Achilles injury which has been accessed
today and it could be a while before he's ready to come back."
Benfica forward Alan Junior Oliveira – 24-years-old – scored both goals in
the 2-0 victory for the visitors in the Hammers' final match in the
competition. And Westley recognised the difficulty of the contest Okotcha,
playing alongside U18 skipper Ben Wells, faced. "For Josh, it was a real
challenge and you have to concentrate all the game. You make errors at U16
and U18 level which you might get away with, but at our level and the next
level up with the first team, you get punished. "He knows he could have done
better for the first goal but overall, playing that level of competition and
surviving and doing well shows you have much he's come on. "We spoke at the
end to the players about coming out of the game in credit and those two
certainly did that. "If you looked at the game in general, we all came out
in the positive rather than the negative on Tuesday."
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Scully delighted with Benfica game-time
WHUF.com
Anthony Scully was delighted to complete his first 90 minutes of the season
when West Ham United's U23s hosted Benfica on Tuesday night. The Hammers
were beaten 2-0 by their Portuguese opponents on a blustery evening in
Billericay, though they went into the game knowing their fate was sealed and
they could no longer progress past the group stages of the Premier League
International Cup. And as a result, Terry Westley fielded a very young side,
containing two U16 players, and the Hammers held their own against an
experienced Benfica outfit whose first half goals won them the match.
Republic of Ireland U19 international Scully had started just one match
previously this campaign before Tuesday, and he complemented his second
start by remaining on the pitch until the full time whistle at the AGP
Arena, something he was extremely happy to do. "It was my first 90 minutes
since last season, so it was great to start and it was a massive positive
for me to do the 90," the midfielder, who has come off the bench five times
in Premier League 2 this season, said after the clash. "Obviously every
player always wants to play, but you have to understand that you're not
always going to get that opportunity and you have to keep working hard. "At
this age and not being able to play for the youth team, you have got to work
as hard as possible to force your way into the U23 squad. But you've always
got to respect the manager's decision."
The tie against Benfica was the Hammers' third in the International Cup,
after previous defeats to first London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and then
Spanish side Villarreal. And Scully believes though the U23s, who have
fielded young starting XIs in all three games, have not picked up the
results in the competition, they are better off for the experience. "It's
been good playing sides from different countries in this competition," he
contined. "I'm a bit more used to it as I get to at international level with
Ireland, but you can see the different ways different countries and clubs
from there play. "We obviously got that Spanish test against Villarreal and
then a Portuguese side tonight. It's great to get a variation of teams to
play at this level; it's good for our development. "We did well tonight,
considering we had two U16s in Will [Greenidge] and Josh [Okotcha] starting.
They both did brilliant, stepping up and playing at this level. "We were
told this was Benfica's best team possible as they were out to qualify for
the next stage, so that lads have done brilliant regardless of the result.
We must be proud of the way we've played."
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Watford 2-0 West Ham (And Other Ramblings)
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st November 2017
By: HeadHammerShark
Let's not fuck about. We're in desperate straits.
I'd love to tell you that I saw the green shoots of recovery in this game,
but in reality it was the same show we've all been watching for two years,
with merely a different conductor. And, by the way, it didn't take David
Moyes long to look like an extra from Full Metal Jacket did it?
I. What. How. Jesus H CHRIST
So let's examine the anatomy of this relegation battle, because that is
where we are right now, irrespective of the pie in the sky nonsense that is
being spouted by the club. What are the key areas we need to address?
***
Refusing to accept we are in a relegation battle
In 2010/11 we were relegated bottom of the league having allowed Avram Grant
to manage the team all season because of *spins wheel* . At this exact point
of the season our records can be compared thusly:
2010/11
Played: 12
Goal Difference: -11
Points: 8
Position: Bottom
2017/18
Played: 12
Goal Difference: -14
Points: 9
Position: 18th
It should be noted that with their current record this year's team would be
bottom of the 2010/11 league as well. They are only presently being saved
from that fate by the fact Swansea and Crystal Palace are so bad.
So, by any definition of the term we are knee deep in shit, and yet the team
and hierarchy are parading around with the familiar overconfidence that we
have all come to know and love. "Look at our attacking options" they say,
"That squad is way too good to be down there" I hear, and even as that
misplaced bluster floats out into the ether, we continue to lose games like
this.
For shitty 2-0 defeats at Watford are the building blocks of relegation. It
happens, we deserved to lose, Watford were the better side and we move on,
but the problem with that is one then looks up in February and such defeats
are scattered everywhere throughout the season.
We have managed just three away draws so far this campaign, and when you
play your home games at an abandoned nuclear bunker you don't get much home
comfort. I'm really beginning to think that Karren should have put "Too Good
To Go Down" on the new club badge, given I hear that said an awful lot more
about West Ham than I ever hear the phrase "London".
***
Civil War
Ah yes, the third rail of West Ham politics. The board. The fans. The
players. The bloggers. The flags. The stewards. The poisonous atmosphere
that hangs over the club like our own private ozone layer. As soon as we
fell behind yesterday the "Sack The Board" chants started up closely
followed by "You're Not Fit To Wear The Shirt". I'd heard something similar
at Spurs when we went 2-0 down, and other more regular away followers may be
able to pinpoint earlier instances too.
I will defend to the death the rights of football fans to protest about
their club. I despise the patronising "well what do they expect, they should
be grateful" media types who parachute into clubs for brief moments, shake
hands with the owners and then disappear again like weekend tourists. The
prime difference between the fans at the game yesterday and those talking
heads is that the former have paid to be there. Both literally and
emotionally. So if West Brom fans want to be entertained for their entrance
fee then they are entitled to say so, and if West Ham fans want to
understand exactly why we gave up our ground to actually get worse on the
pitch then that is also perfectly reasonable.
"But Zabaleta used to be good for City so how could he be bad for us?"
But I will also say this - such division never ends well for us. I was there
for the Bond Scheme and the anti-Cearns protests and all it does is transmit
a "get the fuck out of Dodge" vibe to the players on the pitch. It leads to
fearful, nervy performances like we saw yesterday where a team bereft of
confidence look petrified to get on the ball, and eliminates any synergy
between the crowd and the team. And ultimately all any of us want is for the
team to do well.
For those who were at Spurs you will know what I mean when I say that there
was a sense of inevitability to that comeback once the first went in. The
fans abandoned their pursuit of the Board and instead turned to the team and
a force of millions couldn't have stopped us. I'm not suggesting it's as
straightforward as everybody going all Harry Potter and thinking positive
thoughts to make bad things go away, but I'm also certain that history tells
us the team cannot win while there is an open war between fans and the
Board.
So, as we go into Leicester at home on Friday the risk is that we let in a
an early goal again, Jamie Vardy gloats again, and suddenly all that vitriol
is on display once more. All of which might serve to make us feel a little
better in the very short term, but with every game that we flush down the
drain and with every point we let slip away, we stumble a foot closer to the
trapdoor. And the ultimate sad truth is that if we go back down, the future
makes for very grim reading.
Now before anyone accuses me of being a stooge for the Board, let me say
this. I'm not saying don't protest, I'm simply saying that protesting while
the team is playing is just about the most self defeating thing we can do. I
take a back step to nobody in holding up a spotlight to the failings of our
Board, but whatever you are thinking about the value of getting your message
across while we lose on the pitch, I'm here to tell you it isn't worth it.
