Zabaleta: One win will put Hammers 'back on track'
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta believes a one victory could be all West Ham United need to get the season 'back on track' and feels there's every chance that win could come against Manchester City.
The Hammers travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon for their next match in the Premier League, with the Irons picking up one point so far under new manager David Moyes.
West Ham are now preparing to take on a City side that, under Pep Guardiola, has dropped points on just one occasion in the league this campaign.
But former City defender Zabaleta is positive that West Ham can take something from this weekend's game, with just one positive result a potential catalyst to kick-start the season.
"Even if people say we cannot beat the big teams, like Manchester City, this is football," Zabaleta said. "Football is unpredictable and you never know. They could have a bad day and we could take something from this.
"Of course, when you look at City they've been performing well all season but we have to be positive and there's still a long way to go. Winning one game, or two games, could get everything back on track again.
"We just have to be positive. Let's try to win – why not?"
Zabaleta, who spent nine years with City, was full of praise for his former team but reckons West Ham can take heart from Southampton's recent effort against the league leaders, in which City needed a late goal to win the game.
The right-back admits City have the attacking players that can hurt the Hammers – and indeed any team – but is positive he and his teammates can put on the 'perfect' performance at the Etihad.
"Manchester City have been the best team in the league," he stated. "They've been playing amazing football. If you look at Southampton in the last game, they were solid and positive, but we need to do everything perfect to beat City. Do the job defensively and then take the chances.
"Against Man City, if you concede after ten minutes it will be really hard. You can be exposed at the back and against those teams with players like David Silva, De Bruyne and Aguero – it's tough.
"Every time I prepare for a game I think we can get something, otherwise I would stay at home and not play. We have to believe we can play the perfect game and take our chances."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic: I understand fans' frustration but we will put things right
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has vowed that the Hammers will overcome their poor start to the season as they enter into the busiest part of the Premier League season.
In an honest and frank interview on the eve of Sunday's trip to league leaders Manchester City, Arnautovic admitted he and his teammates understand the frustration with performances falling below expectations both personally and collectively, but reiterated their commitment to putting things right.
West Ham take on City, Chelsea and Arsenal in their next three fixtures with the Austrian international saying they cannot approach those fixtures with any fear.
He said: "I can understand the fans and I can understand everybody who is surprised by our performances. I came here because, and I will say this always, West Ham is for me a big, big club with big history and good players and we shouldn't be where we are.
"The club and all the people who are involved with it deserve better, and we players need to show the people who come to the stadium late in the evening, or even cancel their work to come and support us, that we will fight for them, for the club and fight for ourselves.
"We have played 14 games and we have another 24, so it's a lot of games to go and we can change things around. We need to be proud to play for this club and we need to put our hands together and go into this together, not only the players but the fans, the club, everybody.
"You play eleven against eleven, human against human and they are also just human beings like us. Of course City are a top team with amazing, world class players but if we stick together and we try to do something in the game, we can get something.
"We have to think positively and you have to go into the game with the mindset that you're going to win this game, or take something out of it.
"I want to change this situation around, I want to do way better. I'm getting there now, I'm fit and I hope I can give this back with goals and assists because that's what everybody wants from me.
"I came here for a lot and the expectation is high for me. I want to show this, I don't want to put myself in the corner and say 'no, I can't do this' or go home and cry because I'm not putting in the performances.
"I'm strong, I train hard and I want to change things around. I want to do it with this club, with these people and everyone who is involved at West Ham United."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City v West Ham United
SUN 03 DEC 2017PREMIER LEAGUE
16:00
Venue: Etihad Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Midfielder Leroy Sane is back in training and could return against West Ham after missing Manchester City's midweek victory because of illness.
David Silva should start after playing 16 minutes against Southampton but Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho will be assessed.
West Ham defender Winston Reid is a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury against Everton on Wednesday.
Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez both remain out.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Guy Mowbray: "David Moyes was Pep Guardiola's first opposing manager in the Premier League, and it needed a late own goal for Manchester City to beat Sunderland.
"On current form, the West Ham boss will have his work cut out to run City so close this time - or to improve things quickly at all with his new club.
"For this one, in his own words, he's "got to hope that this is 'where you never know what happens in football' comes in".
"What happens with City recently is that Raheem Sterling wins games late on for them.
"Does being held close to the whistle mean their winning streak is near to ending? It might signal quite the opposite."
Twitter: @Guymowbray
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on an apparent confrontation with Nathan Redmond: "I cannot control myself. I have to do that, hopefully I can improve.
"I've played in my career against lots of managers and I will never judge the way opponents play against one of my teams.
"It's so complicated when teams defend with ten players. I said to Nathan you are a good player and you have to attack."
