Everton v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United return to Premier League action with a midweek fixture away to Everton.
Read on for all the information you need to know ahead of Wednesday's encounter, including team news, recent form and quotes from manager David Moyes.
Where and when?
Everton v West Ham United will be played at Goodison Park on Wednesday 29 November, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.
The postcode for the stadium, in Walton, Liverpool, is L4 4EL.
How to follow:
Everton v West Ham United will be shown live on BT Sport, on channels BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 4K UHD, with the programme scheduled to go live at 7:15pm.
Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter account.
You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.
You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat channels.
BBC Radio 5 Live will also provide audio coverage from the game's kick-off at 8pm.
Meet the opposition:
0:24
Team news:
David Moyes will not be rushing injured players back into the West Ham United first team for this week's clash with Everton as the manager keeps one eye on a busy festive fixture list.
Chicharito did not train on Monday, as the forward continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, while the West Ham manager is exercising caution with Michail Antonio and James Collins.
Moyes said on Monday: "Chicharito has not trained today, so he's going to be a few days or a bit longer at this rate. But we want him back fit, because we have so many games coming up.
"It's the same for James Collins and even Michail Antonio. We have to be really careful because our squad isn't the biggest. It's important to get these boys fit and ready to play."
Read more here!
Match Officials:
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Simon Bennett and Stuart Burt
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
What they Say:
"It's really important we get three points at Everton, so there is no room for sentiment. I want a clean sheet and a win when I go back to Goodison."
David Moyes
West Ham United manager
Last Five Meetings:
West Ham United 0-0 Everton, Premier League, April 22 2017
Everton 2-0 West Ham United, Premier League, October 30 2016
Everton 2-3 West Ham United, Premier League, March 5 2016
West Ham United 1-1 Everton, Premier League, November 7 2015
West Ham United 1-2 Everton, Premier League, May 16 2015
How to get there:
The closest train station to Goodison Park is Kirkdale Station, a 20 minute walk. This station is 10 minutes from Liverpool Central, and is also served by matchday buses.
By Train
Exit the M1 at Junction 19 and follow the M6 to Junction 21A, before linking up with the M62. Depart the M62 at Junction 4. Follow Queens Drive and turn left onto Walton Lane.
By Car:
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Masuaku: We need to keep working hard
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku believes West Ham United's confidence will quickly return, should they build on Friday's draw with Leicester City by beating Everton at Goodison Park in midweek. The Hammers travel to the struggling Toffees on Wednesday with both sides in need of the three points following starts to the season which have fallen below expectations. Cheikhou Kouyate's goal against Leicester earned West Ham their first point under new boss David Moyes and now the left-sided Masuaku – who has featured in both matches under Moyes – is eyeing a three-point haul. "We were a bit disappointed with the result on Friday," he stated. "We started by going a goal down, but we fought to get the equaliser. "We need to improve in defence and try to get the first goal in order to win the game. We have had a poor start, but we have to keep working because that is the only way we're going to change. "I think we have been lacking in confidence, but I think once we get a win that will return. "This is an important game. We are fighting with them to get out of this position, so if we win this game it would be a big boost for us. "We just need to play our game. We need to be more compact, stronger defensively and if we score first that would give us a great platform to win the game."
Masuaku is convinced the only way is up under Moyes and he was happy to feature in a more attacking role against Leicester. "I enjoyed playing an attacking role," he added. When I was younger I played in that position so It's not new for me. "My ambition is to play every game. I've been involved in the last two, I want to keep going, keep working hard in training and be 100 per cent match fit. "The new manager has changed some things – he's more involved at training and if we make a mistake he will stop and explain what happened. With time we will improve a lot under him."
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West Ham boss backs Unsworth to make managerial mark
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has backed his one-time defender David Unsworth to become a successful manager, despite Everton's current struggles. The Blues have won just once in seven matches since their title-winning U23s manager was promoted to replace Ronald Koeman on a caretaker basis on 23 October, leaving the big-spending Merseysiders looking anxiously over their shoulder at the bottom three. But Moyes, for whom Unsworth scored the first goal of his Goodison Park reign back in 2003, says the Toffees' temporary man in charge should not be judged solely on Everton's recent run of results. "I think David Unsworth, given the right opportunity, will be a successful manager," said the Hammers manager, who will face his one-time charge when he makes his latest return to Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. "If he doesn't take the Everton job, I would be telling Unsy: 'Go and manage somewhere and earn your corn. If you want to move on go and get a job in the Championship or League One, see where it takes you to'."
Moyes himself 'earned his corn' at Preston North End as a young manager, leading the Lancashire club from the third tier to the brink of the Premier League around the turn of the millennium while still in his late thirties. Having impressed at Deepdale, Everton moved for the Scot in 2003 and he went on to spend more than a decade in charge, leading the Toffees to the FA Cup final, the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and a succession of top-six Premier League finishes. Should he not get the Goodison gig full time, the 54-year-old urged Unsworth, who led Everton's U23s to the Premier League 2 title last season and has developed a succession of first-teamers since being appointed four years ago, to follow his own example and serve a managerial apprenticeship in the Football League. "I think there has been a generation of really good players out there who I believe should go and manage and try and come up [through the divisions]," Moyes confirmed. "I would say 'Earn your stripes first and show you can organise and you can control the team and show that your training works, all the things that are linked with management and leadership. Why don't you go and do that and then get yourself prepared for the big job?' "But because the way the game has gone now there are a lot of them who don't want to put themselves out and take a job because, if it doesn't work, then they are done. I still believe the best thing to do is to go out and trust yourself to win a few games, wherever you go. "But I think one way or another David Unsworth will still be hoping he will still be Everton manager, and why should he not be? He has to do that. "But if he doesn't get it, for Unsy he has done a very good job with Everton's Under-23s. He won Premier League 2 last year they are up towards the top of the league again this season and you look at the players Everton are bringing through, the Tom Davies of the world and a few more. "Maybe the next step is for Unsy is to try and get a decent job which would give him a chance of getting into the management level and get a few years under his belt."
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A proper football man: The experts on West Ham United's new man in charge
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has become a household name in British football over the past two decades. After a 20-year playing career both north and south of the border, Moyes has established himself as one of the best domestic managers of his generation, enjoying varying degrees of success with Preston North End, Everton, Manchester United, Spanish club Real Sociedad and Sunderland. Throughout, the Scot has earned the respect of broadcasters, journalists and players alike. Here, BBC commentator Alan Green, Daily Telegraph chief football correspondent Jason Burt and former Everton midfielder Leon Osman reveal more about the new man at the West Ham United helm…
Let's start by asking how would you sum up David Moyes the manager?
Alan Green: "David is a very pragmatic manager, is the way I would put it. He dealt with the situation on Merseyside very well, where his Everton side were always going to be judged in relation to Liverpool. "Everton had won stuff in the eighties, but when he took over they had been less successful and he set about making them difficult to beat, which he did very successfully. That was one of the reasons why he was deemed as a successor for Sir Alex Ferguson. "Against my advice – I told him to be the man to replace Fergie's replacement, rather than Fergie's replacement – he couldn't resist it, took that job and didn't hide from what was a tough experience. Then he went to Spain and was moderately successful, then came back and Sunderland was a rank choice, but he was keen to get back into management."
Jason Burt: "I think David has had a few difficult experiences in his last three jobs, which I'm sure he would say happened for a variety of experiences. "Especially at Manchester United, it was almost the impossible job, following on from Sir Alex Ferguson. At Sociedad, it might have been the wrong club, while Sunderland was a bit of a basket case. "All that said, West Ham's owners have long admired David Moyes and thought about trying to hire him in the past as they regard him very highly. "I think he will 'get' West Ham, what the club stands for and what the fans expect, and I think he will organise the team."
Leon, you played under David for your entire Everton career and have backed him to succeed at West Ham. Why?
Leon Osman: "David took over at Everton when we were battling near the bottom and he kept us up and rejuvenated the club to the extent that we finished seventh the following season. He did a fantastic job. "After a bit of a dip while he set about forming his own squad, we finished in the Champions League places and challenged for Europe almost every season. "What he did was had every player believing in themselves, working extremely hard for one another and playing for the team."
Hard work and teamwork are both admirable traits, but they don't win football matches alone, so how did David turn Everton into such a force in the Premier League, particularly on such a relatively small budget?
LO: "Training sessions lasted longer under David than they did under any other manager I worked with, whether that was the drills we did or the tactical work and set piece training he made sure we did ahead of every match. "David made sure we were organised and set up to keep clean sheets, and our set piece record at both ends of the pitch was very good, which was no coincidence. Every player understood their role clearly. "He also got his attacking players not only working for the team, but also creating and scoring goals, which I now expect him to do with the likes of Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini at West Ham."
JB: "There are similarities to the current situation and the time he took over at Everton, in that he has inherited a squad of older players who perhaps need new motivation and a bit of a kick up the backside. "Frankly, you look at West Ham and wonder if they have been putting in total effort, and I think David will get that sorted quickly. "His Everton teams were feared and difficult to beat and he will try to do the same thing with West Ham."
David has a reputation for being a manager who can organise a team from the back, rather than one who will play expansive, open, attacking football, but is that a fair assessment?
AG: "I understand West Ham fans expect their team to play with a certain style but, this season, I would urge them to put those expectations on the backburner. They are in trouble and have a guy in charge who can get the basics right. "David will set up the defence as quickly as he can to do what he wants and make sure everybody fits in. He is a pragmatic manager and, with the situation West Ham find themselves in, the fans need to let it happen this season. "If you are not putting it in or delivering, you will be on the sidelines. He will get them trained up and up to speed and won't be afraid to make changes."
JB: "In his final few years at Everton, especially, they were quite an entertaining team and could certainly play a bit and they took teams on. "I remember, when he was Chelsea manager, asking Carlo Ancelotti which manager had caused him the most tactical problems and he said it was David Moyes. That bodes well."
LO: "We all believed in David's concept of how he wanted us to play and he had to adopt that approach to have us finishing comfortably inside the top half and qualifying for European football more than 50 per cent of the time. "It was not that we wanted to play for him, as such, but his management style meant we wanted to play for the team and did not want to let each other down. Because of David, we believed in each other, 100 per cent."
In some ways, is this the perfect situation for David to re-establish himself as a successful Premier League manager?
AG: "Things cannot get any worse for West Ham, so yes it is. It's not going to happen overnight, but he has the right people around him and this is a great opportunity for David to re-establish himself in English football. "He is not a bad manager; he just took the Manchester United job at the wrong time."
JB: "I agree. This is a fantastic opportunity for David. I think people make quite a lot of the fact he only has a contract until the end of the season, but why not? It might work in everyone's interests because it will concentrate minds. "David is here and is not going to take any nonsense from anyone and is just here to get on with it. He is not here to build a club, but to turn a club around and if concentrates on the job in hand, it could work out for everyone and it can be reviewed in the summer. "I think people have seen David is very motivated and he has proven already that he wants to make this succeed. I think his reputation is on the line and this is possibly his last big chance and I think we will see a very different West Ham under his management."
What about David Moyes the man? He has been characterised as being a 'dour Scotsman', but that is not a true reflection of his character, is it?
AG: "No, it isn't. I have got to know David very well, not only through commentating on his teams, but also through working alongside him at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and he is a lovely, generous man. "David is not dour at all. He is fun, we had a great laugh in South Africa and he is good to be around. I like the man. He is great company, a proper football man who cares about the game and I desperately want him to succeed at West Ham."
LO: "David does come across as a very dour man, but he does have a sense of humour in there, though! It's not as easy for him as it is for some other characters to be relaxed in the public eye, but I can assure you he is a top man. "He also has some top men around him in Alan Irvine and Chris Woods, and it's great that they have got back together in the Premier League. David will also know West Ham's physio, Dom Rogan, and masseur, Craig Mazur, from Everton and together I am sure they will work extremely hard to get the Hammers back on the right track."
JB: "David is aware of the image he has got and when he was unveiled at his press conference, I thought he sounded very focused on what he wanted to do, which I thought was very good to see."
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Everton v West Ham United
WED 29 NOV 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
20:00
Venue: Goodison Park
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
Everton are short of defenders, with Leighton Baines and Michael Keane both unlikely to be available after suffering injuries against Southampton. Mason Holgate could return after four weeks out with a groin strain, but fellow defenders Ramiro Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman are long-term absentees. Toffees forward Oumar Niasse completes a two-game ban for diving.
West Ham winger Marko Arnautovic is available despite hobbling off against Leicester on Friday. Javier Hernandez and Michail Antonio remain out with hamstring problems, while ankle injuries again sideline James Collins and Jose Fonte.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Mark Scott: Coming just days after the "unacceptable" capitulation against Atalanta, the shambles at Southampton has increased the sense of crisis at Everton - as well adding even more urgency to their search for a new manager.
"David Unsworth has labelled what is likely to be his last game in caretaker charge as "must-win" while there's also the David Moyes subplot to chuck into the mix - one aspect of which is Unsworth having scored the first goal of Moyes's reign at Goodison Park!
"Moyes has a poor record against his former club but may be facing them at just the right time to change that, having seen signs of improvement at West Ham, while the Toffees continue to be extremely generous at the back.
"It might be a scrap between two struggling sides, but it should be compelling viewing."
Twitter: @Mark_Scott
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth: "Sometimes players will take the easy way out and shirk responsibility. I'm asking players to perform. I think when you're in a tough moment, in this day and age, the mentality of players isn't what it used to be.
"I just want the players to be ready for a fight. I will stand side-to-side with them if they give me that attitude.
"Those players who have not got the bottle to stand up for the fight need to be honest and say it."
West Ham manager David Moyes on David Unsworth: "If he doesn't take the Everton job I think I would tell 'Unsy' to go and manage somewhere and earn your corn.
"If you want to move on, go and get a job in the Championship or League One.
"I think there has been a generation of really good players out there who I believe should go and manage and try and come up.
"I would say earn your stripes first and show you can organise so that you can control the team and show that your training works, all the things that are linked with management and leadership."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
The Toffees are still struggling to score goals but it is at the back where they have the biggest problems. They are all over the place.
They have conceded at least two goals in each of their seven games under caretaker boss David Unsworth, and have shipped 11 goals in their past three matches. Even West Ham's defence is not that bad.
Prediction: 0-1
Lawro's full predictions v Tailenders co-host Felix White
Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Everton have lost to West Ham at Goodison Park only once in 12 years in all competitions (W6, D4).
West Ham have only claimed three Premier League wins at Everton, losing 23 times since their first game there in 1994.
The Toffees have lost just once in their last 18 Premier League matches against the Hammers (W11, D6), with the sole defeat a 3-2 loss under Roberto Martinez in March 2016.
The last time the Hammers failed to score in three consecutive league games against Everton was 17 years ago.
Everton
Everton have not kept a top-flight clean sheet since beating Stoke 1-0 on the opening day, and have conceded a total of nine goals in their last two league and cup games.
They have let in a division-high 28 goals in the Premier League this season - their worst return after 13 league fixtures since 1958, when they had conceded 40.
Everton have conceded at least two goals in each of their last nine league and cup games, and have conceded the opening goal in 17 of their last 19 matches.
The Toffees have one win in their last 12 outings in all competitions (D3, L8).
Their three Premier League wins this season have all come at Goodison Park.
Wayne Rooney has scored 11 goals and assisted four in 15 Premier League starts against West Ham.
West Ham
West Ham have won only one of their last 14 Premier League away matches (D6, L7).
The Hammers (D3, L3) could go seven league games without a win for the second time in 2017.
David Moyes has lost all four of his Premier League matches against former club Everton by an aggregate score of 8-0.
Everton are the only Premier League team Moyes has not won against as a manager.
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A TALE OF TWO TRANSFER BUDGETS
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 8:44PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by farehamhammer
Moysey and his staff got it in one! It's the midfield that has been the problem for a long time now. NO messing about, out went the skipper after one match. At last a manager with balls! We were nervy to start with, and I'm not pretending it was a vintage performance, it wasn't. But it was a much improved performance, and the lads were both fitter and committed to the cause. There was definitely more movement in midfield, to the extent that we pushed them back continuously in the second half. We lacked the creativity and final ball to open them up however, the trouble is that Manuel Lanzini is our sole creative outlet and the opposition know this. As a result more often than not teams have three men on him. We need to revamp that midfield come January, although I would not at all be surprised if Moyes used Andre Ayew as an attacking midfielder, almost like he used to use Marouane Fellaini at Everton. Playing Arthur Masuaku out wide was another indication that the manager has identified that we badly lack pace. However Michail Antonio does offer pace, but I'm not exactly a paid up member of the Antonio fan club. He is the Forest Gump of footballers in my opinion he has pace and does score a few goals, but doesn't beat his man, does not track back and his ability to read the game is poor, and has been blowing out his arse after 20mins. Sergeant Major Moyes and Pearce will soon sort that out don't worry about that.