Inevitably what happens is that the message loses direction and starts going
toward those on the pitch, and if you think we're getting out of trouble as
sixty thousand of us slaughter Andy Carroll for 90 minutes then I don't know
what planet you're on.
So how do we protest? Well, there are quite a lot of ways. First among them
has to be to join the West Ham Independent Supporters Association (WHUISA).
It is a minimal cost of £3 that is charged not to make money, but to cover
running costs and to give leverage to the group, and takes you all of about
two minutes.
Giving them numbers gives them credibility as they engage with the club, and
the WHUISA board are all West Ham lifers with the best interests of the club
at hand. If you don't like the cherrypicked nature of the SAB or the
Bloggers Meetings then join up and demand that the club engage with your
elected representatives.
At this point I cannot understand why any West Ham fan would not have joined
WHUISA. I hear those who say that they think it's pointless, but the group
are already building links with the club and have succeeded in getting a
platform with them too. From little acorns and all that, but you only need
to look at the success of ISA's at places like Spurs to see what a force for
good they can be. Don't sit outside the tent pissing in - sign up now. An
ISA representing fifty thousand fans is a hell of a lot more credible than
one representing a few hundred.
Secondly, those other meetings that are run by Karren Brady are also
platforms to air views. I know that Graeme Howlett of KUMB and Geo Mackie of
Hammers Chat have attended past meetings and will willingly put forward
questions on behalf of their readers. Engage, contribute, participate -
standing in the away end and calling Karren Brady a tranny really isn't the
Wildean contribution to this debate that you think it is.
And on that very point - don't make the attacks personal. I really struggle
to understand how Brady gets the same abuse as the Chairmen. She didn't
choose to move the club, they did, and she has no involvement in on the
field matters. Every time someone calls her a slag or a bint or a dyke or
any other misogynistic, homophobic term, I tune out and ascribe it to the
fact that lots of men don't like women. When you resort to attacking her
gender, you're really showing you have nothing at all to say.
Equally, let's refrain from going to peoples houses and hanging up flags,
especially when there are young families inside. It's a nonsense.
Sacking Karren Brady will definitely sort out our defence
If you must protest, and I'm not denying there are plenty of reasons to do
so, then do it after games, or boycott the clubs commercial activities or do
everything you can to get the media to acknowledge the depths of feeling,
but ultimately I would suggest steering clear of anything that harms the
team. To put it bluntly, we've got a better chance of winning on Friday with
the Spurs atmosphere than we have with the one from yesterday. If we
splinter now - we are done for.
***
Incompetence
So, yeah, digging out the Board while the team flail away on the pitch isn't
all that helpful but it sure is deserved.
The frustrating thing that continues to drive me to despair about our Board
is how they seem so impervious to outside forces. Having moved the club to
the London Stadium they still seem to want to be judged as if we are at
Upton Park, and scrabbling around for a few spare pennies from the Sky
table. It is as though the clock stopped for them the moment they took over
in 2010 and football has remained static ever since. So while English clubs
have established a financial dominance over European clubs due to our TV
deal, West Ham have shied away from dealing with overseas teams and instead
tethered ourselves to the English market where everybody else gets the same
bloody income and we have no advantage. That way Robert Snodgrass lies.
The best thing we could do would be to buy a right load of old shit in
January
Similarly, while other clubs look to scoop up promising young managers and
snaffle their prime years, we instead look backwards to the distant past. I
don't necessarily know if Moyes is a busted flush but he was last good about
five years ago, which coincidentally is a rough match to where David
Sullivan seems to think we currently are. From the transfer policy to the
youth setup to the recruitment process to the interaction with fans -
everything is retrograde.
And people are swift to mock David Gold and his tweet about Champions League
football but, to my mind, it's the only sensible thing they've ever said. It
is, after all, the one time they've actually shown a scintilla of the
ambition needed to match moving to that stadium.
It was perhaps fitting that this game was against Watford, who seem to be a
maelstrom of chaos but are actually a progressively modern organisation with
a far better idea about where managers should fit into the structure of a
football club than we do. So while Marco Silva is one of those young,
progressive managers he is also fairly disposable within the Watford way of
working. They have acknowledged that managers have a short shelf life and
that asking them to spend all the clubs money is a short cut to having
exasperated replacements on the touchline bemoaning the lack of pace in the
team they have inherited.
By contrast, we seemingly put the manager at the epicentre of everything.
Truthfully, our transfer policy is opaque so it's impossible to know who is
buying the players - a massive problem in itself - but if rumours are to be
believed, then this is a Bilic team. But Bilic doesn't work here any more so
what fucking use was it to give him £40m to spend ten weeks ago when this
risk was always there? And watching this painfully slow team play in exactly
the same manner as they did under Bilic, just highlights even more the
lunacy of not having a proper Director of Football in place.
When we moved from Upton Park, we were stepping up a level. A London club
with fifty thousand season ticket holders, plenty of money, a playing staff
good enough to have made the Champions League the season before. And what
did we change off the pitch to match our newer, broader ambitions? Nothing.
We persisted with the same structure and set up, meaning that our Director
of Football was the man who led Birmingham to being a yo-yo club. That's it.
That's his sole qualification for the job. I have said it repeatedly but it
must be said again now - David Sullivan would not get the role he currently
has at any other Premier League club, just as I cannot envisage any other
top flight outfit employing David Moyes.
For a club so desperate to break into the Champions League, we seem
remarkably reluctant to employ any people who've actually done it.
Consider this. When Sullivan took over in 2010, the following clubs were in
the Championship or lower - Brighton, Huddersfield, Newcastle, Swansea,
Leicester, Bournemouth, Southampton, West Brom, Palace and Watford. Burnley
were also four months from relegation.
So in the intervening seven years these clubs have all had to climb to the
Premier League. We had an advantage over all of them at that point, simply
by virtue of our loftier position. And yet, what has happened in that time
is that smaller clubs have been forced to become smarter to bridge the gap
to the monied elite. And while the smaller teams have got more intelligent,
those larger beasts who have refused to adapt - helloooo Aston Villa - have
fallen by the wayside. And once those smaller teams get here, and start
making proper money, then they start to outperform us because they simply
have better people making crucial decisions for them.
So, look, we may go down this year or we may not, but until we show some
desire to drag ourselves kicking and screaming out of the 1970's and into
the modern world of professional football - where the chairman sits in the
Director's Box and stays out of the managers office, and where we have
proper scouts and not agents - we are always going to start every season on
the back foot. The panic hiring of Moyes simply reflects the tearing up of
yet another plan drawn up on the hoof, when the sad reality is that they
should have been planning every aspect of the stadium move from the day they
won the contract. But they weren't, and they didn't and this current mess is
what you get when amateurs mix it with professionals.
***
Bad luck
So with all of that whinging out of the way, I can honestly say that this
was a very strange game to watch. I don't think any West Ham fan would dare
suggest that we we deserved to win, but if you worship at the altar of xG
then you would have to at least acknowledge that we really did create some
outstanding chances. The Caley Graphics model below displays that rather
nicely, and doesn't even adjust for the fact that the second Watford goal
should have been ruled out for handball.