West Ham manager David Moyes: "I think there's been moments where we've looked okay.
"The players are trying to improve and get better. A lot of our goals are down to individual mistakes.
"This is a big job but it's a good job. We've got a good team.
"I've never gone into any game thinking we've not got a chance of winning."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Southampton and Huddersfield have shown in the past week how teams can make it difficult for Manchester City, even if Pep Guardiola's side still beat them both in the end.
I don't think the Hammers have got the personnel to do that, though.
Prediction: 3-0
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
These sides met three times last season in all competitions - City won all three by a 12-1 aggregate scoreline.
The Hammers have won just three of the last 25 meetings in all competitions, drawing five and losing 17.
West Ham have won just three of the last 20 Premier League meetings (D4, L13).
Manchester City
City's 12-match Premier League winning run this season has only been bettered by Chelsea (13 in 2016-17) and Arsenal (13 in 2001-02).
The all-time record for consecutive victories is Arsenal's 14, achieved between February and August 2002.
City are unbeaten in 27 matches in all competitions (W23, D4).
Raheem Sterling has scored the winning goal in the 84th minute or later four times this season, including in each of City's last three games.
Sterling's nine league goals this season has already equalled his record for an entire Premier League campaign.
West Ham United
West Ham are without a win in their last seven league games, drawing three, and have only scored five goals in that run.
The Hammers have conceded a Premier League-high 30 goals this season; opponents City are the league's top scorers with 44.
Defeat for West Ham would set a new club record for fewest points after 15 Premier League matches, with just 10.
They have not won any of their eight away league games this season and have only won one of their last 15 Premier League away matches (D6, L8).
Michail Antonio's last six Premier League goals have all been scored in away fixtures.
SAM's predictions
Most probable score: 4-0 Probability of draw: 4%
Probability of home win: 95% Probability of away win: 1%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
London Olympic Stadium taken over by mayor Sadiq Khan
1 December 2017
BBC.co.uk
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has agreed to take over the former Olympic Stadium amid "financial challenges". Mr Khan says a "catalogue of errors" by his predecessor Boris Johnson led to the costs of transforming it into West Ham United's new ground soaring. An independent review says the conversion cost £323m - the original estimate was £190m. Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said Mr Johnson left the stadium's finances in a "dreadful mess". The review says that E20, the public sector company set up to run the London Stadium, is projected to make a loss of £20m next year and a total loss of £140m over its first 10 years. Mr Khan claims Mr Johnson's decision to make taxpayers foot the bill means Londoners will have to shoulder the predicted loss.
He will take control of the stadium in order to "renegotiate deals" and "minimise ongoing losses". Mr Khan said: "I ordered the review into the finances of the London Stadium to understand how key decisions were made about its transformation and why costs were allowed to spiral out of control. "What has been presented is simply staggering."
West Ham were awarded tenancy of the stadium in 2013, however under the agreement the club would not have to pay for certain running costs.
These instead would be paid for by the taxpayer and include policing, stewarding, goalposts, corner flags, cleaners and turnstile operators.
However, the review notes that since that deal was signed, policing and stewarding costs have "increased notably".
West Ham said: "The concession agreement is a watertight, legally binding contract signed in 2013 in good faith by West Ham United, who remain absolutely committed to its terms for the entire 99-year duration. "It is not in West Ham United's interests for the stadium to be not performing in line with aspiration and, as we have done ever since moving to Stratford in the summer of 2016, we continue to offer the benefit of our commercial expertise and substantial experience in managing successful stadia." The club added the stadium "craves renewed leadership" and it welcomed "the mayor's decision to step in and deliver this".
Newham Council said it received a business plan from E20 in October 2016 which indicated there was likely to be an "ongoing deficit" which could make it "financially unsustainable" in the long term. An internal review was carried out by the council at the same time the Mayor of London launched his own inquiry. Reacting to Mr Khan's takeover, Sir Robin said: "On behalf of Newham residents, I am angry that the deals and decisions made by the former Mayor of London and his administration have left the stadium finances in such a dreadful mess. "It is regrettable that the finances of the stadium have not followed the expected course." He added it was "vital" for Newham that the stadium remained a public asset.
A source close to Mr Johnson, who was the Mayor of London between May 2008 and May 2016, rejected the criticisms. He said: "No other city has an Olympic legacy like London's - all seven venues on the park are in private hands, with millions of visitors a year, and a positive economic legacy for east London. "The stadium has a secure future with athletics and football. "The mistakes belonged to Khan's Labour predecessor Ken Livingstone and the Blair government. Signing off on a stadium fit only for athletics was a massive error. The only option for Boris was conversion to a multi-use venue."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Khan and the blame game
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st December 2017
By: Paul Walker
Here we go again, get prepared everyone for West Ham to be given another public kicking over the nightmare that is the London Stadium.