The run up of results till the end of December, will determine how we approach the January transfer window. It is painful to even talk about it but the hard fact is this: At the moment we are in the relegation zone, if come December things have not improved results wise, then there is strong possibility that come the end of the season we will be in The Championship. There is no use being in denial about it, then money becomes a big issue and transfer targets change. Top players will NOT sign for you, if it is almost certain that The Club will be relegated. Secondly, is it feasible if you are going down to spend £35million on William Carvalho and say £3million for Jack Wilshire then you come to wages. Let's say they are on £150,000 per week between them. In one year that is £7.2million. In The Championship? Having a laugh that is how Clubs go bust. It's going to a case of saying to Jack Wilshire for e.g. "Jack we can only offer you a loan till the end of the season. If you do well and we stay up we will offer you a four year deal worth so much".
We will then already need to have a plan in place that will take us straight back up. We will have to identify some of The Youth that we think can do a job in The Championship, and give them minutes on the pitch. I know it is early days yet but possibly the best signing we could make in The January window, is removing the six month get out clause in the gaffer's contact. That is the worst scenario. Even if we have a good few matches and we are say 16th, players will be apprehensive about coming to us in case we get relegated. Selling Clubs knowing we are desperate, will charge us top dollar for any player we want. Players will be less reluctant to sign for us, but will almost certainly demand more clauses than Brexit in their contract. Either way the January transfer market will be extremely tough. No doubt David Sullivan will be on the blower to Moyes at some point in January and say: "David, I want you to sign this striker from Burundi. Highly recommended by Barry Silkman. One hundred goals in the Burundi second division. He is going to be worth more than Messi!" Be warned Moyesy, tell him to p*ss off😊! However much work needs to be done between now and January. We desperately need to build on the Leicester game and follow that up with three points against Everton on Wednesday, at David Moyes old stomping ground Goodison Park.
Everton are on the ropes and there for the taking. They are a classic example that it is all very well spending big money in the transfer window, but if you don't know what you are doing you get taken to the cleaners. I think another important factor that has hampered us in the transfer window is the lack of receiving decent money on player sales. In seven years we have sold Scott Parker for £5million and Dimitri Payet for £25m. In a year Everton made £115m on the sales of Stones and Lukaku. I will confidently say this, if we had that amount of dough to spend we would not be where we are now! I don't like Spurs or Daniel Levy but he has got the buying and selling of players in the market to a tee. He does not say to Mauricio Pochettino: "Mauricio! How much do you need this window? Ninety M?" In fact I doubt that he gives Pochettino that much more basic funds than Gold Sullivan. The difference being they have dough stashed away from previous windows. In simple terms six years ago we had Matt Taylor and Boa Morte in midfield, they had Van Der Vaart and Modric. The next level bring it on! But deep down you would have to say it is going to take a bit of work to get where we intend to be.
But first things first. We simply have to get three points at Goodison on Wednesday, and I believe if we are positive from the off we will. I know a veteran Everton supporter, who said that although their nickname is The Toffees they were also known as 'The School of Science'. The reason being they played football the right way, on the deck, flowing inventive football. Just like we were renowned for. Let's hope we are giving Everton a science lesson at the school of science on Wednesday. It is not just players who don't want to join you when at the bottom, managers avoid you as well. Everton have offered big money to try attract big managers but have been snubbed. As a result David Unsworth is still caretaker manage. To say he has not been successful is an understatement, Everton have been absolutely dismal. Everton will be like a boxer reeling on the ropes, we have to knock them out. We have to produce that second half performance from the off pin them back and the mistakes will come. If we score first don't close up shop, keep going and the goals will come! What team will the gaffer put out? I can't see it differing that much from the Leicester game to be honest. I can see him dropping Bambi on ice Angelo Ogbonna and bringing in James Collins.
After that we have three tough games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal. Beat Everton on Wednesday and confidence will really start to soar, then it is possible that we will take something off Chelsea or Arsenal. One of the things I'm finding baffling is the attitude of some fans on social media. Look we all have different viewpoints regards everything about our Club. But it seems that some would rather we lose every game 4-0 so they can say "I told you so!" Unreal! Thankfully the majority recognise that although far from being a vintage game against Leicester, it was a much improved game performance which augurs well for the rest of the campaign. I'm going for a 2-0 win against Everton and the much maligned Andy Carroll scoring his first goal of the season!
We are more than a football Club, we're a way of life!
COYI!!
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AWAY DAYS: EVERTON-GOODISON PARK
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 8:59PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @CraigPodevin
After the draw against Leicester, I'll respect the point but we're up against fellow relegation candidates Everton next in our next game which falls mid-week. Reports on Twitter say that Sam Allardyce may be the manager by then, but hopefully they will carry on their abysmal form and we can get a win against them.
General information:
Stadium: Goodison Park
Capacity: 40,569
Address: Goodison Road, Liverpool, L4 4EL
Away seating: Bullens Road Stand, via turnstiles 53-60
Goodison Park, despite being large, is quite old and this is why Everton have purchased land at Bramley Moore Dock and are looking to build a brand new 50,000 seater stadium. From the Main Stand at the very top, not only can you get views of Stanley Park but you can also see their nearest rivals' stadium Anfield.
One problem with Goodison Park, is due to the stadium's age, you may find yourself with a restricted view because of supporting pillars.
Travel:
Train
Kirkdale Railway station is the closest to the ground, approximately a mile away, however it is advised to go to Sandhills Railway Station and take a bus to the ground which runs 2 hours before kick off and 50 minutes after the final whistle.
Car
From the M6 exit at J21a you will need to follow the M62 until you reach the end of the motorway. You then follow the A5058 Queen's Drive towards Liverpool. After four miles, at the roundabout junction with the A59, turn left into County Road. Three quarters of a mile along County Road, turn left into Spellow Lane and then left into Goodison Road. left at the traffic lights into Utting Avenue. Keep going for one mile and then turn right at the corner of Stanley Park into Priory Road.
Parking
If you arrive by 1.00pm there should be sufficient street parking around Walton Lane. The other option is to park in Walton Lifestyles Sports Centre (Sat-Nav postcode L4 9XP) where you can park for £7 – it is about a fifteen-minute walk to Goodison Park and by parking there you avoid the traffic at Stanley Park and it is only a five minute drive from the motorway. The last option is to park near Anfield or in Stanley Park for £8.
Food and drink:
The Royal Oak is a home fans only pub and therefore should be avoided. There's a small outdoor 'fanzone' that serves alcohol and food to both home and away fans, so if you're interested in having a drink and chatting to some Everton fans there's your place.
About a 15 minute walk from the stadium is the Thomas Frost pub (Walton Road) which is a Wetherspoons outlet. Further down is a wine bar called Bradleys which is family run and sells beers and real ales if the Thomas Frost is packed out. The Arkles pub, which is also a popular pub for away fans visiting Anfield, is also an option. It shows Sky Sports and is only 10-15 minutes walking from the stadium.
Goodison Park does not allow food or drink to be taken into the stadium from outside.
As always support the team, enjoy yourself and be safe. If you are not going then you're welcome to follow the live updates on Twitter from @WestHamWaycouk! Come On You Irons!
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Unsworth spoiling for a fight
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer David Unsworth says both he and his squad are hurting - but are up for a fight tomorrow night when West Ham visit Goodison Park. The former full back, affectionately known as 'Rhino' during his playing career spent one fruitful season at the Boleyn Ground before returning to Everton, from whom he was signed by Harry Redknapp for £3million in 1997. He was appointed as caretaker manager of Everton following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman in October, since when the Toffees have won just one of seven fixtures in a period that has seen them concede 20 goals. However Unsworth insists that there will be no room for sentimentality on Wednesday evening when he faces up to his former employers - ironically against new Hammers boss David Moyes, who was in charge of Everton for more than a decade. "I'm hurting," Unsworth told the media. "When you are giving your all and not getting the results you want, it hurts. I just want the players to puff out their chests and say, 'come on then, I am ready for a fight'. "I will stand with them if they give me that attitude. I will stand side by side with them. I think any manager would do that. I just want to see the players giving their all and performing for this great club. "We need to start winning. Goodison has to help us and we need to stick together. We need men, we need courage and mental toughness. Not to just turn up and play. When times are tough, you need your top players to stand up and be counted. That is really important."
And Unsworth, who worked alongside Moyes for many years admitted that he would be delighted to catch up with his former manager - but hoped to spoil his retunr to the North West. "I wish David well at West Ham, but obviously not tomorrow night," he added. West Ham go into the match two places below Everton, who are currently 16th in the Premier League.
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West Ham 1-1 Leicester City (And Other Ramblings)
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th November 2017
By: HeadHammerShark
"Maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Is how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya"
- Leonard Cohen, "Hallelujah"
It's a start. A stuttering, hesitant, uncertain start. Three months late, of course, but still a start. Akin to watching new born foals emerge blinking into a copse through the morning dew, and taking their first tentative steps into a brave new world. While 50,000 people scream "Could someone just fucking mark Jamie Vardy!" at them.
But still, a start. A punch thrown back. We at last got off a shot at the duel. It's a building block.
If they don't run, they don't play
I watched this one from the comfort of my front room, as I couldn't make it in person, meaning I had to turn down an invitation from Sky Sports to take part in a pitchside discussion before the game. That conversation focused on the current unrest and while I wasn't able to launch a 45 minute rant about the lack of a competent Director of Football, Dan Silver did a much better job by simply laying out the facts of the stadium move and the unfulfilled promise that underpinned the whole thing.
"I don't see West Ham as a Champions League team" said Jamie Carragher, reasonably. "Well, neither do we, but they brought us here and told us we would be, so everything has to be viewed through that prism" countered Dan, equally reasonably. Amen. A job well done. And fair play to Sky for asking the questions too. And while I'm here I should add that their football coverage would be about 800% better if every match was covered by Kelly Cates, Gary Neville and Carragher.
***
"Don't wanna let you down,
I've been lucky, I was lost, but now I'm found"
- Embrace, "My Weakness Is None Of Your Business"
But pre match discussions do not Premier League points win. That was still to come, in a game that ranged from tepid to thunderous and took a swift detour via frenetic as well. The atmosphere before the match was so thick with poison and rancour that Sky featured it heavily in their build up, with Neville wandering around outside taking the temperature of fans in an attempt to gauge exactly how toxic it was all likely to become.
Much of the pre match analysis focused on the importance of not allowing Leicester to score early, meaning that they naturally took the lead after 8 minutes. This was so predictable that it didn't really engender the kind of rage that people were concerned about, but instead rolled over the crowd like a gentle wave on to a shoreline. C'est la vie, seemingly, and given it's the fourth time already this year that we've gone behind inside eleven minutes, I guess it is.
It was yet another goal fashioned from our leaky right hand side, as Pablo Zabaleta was drawn infield in an attempt to win the ball and start a counter attack as though he were playing for a much better side. I don't know how much longer the Argentine is going to keep confusing Andy Carroll with Sergio Aguero but I think we'd all benefit from him wising up a little. As it was, Vardy drifted into the vacant space and a speculative cross was adroitly slotted home by Marc Albrighton. Angelo Ogbonna should have blocked the cross but whoever was holding his voodoo likeness at that particular moment had twisted his legs around so they didn't work and we were behind again.
This pattern would continue for much of the half, as Leicester took advantage of our defensive fragility without really fashioning any chances. They should, however, have had a penalty when Arthur Masuaku went full Ogbonna and brought down Albrighton. I'm pretty sure that the only reason referee Martin Atkinson didn't award that one was out of pity.
At that point, West Ham had been largely poor, playing as they were with the weight of a fear so obvious it was almost visible to the naked eye. Our passing was tentative and our movement was obvious, leading to a feeling of frustration inside the Thunderdome. It's easy to think that players don't care, but relegation means upheaval for them too. Some go on to better paying deals elsewhere, but plenty don't. Some have to give up football altogether and move to places like West Brom or Sunderland to get a new contract. Kids have to leave their schools, houses have to be sold, maybe whole families have to leave the country. On nights like this one, it was easy to see the nervousness and tension and that was only heightened by our early setback.
If ever the fans were going to turn, it was now.
***
"Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
It's not easy facing up when your whole world is black"
- The Rolling Stones, "Paint It Black"
And then they didn't. On the face of it, applauding football fans for not turning on their own team seems like the faintest of faint praise, but there was something worth acknowledging here. This entire week was coloured for fans by the discussion of protest. At this point, there are a number of groups and viewpoints, all seemingly united in their distrust of our Board and all determined to be heard. The media had picked up on this, and so had the Leicester players with Danny Simpson openly stating that a tactic would be to try and turn the fans on the team.
It is a sad truth that opposition teams have been doing this to West Ham for years with some success, and you could hardly blame Simpson for saying it, galling as it was. Maybe some Hammers were galvanised to prove those people wrong, maybe some were harnessing the spirit of anger into something positive and maybe some had just been drinking since midday and were determined to enjoy their Friday night. Either way, there was an undeniably uplifting effect as the crowd united squarely behind the team and finally generated some atmosphere in the great vacuum of the London Stadium. For what it's worth, it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up to hear and see our fans doing what I always believed as a kid we were preternaturally brilliant at doing - connecting with, and lifting up our team, from nothing. Thank you to those who were there. We'll always have Leicester.
And so it was that Cheikhou Kouyate scrambled home a goal from a Manuel Lanzini corner right on the stroke of halftime and soothed the fraying nerves of the masses, even if the visitors had effectively ceased to be an attacking threat at this point.
Once again, xG suggests that this was a poor game with few real chances, and I'd agree, but there is something to be said for keeping Leicester this quiet. They are a decent team who are probably better than their league position suggests, and we were marginally better than them here as we went on to dominate the second half, without creating the killer chance that would have won us the game. On another night, with better luck in front of goal we might have fashioned a winner to have illuminated the gloom and cut through the icy East London night. If nothing else, we might have been awarded a dodgy penalty ourselves when Andre Ayew fell under the lightest of touches from Harry Maguire. It wouldn't have been fair, but I think we're past caring about that now.
And so we take the point, and move on to Everton for a game where we should have a great chance given their inherent shittiness, lack of a manager, lower recovery time and the fact that we have their returning manager. We also desperately need to win given our upcoming fixtures. But you've all been around long enough to know how this particular episode will end. So while a point isn't bad, it's also not good. We really could have used this win.
***
"Get high up on the mountain, feel your lungs start burning as you rise
Sometimes when you get to this height, you will see another hill to climb
But sometimes all you can see, is the road you didn't take"
- Stornoway, "The Road You Didn't Take"
So what are we to make of a draw like this? It's an inbetweener of an outcome that neither disheartens nor satisfies. It's a Big Mac of a result is what it is.
On the face of it, we have to be happy with a point in the face of a decent opposition and such terrible form coming into the game. I think this was probably our best performance of the season, which is kind of like saying Gary Barlow was the best one in Take That. It might be true, but that doesn't mean there's any quality involved.
But it's also true that we needed a win. With this draw and their own late win, Palace have pulled to within two points of us despite making the worst start to an English top flight league season by losing their first six games without scoring. They could be above us by the time you read this.
But taking the performance in isolation there were some things to be pleased about. The team worked hard, with a clearer defensive structure and a definite plan to get wide and bombard the visitors with crosses. I don't much rate that as an offensive tactic, but I'll accept that it's better then smashing it in the general direction of Chicharito and then whipping out the rosary beads.
Elsewhere, Marko Arnautovic seemed to work pretty hard and was a willing outlet on the right, while the likes of Obiang and Cresswell recovered from poor starts to gradually grow into the contest. These were baby steps but we at least looked like a professional team rather than the playground rabble we've been resembling for the last few months. Ironically, the best bit of defending all night came when Arnautovic chased down Vardy after another of Zabaleta's magical mystery tours. If Moyes can extract that kind of attitude on a permanent basis from the squad then it will speak well of what he and his staff are getting across on the training ground. Caveat emptor, however - the view from Shark Towers might not have allowed me the full range of vision to truly assess whether our artists were truly turning into artisans, but it looked acceptable on the telly.