Cheikhou Kouyate was deployed in an advanced role and had the kind of
movement one usually associates with a bee trying to get out through a
closed window. And yet for all that wasted energy, he had two glorious
chances. The first produced a wonder save from Heurelho Gomes and the second
was skied into that poisonous ozone layer like he was wearing a pair of
flippers.
In between Marko Arnautovic forced an incredible double save from Gomes, and
when it's not your day you may as well give up and go home. Sadly, the
Austrian didn't and instead broke his thumb and David Moyes is about to find
out that every Christmas West Ham get a nightmare run of fixtures and every
Christmas West Ham get a nightmare run of injuries and as such I'm already
counting down until we hear his first "I've never known anything like it".
But while we may have been a bit unlucky with our finishing there was
precious little else to get excited about. What was most disappointing was
that our tactical setup looked pretty much identical to that under Bilic,
which rather begged the question of why we bothered to make a change. Andy
Carroll was still isolated up front, displaying the temperament of an irate
toddler denied his lunchtime Calipo, and should have been sent off before
half time. Behind him we essentially deployed a flat midfield five, wasting
Lanzini on the left and even then, didn't manage to offer up any more cover
for the defence than usual.
So the team ran the furthest they had all season, and Arnautovic sprinted
about a bit and it still didn't make any difference because Watford still
scored twice down his right side and running about a lot in and of itself,
is actually fairly meaningless. Players need to be running with a purpose,
to press or to harry or to get back from attacking positions into a tight
defensive shape. I can't say that I noticed any of that - it just looked
like the same thing I've been watching for months.
But that said, we are probably due a bit of luck. A sending off or a penalty
or a deflected goal or just something to cling on to. Because although all
football fans collect examples of misfortune like coins in a purse, I feel
like we've been on a bit of a tough run lately and when I think back to
those relegation seasons of years past I can't help but think that there was
quite a bit of ill fortune along the way.
***
Confidence
Which brings me, mercifully, to the end. And I want to talk a bit about
confidence because it's so hard to define but it's so clearly important, and
we are a team demonstrably lacking in it. When assessing football games it's
wise to remember it's a game played by humans. They behave weirdly and are
affected by different things of which we know nothing.
Who among us knows which player is suffering with injury or is playing in
fear of losing his place in this team and then maybe his World Cup place?
None of us knows who is an alcoholic or going through a divorce. I've made
all these points before, but this is simply to reinforce that there is an
awful lot going on that we don't see. Andy Carroll named his new born son
Wolf Nine during the week, so it's safe to say that he probably has a lot on
his plate just now like maybe a visit from social services, and he played
like it.
But confidence springs from lots of different places. Self confidence is one
element, obviously, but there is confidence in your team mates too, or your
manager, or the recruitment team who will provide you with some help in
January, or in your home stadium where you simply know you will pick up
points. And yet, as I lay all of that out in black and white it's pretty
easy to see why our players might be on the floor right now.
So many of them are out of form, playing for a manager they probably don't
trust a great deal given his chequered history and knowing that there isn't
any help coming in January because there never ever is under Sullivan, and
playing at a stadium they all hate. That's the worst combination I've seen
since some monster decided to put pineapple on pizza.
Confidence can also come from believing in your team structure or tactics,
or knowing that you are a fit team who can outrun any opposition. And I'm
drawing a blank again.
So for all the running that Moyes may have them doing, it's worth noting
that fitter is not faster. And while there may be a lot of work getting done
on defensive shape, that isn't going to make our midfield suddenly creative.
And for all those four managers on the bench, if you just play 4-5-1 and get
no service to your striker and your goalkeeper can't save anything low to
his left, then it's hard to see change there either.
Which brings me rather neatly back to where I started. I think us fans have
a part to play here. Things are pretty desperate and it feels like it might
get worse before it gets better. Plenty of you tell me that these columns
are too negative and that's fine but your negativity is my reality. And I
would call upon all fans to pull together now and forget that other shit.
The team needs us. West Ham needs you. We need an atmosphere to pull the
team up on Friday night and not force them back into their shells.
I want a change in structure at West Ham but it's not going to happen now,
and the most pressing matter we all face is beating Leicester. And if you
don't do it for me, well, do it for poor little Wolf Nine.
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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Leicester manager Claude Puel wary of West Ham reaction
By Christopher Heal
Last Updated: 22/11/17 6:30pm
SSN
Leicester City boss Claude Puel says his team need to "be careful" when they
face West Ham United on Friday night, Live on Sky Sports. The Hammers lost
their first game under David Moyes last Sunday when they were beaten 2-0 by
Watford, but Puel believes West Ham will produce a response. "Their fans
want a reaction so we have to be careful," said Puel. "We know this team and
they will want to show their qualities at home. "When a new manager arrives,
there is always a possibility for different players to show their qualities
and try and win their place. "It will be a strong game against them and we
have to keep our focus because it will be a crucial game for us. "I know him
[Moyes] from last season with Sunderland. After our game, I wish success for
him and for his team. Just not on Friday!"
Leicester travel to the London Stadium following a 2-0 defeat at home to
league leaders Manchester City last weekend, which was the Foxes' first loss
in six matches. Puel took charge of the club at the end of October and says
he is enjoying his start at the King Power Stadium following four points
from his first three games. "My first week at Leicester was very important
to me, he added. "It was a good feeling and that is with the fans also. Our
fans, in any game are super and create a great atmosphere. "The chairman is
the first fan of his team and the most important thing is having a good
feeling with the whole team."
Despite Robert Huth and Matty James being unavailable, Leicester do not have
any other major injury concerns ahead of Friday's game but Puel is unsure if
he will rotate his squad despite talking about their busy schedule. Puel
said: "It will be important to examine rotation. But for the moment, we have
some days to recover and we will see after the game. "If we have just two or
three days [to recover], it will be important to make some rotation. "We may
gradually look at some different players. It will be a normal thing for me,
sometimes we will have tiredness and some injuries."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd November 2017
Obiang agrees that hard work is the only way forward
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang says hard work on the training ground and on the pitch is the
only way West Ham United will turn things around. Instead of dwelling on the
disappointing nature of Sunday's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Watford, where
the Hammers were made to pay for defensive lapses and missed chances, the
Spaniard said the players have to give everything to put new manager David
Moyes' plans into action. West Ham play again on Friday night, when
Leicester City visit London Stadium, and Obiang knows only 100 per cent
effort and commitment will be good enough. "It is a bad result, everybody
knows that," said the midfielder, who made more tackles (three) than any
other West Ham player at Vicarage Road, while also touching the ball more
times (69) than any Hammer bar Pablo Zabaleta. "I don't think we need to
talk too much about the game because everybody could see what happened. We
have to continue to work hard and that's it." "Of course, we had some
chances but in the situation where we are, we have to make the chances and
keep going. "We can continue to think about what we are doing and what we
did before. We have to keep going and think about it."