As if things are not bad enough on the pitch at the moment, with relegation looming ever-larger with every match. Unless we can beat Manchester City, that is.
We have become a political football. Tenants in the Time Share stadium, with--we are told--water-tight contracts that stretch for 99 years.
And it is these contracts that are going to be tested, legally and morally, to the limit now by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who has virtually put his political credibility on the line. The man who has fronted up the President of the USA without flinching, will no doubt reckon we are easy prey now.
And on our side of the fence it will be the lady herself, Tory peer Karren Brady who will equally find herself in the firing line as the gloves come off (yes, I know, mixed metaphors there).
Clearly we have seen this coming, from the report commissioned by Khan into the sorry back-catalogue of how a publicly-owned stadium can get itself into such a financial mess. Our carefully-worded statement today wasn't just knocked out in a flash. We said all the right things, praised Khan's intervention while stating the legal situation as we see it.
But that still means we should stand by to be slaughtered, not only by Manchester City, but by both ends of the media political spectrum. The Daily Mail will be straight down our throats, they hate us because they reckon Karren and the Dildo Brothers have taken their Tory mate Boris Johnson for a ride.
The Guardian will be in there shouting from the moral high ground because they hate the fact that West Ham have benefited from the public purse, to an alarming degree it must be agreed. And they also have a deep dislike of unelected Tories like Karren and football chancers like David Sullivan and David Gold, only recently seen in public with Brady at a Tory fund-raising dinner. Oh, the shame.
And the BBC? Well, just for a change today (Dan Roan was at the World Cup draw and couldn't stab us from there) their news people put both sides of the argument. They had one of our mates from WHUISA in the studio and the reporter made it very clear that West Ham approved of Khan's involvement, and would not be too keen to have perfectly legal agreements torn up just to give Khan a political victory over Johnson.
And that's the point here. Khan and the mayor of Newham, Robin Wales were scathing of Johnson's administration for the horrific deals struck that from their point of view, been a financial disaster. The steal of the century from our point of view.
But Johnson, now Foreign Secretary and still with desires to be PM, has already come out fighting. His sources have claimed the fault is with the Tony Blair's previous Labour government, the former Labour London mayor Ken Livingstone and anyone else with a red rosette who gave the OK for the stadium design in the first place.
A stadium only set up for athletics, despite the blindingly obvious view that only regular Premier League football would provide the revenue to save the Stratford venue from being a hideous white elephant. Boris' people, of course, avoided making the obvious point that the real villain with his demands for athletics only was Tory peer Seb Coe.
So you can all see the way this is falling. A year ago I wrote here that Khan wants Boris on a wire, his big political rival to take the blame for the mess that is the former Olympic stadium. Ever since then, Khan has had this as his aim. He has had some sad distractions with the terror attacks in the capital, the shocking Grenfell fire and a certain Donald Trump slagging him off at every opportunity for basically being a Muslim.
But now Khan has his report. It talks of mind-blowing mismanagement, of "onerous" contracts costing the tax payer millions, of the need to "revisit" those deals.
We have Newham Council now no longer our part landlords, they have given up their interest in the stadium --where they are going to see none of the loan they put in at the start of the redevelopment--for the promise of 25 years of more cash to be ploughed into their coffers to be spent on the poor and deprived in Newham.
They must be breathing a sign of relief to be rid of the albatross that is the stadium and able to concentrate now on what they were elected to do.
Our landlords now will be just the LLDC, and we are assured that all the contracts involving the soon to be defunct E20 body will become the legal responsibility of the LLDC, and basically Khan's authority.
And that's the rub. He will try now to renegotiate those contracts with us, and our board will fight him all the way. Their attitude is that what was signed by Boris' lot is legally binding, watertight, for 99 years.
They will say we are only tenants for around 20-odd days a year. If we were not there, then the stadium would be been bulldozed by now as being a financial basket case.
Maybe Spurs were right. It should have been knocked down and rebuilt as a football stadium. But that would have been a political disaster for any government, the much-talked about legacy a thing of the past.
But we have seen this coming. Only this week David Gold was involved in a twitter exchange blaming David Levy and Barry Hearn--Spurs and the now quickly disappearing Orient-- for stopping West Ham and Newham Council from reconfiguration the Olympic Stadium into a football ground.
That's all history now, though. It is what it is and with the Greater London Authority and Government now in full control, the chances of the stadium falling to us for nothing, just to get it off their hands, seems a long way away.
But there will be negotiations. And you can see there is a way for a peace plan. If we are to be bullied into paying more rent, we will want something back. Maybe those 10,000 extra seats so far denied us, maybe a better interior design with real retractable seating.