There was some guile among the sweat too, as Arthur Masuaku played in midfield and oscillated wildly between dazzling breaks and strolling around like he was in an art gallery. He has a lovely ability to retain possession under pressure, and as a result has the priceless ability to carry the ball from midfield areas to the final third. Too often that merely ended up with Lanzini or Creswell swinging an aimless cross towards the distant Carroll, but it was, yes, a start.
West Ham break down the right
Watching all those crosses go begging did rather put me in mind of the famous failure Moyes suffered at Manchester United, when his team swung in over 80 crosses during a game with Fulham and managed only a draw. I've written and shared links previously about the inefficiency of crossing as a way of scoring goals and I know not all of you agree, but this seemed like a pretty good example of the point. We put in 31 crosses, with just 5 being successful, one of which led to Kouyate's goal. I suppose the fact that we scored from one might make it odd that I am decrying the tactic, but over 90 minutes of huffing and puffing I found it disheartening to see this being used as our main attacking weapon. As a short term fix I can see the attraction due to the simplicity, but I struggle to see this kind of approach worrying better teams who will have so much more possession than us.
As a tactic it was a bit like watching a Roman Testudo formation being used to storm a Normandy beach. It is organised, with clear planning and you can see the thinking, but nobody does this anymore. It's a relic of a distant past when it made sense to get the ball wide because football was played on terrible pitches and the only parts of the ground not under water were the wings.
In examining this I did a quick check on SofaScore to see what the best teams around were doing in this regard. Close to home, Leicester put in 18 crosses and scored with the only successful one. Further up the league the numbers were as follows:
Crosses
Man City -17
Arsenal - 19
Liverpool - 18
Chelsea - 26
Spurs - 35
Now as a study that's pretty useless but I found it interesting that the only good team who outcrossed us were Spurs who were desperately chasing the points against a West Brom side set up to force you to do this by playing 8 centre halves and pushing you out wide. I should also note that they only drew. As did Chelsea, another team chasing the game.
None of this is definitive, and it's just an opinion, but I have a feeling that a season of this might give us an illusory sense of dominance in certain games, but it's a hard way to score goals.
***
"Watch it all go down, like a stone in a stream
If you fall for your reflection, you will drown in a dream"
- First Aid Kit, "King of the World"
And I think there's a specific reason for that at West Ham.
We need to talk about Andy. Big Andy. The pissed Geordie Samurai who hasn't really looked like Andy for quite a while now. Perhaps the cumulative effect of all those injuries was always going to result in him losing a step, or maybe he's just stumbled off another barstool, but he looks lost as a player. When I think of Carroll at the moment the most useful part of his game seems to be his defensive presence at set pieces. Not quite what we were expecting for £100,000 a week.
Steamin'
His essence was magnificently captured by Barney Ronay in The Guardian after the game. He wrote:
"Carroll does not play football. He inflicts it. He wreaks football...appearing dramatically in the centre of things like the fuselage of a burning Messerschmitt tumbling from the skies"
And now I want to give up writing because I'll never produce anything that good.
But at some point Moyes will surely need to cut the cord with Carroll. There has long been this feeling that there was a way of playing that suited him, that simply eluded us, or which Bilic refused to play due to our status as footballing puritans. At what point do we accept the alternative truth, which is that he is a man out of his time, whereby no modern, progressive manager can play to his strengths because battering goalkeepers into the net while they hold the ball ceased to be legal about the same time as slavery? Carroll is a footballing Siren, calling managers to him with the wild eyed promise of a rampaging centre forward, and then wrecking them upon the rocks of his slow link play and faltering aerial power.
The thing that I notice most about him nowadays is how rarely he seems to do the things that we all think he is good at. Where have the towering headers gone? Whither his physical dominance? Morgan and Maguire handled him so well on Friday that as cross after cross rained down like fireballs over the castle walls, by the end he wasn't even trying to head them, instead lining up speculative volleys. Whatever the faults of Diafra Sakho, I struggle to see how he would be a worse option than this, and he certainly should be getting more than two minutes at the end of games to show his worth.
Perhaps Carroll will run riot at Everton and force me to eat my words, and I happen to think his hold up play remains pretty decent but a team with our problems needs more than that. On occasion we need a central striker who can run in behind, or run into channels to win or retain the ball high up the pitch. I'm not tactical genius, but I can see that Carroll is incapable of this, meaning his entire output at the moment seems to be taking the ball just inside the opposition half with his back to goal and a five man midfield staring at him dolefully. It's perhaps little wonder that he hasn't scored since April.
In an ideal world I guess you would want our wide players to run past him and feed off him, but we have no pace out there so they struggle to get beyond him and as a result he gets caught trying to bring the ball down while outnumbered, and then just ends up getting frustrated. I'd also say that his aerial threat has been effectively neutered by the red card at Burnley and the elbow that slipped the net at Watford.
I feel sorry for him, in so much as I don't think this is all his fault. He's just an electric guitar in a symphony orchestra. It could work, I suppose, but I don't see how. But if the Moyes predilection for playing Carroll and Kouyate as our most advanced attackers and smashing endless streams of crosses at them continues, then I could easily see the Geordie talisman falling out with the crowd again.
***
"Yeah, said it's alright, I won't forget
All the times I've waited patiently for you
And you'll do just what you choose to do"
- Love, "Alone Again Or"
Which brings me back to the crowd and the off the field adventures almost as though I had planned it. I wrote before the last game that I was greatly concerned about the prospect of open revolution in the ground, not because of any great love for the Board, but simply because fans can't just switch effortlessly between spewing vitriol at the Director's Box and then encouraging the team. As it transpired, the support was excellent and if that continues for a while then I think the chances of the team hauling us away from this current mess greatly improves.
Let me guess...he wants a Director of Football
But that hasn't stopped thing progressing apace off the pitch. I implored you all to join WHUISA last time out as I think that proper engagement with the club is important and doing it through a democratically elected group is the way forward. At present their membership stands at 800, which is impressive in a short space of time but needs to continue climbing up into the tens of thousands to truly give the committee the heft they need to press the issues they need to press. They are meeting with the club on 30 November and you can contribute to the discussion around agenda items here.
However, other groups are also in dialogue with the club, including the Real West Ham Fans Action Group who are due to meet with members of the Board next week. This was a group created by Andy Swallow and attracted over 7,000 members in just a couple of days. I have no affiliation with them, but a couple of people I know have suggested it's the real deal and that the group will be an effective rallying point for dialogue with the Board, and will coordinate their efforts with WHUISA.
Their current request is for people to suggest five topics for them to take into the meeting, and as such I thought I'd have a go at sketching out some ideas for discussion. My self imposed rules were that it had to be a realistic area for dialogue (selling up is not a realistic request, nor apparently is demanding Westfield treat us like humans) and should be reasonably broad in nature so as to both facilitate discussion and also try and reflect what I think are concerns from the wider fanbase.
To the extent I get anything factually wrong here, please tell me and I'll update.
1. The Stadium
We need to a have a frank discussion about the stadium that can't simply be based on the premise that the move was a rip-roaring success and that some arbitrary percentage of fans plucked from nowhere are happy with it. I think there are some very specific things about attending matches that others can comment upon, but I think there is a simple truth that a lot of fans who have to sit behind the gangways feel like they are a hell of a lot further from the action than they were at Upton Park. Offering to relocate people is fine, but the general trend seems to have been to move down closer to the pitch and I'm guessing that eventually these seats will become like gold dust.
So can the club please explain their plan to install the retractable seating originally promised, with a particular focus on their plan to install seating that can be retracted rather than dismantled, ensuring that we never again have to start the season with three away games in order to accommodate a minority sport that doesn't contribute to the upkeep of the stadium.
2. The Finances
My understanding of the terms of our lease are that we could not have any external debt at the time of our move, meaning that the owners were forced to make loans to the club. Unlike, say, Stoke where the Coates family have done this at a zero percent rate of interest, the club is paying between six and seven percent at present to our owners.
Whilst I am not necessarily suggesting that the loans should be at nil rates, it does not sit comfortably with the owners desire to project themselves as owner-fans when they are charging the club a rate of interest similar to that paid by other clubs to external lenders. Why do the owners feel this rate of interest is appropriate and would they consider lowering the rate in order to free up more cash for the club? As they seemingly value the club at over £600m, this would be a relatively small sum for them to give up each year prior to a sale, but impactful to the club given our small net spend this season.
3. The Fans
How can the Club justify not taking up a full allocation of away tickets to away games, including a League Cup quarter final at Arsenal? It's outrageous...but (*).
(*) The Club have ceded on this one today, so I've deleted my main diatribe on the topic. This gives me the pleasing sense of having achieved something.
4. The Academy
West Ham's academy is not functioning at a level commensurate with our status or needs. Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs are producing Premier League players at a rate far beyond us, and in doing so have an income stream that is not open to us.
Put simply, what are the club proposing to do about it?
5. The Team
Ah yes. The area where I'm most likely to fall foul of my own rules.
Well, the team is mediocre and has been for a number of years. Since taking over the club and appointing himself Director of Football, David Sullivan has presided over a relegation, a promotion and a succession of bottom half finishes. The exception to this was 2015/16 when we finished 7th. Leicester won the league that year. We have had one semi final appearance in the League Cup where Man City scraped past us 9-0 on aggregate.
During that same time our transfer activity has been dubious at best, with barely anything recovered from external sales relative to our outgoings. Our largest sale was when Dimitri Payet left the club six months after his triumphant Euro 2016 campaign. We received less for him that Newcastle received for Moussa Sissoko the year before. The last four transfer windows have been unsuccessful.
We have employed four managers in that seven year span, with the Board's first choices rejecting the job on each occasion. We are currently employing a manager on a short term deal to try and keep us up, and as I write this we sit in the relegation zone.
The club currently have a higher wage bill than Dortmund, Valencia, Inter and Roma. The chairman was so delighted about this that he tweeted it out to all of us. I am assuming that someone on the Board actually realises that paying lots of money to be average is a bad thing but, at this stage, who knows.
So, my question is straightforward. We have changed the manager, the players, the scouts and the coaches. At this point the only person to have retained their position in this structure for the last seven years is our Director of Football. So, can we have a new one please?
Please feel free to add your own comments below, or perhaps better yet, tell the organisations directly. I'm not entirely sure I fully understand all that is happening with the Board, and truthfully think their desire for approval is really a weakness, but it is what it is and I'm happy to stick my two penneth worth in. Don't be shy of doing the same.
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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OPPOSITION Q&A WITH EVERTON
By Jeff Gayle 28 Nov 2017 at 10:30
WTID
West Ham travel to the City of Doom to play Everton in the midweek game on Wednesday, where we will be hoping that David Moyes can return to his former club and claim his first victory for us. Goodison is not a ground where we have had much return – 6 away wins in the past 50 years. (Particularly galling for me as my wife's family are Evertonians) However we do have the recent memory of that comeback from 2 – 0 down to win 2 – 3 courtesy of a last minute goal from Dmitri Payet following a header from Andy Carroll and that flick from Diafra Sakho: as clear a memory to me as if it happened last night!
Ahead of the game I spoke to food blogger and hardcore Everton fan James Coke aka The DIsabled Chef to discuss everything West Ham and Everton.
This week's game sees us both sited near the bottom of the table, where I imagine that pre-season we would have both been hoping for top half positions? Both teams have recently sacked their managers, were you one of those that was calling for Koeman's head?
Well I always thought you boys would struggle. Signing a lot of Premiership OAP's after a big pay day was madness so I reckon I've been partly vindicated on that one, but I got it totally wrong on Everton, who I'd tipped for Top 5 vertigo. What a shambles we've been! In fact we've done the same as you – signing Grandad Rooney and sticking with the likes of Williams & Jags, like you've done with Noble & sick note Andy. Sadly they have all become liabilities and we both pay them a King's ransom – it's a joke. As for Koeman – Don't get me onto him! I've never forgiven him for hauling down Platty and then flipping Seaman in that World Cup qualifier in 1993. My mate who is a big Saint, warned me abut his arrogance and ability to wind players up. He's done a great job doing that with the likes of Ross Barkley and by the end seemed incapable of motivating the team, so he had to go. Believe me I was more than happy to see him and his bro, run out of town but I can't say things have been hunky dory since his departure.
Be honest do you wish that Everton had appointed David Moyes to be back in charge at Everton and not West Ham?
I loved Moysey. When he left, it felt like the end of an eleven year marriage and I found it difficult to adjust to my new Spanish flame. You knew what you were getting with Davy boy. Ok, it was often dour but I had some great times following him and his Blue army. However I didn't want him back once he'd told luvvie Blll he wanted out, it was like the bar coming down in a game of bar billiards – it was over!. When I'd heard he signed up with you boys I did have a little chortle. Me and my mate had been in the lower bullens for Moysey's farewell, ironically against West Ham. There was some great banter that day between the fans. West Ham had been singing 'You've got no Manager' with the Gladys Street endresponding immediately: You've got Sam Alladyce', which had everyone in the ground creasing up, including big Sam. It would have been very ironic then if we'd ended up with a managerial flip flop on Wednesday night. As they say – be careful what you wish for.
I understand that some Everton fans were asking for David 'Rhino' (as the Everton fans call him, although West Ham fans would consider him to be a bit 'hen-pecked') Unsworth to be put in charge, immediately after Koeman's sacking. Were you one of those, and if so what do you think about him now?
Steady dude – I thought he enjoyed his time in Canning Town before getting lost on the M6 on transit to Villa. Have to admit I was right up for 'Rhino'. He's done a great job with the U23's, winning the title last season and it seemed like a natural step up – especially as he is one of our own. However the last six games have been chastising for him. He looked like he'd had a little cry after the weekends humiliation at St Mary's and appears to be out of his league. It's a shame as he'd blooded some of the young lads and him and Big Dunc might have sorted out some of those egos and what it means to pull on that royal blue shirt. It's a brutal game though and we've got to stay up, so I'm with Joey Barton on that (well not the fat-ism bit, which is a bit rich coming from him) and having Rhino returned to the pastures he's comfortable with and the protected status that he should be afforded.
I understand that Everton will be announcing their new manager this week, any thoughts on that?
Hmmm……..yes, it's been playing on my mind. What gets me is why we hadn't had someone lined up as soon as Ronnie boy was shown the door. To be honest I have lost faith in Steve Walsh (our signings in the summer say it all), and the board for that matter anymore. Their recent dealings have been amateurish, lacking a plan of action. In my dreams, I'd love the idea of Diego Simone, prised from Athletico Madrid, turning up to Finch farm with a dagger between his teeth, but we'll probably end up with Tony Pullis and a dogfight for survival. At least it won't be 'dodgy' Sam who crazily ruled himself out from this dream job – or has he?. At this moment in time what fool would turn down the opportunity to manage Everton FC and judging by reports this morning Sam is back in the mix – it's every Evertonians nightmare scenario.?
Where do you think Everton will end up at the end of the season?
I had such high hopes at the start of the season. Yes, we'd lost Rom, our goal machine, but we'd had acquired a host of ageing No 10's, some young English defenders and other guys who'd never played in the Premiership for £150 million – What could possibly go wrong? So far it's been a disaster! Every game I find myself clawing my face pleading with higher beings to make things better, but it gets worse, week by week. Gallows humour about fear of the drop helps, but the ongoing storm has forced me back to my bunker, fearing the worst. However as a life long Evertonian I always live with hope – 12th.
Is David Moyes the right man for West Ham, and where do you think he will lead us come the season's end?
I hope he is. He was great with us bringing some real passion and stability to the club, but I worry whether that left him somewhat, when he exited Goodison. He hasn't had it easy in his last three jobs and he'll need time to get things going with West Ham and time is often something you don't get in the Premiership. Hopefully you Irons will warm to him and I'm sure he'll find a way to keep you up, but I'm not sure he is your long term option – 15th
Of course West Ham fans will remember that famous 2 – 3 victory at Goodison two seasons ago mentioned above. Do you have any particular memories of West Ham/Everton games of the past?
Well I won't forget Frank Lampard dancing round the corner flag at Elland road in 1980 either, but happier memories include, a late Tony Cottee winner in '94 and going bonkers in the Bobby Moore stand, Yaks winner in the League cup quarter final and a few other beatings we've handed out to you over the years. I checked out the Olympic stadium for our bore-draw last season and thought it was soulless. Even some of the stewards from the old Boleyn ground I was chatting too, thought the club had sold out and the new stadium lacked the atmosphere of the old. We could learn a lot from your experience when we move to Bramley Moore. Both of us are community clubs and even with the changing climate of the game and the billions being poured into it , we should never lose that identity. The fans are the ones that have shaped our clubs, laid its foundations, we are the
custodians if you want and that should never be forgotten.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would you choose and why?