West Ham's players have a few more days to heed Moyes' words, with the Scot
determined to mould a team that is disciplined, fit and does not make errors
at either end of the pitch. The Hammers did record much-improved physical
statistics in Sunday's loss, running further than they have run in any
previous Premier League game this season. Even so, Watford outran and
out-sprinted their opponents and Obiang, for one, believes his manager's
demanding approach is the right one if the east Londoners are going to turn
things around against the Foxes. "We need time to understand better what he
wants and we have to work a little bit more to be fit to do the things he
wants. "I'm agreeing with him because he is angry we lost the game. He
thinks we can do something better and we have to do more. "We have to work
hard for the next game and forget about the last one because what happened,
happened."
Standard Tickets for Friday's 8pm kick-off are available now via the Ticket
Exchange.
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Manning pleased with International Cup experience
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s coach Liam Manning was proud of the Hammers' young side
despite a 2-0 defeat to Benfica on Tuesday. The hosts, facing the Portuguese
outfit in their final Premier League International Cup fixture, battled hard
against an experienced Benfica B team – who play their football in the
second tier in Portugal. 24-year-old Alan Junior Oliveira scored both the
visitors' goals, lobbing Rihards Matrevics with the first and heading over
the big Latvian to score a second before the half hour mark. But Terry
Westley's team kept their heads up and went close on a number of occasions.
Their third and final group fixture ended in defeat, but Manning was pleased
nonetheless. He said: "We're really pleased with the outcome of the game and
how we've come out of it. We always knew it was going to be tough given the
age of our side but it was a brilliant experience. "We had two U16s playing
and we looked at the age of some of theirs and two were 24. "The whole
experience of playing in this competition has been great. The games
programme is terrific this year, it's a step up from last year and the
variation in games is great. "It's been a great experience for us. It's been
completely different to the teams we play in Premier League 2 and in the
Checkatrade, so it's great."
Josh Okotcha and Will Greenidge, both of whom are 15-years-old, started at
Billericay Town's AGP Arena, and although full-back Greenidge was
substituted after picking up an early injury, Okotcha impressed. "Josh did
well," Manning continued. "He has been playing in the youth team regularly
and he was in the team tonight on a combination of merit and injuries. "It
was a great opportunity and him grasping that opportunity, he will be really
pleased. He's now got to keep working hard week-in, week-out in the youth
team. "Now the focus [for the U23s] is on Friday [when we take on Arsenal].
It's a big game, and hence our line-up tonight. "It's a tough game and we
want to put in a good performance and get a positive result."
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WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:29PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Where to start? Hard to write this but has to be done so enjoy… If that's
the right word…
Firstly no blame can be aimed towards Moyes after Watford, He has a lot of
work to do and it hurts me to say this but probably still our best
performance in a while. Fitness and high work rates should come naturally in
football but towards the end of Slav's reign training lacked tempo and was
poor especially not helped with an ageing squad. Moyes was lucky to come in
during an international break to give him some time but had half the squad
and fitness doesn't come over night unfortunately. I do think the training
videos gave us a false sense of belief and an easy but smart way from our
media team to win fans over for a short period of time (including myself)
and although I do actually think Moyes training is exactly what we need it
will take time because of how bad things got under Slav with injuries not
helping at all. I have been upbeat on twitter last couple of weeks and in my
last article but deep inside knew it would take more than a few videos and a
new face to get us playing the "West Ham way" although hoped for a better
reaction from the players. Watford was a massive game and think had we have
won we'd be more motivated than ever for the season and would have won the
fans over but we didn't and move on to our even bigger game on Friday.
As I say the club is in a bad place with past management leaving us in
pieces quite frankly but I still think Moyes and his backroom staff will get
us back to basics, disciplined, organised and most importantly improve our
tempo (on and off the pitch) and fitness (all sadly takes time) also one of
the only options to bring in within such a short space of time unless we
wanted to do an Everton, I hope we can also make a difference in every game
but most importantly during this managerial transitional period by getting
right behind the team and making the OS a fortress which I know we are
capable. I know we have quality players but do lack depth and is an ageing
squad. I do think Christmas will be tough for West Ham fans because of the
fixtures and deeper problems but urge you to stay strong as I know we have
the quality to turn it around. I know there is a big protest right now
around the board which is fair in some aspects but being honest I don't
blame them for our league position and there has been much worst seasons
than this but social media doesn't help, We have a quality team (on paper)
and a 60k+ seater stadium which was the right move bar leaving to soon and
not getting enough control which were huge mistakes on the owners and
Brady's behalf. They have transformed us as a team and have brought in
quality players but again let themselves down with the shady Carvalho deal
and right now seems like he would have been the perfect acquisition. I do
think they were the best option for us and thank them but do feel they are
dinosaurs of the game now and do question whether they can compete nowadays
with money so high in the game. I do think fans being upset is well
justified but again in our position when we should be getting behind the
team is it all worth it? Do we want to become another Sunderland? Seen
people plan walk outs, not turning up and violence towards staff, fans with
different views and the board but that will only make the situation worst.
I've said it before keep up the fight on social media, before and after
games etc etc as you have the right to an opinion but I'd rather stay up
than "try to get relegated so we can get rid of them (the owners)".
Looking to Leicester I do think we will need to start strong and win the
fans over early on otherwise it will be a hostile atmosphere. We have a few
players back and another week training can only be beneficial. I am again
confident and again it is a must win game especially with the upcoming
fixtures, I would mix experience with youth because as we all know we do
have quite an experienced team that could offer guidance but also lacks legs
and energy the youngsters would provide. I think we could create a team
hungry to succeed and put my faith in Moyes and co to turn us around like we
all should and hope to see all of us supporting the team against Leicester,
Hopefully the start of our season!
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HOW THE FANS REACT ON TWITTER-MY EXPERIENCES
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:23PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Claire – @silvervexcebo
When I posted a frustrated tweet whilst watching the game with my Dad on
Sunday afternoon, I could never have predicted that 24 hours later, my tweet
would have been viewed over 10,000 times.
For those who haven't seen it, my tweet read: 'Singing 'sack the board' 8
mins in, seriously, some of these so called West Ham fans are a joke. We
have a board who are West Ham supporters and who spend a hell of a lot of
money. Who would be better exactly? How about you get behind your team,
manager and board?!'
The tweet was born out of frustration and embarrassment at the behaviour of
some of my fellow Irons.
I've supported West Ham all my life and have been a season ticket holder for
over 20 years. I've seen the highs and lows. I remember the previous boards
and our ups and downs to the Championship. It appears some fans have short
memories, it was no bed of roses under our last two administrations. Being a
West Ham fan is no easy ride, but what I've learned is you have to take the
rough with the smooth.
The response to my tweet was mixed, some agreed with my sentiments, some
didn't, that's the beauty of football, it's subjective and everyone is
entitled to an opinion. However, my tweet was one of positivity and about
pulling together, so some of the abuse I was given by my fellow Hammers was
shocking. It's so easy to hide behind a keyboard and spew hatred. I was
called, a Cu*t, a Sl*g, a 'R*tard, an 'A*se-licker' told I should, 'get back
in the kitchen' and to, 'f*ck off and go and support the Y*ds'. That's only
to mention a few of the comments and replies. All that for voicing my
opinion. (I should also mention I received lots of support, agreement and
many very level-headed responses and nice DM's, so thanks for that guys). I
get that not everyone will agree with what I wrote, but since when do we
turn on each other? What happened to the West Ham Family?
When @ExWHUemployee contacted me today and asked if I would like to write an
article on my experience of voicing my opinions and the reaction of the
fans, I was happy to do so because the response from some, was genuinely
shocking.
I am of the opinion that negativity breeds negativity. The players hear the
chants. Fans have a right to express their view, but why did it need to be
done right at the beginning of the game? How can that possibly help a team
with an already shattered confidence?!
Frustratingly, a lot of people are still complaining about leaving Upton
Park and used my tweet as a platform to voice their negative views. I, like
most fans, loved Upton Park. I saw my first game there and shed a tear as I
watched the closing ceremony on our last game. But, we moved, it happened,
where's the use in continuing to moan about it 18 months later? What can be
achieved by that?! We are at the London Stadium now, let's make it a
fortress, it's the fans that make this club, not the stadium. I had people
on Twitter yesterday telling me that they would rather be in League One and
still be at Upton Park, which, to me, is insanity. You're complaining that
we're not playing well and losing games, but if you want to drop down 2
leagues we'd have to lose a lot more games – where's the sense in that?
There has been a lot of board bashing, which is understandable when things
aren't going well. They are an easy target. I don't know who in their right
mind would want to own a football club, all they get is abuse, yet Gold and
Sullivan travel to every game and sit there and take it. Everyone is
entitled to their opinion, but mine is that actually; we aren't in a bad
place. Have a look at what's happened to Blackpool, Leeds, Luton Town and so
many other clubs over the years. We are in the Premier League, we play at a
large stadium that draws over 50,000 supporters every week and we've made
some great signings over the last few years. Payet, Snodgrass, Fonte,
Arnautovic, Zabaleta, Hernandez, to name but a few – All great players, how
is it the boards fault that some of these haven't fulfilled their potential?
Who wasn't excited when they heard about some of these lads joining us? Same
with Moyes, he wasn't my first choice, but he's our manager and now he's
here, I will back him and remain optimistic that we can turn this season
around.
It appears that there's a really bad feeling amongst some of the fans at the
moment, but I for one, will be at the Leicester game on Friday night,
singing to bubbles, backing the players, the manager and the board. I've
never booed a West Ham player, manager or board member in my life and don't
intend to start now.
I'm hoping the majority of West Ham fans will pull together on Friday night
and get behind the lads and get us those much needed 3 points.
Come on you Irons!
Claire – @silvervexcebo
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Allardyce rejected West Ham return
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was offered the chance to return to West Ham in the wake of
Slaven Bilic's dismissal - but rejected the approach. The 63-year-old was
Hammers boss from 2011 to 2015, before leaving the club upon the expiration
of a two-year contract extension signed in May 2013. And according to a
source close to Allardyce, he was contacted by West Ham shortly before Bilic
was given his marching orders to gauge whether there was any interest in a
potential return to the club. "He was offered big money to return", the
source told KUMB. "But he turned it down straight away."
Allardyce, who has also been linked with the vacant positions at Everton and
West Bromwich Albion is currently in Dubai weighing up his options. During
his four seasons at West Ham - one in the Championship and three in the
Premier League - he led the team 181 times, winning 68 (37.6%), drawing 46
and losing 67 games. Since leaving West Ham, Allardyce has worked for
Sunderland, England (briefly) and Crystal Palace - managing to keep both
clubs in the Premier League during his tenure.
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Marko Arnautovic scan reveals West Ham winger did not break his thumb at
Watford
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 21/11/17 7:59pm
SSN
Marko Arnautovic could feature for West Ham in their Friday Night Football
clash against Leicester after a scan revealed he did not break his thumb in
last Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Watford. The Austria winger was withdrawn in the
74th minute at Vicarage Road after being accidentally trod on by Watford
defender Marvin Zeegelaar. It was feared Arnautovic could join a growing
injury list at West Ham, but a scan has revealed no damage to his thumb. He
is likely to figure in manager David Moyes' matchday squad for the game
against the Foxes at London Stadium, live on Sky Sports. Arnautovic has made
10 appearances for the Hammers since his £24m summer move from Stoke but is
yet to score for his new side. His availability will be a welcome boost for
Moyes, who is set to oversee his first home game for West Ham against Claude
Puel's side.
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THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY AND THE BOOKIES
By Tony Hanna 21 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
With just about a third of the season gone a change of manager, a place in
the bottom three and the travelling fans singing "sack the Board" (amongst
some other more colourful stuff aimed at Brady and G&S) illustrates that all
is not well with West Ham at present. However the team plays we seem to
shoot ourselves in the foot nearly every game. Giving the ball away in
dangerous places, players being sent off, unnecessary fouls in our own box
leading to penalties, conceding late goals and a plethora of missed
opportunities are typical traits of a struggling team. You see it season in,
season out. Teams down the bottom don't get the rub of the green but
arguably they don't deserve it either? Good work ethics together with first
class effort and commitment, whilst working for a good company will nine
times out of ten lead to a good outcome. Take out of that what you like!
The Good
We still have 26 games to rectify our position
We have played two more games away than at home. We have won two of our five
at home and two of our losses have been to top 6 teams.
We have not had any significant long term injuries so far this season.
The Bad
We have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League
We haven't won away from home in seven attempts this season
Our disciplinary record has cost us dearly. Red cards have almost certainly
deprived us of valuable points this season.
The Ugly
The Table. It speaks for itself
Take a look at our December fixture list!
Once you have the fan base offside, it is an uphill battle.
Regular readers of the site know by now I like to get a guide from the
bookies. I wrote a column a few years ago when relegation loomed under Sam,
which delivered a different view to most who thought the Championship
beckoned. It was all doom and gloom amongst most West Ham fans at the time
but the bookies had us at very reasonable odds for relegation – suggesting
they didn't share our pessimism. Our loyalties, rose tinted glasses or
indeed that pessimism us older fans are renown for do not come into the
calculations of the unbiased calculating statisticians that work for the
bookmakers that have no heart strings being tugged. So what do they think
now? It is not that promising but they certainly haven't written us off
either! However, we are much shorter odds for relegation than during our
troubled time under Big Sam. Currently we are 4th favourites to go down at
7/4 which represents a 36% chance. That is probably less of a chance than
most people on here think judging by the majority of comments on the blog.
Swansea are favourites to go down but there are still nine teams under
double figure odds which suggests another clogged bottom half of the ladder
come May. What this basically means is that it is still just too early to
start to panic. There will be many twists and turns, especially when
injuries and suspensions start to take their toll amongst the clubs with
thinner squads. In many ways I think we the fans have developed the symptoms
of the Board – the two game syndrome that rightly or wrongly saw the demise
of Bilic.