Is that a trick question? Are you having a bubble with me? No offence but no-one is jumping out at me. Cresswell could do a job on saying that and Antonio has drifted in and out of my fantasy team this season But the 'Ammers' have been as bad as the 'Toffee's'. It could be swap shop time on Wednesday though if the managers situation is anything to go by. I'm sure Moysey will come knocking on the door in January for Mirallas, Bainsey & Jags; and Sam if appointed, will be dipping into the West Ham reserves. The whole situation should fill us both with dread – let's move onto the next question.
*Which Everton player(s) will be key to your hopes this season? *
I had hoped to provide a plethora of names but I'm struggling from what I've witnessed this season. The defence is so dire (be worried they are coming to you) that a lot rests on Pickford. Other than him we need to sort out the No 10 and build around Sigurdsson and hope Bolaisie & Coleman have recovered fully. Barkley needs to be brought back into the fold but I fear he'll leave. Other than that I reckon I could put in a better performance confined to my wheelchair than some of the donkeys we have masquerading as players.
How do you expect Everton to setup against West Ham on Wednesday/team/formation prediction?
Both teams need a win but we'll be missing Keane & Baines, so our defence should be even more shaky than normal. I hope we play with Lookman to test your pace and I wouldn't mind seeing Sandro getting a run out. He scored a cracker in our 1-5 thrashing by Atalanta but I stick reckon he has something to offer. I reckon we'll go with a 3-5-2 Pickford, Jags, Williams, Martina, Kenny, Besic, Gueye, Davis, Lookman, Gylfi & Sandro
All Hammers fans will be thanking whichever higher power they recognise that Romelu Lukaku is no longer playing for Everton. Since his departure you are struggling to score goals, are you feeling confident that you can beat us? Prediction for score?
Rom had a hex on you guys, guaranteed to score in every game so his absence will boost you. However, it'll be a bear bit and a night game which will motivate us. We've had some right clangers overs the years but I expect this to be a cagey affair. It reminds me of Mike Walkers penultimate game in '94 which I listened to on Capital Gold with Jonathan Pearce sounding like a screaming banshee. We narrowly beat you 1-0 nil that night and I'm predicting the same score-line Wednesday with Sandro to bag the winner. Whatever happens I'm going to miss out! It's my birthday and my missus is taking me to the theatre which is a complete cock up on my part. I''ll have my phone on silent but will be dreading any messages from my West Ham buddy whose sure to let me know if you score. Hopefully when I leave the theatre my inbox will be clear, Everton will have won and I'll be wording my text asking how it all went. God, football is a cruel mistress!!
Thanks to Jim for his time, his musings on food can be found at The Disabled Chef
For my part I think that we can get the 7th away victory of my lifetime at Goodison: 1 – 2 to West Ham. Come on you Irons!
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Wednesday, November 29
Monday, November 27
Daily WHUFC News - 28th November 2017
Moyes: Mark's Noble response, fantastic support and getting one over Everton
WHUFC.com
Manager David Moyes sat down with the media ahead of his midweek Premier League return to Everton. However, while the West Ham United manager had warm words for his former club and caretaker manager David Unsworth, he insisted there will be no room for sentiment at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. Moyes also talked positively about the way his players have responded to his methods since he took charge three weeks ago, and praised captain Mark Noble for his response to being left out of the starting XI last time out...
We've got to get better and better
The players are most definitely responding to the messages we are giving them, both in training and in matches, but they are very basic messages we are giving them so far. I thought it was a really good response on Friday night, particularly after we went 1-0 down early on. The players did a lot of good things, but we've got to do more things better yet, so we've got to keep at it and also try to improve the football as well. But the basics, running around, doing the hard miles, that's a given now.
Mark's Noble response
I was asked about leaving the Club captain Mark Noble out of the starting XI to face Leicester City and whether I was 'making a statement' with my team selection, but I can assure you it wasn't anything to do with making a statement. If anyone rallies West Ham United and the players then it's Mark Noble. I'm no expert on Mark, as I've only been here two weeks or so, but the people who know him speak so highly of him. I can only say that in the time I've been with him, even today, he's driving everyone on, making sure we do the right things in training and making sure the standards are right. As you would expect, Mark responded to being selected among the substitutes in the right way, but he also wants to play and be part of the team. He'll certainly be a part of the squad at Everton on Wednesday. We'll need to wait and see whether he starts or not as we have competition for places, but there is no problem playing him because he's a good player. We decided to go with a bit more pace in the wide areas, brought Arthur Masuaku in on the left and Manuel Lanzini in the middle of the pitch and that is why we did it, to give ourselves a bit more added speed.
The supporters were fan-tastic
I must say again that I thought the supporters did a brilliant job rallying the team on Friday night. I can understand their disappointment with results this season, but the other night they got right behind their team and gave us every chance of winning. It's been mentioned by everybody what it was like at London Stadium on Friday evening. I think a lot of people thought maybe they could not generate a similar atmosphere to Upton Park, but they tell me the Chelsea game last year was a terrific atmosphere and I thought the game on Friday was very good considering it was only one-each at the time. The supporters could see the players trying to fight back and win the game so great credit to them, as they really got behind the players.
No room for sentiment
I spent eleven seasons at Everton as manager but there will be no room for sentiment when I go back to Goodison Park on Wednesday night because I need to win with West Ham. It's really important we try and pick up three points. We got our first point last week and we need a first clean sheet and a first three points. I'm hoping to get them when I go back to Goodison. That said, I very much have sympathy with Everton's own predicament because that club was part of my life, part of my family's life, for a great deal of time. I don't think many managers will do eleven years at a club again, but I've been away a long while now, and I've been back as well, and I'm going back again, and it's a great place – I know the staff, the people behind scenes, a lot of the players and I know David Unsworth very well. He scored 25 seconds into my first game as manager so I'll always remember Unsy for that and he's a good lad as well.
My focus is West Ham now, though. I'll always look out for Everton but, at the moment, I can only focus on making sure it's West Ham who are out of trouble and not at the bottom.
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Moyes exercising caution ahead of Everton test
WHUFC.com
David Moyes will not be rushing injured players back into the West Ham United first team for this week's clash with Everton as the manager keeps one eye on a busy festive fixture list. West Ham travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday for Moyes's third match in charge of the Hammers, with the side beginning to brace itself for an accumulation of matches before the end of the year. The Irons will play eight competitive contests in December, starting with Manchester City away at the weekend, and Moyes is eager to ensure his players are fully prepared for the manic schedule.
With that in mind the West Ham United boss is reluctant to force back the Club's current group of players on the sidelines – including Chicharito, Michail Antonio, and James Collins – with Moyes indicating that the Mexican striker did not train on Monday while suggesting the latter duo are still working their way back "We have a couple of knocks and niggles but nothing to be overly concerned about," Moyes told his press-conference. "I'll wait until tomorrow to see for sure. "Chicharito has not trained today, so he's going to be a few days or a bit longer at this rate. But we want him back fit, because we have so many games coming up. "It's the same for James Collins and even Michail Antonio. We have to be really careful because our squad isn't the biggest. It's important to get these boys fit and ready to play."
All three are yet to play under Moyes since the Scotsman was appointed West Ham United manager. Chicharito has been out with a hamstring injury, sustained on international duty at the start of the month, while Antonio's last appearance for the Hammers was against Crystal Palace. Collins meanwhile is still recovering from an ankle injury that the Welsh defender suffered in September's draw at West Brom. One player who could be involved on Wednesday is Club captain Mark Noble. The midfielder was left out of the starting XI for Friday's draw with Leicester City but Moyes has confirmed he will be in the squad for the Everton game. Moyes added: "If anyone is going to rally West Ham United, it's Mark Noble. In the time I've been with him, he's driving everybody on and making sure everyone is doing the right thing in training. "He took [being left out] the right way as you'd expect. He will certainly be part of the squad at Everton."
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West Ham United trial new away ticket sales method
WHUFC.com
In response to feedback from supporters and discussions at last week's Supporter Advisory Board meeting, West Ham United will be trialling a new method for away ticket sales to allow more Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members the opportunity to follow the Hammers on the road.
The new system will see ten per cent of every away allocation reserved for our 52,000 Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members to purchase on a first come, first served basis, once the first 90 per cent of the allocation have been allocated as standard by Season Ticket Holder Priority Points.
West Ham United hope the new system will enable as many supporters to follow the team away from home, while still offering priority to those loyal fans who currently travel week in, week out.
Those who narrowly miss out via Season Ticket Holder Priority Points will effectively have another chance to secure a seat, while our Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members – consisting of Hammers supporters both in the UK and abroad - can begin to build Priority Points and attend games they historically would not be able to.
The new sales method will be trialled over five upcoming away matches, beginning with the trip to Stoke City on 16 December, followed by the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal, the visit to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 December, Huddersfield Town on 13 January and Brighton and Hove Albion on 3 February.
Full ticket allocations will be taken for each of these fixtures to allow as many supporters as possible the opportunity to attend. A further 800 seats have already been requested from Stoke City, taking the total allocation to 3,200.
Furthermore, the Hammers Ticket Office have secured a further 2,040 tickets for the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Emirates Stadium, meaning over 7,000 supporters will be in attendance. Tickets will be available to Season Ticket Holders with 6 or more Priority Points from 4pm on Wednesday 29 November, at a price of £20 for adults or £10 for concessions.
The away fixture at Bournemouth on Boxing Day is not included in the trial. The Club can confirm we have requested our maximum allocation of 1,300 at the Vitality Stadium, but due to the fact that the figure is significantly lower than other matches, we believe it is right to allocate the full amount to our most loyal travelling fans.
The Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members sale period will begin 24 hours after the initial 90 per cent of the allocation has sold out. Once the trial period has taken place, there will be a full review of the system before it is decided whether it will become permanent.
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Chicharito: I'm close to returning
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury and would love to be involved when the Hammers travel to Manchester City on Sunday. The Mexico international has been absent since suffering the injury on international duty at the start of November but could return to training with David Moyes' squad this week. Chicharito faced many battles against Sunday's opponents during his Manchester United days and is keen to get back scoring as soon as possible. "Hopefully I'm close to returning," he said. "Hopefully this week I can get involved with the team, we're going to see. "With this type of injury you have to be careful because it is a hamstring and sometimes the best thing is that you [don't rush] but I'm feeling very good, and we'll see if I can get involved with the team this week. "Of course I have memories of playing against Manchester City but that game is a at the end of the week. We have a midweek game against Everton away first and we need to think step-by-step. We will try to get the three points there. "We're coming up to the busiest time in the Premier League. Hopefully for us and the Hammers fans it will be a good moment."
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David Moyes' Everton legacy: How the West Ham boss will be remembered at Goodison
WHUFC.com
Liverpool-born journalist, author and Everton supporter Simon Hart shines a light on the sparkling work done by David Moyes...
"He's the one who made me push myself to a level I didn't expect to at the age I was." The words are from Sylvain Distin, and they belong to a conversation that took place in a hospitality box at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2015. We were speaking for a Saturday interview in the Independent and he was reflecting on the managers he had learned most from in English football.
Sir Bobby Robson got a mention and Harry Redknapp too but it was David Moyes, he told me, whose approach had helped him become the foreign outfield player with most appearances in Premier League history. "When I signed for Everton, I thought I might play the first year and then the second year I'd be on the bench," said the now retired defender. "But he made me feel like I should never give up and always fight, no matter what. I was a bit like that but he reinforced it. In the end, I played six years."
You can find many similar testimonies about the new West Ham United manager from players with whom he worked with during his eleven years at Goodison Park – model professionals like Phil Neville, Tim Howard and Leon Osman. It feels pertinent to raise this now given the debate that accompanied Moyes's appointment as manager at another of the famous names of English football.
The world of football is brimming with opinions. And yet the insights of those who knew Moyes over his eleven years at Everton have surely a greater worth than most.
Putting my cards firmly on the table – as an Everton supporter and huge admirer of Moyes's efforts during his time on Merseyside – I still recall a conversation with Dan Donachie, the club's former head of medicine, whom I called one day for a view on the Scot's knack of drawing consistently strong performances from a tight squad of players. Donachie cited the following example of midfielder Osman playing through illness as representative of the unity of purpose fostered by Moyes. "Leon Osman woke up at two o'clock in the morning and he was vomiting until six o'clock in the morning," he said. "He had one piece of toast to eat, that was all, and he played the whole game and was one of the best players."
It was Moyes who built that team-first ethic, and it came through on the field. Everton had five top-six finishes and reached three cup semi-finals and, in 2009, the FA Cup final. They lost 2-1 to Chelsea but – in mitigation – were missing their best defender, midfielder and forward in the injured Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Yakubu.
It is only four and a half years now since he left Liverpool and took his well-documented path to Manchester, then San Sebastian and Sunderland. It feels longer. It was uplifting then to hear Moyes spell out on arrival at West Ham United that he has 'not got any time for any nonsense'.
It sounded like the man who showed Paul Gascoigne and David Ginola the door early on at Everton. This chimes with the view of one well-respected journalist who knows him well who told me he senses a fresh hunger in the 54-year-old.
Moyes is a man who always had a burning wish to improve footballers. A story that footballer-turned-broadcaster Pat Nevin recounts is of Moyes, a year his senior, lecturing him at half-time during a Celtic Boys Club match for shirking a tackle. "Never show a weakness" was the glaring Moyes's advice to Nevin. They weren't actually in the same team; Moyes had been watching on the sidelines but did not think twice about stepping forward to make his point. Speaking in a book I wrote about Everton in the 1980s, Here We Go, Nevin cites Moyes as a manager in the long line of men inspired by the great Celtic boss, Jock Stein. "If you know Jock, you see David Moyes. The line is obvious for those of us who were inside it."
It is worth recalling all of this as a reminder that here is a manager with a firmer foothold in the game than the wobbling weather vane of football fashion. His experiences post-Old Trafford have included improving Real Sociedad's defence during a steep-learning-curve year in Spain, and working for UEFA on their technical study team at EURO 2016.
At Everton, he is remembered first and foremost as the man who lifted the clouds and set about restoring sagging expectations after the dismal Walter Smith years. He instilled defensive solidity, brought through some talented youngsters, and had a higher success rate in the transfer market than the men who have followed him – bringing in not just good characters but some excellent footballers too. His combined £7.5m outlay on Arteta, Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill looks even more remarkable today than it did at the time.
Last weekend I had lunch with a player whom Moyes signed from South America who spoke with awe of the work ethic he found in that dressing room and the sense of belonging among a squad of players who, thanks to Moyes's due diligence, were not the types to just pass through.
It is worth recalling too that his Everton team played some fine football. For any sceptics out there, type 'Leon Osman goal v Larissa' into YouTube. That was in October 2007. The next month, Everton demolished Sunderland 7-1. Their midfield included Arteta, Osman and Pienaar – three clever, technical footballers. Tim Cahill buzzed about infectiously. Yakubu shuffled here and there. The football was fluid and incisive. It was, incidentally, in this very week ten years ago.
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Wycombe Wanderers v West Ham United U21s: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley will take his West Ham United Academy side to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening in the final group stage match of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Read on for more information in regards to team news, how to follow the game, and how to get there:
Where and when?
West Ham United U21s will play Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday 28 November at 7:45pm at Adams Park.
The contest is the final game in Checkatrade Trophy South Group C.
How to follow:
Tickets are still available for this Tuesday's match at Wycombe on the official West Ham eTicket website here!
Adult tickets cost £10 while U18s are available at just £5!
Live updates from Tuesday's fixture will be available through a live blog on the official West Ham United website.
Live score updates will also be available on the official Twitter account.
Match highlights will be viewable on the Club website after the contest.
Meet the opposition:
Team news:
Terry Westley has revealed Tuesday's match was in his thinking on Friday, when his side took on Arsenal, with the manager's eye on qualifying top of the Checkatrade group.
A host of U18s regulars played in the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal and the Academy Director could have one or two players back in action for the match with Wycombe.
Westley said: "Not playing one or two against Friday was in my thinking, in that we can qualify top if we don't get beat by more than two goals on Tuesday night.
"We will see if we get anyone back down from the first team squad, which will be important to us because it's against a league side – a tough game."
What they say:
"We'd like to go there and really be competitive which would then give us a nice away draw against Forest Green Rovers rather than Luton, which could be tougher If you looked at current form."
Terry Westley
Academy Director
Player to watch:
Nathan Trott was highlighted by Terry Westley following the match with Arsenal for his character and attitude, with the goalkeeper giving a strong performance despite the loss.