Personally, I haven't watched as much Premier League this season as I
normally would but I still think I have a good feel for what is going on
around us. I do think Swansea and West Brom are currently inferior to us and
I also think that teams like Huddersfield and even Newcastle will get drawn
into the relegation battle as the season progresses. One factor that will
continue to work against us though is our physical approach to the games. I
certainly don't think we are a dirty team, in fact we probably don't commit
enough of the professional or "take one for the team" fouls, especially with
teams on the counter against us – when I say "enough" I mean compared to
others. But the long ball approach is naturally a more physical approach to
the game and it is noticeable that teams playing against us are making the
most of nearly every challenge. Whilst it may be argued that the game is
trying to rid itself of any type of aggression in the tackle and challenges
it is amazing how well some players recover with the sight of a yellow or
red card waved at an opponent. In no way am I admonishing Andy Carroll's
sequences of arm flailing, but when you set yourself up for a physical
battle you can end up playing right into the hands of the divers all over
the pitch. The crowd at Watford certainly magnified any disputed challenge
and together with Carroll's own recent brain snaps these factors would have
gone a long way into Moye's judgement of replacing him early in the second
half. Anyone watching the Brighton v Stoke game would have noticed that the
home crowd were vocally counting down the six second rule for the away
keeper (Grant) to clear the ball. It is a rule that referees have ignored
for some time now but the crowd did influence Grant to stop wasting time and
obey the rule – in fear that the ref would be similarly influenced. These
are the sorts of things that make playing at home an advantage, if anyone
can remember those times?
Post-match comments from David Moyes suggest that the underlying problems
within the team squad will take some fixing. Moyes stated he was
disappointed at a few of the regular starters suggesting that they have been
playing on the back of their reputations but certainly didn't show him why
they deserved their places on the weekend. We have a quick back up with our
next match on Friday night against Leicester. It will be interesting to see
if we can match their work ethic and what changes Mr Moyes will make, if
any? A first goal in that game could be crucial.
An addition since writing my original article
Our fans who attend matches, and especially our fans who travel to away
games on a regular basis are the salt of the earth of our club. I have
followed West Ham for over 50 years but from afar for too many of those
years. When fans who have followed our great club home and away for 40 plus
years speak from the heart I listen. The feedback I am getting from these
fans that travelled to Watford is that the away fans have turned on the
Board and on a smaller scale the players. When toxicity has even crept into
the normally very forgiving away fans, things are bad. Here is an edited
message to me from one such guy who follows the club home and away. I thank
him for giving me the permission to post it here. There is also a Guest Post
from another away fan in the next day or two that will go further into the
toxic nature developing.
"back to yesterday Tone, not a good feel at all. Football wise we've played
a lot worse this season but I'm afraid the toxicity has set in amongst the
away mob, they were baying for the boards blood and even turned on the
players singing " you're not fit to wear the shirt ". Personally I think
that was wrong and I'd stop going before I'd sing that as it would mean I'd
believed they ain't trying and I don't think that's the case ,
Andy Carroll got dogs abuse Tone, nothing to do with his performance but
solely down to his Liverpool post-match comments about fans leaving. I've no
sympathy mate as he should've kept his gob shut, better and more admired
players than him have found out it's not a good idea to criticise the fan
base. It needs to be made clear though Tone, the songs aimed at him only
started once he was off the pitch and not before !!!! We could well go down,
I genuinely believe it. As for the bigger picture, I believe the board now
feel the full force of feeling over the move. The first football crisis was
always going to unleash the deep rooted resentments many fans feel and the
disconnect between them and the fan base wont easily be mended, if ever.
(Name withheld) has also been going home and away for years, he said he's
never felt so low about the club, says it all really".
It certainly does.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang says hard work on the training ground and on the pitch is the
only way West Ham United will turn things around. Instead of dwelling on the
disappointing nature of Sunday's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Watford, where
the Hammers were made to pay for defensive lapses and missed chances, the
Spaniard said the players have to give everything to put new manager David
Moyes' plans into action. West Ham play again on Friday night, when
Leicester City visit London Stadium, and Obiang knows only 100 per cent
effort and commitment will be good enough. "It is a bad result, everybody
knows that," said the midfielder, who made more tackles (three) than any
other West Ham player at Vicarage Road, while also touching the ball more
times (69) than any Hammer bar Pablo Zabaleta. "I don't think we need to
talk too much about the game because everybody could see what happened. We
have to continue to work hard and that's it." "Of course, we had some
chances but in the situation where we are, we have to make the chances and
keep going. "We can continue to think about what we are doing and what we
did before. We have to keep going and think about it."
West Ham's players have a few more days to heed Moyes' words, with the Scot
determined to mould a team that is disciplined, fit and does not make errors
at either end of the pitch. The Hammers did record much-improved physical
statistics in Sunday's loss, running further than they have run in any
previous Premier League game this season. Even so, Watford outran and
out-sprinted their opponents and Obiang, for one, believes his manager's
demanding approach is the right one if the east Londoners are going to turn
things around against the Foxes. "We need time to understand better what he
wants and we have to work a little bit more to be fit to do the things he
wants. "I'm agreeing with him because he is angry we lost the game. He
thinks we can do something better and we have to do more. "We have to work
hard for the next game and forget about the last one because what happened,
happened."
Standard Tickets for Friday's 8pm kick-off are available now via the Ticket
Exchange.
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Manning pleased with International Cup experience
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s coach Liam Manning was proud of the Hammers' young side
despite a 2-0 defeat to Benfica on Tuesday. The hosts, facing the Portuguese
outfit in their final Premier League International Cup fixture, battled hard
against an experienced Benfica B team – who play their football in the
second tier in Portugal. 24-year-old Alan Junior Oliveira scored both the
visitors' goals, lobbing Rihards Matrevics with the first and heading over
the big Latvian to score a second before the half hour mark. But Terry
Westley's team kept their heads up and went close on a number of occasions.
Their third and final group fixture ended in defeat, but Manning was pleased
nonetheless. He said: "We're really pleased with the outcome of the game and
how we've come out of it. We always knew it was going to be tough given the
age of our side but it was a brilliant experience. "We had two U16s playing
and we looked at the age of some of theirs and two were 24. "The whole
experience of playing in this competition has been great. The games
programme is terrific this year, it's a step up from last year and the
variation in games is great. "It's been a great experience for us. It's been
completely different to the teams we play in Premier League 2 and in the
Checkatrade, so it's great."
Josh Okotcha and Will Greenidge, both of whom are 15-years-old, started at
Billericay Town's AGP Arena, and although full-back Greenidge was
substituted after picking up an early injury, Okotcha impressed. "Josh did
well," Manning continued. "He has been playing in the youth team regularly
and he was in the team tonight on a combination of merit and injuries. "It
was a great opportunity and him grasping that opportunity, he will be really
pleased. He's now got to keep working hard week-in, week-out in the youth
team. "Now the focus [for the U23s] is on Friday [when we take on Arsenal].
It's a big game, and hence our line-up tonight. "It's a tough game and we
want to put in a good performance and get a positive result."
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WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:29PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Where to start? Hard to write this but has to be done so enjoy… If that's
the right word…
Firstly no blame can be aimed towards Moyes after Watford, He has a lot of
work to do and it hurts me to say this but probably still our best
performance in a while. Fitness and high work rates should come naturally in
football but towards the end of Slav's reign training lacked tempo and was
poor especially not helped with an ageing squad. Moyes was lucky to come in
during an international break to give him some time but had half the squad
and fitness doesn't come over night unfortunately. I do think the training
videos gave us a false sense of belief and an easy but smart way from our
media team to win fans over for a short period of time (including myself)
and although I do actually think Moyes training is exactly what we need it
will take time because of how bad things got under Slav with injuries not
helping at all. I have been upbeat on twitter last couple of weeks and in my
last article but deep inside knew it would take more than a few videos and a
new face to get us playing the "West Ham way" although hoped for a better
reaction from the players. Watford was a massive game and think had we have
won we'd be more motivated than ever for the season and would have won the
fans over but we didn't and move on to our even bigger game on Friday.