The 19-year-old will need to be at his best again this week if the Irons are to qualify from Group C as group leaders.
Last time out:
West Ham United:
A tricky evening at Boreham Wood last Friday saw the West Ham U23s bested 3-0 by Arsenal in Premier League 2.
Two goals from Vlad Dragomir put the Gunners in control before a late finish by Eddie Nketiah earned all three points for Arsenal.
Wycombe Wanderers:
The Chairboys moved back into the League Two play-off places with a 2-1 win over Yeovil Town on Saturday.
Finishes by Eberechi Eze and Joe Jacobson in the first half gave Wycombe the lead, with the side now sitting fifth in their division.
How to get there:
Leave the M25 at Junction 16, and follow the M40. Leave the M40 at Junction 4, joining the A4010. Move onto Lane End Road and then Hillbottom Road.
By Car
Fans are advised that the nearest train station to Wycombe Wanderer's Adams Park - High Wycombe - is a 2.5/3 mile walk.
By train
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Hart: Claret and Blue Army inspire us to play differently
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart believes the support of the Claret and Blue Army can lift West Ham United's performances to greater heights over the coming weeks and month.
The England goalkeeper said the atmosphere created by Hammers fans in Friday's Premier League draw with Leicester City at London Stadium undoubtedly gave the players a boost. In David Moyes' first home game in charge, Hart and company responded by outrunning and out-sprinting their opponents and, on balance of play, should arguably have picked up their third top-flight win of the season. "I'd like to say a big 'Thank you' to the fans as it could have gone one of two ways on Friday night and they chose to stick with us and we have put a performance in," said Hart, who was powerless to prevent Marc Albrighton's early opener for Leicester. "I was stood in goal and didn't have a lot to do second half and it would have been easy to carry on hammering us, but they were fantastic. "As good as the players are who we've got on our team, when we have their support we play differently. I'm not attaching any blame to the fans, but it meant the world to the players. "There is steam coming off the big man [Carroll] because he's ironing people out trying to score goals. That's what they want to see and the quality will come."
While the crowd most definitely played their part, Hart also revealed how manager Moyes' words were ringing in the players' ears as they took to the pitch at London Stadium. As a result, West Ham ran nearly 6km more than their visitors, sprinted 498 times to Leicester's 387, won ten more duels, delivered almost twice as many crosses and spent nearly a third of the match inside the Foxes' final third. "The manager has asked for quality, he wants goals but first and foremost he wants us to fight, be in shape and be disciplined and I think we did that on Friday. "At Watford we lost 2-0 and it wasn't great, but we missed some big chances. On Friday night, the fans stuck with us and we put a big performance in.
Next up for West Ham is a trip to struggling Everton on Wednesday evening, where Hart is desperate for his team to produce quality at both ends of the pitch and pick up a welcome three-point haul. Should the team and the fans repeat the intensity of Friday's display, victory at Goodison Park is a distinct possibility.
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Club to sponsor Club
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
After nearly 18 months of petitioning, West Ham United have finally agreed to sponsor the Hammers Supporters Club - albeit on a short-term basis. On Friday evening, shortly before the Leicester City fixture and at the end of a week in which there was much talk of anti-Board protests, the club issued a statement confirming that they would be sponsoring the Club's new premises at Stour Space "for the remainder of the 2017/18 season". "We are delighted to be able to offer our support and assistance to the Hammers Supporters Club," read a statement issued on behalf of co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. "We hope it will go some way to helping them get back on their feet and re-establish the organisation as an integral part of our local community. "As we have always said, the heart and soul of West Ham United is its supporters, who have followed the Club for generations in the past and will continue to follow it for generations in the future. "The Hammers Supporters Club isn't about a connection to a stadium or a building - it is about a connection to West Ham United Football Club," continued the statement. "Our football club is now located at Stratford, and we want the Supporters Club here with us, to ensure that our rich and proud history is always recognised and cherished. "We hope, in time, that a permanent venue near to London Stadium can be secured so that the Hammers Supporters Club can provide a safe and welcome social environment for its members all year round."
The welcome news arrived at the end of a week in which a new protest group - The West Ham Fans Action Group - was formed, in order to challenge the Board's perceived mismanagement of the club.
Other headlines to appear on West Ham's 'official' website since talks of anti-Board protests arose last week include "Hart: Claret and Blue Army inspire us to play differently", "Moyes praises players and fans after London Stadium debut", "Zabaleta hails 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army" and "Lanzini hails 'incredible' West Ham United supporters".
Offering the Supporters Club a new home closer to the Olympic Stadium was one of ten requests made of the club in KUMB.com's ten point plan, which was delivered to Karren Brady back in January.
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Club accede to full allocation demands
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have bowed down to demands from supporters to request the full allocation of tickets at away venues for five of the club's next six matches.
Excluding the Boxing Day trip to Bournemouth, for which the full allocation of 1,100 had already been applied, the club confirmed today that they would be requesting full allocations for the trips to Stoke (16 December), Arsenal (19 December), Tottenham (31 December), Huddersfield (13 January) and Brighton, on 3 February.
News of the policy change follows demands from fans for the club to take the highest possible allocation, after West Ham's marketing department were accused of requesting a minimal amount in order to prevent losses from unsold tickets.
And in addition to the increased allocations, the club also confirmed that a percentage of additional tickets would be made available for season ticket holders and claret members who had not accrued enough points to be eligible for away trips.
That new directive has however received a lukewarm reponse from supporters posting on the KUMB Forum this afternoon, with some complaining that their efforts to gain enough priority points in order to be eligible for away tickets had effectively been a waste of time.
"The system we have works, it rewards the people who put the effort in," wrote Row X. "Currently, if you're on the cusp of getting a ticket - let's say around the seven point mark for some games - you'll probably miss out due to 10% of the tickets going to a ballot and someone on zero points jumping in before you and getting a ticket."
However the new system - which is being trialled until mid-January - was welcomed by others. "I am on eight points and I'm happy with this new system (subject to seeing it in action of course)," wrote bobd. "Anyone who goes to most of the away games won't miss out and the infrequent away-ers like myself have a chance at (almost) all games now."
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A ten point pledge of our own: update
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Graeme Howlett
News that West Ham have finally agreed to sponsor the official Hammers Supporters Club is thoroughly welcome - even if the timing is perhaps a little cynical.
Coming as it did in the wake of talks of anti-Board demonstrations, it's easy to see why some fans will view Mssrs Sullivan and Gold's sudden change of heart as reactive, rather than proactive. However regardless of the reasons, the move is a welcome one and guarantees the future of this particular deeply-loved institution for another few months, at the very least.
Back in January of this year, I attended a meeting of various websites, blogs and YouTube enterprises. Some of us have been writing about the club for 20 years or so, whilst others have been airing their views for no more than a matter of months. It was planned to be a regular occurrence but there was to be just one more meeting, three months later in April.
During the initial meeting with Brady and Marketing Director Tara Warren I presented a ten point plan on behalf of KUMB.com readers, with view to improving our lot at Stratford. Nearly a year on, here's how the Club have thus far responded to our plan.
1. Surround the ground with local vendors
Our readers felt it was vital to 'WestHamify' the long walk from Stratford station to the stadium. This has never looked like happening - indeed, we have heard several tales of merchandise sellers being arrested and fined for not holding the appropriate license (which is impossible to obtain anyway).
2. Make a concerted effort to re-employ as many former Boleyn Ground stewards as possible
A letter was sent to all former Boleyn Ground stewards a matter of weeks after our plan was presented urging them to contact the club with view to returning to their previous position. Very few opted to take up the offer, amidst claims of low pay and poor working conditions.
3. Install genuine, retractable seating, as promised in pre-move communications
The temporary scaffolding that was erected instead of the retractable seating promised by vice chair Karren Brady costs up to £8million to remove and re-install every summer, ensuring that the stadium runs at a loss for owners E20 LLP. There are no plans at present to abide by Brady's previous promise.
4. Offer the Supporters' Club a new home close to the new stadium
On Friday, some 10 months after our plan was presented, and in the wake of threats of anti-Board demonstrations, West Ham confirmed that they would be bankrolling the club at its new Stour Space home for the remainder of the 2017/18 season. However what happens after that is anybody's guess - presumably the Club will be back to square one.
5. Re-house the occasional visitors and day-trippers in the upper tier
Occasional visitors are still offered some of the very best seats in the house over genuine West Ham United supporters although seating concerns are fewer and far between.
6. Put the home fans first! Ensure away fans leave the stadium last, if necessary
The club continue to monitor and amend their policy with regards to stadium ingress and egress, although the issues prevalent a year or so ago have largely disappeared.
7. Provide singing and family enclosures and an accurate, up to date, seating plan
When challenged on this issue, Karren Brady insisted that the entire stadium was "family-friendly". There are currently no plans in place to introduce specific family orientated areas of the ground, nor singing or standing areas.
8. Provide additional shuttle buses from Stratford for the benefit of those experiencing difficulty with the lengthy walk
The club doubled the number of buses ferrying supporters from Stratford to the stadium in the wake of our plan - however the number available (doubled from six to 12) is still woefully insufficient to cope with the sheer number of fans whilst we've received complaints of some disabled fans being left in the rain for up to 90 minutes waiting for a bus.
9. Employ additional Supporter Liaison Officers to act as fan representatives
The club have employed a very approachable liaison officer in Jake Heath adding several volunteers to assist with support enquiries on match day. However this still pales into insignificance compared to clubs like London neighbours Arsenal, who employ up to 20 full time staff to deal with fan enquiries.
10. Treat the fans with respect and agree to engage with us on a regular basis
KUMB's ten point plan was delivered to vice chair Karren Brady last January during the first of what was planned to be a quarterly meeting between the vice chair and representatives of online supporter groups. That was followed up by a further meeting in April, since when the planned July and October meetings were cancelled by West Ham. The club finally announced a third meet for November in the wake of the appointment of David Moyes - although insist that no recording equipment can be used and demanded to know what questions would be aired beforehand.
So as you can see, even though the majority of our ten points were reasonable and easily achievable within a short period of time - excepting perhaps the installation of retractable seating, which would require major investment and some considerable time - few have been fully acted upon, despite nearly an entire calendar year having passed.
Meanwhile other promises made by Ms Brady during our meeting last January, such as the installation of shelving around the entire concourse (some areas have it, others still don't) and free wi-fi for all have likewise have similarly failed to come to fruition.
All of which leaves the impression that, as was the case with the much-maligned original version of the Supporter Advisory Board, we are merely being paid lip service by a Board who have little genuine interest in actively engaging with and working alongside the fanbase - or possibly even worse, are precluded from being able to do so as a result of the terms they struck in order to land the stadium.
The natural consequence of which is further fan unrest, which looks set to manifest itself in the shape of anti-Board protests in the coming weeks.
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David Moyes unfazed by return to Everton as West Ham boss
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 27/11/17 3:06pm
SSN
David Moyes insists his focus will be on claiming a West Ham win when he returns to Goodison Park four-and-a-half years after leaving as Everton boss. Moyes is still looking for his opening victory for the Hammers since replacing Slaven Bilic, but will be buoyed by an encouraging 1-1 draw in his first home game against Leicester on Friday. The 54-year-old Scot is now preparing for an emotional visit on Wednesday back to the club he managed between 2002 and 2013. "It's really important we get three points at Everton, so there is no room for sentiment," Moyes said in Monday's press conference. "I want a clean sheet and a win when I go back to Goodison, I'll always look out for Everton and hope they do well, but my focus now is on West Ham only."
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THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A WEST HAM AND ANYWAY, WE WILL STAY UP THIS SEASON!
By HamburgHammer 27 Nov 2017 at 07:00
WTID
At least not another embarrassing defeat. In previous seasons, under normal circumstances, a 1:1 draw at home against Leicester would not have yielded the kind of enthusiastic support and raucous noise from the West Ham home crowd. But from what I could gather from the comfort of my sofa the atmosphere at the London Stadium last Friday was fantastic, a proper defiant reaction from our fanbase, displaying a fierce in the trenches corral mentality.
The current circumstances at West Ham are anything but normal, but at least the fans did their bit and it seemed to rub off on the team who gave a much more spirited performance. They looked like they actually gave a monkey's.
The effort was certainly there, the running was a lot better, the pressing too and while there was still a clear lack of creative quality in our side this should come back in due course once the new gaffer has settled in properly and the team begin playing with more confidence and according to a clearly defined gameplan.
There has been a lot of talk in recent days about former members of the ICF taking things into their own hands in terms of letting the board know that most of our supporters are anything but happy (and why that is the case), so those guys will try and compile a list of the most pressing issues and tell the owners accordingly. It is then up to the board to act upon the suggestions from the fanbase or face significant backlash in the shape of various fan protests over the coming weeks and months.
I applaud those guys for their efforts and wish them every success, alas I am less than hopeful it will have the desired effect. The board will follow their financial roadmap to the letter, cashing in their interest payments for another three or four years until they can sell the club without the shackles of having to share a portion of their profit with the LLDC/taxpayer. Then – and only then – will they seriously consider getting out of the club.
I take a degree of comfort though from the thought that there will still be a West Ham worth rooting for in some shape or form once the current lot are gone and hopefully the latest initiative from the "Real West Ham Fans" group will help in uniting our fanbase again, making sure that as much of our club's soul as possible can be preserved, despite the actions of the current owners.
I am confident that there are still plenty of sons and daughters out there who will follow in the footsteps of their parents, uncles, aunties and grandparents and grow up to be staunch West Ham supporters. West Ham are more than just a football club and it still has a place in the hearts of thousands of people all over the globe. That must count for something.
I have no doubt that our team is good enough to see out the season with a modicum of professional pride and reach the beckoning shore of Premier League safety.
It will probably not quite be another Great Escape a la Tevez, we look far too minimalistic on the pitch for that, so it'll be more like a Late Escape than a great one, but escape we will. Of that I have no doubt.
The upcoming Everton game should be a thrilling encounter as surely Everton too are nowhere near where they expected to be in the table at the start of the season.
The pressure on them should be even bigger than on us which might work in our favour on the night. We should also have players returning back into the fold, like Hernandez and Antonio, giving us a few more options in terms of how to approach the game.
It looks to me like a switch has finally been flicked and I have no doubt that both results and performances will continue to improve as long as the players persist with showing better effort and application as that alone can and will trigger the kind of support from the Hammers faithful that is paramount if we want to maintain our league status.
In other, local German news I told you in a previous column about the agreement of the local Regionalliga Southwest to play the Chinese U20 side in a series of friendly games, not affecting the league table, but giving the lower league clubs some much needed financial boost while affording the Chinese players the opportunity to play some competitive games to get themselves ready for the Olympic Games.
There was a lot of criticism even before a ball was kicked, now the experiment has been stopped until further notice due to some football fans deciding to make a political statement by taking Tibetan flags to the first game of the Chinese team which obviously didn't go down with their players, officials and the football authorities back home.
On the one hand of course you could argue that sporting events like these should not be overshadowed by political campaigning.
On the other hand there is the right of free speech in Western Europe, so taking a flag to football should not be a reason to eject supporters from the venue or abandon the game. Then again West Ham fans have learned in recent weeks that you don't have to take a Tibetan flag to the stadium to get yourself in a spot of bother.
I never thought the idea with the Chinese U20 team playing in Germany was a brilliant one to pursue and if a Tibetan flag in the crowd is all it takes to rile up the visitors then maybe they should get their Olympic preparations done elsewhere.
To quickly update you on Reece Oxford and his exploits at a team from Germany (Borussia Moenchengladbach) his loan club surprisingly managed to deal the mighty Bayern Munich its first defeat in what felt like five years or so, beating them 2:1. Moenchengladbach are now only five points behind the league leaders from Munich and The Foals Eleven (as they are affectionately known in the country of the sausage munchers) are well on course to secure Champions league football coming to the Rhineland next season.
It's not ideal for Reece Oxford on the face of it as Moenchengladbach have no reason whatsoever to play him as things are going very well as they are at the moment, without Oxford getting any significant gametime. On the other hand they are known for developing and bringing through youngsters in a very strategic and patient manner, so his time may come, but Moenchengladbach may take their time in watching his progress and maybe even decide to buy him if they are convinced he is right for them.
They certainly won't be playing him just to do West Ham any favours.
As for the quick Concordia update (haters, please skip this section accordingly), the trip to Buchholz in Lower Saxony (representing the longest away trip of the season with their ground being 30 miles away from my flat) yielded mixed results. On the pitch it was an unmitigated disaster, with Cordi losing 0:4 to a side fighting relegation.