As I say the club is in a bad place with past management leaving us in
pieces quite frankly but I still think Moyes and his backroom staff will get
us back to basics, disciplined, organised and most importantly improve our
tempo (on and off the pitch) and fitness (all sadly takes time) also one of
the only options to bring in within such a short space of time unless we
wanted to do an Everton, I hope we can also make a difference in every game
but most importantly during this managerial transitional period by getting
right behind the team and making the OS a fortress which I know we are
capable. I know we have quality players but do lack depth and is an ageing
squad. I do think Christmas will be tough for West Ham fans because of the
fixtures and deeper problems but urge you to stay strong as I know we have
the quality to turn it around. I know there is a big protest right now
around the board which is fair in some aspects but being honest I don't
blame them for our league position and there has been much worst seasons
than this but social media doesn't help, We have a quality team (on paper)
and a 60k+ seater stadium which was the right move bar leaving to soon and
not getting enough control which were huge mistakes on the owners and
Brady's behalf. They have transformed us as a team and have brought in
quality players but again let themselves down with the shady Carvalho deal
and right now seems like he would have been the perfect acquisition. I do
think they were the best option for us and thank them but do feel they are
dinosaurs of the game now and do question whether they can compete nowadays
with money so high in the game. I do think fans being upset is well
justified but again in our position when we should be getting behind the
team is it all worth it? Do we want to become another Sunderland? Seen
people plan walk outs, not turning up and violence towards staff, fans with
different views and the board but that will only make the situation worst.
I've said it before keep up the fight on social media, before and after
games etc etc as you have the right to an opinion but I'd rather stay up
than "try to get relegated so we can get rid of them (the owners)".
Looking to Leicester I do think we will need to start strong and win the
fans over early on otherwise it will be a hostile atmosphere. We have a few
players back and another week training can only be beneficial. I am again
confident and again it is a must win game especially with the upcoming
fixtures, I would mix experience with youth because as we all know we do
have quite an experienced team that could offer guidance but also lacks legs
and energy the youngsters would provide. I think we could create a team
hungry to succeed and put my faith in Moyes and co to turn us around like we
all should and hope to see all of us supporting the team against Leicester,
Hopefully the start of our season!
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HOW THE FANS REACT ON TWITTER-MY EXPERIENCES
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 21 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:23PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Claire – @silvervexcebo
When I posted a frustrated tweet whilst watching the game with my Dad on
Sunday afternoon, I could never have predicted that 24 hours later, my tweet
would have been viewed over 10,000 times.
For those who haven't seen it, my tweet read: 'Singing 'sack the board' 8
mins in, seriously, some of these so called West Ham fans are a joke. We
have a board who are West Ham supporters and who spend a hell of a lot of
money. Who would be better exactly? How about you get behind your team,
manager and board?!'
The tweet was born out of frustration and embarrassment at the behaviour of
some of my fellow Irons.
I've supported West Ham all my life and have been a season ticket holder for
over 20 years. I've seen the highs and lows. I remember the previous boards
and our ups and downs to the Championship. It appears some fans have short
memories, it was no bed of roses under our last two administrations. Being a
West Ham fan is no easy ride, but what I've learned is you have to take the
rough with the smooth.
The response to my tweet was mixed, some agreed with my sentiments, some
didn't, that's the beauty of football, it's subjective and everyone is
entitled to an opinion. However, my tweet was one of positivity and about
pulling together, so some of the abuse I was given by my fellow Hammers was
shocking. It's so easy to hide behind a keyboard and spew hatred. I was
called, a Cu*t, a Sl*g, a 'R*tard, an 'A*se-licker' told I should, 'get back
in the kitchen' and to, 'f*ck off and go and support the Y*ds'. That's only
to mention a few of the comments and replies. All that for voicing my
opinion. (I should also mention I received lots of support, agreement and
many very level-headed responses and nice DM's, so thanks for that guys). I
get that not everyone will agree with what I wrote, but since when do we
turn on each other? What happened to the West Ham Family?
When @ExWHUemployee contacted me today and asked if I would like to write an
article on my experience of voicing my opinions and the reaction of the
fans, I was happy to do so because the response from some, was genuinely
shocking.
I am of the opinion that negativity breeds negativity. The players hear the
chants. Fans have a right to express their view, but why did it need to be
done right at the beginning of the game? How can that possibly help a team
with an already shattered confidence?!
Frustratingly, a lot of people are still complaining about leaving Upton
Park and used my tweet as a platform to voice their negative views. I, like
most fans, loved Upton Park. I saw my first game there and shed a tear as I
watched the closing ceremony on our last game. But, we moved, it happened,
where's the use in continuing to moan about it 18 months later? What can be
achieved by that?! We are at the London Stadium now, let's make it a
fortress, it's the fans that make this club, not the stadium. I had people
on Twitter yesterday telling me that they would rather be in League One and
still be at Upton Park, which, to me, is insanity. You're complaining that
we're not playing well and losing games, but if you want to drop down 2
leagues we'd have to lose a lot more games – where's the sense in that?
There has been a lot of board bashing, which is understandable when things
aren't going well. They are an easy target. I don't know who in their right
mind would want to own a football club, all they get is abuse, yet Gold and
Sullivan travel to every game and sit there and take it. Everyone is
entitled to their opinion, but mine is that actually; we aren't in a bad
place. Have a look at what's happened to Blackpool, Leeds, Luton Town and so
many other clubs over the years. We are in the Premier League, we play at a
large stadium that draws over 50,000 supporters every week and we've made
some great signings over the last few years. Payet, Snodgrass, Fonte,
Arnautovic, Zabaleta, Hernandez, to name but a few – All great players, how
is it the boards fault that some of these haven't fulfilled their potential?
Who wasn't excited when they heard about some of these lads joining us? Same
with Moyes, he wasn't my first choice, but he's our manager and now he's
here, I will back him and remain optimistic that we can turn this season
around.
It appears that there's a really bad feeling amongst some of the fans at the
moment, but I for one, will be at the Leicester game on Friday night,
singing to bubbles, backing the players, the manager and the board. I've
never booed a West Ham player, manager or board member in my life and don't
intend to start now.
I'm hoping the majority of West Ham fans will pull together on Friday night
and get behind the lads and get us those much needed 3 points.
Come on you Irons!
Claire – @silvervexcebo
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Allardyce rejected West Ham return
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was offered the chance to return to West Ham in the wake of
Slaven Bilic's dismissal - but rejected the approach. The 63-year-old was
Hammers boss from 2011 to 2015, before leaving the club upon the expiration
of a two-year contract extension signed in May 2013. And according to a
source close to Allardyce, he was contacted by West Ham shortly before Bilic
was given his marching orders to gauge whether there was any interest in a
potential return to the club. "He was offered big money to return", the
source told KUMB. "But he turned it down straight away."
Allardyce, who has also been linked with the vacant positions at Everton and
West Bromwich Albion is currently in Dubai weighing up his options. During
his four seasons at West Ham - one in the Championship and three in the
Premier League - he led the team 181 times, winning 68 (37.6%), drawing 46
and losing 67 games. Since leaving West Ham, Allardyce has worked for
Sunderland, England (briefly) and Crystal Palace - managing to keep both
clubs in the Premier League during his tenure.