Concordia this season are certainly not pulling their weight and at this rate can forget any ambitions of going up one level at the end of the season. Not good.
Talking of weight though, for a food aficionado like me Buchholz offer a unique selling point to the carnivorous groundhopper: Grilled sausages made from horsemeat.
In the Oberliga Hamburg no other club serves these, but Lower Saxony is horse country, hence their unusual (and very tasty) offer on the matchday menu.
Before you kill me, I don't have a special bond with horses. I never spent any holidays on a ranch as a kid, I have never ridden a horse in my life, I don't bet on horses and I also eat pork, veal, beef or chicken. And besides, Cordi only play away at Buchholz once a season, so please forgive me if I treat myself to a horsemeat based snack once a year. And believe me, right now I am particularly grateful for any treat I can get.
Which brings me to a bit of a parish notice, closing out my column for this week. In the upcoming weeks my column may be a lot shorter than usual. There may even be certain weeks where I won't feel like penning an article at all. This is due to personal circumstances/family reasons. Quite simply, I may be absent-minded when it comes to West Ham in the next few weeks/months (although I will still come over for the Chelsea and Arsenal games), so please accept my apologies should my column not go up quite as regularly as you have been accustomed to.
COYI!!!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Manager David Moyes sat down with the media ahead of his midweek Premier League return to Everton. However, while the West Ham United manager had warm words for his former club and caretaker manager David Unsworth, he insisted there will be no room for sentiment at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. Moyes also talked positively about the way his players have responded to his methods since he took charge three weeks ago, and praised captain Mark Noble for his response to being left out of the starting XI last time out...
We've got to get better and better
The players are most definitely responding to the messages we are giving them, both in training and in matches, but they are very basic messages we are giving them so far. I thought it was a really good response on Friday night, particularly after we went 1-0 down early on. The players did a lot of good things, but we've got to do more things better yet, so we've got to keep at it and also try to improve the football as well. But the basics, running around, doing the hard miles, that's a given now.
Mark's Noble response
I was asked about leaving the Club captain Mark Noble out of the starting XI to face Leicester City and whether I was 'making a statement' with my team selection, but I can assure you it wasn't anything to do with making a statement. If anyone rallies West Ham United and the players then it's Mark Noble. I'm no expert on Mark, as I've only been here two weeks or so, but the people who know him speak so highly of him. I can only say that in the time I've been with him, even today, he's driving everyone on, making sure we do the right things in training and making sure the standards are right. As you would expect, Mark responded to being selected among the substitutes in the right way, but he also wants to play and be part of the team. He'll certainly be a part of the squad at Everton on Wednesday. We'll need to wait and see whether he starts or not as we have competition for places, but there is no problem playing him because he's a good player. We decided to go with a bit more pace in the wide areas, brought Arthur Masuaku in on the left and Manuel Lanzini in the middle of the pitch and that is why we did it, to give ourselves a bit more added speed.
The supporters were fan-tastic
I must say again that I thought the supporters did a brilliant job rallying the team on Friday night. I can understand their disappointment with results this season, but the other night they got right behind their team and gave us every chance of winning. It's been mentioned by everybody what it was like at London Stadium on Friday evening. I think a lot of people thought maybe they could not generate a similar atmosphere to Upton Park, but they tell me the Chelsea game last year was a terrific atmosphere and I thought the game on Friday was very good considering it was only one-each at the time. The supporters could see the players trying to fight back and win the game so great credit to them, as they really got behind the players.
No room for sentiment
I spent eleven seasons at Everton as manager but there will be no room for sentiment when I go back to Goodison Park on Wednesday night because I need to win with West Ham. It's really important we try and pick up three points. We got our first point last week and we need a first clean sheet and a first three points. I'm hoping to get them when I go back to Goodison. That said, I very much have sympathy with Everton's own predicament because that club was part of my life, part of my family's life, for a great deal of time. I don't think many managers will do eleven years at a club again, but I've been away a long while now, and I've been back as well, and I'm going back again, and it's a great place – I know the staff, the people behind scenes, a lot of the players and I know David Unsworth very well. He scored 25 seconds into my first game as manager so I'll always remember Unsy for that and he's a good lad as well.
My focus is West Ham now, though. I'll always look out for Everton but, at the moment, I can only focus on making sure it's West Ham who are out of trouble and not at the bottom.
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Moyes exercising caution ahead of Everton test
WHUFC.com
David Moyes will not be rushing injured players back into the West Ham United first team for this week's clash with Everton as the manager keeps one eye on a busy festive fixture list. West Ham travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday for Moyes's third match in charge of the Hammers, with the side beginning to brace itself for an accumulation of matches before the end of the year. The Irons will play eight competitive contests in December, starting with Manchester City away at the weekend, and Moyes is eager to ensure his players are fully prepared for the manic schedule.
With that in mind the West Ham United boss is reluctant to force back the Club's current group of players on the sidelines – including Chicharito, Michail Antonio, and James Collins – with Moyes indicating that the Mexican striker did not train on Monday while suggesting the latter duo are still working their way back "We have a couple of knocks and niggles but nothing to be overly concerned about," Moyes told his press-conference. "I'll wait until tomorrow to see for sure. "Chicharito has not trained today, so he's going to be a few days or a bit longer at this rate. But we want him back fit, because we have so many games coming up. "It's the same for James Collins and even Michail Antonio. We have to be really careful because our squad isn't the biggest. It's important to get these boys fit and ready to play."
All three are yet to play under Moyes since the Scotsman was appointed West Ham United manager. Chicharito has been out with a hamstring injury, sustained on international duty at the start of the month, while Antonio's last appearance for the Hammers was against Crystal Palace. Collins meanwhile is still recovering from an ankle injury that the Welsh defender suffered in September's draw at West Brom. One player who could be involved on Wednesday is Club captain Mark Noble. The midfielder was left out of the starting XI for Friday's draw with Leicester City but Moyes has confirmed he will be in the squad for the Everton game. Moyes added: "If anyone is going to rally West Ham United, it's Mark Noble. In the time I've been with him, he's driving everybody on and making sure everyone is doing the right thing in training. "He took [being left out] the right way as you'd expect. He will certainly be part of the squad at Everton."
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West Ham United trial new away ticket sales method
WHUFC.com
In response to feedback from supporters and discussions at last week's Supporter Advisory Board meeting, West Ham United will be trialling a new method for away ticket sales to allow more Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members the opportunity to follow the Hammers on the road.
The new system will see ten per cent of every away allocation reserved for our 52,000 Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members to purchase on a first come, first served basis, once the first 90 per cent of the allocation have been allocated as standard by Season Ticket Holder Priority Points.
West Ham United hope the new system will enable as many supporters to follow the team away from home, while still offering priority to those loyal fans who currently travel week in, week out.
Those who narrowly miss out via Season Ticket Holder Priority Points will effectively have another chance to secure a seat, while our Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members – consisting of Hammers supporters both in the UK and abroad - can begin to build Priority Points and attend games they historically would not be able to.
The new sales method will be trialled over five upcoming away matches, beginning with the trip to Stoke City on 16 December, followed by the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Arsenal, the visit to Tottenham Hotspur on 31 December, Huddersfield Town on 13 January and Brighton and Hove Albion on 3 February.
Full ticket allocations will be taken for each of these fixtures to allow as many supporters as possible the opportunity to attend. A further 800 seats have already been requested from Stoke City, taking the total allocation to 3,200.
Furthermore, the Hammers Ticket Office have secured a further 2,040 tickets for the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Emirates Stadium, meaning over 7,000 supporters will be in attendance. Tickets will be available to Season Ticket Holders with 6 or more Priority Points from 4pm on Wednesday 29 November, at a price of £20 for adults or £10 for concessions.
The away fixture at Bournemouth on Boxing Day is not included in the trial. The Club can confirm we have requested our maximum allocation of 1,300 at the Vitality Stadium, but due to the fact that the figure is significantly lower than other matches, we believe it is right to allocate the full amount to our most loyal travelling fans.
The Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members sale period will begin 24 hours after the initial 90 per cent of the allocation has sold out. Once the trial period has taken place, there will be a full review of the system before it is decided whether it will become permanent.
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Chicharito: I'm close to returning
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is closing in on a return from a hamstring injury and would love to be involved when the Hammers travel to Manchester City on Sunday. The Mexico international has been absent since suffering the injury on international duty at the start of November but could return to training with David Moyes' squad this week. Chicharito faced many battles against Sunday's opponents during his Manchester United days and is keen to get back scoring as soon as possible. "Hopefully I'm close to returning," he said. "Hopefully this week I can get involved with the team, we're going to see. "With this type of injury you have to be careful because it is a hamstring and sometimes the best thing is that you [don't rush] but I'm feeling very good, and we'll see if I can get involved with the team this week. "Of course I have memories of playing against Manchester City but that game is a at the end of the week. We have a midweek game against Everton away first and we need to think step-by-step. We will try to get the three points there. "We're coming up to the busiest time in the Premier League. Hopefully for us and the Hammers fans it will be a good moment."
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David Moyes' Everton legacy: How the West Ham boss will be remembered at Goodison
WHUFC.com
Liverpool-born journalist, author and Everton supporter Simon Hart shines a light on the sparkling work done by David Moyes...
"He's the one who made me push myself to a level I didn't expect to at the age I was." The words are from Sylvain Distin, and they belong to a conversation that took place in a hospitality box at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2015. We were speaking for a Saturday interview in the Independent and he was reflecting on the managers he had learned most from in English football.
Sir Bobby Robson got a mention and Harry Redknapp too but it was David Moyes, he told me, whose approach had helped him become the foreign outfield player with most appearances in Premier League history. "When I signed for Everton, I thought I might play the first year and then the second year I'd be on the bench," said the now retired defender. "But he made me feel like I should never give up and always fight, no matter what. I was a bit like that but he reinforced it. In the end, I played six years."
You can find many similar testimonies about the new West Ham United manager from players with whom he worked with during his eleven years at Goodison Park – model professionals like Phil Neville, Tim Howard and Leon Osman. It feels pertinent to raise this now given the debate that accompanied Moyes's appointment as manager at another of the famous names of English football.
The world of football is brimming with opinions. And yet the insights of those who knew Moyes over his eleven years at Everton have surely a greater worth than most.
Putting my cards firmly on the table – as an Everton supporter and huge admirer of Moyes's efforts during his time on Merseyside – I still recall a conversation with Dan Donachie, the club's former head of medicine, whom I called one day for a view on the Scot's knack of drawing consistently strong performances from a tight squad of players. Donachie cited the following example of midfielder Osman playing through illness as representative of the unity of purpose fostered by Moyes. "Leon Osman woke up at two o'clock in the morning and he was vomiting until six o'clock in the morning," he said. "He had one piece of toast to eat, that was all, and he played the whole game and was one of the best players."
It was Moyes who built that team-first ethic, and it came through on the field. Everton had five top-six finishes and reached three cup semi-finals and, in 2009, the FA Cup final. They lost 2-1 to Chelsea but – in mitigation – were missing their best defender, midfielder and forward in the injured Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Yakubu.
It is only four and a half years now since he left Liverpool and took his well-documented path to Manchester, then San Sebastian and Sunderland. It feels longer. It was uplifting then to hear Moyes spell out on arrival at West Ham United that he has 'not got any time for any nonsense'.
It sounded like the man who showed Paul Gascoigne and David Ginola the door early on at Everton. This chimes with the view of one well-respected journalist who knows him well who told me he senses a fresh hunger in the 54-year-old.
Moyes is a man who always had a burning wish to improve footballers. A story that footballer-turned-broadcaster Pat Nevin recounts is of Moyes, a year his senior, lecturing him at half-time during a Celtic Boys Club match for shirking a tackle. "Never show a weakness" was the glaring Moyes's advice to Nevin. They weren't actually in the same team; Moyes had been watching on the sidelines but did not think twice about stepping forward to make his point. Speaking in a book I wrote about Everton in the 1980s, Here We Go, Nevin cites Moyes as a manager in the long line of men inspired by the great Celtic boss, Jock Stein. "If you know Jock, you see David Moyes. The line is obvious for those of us who were inside it."
It is worth recalling all of this as a reminder that here is a manager with a firmer foothold in the game than the wobbling weather vane of football fashion. His experiences post-Old Trafford have included improving Real Sociedad's defence during a steep-learning-curve year in Spain, and working for UEFA on their technical study team at EURO 2016.
At Everton, he is remembered first and foremost as the man who lifted the clouds and set about restoring sagging expectations after the dismal Walter Smith years. He instilled defensive solidity, brought through some talented youngsters, and had a higher success rate in the transfer market than the men who have followed him – bringing in not just good characters but some excellent footballers too. His combined £7.5m outlay on Arteta, Steven Pienaar and Tim Cahill looks even more remarkable today than it did at the time.
Last weekend I had lunch with a player whom Moyes signed from South America who spoke with awe of the work ethic he found in that dressing room and the sense of belonging among a squad of players who, thanks to Moyes's due diligence, were not the types to just pass through.
It is worth recalling too that his Everton team played some fine football. For any sceptics out there, type 'Leon Osman goal v Larissa' into YouTube. That was in October 2007. The next month, Everton demolished Sunderland 7-1. Their midfield included Arteta, Osman and Pienaar – three clever, technical footballers. Tim Cahill buzzed about infectiously. Yakubu shuffled here and there. The football was fluid and incisive. It was, incidentally, in this very week ten years ago.
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Wycombe Wanderers v West Ham United U21s: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley will take his West Ham United Academy side to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening in the final group stage match of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Read on for more information in regards to team news, how to follow the game, and how to get there:
Where and when?
West Ham United U21s will play Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday 28 November at 7:45pm at Adams Park.
The contest is the final game in Checkatrade Trophy South Group C.
How to follow:
Tickets are still available for this Tuesday's match at Wycombe on the official West Ham eTicket website here!
Adult tickets cost £10 while U18s are available at just £5!
Live updates from Tuesday's fixture will be available through a live blog on the official West Ham United website.
Live score updates will also be available on the official Twitter account.
Match highlights will be viewable on the Club website after the contest.
Meet the opposition:
Team news:
Terry Westley has revealed Tuesday's match was in his thinking on Friday, when his side took on Arsenal, with the manager's eye on qualifying top of the Checkatrade group.
A host of U18s regulars played in the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal and the Academy Director could have one or two players back in action for the match with Wycombe.
Westley said: "Not playing one or two against Friday was in my thinking, in that we can qualify top if we don't get beat by more than two goals on Tuesday night.
"We will see if we get anyone back down from the first team squad, which will be important to us because it's against a league side – a tough game."
What they say:
"We'd like to go there and really be competitive which would then give us a nice away draw against Forest Green Rovers rather than Luton, which could be tougher If you looked at current form."
Terry Westley
Academy Director
Player to watch:
Nathan Trott was highlighted by Terry Westley following the match with Arsenal for his character and attitude, with the goalkeeper giving a strong performance despite the loss.
The 19-year-old will need to be at his best again this week if the Irons are to qualify from Group C as group leaders.
Last time out:
West Ham United:
A tricky evening at Boreham Wood last Friday saw the West Ham U23s bested 3-0 by Arsenal in Premier League 2.
Two goals from Vlad Dragomir put the Gunners in control before a late finish by Eddie Nketiah earned all three points for Arsenal.
Wycombe Wanderers:
The Chairboys moved back into the League Two play-off places with a 2-1 win over Yeovil Town on Saturday.
Finishes by Eberechi Eze and Joe Jacobson in the first half gave Wycombe the lead, with the side now sitting fifth in their division.
How to get there:
Leave the M25 at Junction 16, and follow the M40. Leave the M40 at Junction 4, joining the A4010. Move onto Lane End Road and then Hillbottom Road.
By Car
Fans are advised that the nearest train station to Wycombe Wanderer's Adams Park - High Wycombe - is a 2.5/3 mile walk.
By train
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Hart: Claret and Blue Army inspire us to play differently
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart believes the support of the Claret and Blue Army can lift West Ham United's performances to greater heights over the coming weeks and month.
The England goalkeeper said the atmosphere created by Hammers fans in Friday's Premier League draw with Leicester City at London Stadium undoubtedly gave the players a boost. In David Moyes' first home game in charge, Hart and company responded by outrunning and out-sprinting their opponents and, on balance of play, should arguably have picked up their third top-flight win of the season. "I'd like to say a big 'Thank you' to the fans as it could have gone one of two ways on Friday night and they chose to stick with us and we have put a performance in," said Hart, who was powerless to prevent Marc Albrighton's early opener for Leicester. "I was stood in goal and didn't have a lot to do second half and it would have been easy to carry on hammering us, but they were fantastic. "As good as the players are who we've got on our team, when we have their support we play differently. I'm not attaching any blame to the fans, but it meant the world to the players. "There is steam coming off the big man [Carroll] because he's ironing people out trying to score goals. That's what they want to see and the quality will come."
While the crowd most definitely played their part, Hart also revealed how manager Moyes' words were ringing in the players' ears as they took to the pitch at London Stadium. As a result, West Ham ran nearly 6km more than their visitors, sprinted 498 times to Leicester's 387, won ten more duels, delivered almost twice as many crosses and spent nearly a third of the match inside the Foxes' final third. "The manager has asked for quality, he wants goals but first and foremost he wants us to fight, be in shape and be disciplined and I think we did that on Friday. "At Watford we lost 2-0 and it wasn't great, but we missed some big chances. On Friday night, the fans stuck with us and we put a big performance in.
Next up for West Ham is a trip to struggling Everton on Wednesday evening, where Hart is desperate for his team to produce quality at both ends of the pitch and pick up a welcome three-point haul. Should the team and the fans repeat the intensity of Friday's display, victory at Goodison Park is a distinct possibility.
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Club to sponsor Club
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
After nearly 18 months of petitioning, West Ham United have finally agreed to sponsor the Hammers Supporters Club - albeit on a short-term basis. On Friday evening, shortly before the Leicester City fixture and at the end of a week in which there was much talk of anti-Board protests, the club issued a statement confirming that they would be sponsoring the Club's new premises at Stour Space "for the remainder of the 2017/18 season". "We are delighted to be able to offer our support and assistance to the Hammers Supporters Club," read a statement issued on behalf of co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. "We hope it will go some way to helping them get back on their feet and re-establish the organisation as an integral part of our local community. "As we have always said, the heart and soul of West Ham United is its supporters, who have followed the Club for generations in the past and will continue to follow it for generations in the future. "The Hammers Supporters Club isn't about a connection to a stadium or a building - it is about a connection to West Ham United Football Club," continued the statement. "Our football club is now located at Stratford, and we want the Supporters Club here with us, to ensure that our rich and proud history is always recognised and cherished. "We hope, in time, that a permanent venue near to London Stadium can be secured so that the Hammers Supporters Club can provide a safe and welcome social environment for its members all year round."
The welcome news arrived at the end of a week in which a new protest group - The West Ham Fans Action Group - was formed, in order to challenge the Board's perceived mismanagement of the club.
Other headlines to appear on West Ham's 'official' website since talks of anti-Board protests arose last week include "Hart: Claret and Blue Army inspire us to play differently", "Moyes praises players and fans after London Stadium debut", "Zabaleta hails 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army" and "Lanzini hails 'incredible' West Ham United supporters".
Offering the Supporters Club a new home closer to the Olympic Stadium was one of ten requests made of the club in KUMB.com's ten point plan, which was delivered to Karren Brady back in January.
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Club accede to full allocation demands
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have bowed down to demands from supporters to request the full allocation of tickets at away venues for five of the club's next six matches.
Excluding the Boxing Day trip to Bournemouth, for which the full allocation of 1,100 had already been applied, the club confirmed today that they would be requesting full allocations for the trips to Stoke (16 December), Arsenal (19 December), Tottenham (31 December), Huddersfield (13 January) and Brighton, on 3 February.
News of the policy change follows demands from fans for the club to take the highest possible allocation, after West Ham's marketing department were accused of requesting a minimal amount in order to prevent losses from unsold tickets.
And in addition to the increased allocations, the club also confirmed that a percentage of additional tickets would be made available for season ticket holders and claret members who had not accrued enough points to be eligible for away trips.
That new directive has however received a lukewarm reponse from supporters posting on the KUMB Forum this afternoon, with some complaining that their efforts to gain enough priority points in order to be eligible for away tickets had effectively been a waste of time.
"The system we have works, it rewards the people who put the effort in," wrote Row X. "Currently, if you're on the cusp of getting a ticket - let's say around the seven point mark for some games - you'll probably miss out due to 10% of the tickets going to a ballot and someone on zero points jumping in before you and getting a ticket."
However the new system - which is being trialled until mid-January - was welcomed by others. "I am on eight points and I'm happy with this new system (subject to seeing it in action of course)," wrote bobd. "Anyone who goes to most of the away games won't miss out and the infrequent away-ers like myself have a chance at (almost) all games now."
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A ten point pledge of our own: update
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th November 2017
By: Graeme Howlett
News that West Ham have finally agreed to sponsor the official Hammers Supporters Club is thoroughly welcome - even if the timing is perhaps a little cynical.
Coming as it did in the wake of talks of anti-Board demonstrations, it's easy to see why some fans will view Mssrs Sullivan and Gold's sudden change of heart as reactive, rather than proactive. However regardless of the reasons, the move is a welcome one and guarantees the future of this particular deeply-loved institution for another few months, at the very least.
Back in January of this year, I attended a meeting of various websites, blogs and YouTube enterprises. Some of us have been writing about the club for 20 years or so, whilst others have been airing their views for no more than a matter of months. It was planned to be a regular occurrence but there was to be just one more meeting, three months later in April.
During the initial meeting with Brady and Marketing Director Tara Warren I presented a ten point plan on behalf of KUMB.com readers, with view to improving our lot at Stratford. Nearly a year on, here's how the Club have thus far responded to our plan.
1. Surround the ground with local vendors
Our readers felt it was vital to 'WestHamify' the long walk from Stratford station to the stadium. This has never looked like happening - indeed, we have heard several tales of merchandise sellers being arrested and fined for not holding the appropriate license (which is impossible to obtain anyway).
2. Make a concerted effort to re-employ as many former Boleyn Ground stewards as possible
A letter was sent to all former Boleyn Ground stewards a matter of weeks after our plan was presented urging them to contact the club with view to returning to their previous position. Very few opted to take up the offer, amidst claims of low pay and poor working conditions.
3. Install genuine, retractable seating, as promised in pre-move communications
The temporary scaffolding that was erected instead of the retractable seating promised by vice chair Karren Brady costs up to £8million to remove and re-install every summer, ensuring that the stadium runs at a loss for owners E20 LLP. There are no plans at present to abide by Brady's previous promise.
4. Offer the Supporters' Club a new home close to the new stadium
On Friday, some 10 months after our plan was presented, and in the wake of threats of anti-Board demonstrations, West Ham confirmed that they would be bankrolling the club at its new Stour Space home for the remainder of the 2017/18 season. However what happens after that is anybody's guess - presumably the Club will be back to square one.
5. Re-house the occasional visitors and day-trippers in the upper tier
Occasional visitors are still offered some of the very best seats in the house over genuine West Ham United supporters although seating concerns are fewer and far between.
6. Put the home fans first! Ensure away fans leave the stadium last, if necessary
The club continue to monitor and amend their policy with regards to stadium ingress and egress, although the issues prevalent a year or so ago have largely disappeared.
7. Provide singing and family enclosures and an accurate, up to date, seating plan
When challenged on this issue, Karren Brady insisted that the entire stadium was "family-friendly". There are currently no plans in place to introduce specific family orientated areas of the ground, nor singing or standing areas.
8. Provide additional shuttle buses from Stratford for the benefit of those experiencing difficulty with the lengthy walk
The club doubled the number of buses ferrying supporters from Stratford to the stadium in the wake of our plan - however the number available (doubled from six to 12) is still woefully insufficient to cope with the sheer number of fans whilst we've received complaints of some disabled fans being left in the rain for up to 90 minutes waiting for a bus.
9. Employ additional Supporter Liaison Officers to act as fan representatives
The club have employed a very approachable liaison officer in Jake Heath adding several volunteers to assist with support enquiries on match day. However this still pales into insignificance compared to clubs like London neighbours Arsenal, who employ up to 20 full time staff to deal with fan enquiries.
10. Treat the fans with respect and agree to engage with us on a regular basis
KUMB's ten point plan was delivered to vice chair Karren Brady last January during the first of what was planned to be a quarterly meeting between the vice chair and representatives of online supporter groups. That was followed up by a further meeting in April, since when the planned July and October meetings were cancelled by West Ham. The club finally announced a third meet for November in the wake of the appointment of David Moyes - although insist that no recording equipment can be used and demanded to know what questions would be aired beforehand.
So as you can see, even though the majority of our ten points were reasonable and easily achievable within a short period of time - excepting perhaps the installation of retractable seating, which would require major investment and some considerable time - few have been fully acted upon, despite nearly an entire calendar year having passed.
Meanwhile other promises made by Ms Brady during our meeting last January, such as the installation of shelving around the entire concourse (some areas have it, others still don't) and free wi-fi for all have likewise have similarly failed to come to fruition.
All of which leaves the impression that, as was the case with the much-maligned original version of the Supporter Advisory Board, we are merely being paid lip service by a Board who have little genuine interest in actively engaging with and working alongside the fanbase - or possibly even worse, are precluded from being able to do so as a result of the terms they struck in order to land the stadium.
The natural consequence of which is further fan unrest, which looks set to manifest itself in the shape of anti-Board protests in the coming weeks.
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David Moyes unfazed by return to Everton as West Ham boss
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 27/11/17 3:06pm
SSN
David Moyes insists his focus will be on claiming a West Ham win when he returns to Goodison Park four-and-a-half years after leaving as Everton boss. Moyes is still looking for his opening victory for the Hammers since replacing Slaven Bilic, but will be buoyed by an encouraging 1-1 draw in his first home game against Leicester on Friday. The 54-year-old Scot is now preparing for an emotional visit on Wednesday back to the club he managed between 2002 and 2013. "It's really important we get three points at Everton, so there is no room for sentiment," Moyes said in Monday's press conference. "I want a clean sheet and a win when I go back to Goodison, I'll always look out for Everton and hope they do well, but my focus now is on West Ham only."
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THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A WEST HAM AND ANYWAY, WE WILL STAY UP THIS SEASON!
By HamburgHammer 27 Nov 2017 at 07:00
WTID
At least not another embarrassing defeat. In previous seasons, under normal circumstances, a 1:1 draw at home against Leicester would not have yielded the kind of enthusiastic support and raucous noise from the West Ham home crowd. But from what I could gather from the comfort of my sofa the atmosphere at the London Stadium last Friday was fantastic, a proper defiant reaction from our fanbase, displaying a fierce in the trenches corral mentality.
The current circumstances at West Ham are anything but normal, but at least the fans did their bit and it seemed to rub off on the team who gave a much more spirited performance. They looked like they actually gave a monkey's.
The effort was certainly there, the running was a lot better, the pressing too and while there was still a clear lack of creative quality in our side this should come back in due course once the new gaffer has settled in properly and the team begin playing with more confidence and according to a clearly defined gameplan.
There has been a lot of talk in recent days about former members of the ICF taking things into their own hands in terms of letting the board know that most of our supporters are anything but happy (and why that is the case), so those guys will try and compile a list of the most pressing issues and tell the owners accordingly. It is then up to the board to act upon the suggestions from the fanbase or face significant backlash in the shape of various fan protests over the coming weeks and months.
I applaud those guys for their efforts and wish them every success, alas I am less than hopeful it will have the desired effect. The board will follow their financial roadmap to the letter, cashing in their interest payments for another three or four years until they can sell the club without the shackles of having to share a portion of their profit with the LLDC/taxpayer. Then – and only then – will they seriously consider getting out of the club.
I take a degree of comfort though from the thought that there will still be a West Ham worth rooting for in some shape or form once the current lot are gone and hopefully the latest initiative from the "Real West Ham Fans" group will help in uniting our fanbase again, making sure that as much of our club's soul as possible can be preserved, despite the actions of the current owners.
I am confident that there are still plenty of sons and daughters out there who will follow in the footsteps of their parents, uncles, aunties and grandparents and grow up to be staunch West Ham supporters. West Ham are more than just a football club and it still has a place in the hearts of thousands of people all over the globe. That must count for something.
I have no doubt that our team is good enough to see out the season with a modicum of professional pride and reach the beckoning shore of Premier League safety.
It will probably not quite be another Great Escape a la Tevez, we look far too minimalistic on the pitch for that, so it'll be more like a Late Escape than a great one, but escape we will. Of that I have no doubt.
The upcoming Everton game should be a thrilling encounter as surely Everton too are nowhere near where they expected to be in the table at the start of the season.
The pressure on them should be even bigger than on us which might work in our favour on the night. We should also have players returning back into the fold, like Hernandez and Antonio, giving us a few more options in terms of how to approach the game.
It looks to me like a switch has finally been flicked and I have no doubt that both results and performances will continue to improve as long as the players persist with showing better effort and application as that alone can and will trigger the kind of support from the Hammers faithful that is paramount if we want to maintain our league status.
In other, local German news I told you in a previous column about the agreement of the local Regionalliga Southwest to play the Chinese U20 side in a series of friendly games, not affecting the league table, but giving the lower league clubs some much needed financial boost while affording the Chinese players the opportunity to play some competitive games to get themselves ready for the Olympic Games.
There was a lot of criticism even before a ball was kicked, now the experiment has been stopped until further notice due to some football fans deciding to make a political statement by taking Tibetan flags to the first game of the Chinese team which obviously didn't go down with their players, officials and the football authorities back home.
On the one hand of course you could argue that sporting events like these should not be overshadowed by political campaigning.
On the other hand there is the right of free speech in Western Europe, so taking a flag to football should not be a reason to eject supporters from the venue or abandon the game. Then again West Ham fans have learned in recent weeks that you don't have to take a Tibetan flag to the stadium to get yourself in a spot of bother.
I never thought the idea with the Chinese U20 team playing in Germany was a brilliant one to pursue and if a Tibetan flag in the crowd is all it takes to rile up the visitors then maybe they should get their Olympic preparations done elsewhere.
To quickly update you on Reece Oxford and his exploits at a team from Germany (Borussia Moenchengladbach) his loan club surprisingly managed to deal the mighty Bayern Munich its first defeat in what felt like five years or so, beating them 2:1. Moenchengladbach are now only five points behind the league leaders from Munich and The Foals Eleven (as they are affectionately known in the country of the sausage munchers) are well on course to secure Champions league football coming to the Rhineland next season.
It's not ideal for Reece Oxford on the face of it as Moenchengladbach have no reason whatsoever to play him as things are going very well as they are at the moment, without Oxford getting any significant gametime. On the other hand they are known for developing and bringing through youngsters in a very strategic and patient manner, so his time may come, but Moenchengladbach may take their time in watching his progress and maybe even decide to buy him if they are convinced he is right for them.
They certainly won't be playing him just to do West Ham any favours.
As for the quick Concordia update (haters, please skip this section accordingly), the trip to Buchholz in Lower Saxony (representing the longest away trip of the season with their ground being 30 miles away from my flat) yielded mixed results. On the pitch it was an unmitigated disaster, with Cordi losing 0:4 to a side fighting relegation.
Concordia this season are certainly not pulling their weight and at this rate can forget any ambitions of going up one level at the end of the season. Not good.
Talking of weight though, for a food aficionado like me Buchholz offer a unique selling point to the carnivorous groundhopper: Grilled sausages made from horsemeat.
In the Oberliga Hamburg no other club serves these, but Lower Saxony is horse country, hence their unusual (and very tasty) offer on the matchday menu.
Before you kill me, I don't have a special bond with horses. I never spent any holidays on a ranch as a kid, I have never ridden a horse in my life, I don't bet on horses and I also eat pork, veal, beef or chicken. And besides, Cordi only play away at Buchholz once a season, so please forgive me if I treat myself to a horsemeat based snack once a year. And believe me, right now I am particularly grateful for any treat I can get.
Which brings me to a bit of a parish notice, closing out my column for this week. In the upcoming weeks my column may be a lot shorter than usual. There may even be certain weeks where I won't feel like penning an article at all. This is due to personal circumstances/family reasons. Quite simply, I may be absent-minded when it comes to West Ham in the next few weeks/months (although I will still come over for the Chelsea and Arsenal games), so please accept my apologies should my column not go up quite as regularly as you have been accustomed to.
COYI!!!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 26
Daily WHUFC News - 27th November 2017
Moyes: We will go to Everton with confidence
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United will go to Everton on Wednesday evening with 'a bit of confidence' after an improved performance against Leicester City. The Hammers came from a goal down to deservedly equalise at London Stadium in Moyes' first home game in charge, before producing a spirited second-half performance inspired by the Claret and Blue Army. Now, Moyes is hoping his players can give him a winning return to Goodison Park, a ground where he spent eleven years as manager from 2003-14...