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Marko Arnautovic scan reveals West Ham winger did not break his thumb at
Watford
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 21/11/17 7:59pm
SSN
Marko Arnautovic could feature for West Ham in their Friday Night Football
clash against Leicester after a scan revealed he did not break his thumb in
last Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Watford. The Austria winger was withdrawn in the
74th minute at Vicarage Road after being accidentally trod on by Watford
defender Marvin Zeegelaar. It was feared Arnautovic could join a growing
injury list at West Ham, but a scan has revealed no damage to his thumb. He
is likely to figure in manager David Moyes' matchday squad for the game
against the Foxes at London Stadium, live on Sky Sports. Arnautovic has made
10 appearances for the Hammers since his £24m summer move from Stoke but is
yet to score for his new side. His availability will be a welcome boost for
Moyes, who is set to oversee his first home game for West Ham against Claude
Puel's side.
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THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY AND THE BOOKIES
By Tony Hanna 21 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
With just about a third of the season gone a change of manager, a place in
the bottom three and the travelling fans singing "sack the Board" (amongst
some other more colourful stuff aimed at Brady and G&S) illustrates that all
is not well with West Ham at present. However the team plays we seem to
shoot ourselves in the foot nearly every game. Giving the ball away in
dangerous places, players being sent off, unnecessary fouls in our own box
leading to penalties, conceding late goals and a plethora of missed
opportunities are typical traits of a struggling team. You see it season in,
season out. Teams down the bottom don't get the rub of the green but
arguably they don't deserve it either? Good work ethics together with first
class effort and commitment, whilst working for a good company will nine
times out of ten lead to a good outcome. Take out of that what you like!
The Good
We still have 26 games to rectify our position
We have played two more games away than at home. We have won two of our five
at home and two of our losses have been to top 6 teams.
We have not had any significant long term injuries so far this season.
The Bad
We have conceded more goals than any other team in the Premier League
We haven't won away from home in seven attempts this season
Our disciplinary record has cost us dearly. Red cards have almost certainly
deprived us of valuable points this season.
The Ugly
The Table. It speaks for itself
Take a look at our December fixture list!
Once you have the fan base offside, it is an uphill battle.
Regular readers of the site know by now I like to get a guide from the
bookies. I wrote a column a few years ago when relegation loomed under Sam,
which delivered a different view to most who thought the Championship
beckoned. It was all doom and gloom amongst most West Ham fans at the time
but the bookies had us at very reasonable odds for relegation – suggesting
they didn't share our pessimism. Our loyalties, rose tinted glasses or
indeed that pessimism us older fans are renown for do not come into the
calculations of the unbiased calculating statisticians that work for the
bookmakers that have no heart strings being tugged. So what do they think
now? It is not that promising but they certainly haven't written us off
either! However, we are much shorter odds for relegation than during our
troubled time under Big Sam. Currently we are 4th favourites to go down at
7/4 which represents a 36% chance. That is probably less of a chance than
most people on here think judging by the majority of comments on the blog.
Swansea are favourites to go down but there are still nine teams under
double figure odds which suggests another clogged bottom half of the ladder
come May. What this basically means is that it is still just too early to
start to panic. There will be many twists and turns, especially when
injuries and suspensions start to take their toll amongst the clubs with
thinner squads. In many ways I think we the fans have developed the symptoms
of the Board – the two game syndrome that rightly or wrongly saw the demise
of Bilic.
Personally, I haven't watched as much Premier League this season as I
normally would but I still think I have a good feel for what is going on
around us. I do think Swansea and West Brom are currently inferior to us and
I also think that teams like Huddersfield and even Newcastle will get drawn
into the relegation battle as the season progresses. One factor that will
continue to work against us though is our physical approach to the games. I
certainly don't think we are a dirty team, in fact we probably don't commit
enough of the professional or "take one for the team" fouls, especially with
teams on the counter against us – when I say "enough" I mean compared to
others. But the long ball approach is naturally a more physical approach to
the game and it is noticeable that teams playing against us are making the
most of nearly every challenge. Whilst it may be argued that the game is
trying to rid itself of any type of aggression in the tackle and challenges
it is amazing how well some players recover with the sight of a yellow or
red card waved at an opponent. In no way am I admonishing Andy Carroll's
sequences of arm flailing, but when you set yourself up for a physical
battle you can end up playing right into the hands of the divers all over
the pitch. The crowd at Watford certainly magnified any disputed challenge
and together with Carroll's own recent brain snaps these factors would have
gone a long way into Moye's judgement of replacing him early in the second
half. Anyone watching the Brighton v Stoke game would have noticed that the
home crowd were vocally counting down the six second rule for the away
keeper (Grant) to clear the ball. It is a rule that referees have ignored
for some time now but the crowd did influence Grant to stop wasting time and
obey the rule – in fear that the ref would be similarly influenced. These
are the sorts of things that make playing at home an advantage, if anyone
can remember those times?
Post-match comments from David Moyes suggest that the underlying problems
within the team squad will take some fixing. Moyes stated he was
disappointed at a few of the regular starters suggesting that they have been
playing on the back of their reputations but certainly didn't show him why
they deserved their places on the weekend. We have a quick back up with our
next match on Friday night against Leicester. It will be interesting to see
if we can match their work ethic and what changes Mr Moyes will make, if
any? A first goal in that game could be crucial.
An addition since writing my original article
Our fans who attend matches, and especially our fans who travel to away
games on a regular basis are the salt of the earth of our club. I have
followed West Ham for over 50 years but from afar for too many of those
years. When fans who have followed our great club home and away for 40 plus
years speak from the heart I listen. The feedback I am getting from these
fans that travelled to Watford is that the away fans have turned on the
Board and on a smaller scale the players. When toxicity has even crept into
the normally very forgiving away fans, things are bad. Here is an edited
message to me from one such guy who follows the club home and away. I thank
him for giving me the permission to post it here. There is also a Guest Post
from another away fan in the next day or two that will go further into the
toxic nature developing.
"back to yesterday Tone, not a good feel at all. Football wise we've played
a lot worse this season but I'm afraid the toxicity has set in amongst the
away mob, they were baying for the boards blood and even turned on the
players singing " you're not fit to wear the shirt ". Personally I think
that was wrong and I'd stop going before I'd sing that as it would mean I'd
believed they ain't trying and I don't think that's the case ,
Andy Carroll got dogs abuse Tone, nothing to do with his performance but
solely down to his Liverpool post-match comments about fans leaving. I've no
sympathy mate as he should've kept his gob shut, better and more admired
players than him have found out it's not a good idea to criticise the fan
base. It needs to be made clear though Tone, the songs aimed at him only
started once he was off the pitch and not before !!!! We could well go down,
I genuinely believe it. As for the bigger picture, I believe the board now
feel the full force of feeling over the move. The first football crisis was
always going to unleash the deep rooted resentments many fans feel and the
disconnect between them and the fan base wont easily be mended, if ever.
(Name withheld) has also been going home and away for years, he said he's
never felt so low about the club, says it all really".
It certainly does.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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