The players deserved fans' applause
I thought we were a little bit unlucky to go a goal behind, as I don't think Leicester had been in our box prior to that. It was a bit of character that we showed because it could easily have gone under after that, but we dug in. I don't think we played as well as we should have in the first half, but we still warranted going in drawing and thankfully we got the goal just before half-time. I thought the second half was a lot more like us and more like the crowd and it was more like Upton Park for me, and there was a period in the game of about ten minutes when the crowd were right behind the team and we need it, we really do. The second half, it was terrific the way the supporters got behind us and I think they got behind us because they saw the effort from the players. It goes hand-in-hand. I thought the players worked hard and deserved the applause they got at the final whistle, because when we went 1-0 down, they didn't boo because they understand the game and in the opening nine or ten minutes we hadn't deserved to go 1-0 down. The players stuck at it and got the goal and I have to say I thought the players did a great job in the second half with their aptitude and the way they went about it.
We still have plenty of improvements to make
There are bits we are going to have to do loads and loads better, but I have to say we are trying to do the basics right for now. I have to say that don't think because they ran hard or did a few sprints more than they have done previously that we are there, because those should be a given in every game, really. I've said to the players that I thought that work was good, but that our play and our passing in the final third could be better. We had some good play, but I thought we could have had some moments of even better play.
I hope to see more from Marko
I thought Marko Arnautovic was very good on Friday night. He not only delivered three or four very dangerous crosses, but he also did the other side of the game and tracked back, which is he knows he has to do. You wouldn't want to play against him if he can deliver that quality and we just need to make sure keeps it up. He got a kick and an injury just before half-time and was limping around but I wanted him to carry on and he did. He seemed OK at half-time and he did carry on. In the end it caught up on him it didn't look too severe and hopefully he should be OK.
I'd love to make a winning Goodison return
We go to Everton with a bit of confidence now. It was important that we won on Friday night, but it was probably more important that we didn't lose. We take that into Wednesday's game and I am personally really looking forward to going back to Everton. I've been back a few times and not been that successful on my other visits, so I'm hoping that this one can be. It's a special place for me because of the years I spent there and also because of the people I worked with, many of whom are still there behind the scenes. I'll enjoy going back but I'm only interested in West Ham now and getting a win for West Ham is all that matters.
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Karen Ray: Our big dream for West Ham United Ladies
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United Ladies continue the application process for a license to play in the top division of the restructured FA Women's Super League from 2018/19, general manager Karen Ray has penned a column on the side's journey:
Being part of West Ham United requires patience, belief and an intense desire. The club has history; full of pride, character and a legacy to maintain. At the Ladies, we are trying to inherit all of these wonderful characteristics, while also setting out to ensure that the culture shift and engagement are our mechanisms for exceptional success in our own right. As they say; a flock of birds flying in formation is 70% more efficient than flying solo.
Character begins with humility, I am not ashamed to admit that without the overwhelming support of everyone at the club we would not be where we are today. The marketing team, led by Karim Virani have been instrumental in supporting the application and have shown an undeniable amount of dedication.
Anyone associated with West Ham United requires an incalculable amount of authenticity. Every member of this club must trust in the sense of safe vulnerability with honesty and integrity. It is no secret that we are aiming for the highest cloud and we have built a great synergy within the club because of our passion. Women's football is finally beginning to emerge from the dark and we are hoping to become part of the most exciting sporting culture at the highest level of the game. We urge you all to join us as we create a legacy, making the intangible real. Support us as we make a purposeful contribution to the club.
Let's capitalize on the opportunity to bridge the gap by promoting equality in football and opening new doors for young girls by ambitiously creating future stars within the game. I would like to end by wishing our Managing Director, Jack Sullivan, a very happy birthday from everyone at West Ham United Ladies.
We are all truly grateful for your efforts, belief and contribution to put the Ladies at the forefront.
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Hammers bested by C&K Basildon
WHUFC.com
Five goals conceded in the first half saw West Ham United Ladies fell to a 7-3 home defeat at the hands of C&K Basildon.
The Irons found themselves 3-0 down early on in the contest and were 5-1 adrift heading into the break after a disappointing opening period, with Molly Peters scoring for the Hammers.
The home side continued to battle in the second half but, despite finishes from Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita, could not come back against a Basildon side that have now won their last five league games.
The Hammers had a mountain to climb after just 11 minutes of action at Rush Green as Basildon caught out the home side with their first three attacks.
Bowers fired the away team in front from a free-kick in the third minute of the contest, while Basildon had doubled their advantage just moments later through a Revell header.
The task was made even harder when Bowers got her second and her side's third, after the ball was played into the midfielder, allowing her to slot home.
Despite the deficit West Ham showed sparks of quality. Rosie Kmita's long-ranged attempt was well saved while Zoe Swift almost caused Basildon to net an own-goal after a mazy run.
The two forwards combined to put pressure on Basildon but the scoreline became 4-0 when Addison broke through the back-line to score just a few minutes before half-time.
There was still time for Basildon to net a fifth before the break as well, as another header found the back of the net through Jay Blackie, although Molly Peters reduced the defecit ahead of the half-time whistle.
Swift was once again involved after the half-time interval as she saw two efforts well saved but Basildon added a sixth – with Bowers getting her hat-trick – not long after.
Zoepfl's half-volley – a terrific finish from the edge of the area – gave West Ham a second before Rosie Kmita added a third from close range, although the away side had scored their seventh between the two goals.
Zoepfl would also hit the post but it was Basildon who ran out winners following their impressive first half.
West Ham United: Kanto; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Stobbs (c), Georgiou, Zoepfl, R Kmita; Peters (Cooper'), Swift
Subs not used Chong, Salcedo, Shannon, M Kmita
Goals: Peters 45', Zoepfl 80', R Kmita 87'
C&K Basildon: Runnacles, Manning, West, Revell, Duchar-Clark, Rushen, Blackie, Bowers, Nash, Addison, Addison
Subs: Rodney, Stimson, Wakefield
Goals: Bowers 2' 11' 67', Revell 7', Addison 38' 83', Blackie 43'
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C&K Basildon 'punished' West Ham's mistakes – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
Mistakes by West Ham United Ladies were 'punished' by C&K Basildon in the Irons' 7-3 defeat, according to manager Greg de Carnys.
Three goals in the opening 11 minutes of Sunday's contest at Rush Green – and five before half-time – put Basildon on the way to victory against the Hammers.
West Ham tried to fight back through goals from Molly Peters, Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita but conceded twice more in the second period as well in a disappointing result for the home side.
De Carnys has pointed to his team's poor start to the match as the catalyst for the heavy defeat and believes individual mistakes were pounced upon by Basildon.
"We didn't start well enough," De Carnys told whufc.com. "We can't defend the manner in which we started the game. There were individual errors and a lack of urgency, and C&K Basildon punished us for it.
"I feel like they did that all afternoon; they punished us every time we made a silly mistake, and there were a few of them today. It's disappointing.
"I felt like we'd been training well. We prepared the team properly but unfortunately, especially in the first 25 minutes, we weren't at the races. It wasn't good enough."
Prior to Sunday's match the Ladies had been without a match for two weeks, due to a last-minute fixture change – a scenario that De Carnys had confessed to being a bit concerned about before playing C&K Basildon.
The coach believes, having seen his side lose in the manner they did, that the unexpected break did have a negative impact on his team.
De Carnys added: "In hindsight, we'd have to say that break potentially had an impact.
"I said before the game that I felt we had worked well over the last two weeks and I didn't sense any complacency in the team. When the game kicked off though there were certainly people that weren't at it. We've got to make sure we don't let that happen again."
Positives were admittedly difficult for De Carnys to find following the loss but the manager was happy to see his side score three times and compete better in the second period.
"I think if you're looking for positives, we scored three and we've had a lot of chances and could've scored more. I think it was slightly better in the second half, although the damage was already done by that stage.
"Thankfully we don't have to look at that sort of score very often and we shouldn't be allowing it to happen. Hopefully it's a one-off."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
David Moyes says West Ham United will go to Everton on Wednesday evening with 'a bit of confidence' after an improved performance against Leicester City. The Hammers came from a goal down to deservedly equalise at London Stadium in Moyes' first home game in charge, before producing a spirited second-half performance inspired by the Claret and Blue Army. Now, Moyes is hoping his players can give him a winning return to Goodison Park, a ground where he spent eleven years as manager from 2003-14...
The players deserved fans' applause
I thought we were a little bit unlucky to go a goal behind, as I don't think Leicester had been in our box prior to that. It was a bit of character that we showed because it could easily have gone under after that, but we dug in. I don't think we played as well as we should have in the first half, but we still warranted going in drawing and thankfully we got the goal just before half-time. I thought the second half was a lot more like us and more like the crowd and it was more like Upton Park for me, and there was a period in the game of about ten minutes when the crowd were right behind the team and we need it, we really do. The second half, it was terrific the way the supporters got behind us and I think they got behind us because they saw the effort from the players. It goes hand-in-hand. I thought the players worked hard and deserved the applause they got at the final whistle, because when we went 1-0 down, they didn't boo because they understand the game and in the opening nine or ten minutes we hadn't deserved to go 1-0 down. The players stuck at it and got the goal and I have to say I thought the players did a great job in the second half with their aptitude and the way they went about it.
We still have plenty of improvements to make
There are bits we are going to have to do loads and loads better, but I have to say we are trying to do the basics right for now. I have to say that don't think because they ran hard or did a few sprints more than they have done previously that we are there, because those should be a given in every game, really. I've said to the players that I thought that work was good, but that our play and our passing in the final third could be better. We had some good play, but I thought we could have had some moments of even better play.
I hope to see more from Marko
I thought Marko Arnautovic was very good on Friday night. He not only delivered three or four very dangerous crosses, but he also did the other side of the game and tracked back, which is he knows he has to do. You wouldn't want to play against him if he can deliver that quality and we just need to make sure keeps it up. He got a kick and an injury just before half-time and was limping around but I wanted him to carry on and he did. He seemed OK at half-time and he did carry on. In the end it caught up on him it didn't look too severe and hopefully he should be OK.
I'd love to make a winning Goodison return
We go to Everton with a bit of confidence now. It was important that we won on Friday night, but it was probably more important that we didn't lose. We take that into Wednesday's game and I am personally really looking forward to going back to Everton. I've been back a few times and not been that successful on my other visits, so I'm hoping that this one can be. It's a special place for me because of the years I spent there and also because of the people I worked with, many of whom are still there behind the scenes. I'll enjoy going back but I'm only interested in West Ham now and getting a win for West Ham is all that matters.
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Karen Ray: Our big dream for West Ham United Ladies
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United Ladies continue the application process for a license to play in the top division of the restructured FA Women's Super League from 2018/19, general manager Karen Ray has penned a column on the side's journey:
Being part of West Ham United requires patience, belief and an intense desire. The club has history; full of pride, character and a legacy to maintain. At the Ladies, we are trying to inherit all of these wonderful characteristics, while also setting out to ensure that the culture shift and engagement are our mechanisms for exceptional success in our own right. As they say; a flock of birds flying in formation is 70% more efficient than flying solo.
Character begins with humility, I am not ashamed to admit that without the overwhelming support of everyone at the club we would not be where we are today. The marketing team, led by Karim Virani have been instrumental in supporting the application and have shown an undeniable amount of dedication.
Anyone associated with West Ham United requires an incalculable amount of authenticity. Every member of this club must trust in the sense of safe vulnerability with honesty and integrity. It is no secret that we are aiming for the highest cloud and we have built a great synergy within the club because of our passion. Women's football is finally beginning to emerge from the dark and we are hoping to become part of the most exciting sporting culture at the highest level of the game. We urge you all to join us as we create a legacy, making the intangible real. Support us as we make a purposeful contribution to the club.
Let's capitalize on the opportunity to bridge the gap by promoting equality in football and opening new doors for young girls by ambitiously creating future stars within the game. I would like to end by wishing our Managing Director, Jack Sullivan, a very happy birthday from everyone at West Ham United Ladies.
We are all truly grateful for your efforts, belief and contribution to put the Ladies at the forefront.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers bested by C&K Basildon
WHUFC.com
Five goals conceded in the first half saw West Ham United Ladies fell to a 7-3 home defeat at the hands of C&K Basildon.
The Irons found themselves 3-0 down early on in the contest and were 5-1 adrift heading into the break after a disappointing opening period, with Molly Peters scoring for the Hammers.
The home side continued to battle in the second half but, despite finishes from Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita, could not come back against a Basildon side that have now won their last five league games.
The Hammers had a mountain to climb after just 11 minutes of action at Rush Green as Basildon caught out the home side with their first three attacks.
Bowers fired the away team in front from a free-kick in the third minute of the contest, while Basildon had doubled their advantage just moments later through a Revell header.
The task was made even harder when Bowers got her second and her side's third, after the ball was played into the midfielder, allowing her to slot home.
Despite the deficit West Ham showed sparks of quality. Rosie Kmita's long-ranged attempt was well saved while Zoe Swift almost caused Basildon to net an own-goal after a mazy run.
The two forwards combined to put pressure on Basildon but the scoreline became 4-0 when Addison broke through the back-line to score just a few minutes before half-time.
There was still time for Basildon to net a fifth before the break as well, as another header found the back of the net through Jay Blackie, although Molly Peters reduced the defecit ahead of the half-time whistle.
Swift was once again involved after the half-time interval as she saw two efforts well saved but Basildon added a sixth – with Bowers getting her hat-trick – not long after.
Zoepfl's half-volley – a terrific finish from the edge of the area – gave West Ham a second before Rosie Kmita added a third from close range, although the away side had scored their seventh between the two goals.
Zoepfl would also hit the post but it was Basildon who ran out winners following their impressive first half.
West Ham United: Kanto; Mackie, Wheeler, Austin, Auguste; Stobbs (c), Georgiou, Zoepfl, R Kmita; Peters (Cooper'), Swift
Subs not used Chong, Salcedo, Shannon, M Kmita
Goals: Peters 45', Zoepfl 80', R Kmita 87'
C&K Basildon: Runnacles, Manning, West, Revell, Duchar-Clark, Rushen, Blackie, Bowers, Nash, Addison, Addison
Subs: Rodney, Stimson, Wakefield
Goals: Bowers 2' 11' 67', Revell 7', Addison 38' 83', Blackie 43'
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C&K Basildon 'punished' West Ham's mistakes – De Carnys
WHUFC.com
Mistakes by West Ham United Ladies were 'punished' by C&K Basildon in the Irons' 7-3 defeat, according to manager Greg de Carnys.
Three goals in the opening 11 minutes of Sunday's contest at Rush Green – and five before half-time – put Basildon on the way to victory against the Hammers.
West Ham tried to fight back through goals from Molly Peters, Ellie Zoepfl and Rosie Kmita but conceded twice more in the second period as well in a disappointing result for the home side.
De Carnys has pointed to his team's poor start to the match as the catalyst for the heavy defeat and believes individual mistakes were pounced upon by Basildon.
"We didn't start well enough," De Carnys told whufc.com. "We can't defend the manner in which we started the game. There were individual errors and a lack of urgency, and C&K Basildon punished us for it.
"I feel like they did that all afternoon; they punished us every time we made a silly mistake, and there were a few of them today. It's disappointing.
"I felt like we'd been training well. We prepared the team properly but unfortunately, especially in the first 25 minutes, we weren't at the races. It wasn't good enough."
Prior to Sunday's match the Ladies had been without a match for two weeks, due to a last-minute fixture change – a scenario that De Carnys had confessed to being a bit concerned about before playing C&K Basildon.
The coach believes, having seen his side lose in the manner they did, that the unexpected break did have a negative impact on his team.
De Carnys added: "In hindsight, we'd have to say that break potentially had an impact.
"I said before the game that I felt we had worked well over the last two weeks and I didn't sense any complacency in the team. When the game kicked off though there were certainly people that weren't at it. We've got to make sure we don't let that happen again."
Positives were admittedly difficult for De Carnys to find following the loss but the manager was happy to see his side score three times and compete better in the second period.
"I think if you're looking for positives, we scored three and we've had a lot of chances and could've scored more. I think it was slightly better in the second half, although the damage was already done by that stage.
"Thankfully we don't have to look at that sort of score very often and we shouldn't be allowing it to happen. Hopefully it's a one-off."
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