Because it has been clear for some while that the relationship between West Ham and the ground owners has been poor. The recently-departed head of the LLDC made a reference to continued legal action by West Ham that is costing the owners £3.5m. So things cannot be hunky dory if the relationship between tenants and landlords is being dealt with through lawyers.
What is also clear is that Khan has put a stop to any further expense for the owners with regard to those extra seats and the stewarding. Somewhere along the line there does not seem to be provision in Karren's carefully negotiated contracts to cover those extra seating use and who pays for the extra stewarding. I do hope there are not other loop holes in those deals that we don't know about and that can be exploited by Khan.
And now we come to the crux of the matter, the non-retractable, removable seating that is costing millions to move in and out of athletics mode to suit the football. Or the other way round, if you get my meaning.
That alone is a farce. The sensible outcome would be to leave the seating in football mode, because that is what makes the real money for the Government, 60,000 people twice a month passing though the turnstiles and funding businesses throughout the Stratford part of East London.
To leave the stadium without the movable seating just to benefit a twice-a-year athletics event is nonsense. But you can bet Coe and his mates will be lobbying for just that.
And that, of course, it will mean moving athletics to the soon to be rebuilt stadium in Birmingham. That makes sense, because then football would be the only money making gig in town. But then when were the people running the stadium ever sensible about anything?
So, as I said, stand by for a kicking everybody, as our board fight their corner, for a stadium many of us wish would just disappear into the River Lea, never to be seen again. With a new home for our great, ailing club built in its place. Wishful thinking, I know.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Supporters Group Meeting 30 November 2017
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 2nd December 2017
By: Gordon Thrower
We sent Gordon Thrower along to the latest meeting of bloggers, website staff and assorted n'er do wells With Karren Brady...."
On behalf of the site I attended a meeting on Thursday night. I had intended to publish detailed minutes of what was said but events have overtaken me and, as I sit here approximately 100 miles away from my detailed notes, of the evening, I find myself having to defend the site in general and myself in particular against some rather inaccurate accusations based on what I can only say is a misinterpretation of comments I made on the general forum.
As a result of my comments some people have gone out of their way to accuse me and the site of trying to hijack any "credit" for the criticism that was conveyed to Baroness Brady. I'm happy to confirm that I wasn't the only one there being critical of the ownership and management.
The problem stems from my forum comments in which I suggested I was "lone voice" at times. This was a function of the different reasons we had for being there. Others went there with specific queries on finance, branding, the matchday "experience" that sort of thing. As a result when others spoke it was a bit of a quickfire Q&A type thing.
My reason for being there was less specific. As mentioned elsewhere I saw my role as more of a conduit for the views of the membership on the generalities of how the club is being run. As such I was answering questions almost as much as asking them. I took this role quite seriously and spent the preceding few days spending precious time reading through the discussion forums so - irrespective of anything I personally thought - I could let the club what kumb members are thinking.
That meant when I had to chip in with an answer to, for example, the question of why the owners aren't particularly trusted by the board I went on and on and on. (Yeah I know I can rabbit a bit). Frankly I thought that that was the area in which I felt I could contribute most. I was a lone voice at that point because I probably had the most to say based on forum comment and nobody else could get a word in. "Lone voice" meant that at times it was just me speaking. Nothing more nothing less.
The other comment I made was that I gave the club the "hardest time" of those there. I stand by that - not in terms of nobody else giving them a hard time but more in terms of I had the least palatable messages to convey. The forums on here have been pretty negative toward the club's owners and management and that was what I had to deliver to them. I had the hardest message to give.
I'm not insinuating for a minute that kumb was the only critical voice in the room or that I was the only one conveying difficult messages or that everyone else was acting in a sycophantic manner and I'm sorry that some have for whatever reason chosen to interpret my comments in that manner.
I do object to being called a liar and of talking "bollocks" and being accused of only talking to ask for introductions. Apart from the early conversations consisting largely of questions to which I already knew the answers (I have spent so much time reading the club's accounts I can quote the figures back at you without looking) I thought asking for introductions was a sensible idea since a) I didn't know everybody there and b) I have the late Bobby Robson's legendary talent for forgetting names. The first question I was asked when I finally got home was "who else was there" so without my notes I'd have been stuffed.
I'm not going to comment on other individuals who were there, what was said by whom or what I thought of them or why innocent comments have been twisted to attack the site. You'll have to ask them that. My private thoughts are, as with all this, irrelevant. I'm used to being slagged off over my connections with this site - if I couldn't handle that I wouldn't still be here after all these years. I do reserve the right to defend myself against stuff that's based on inaccuracy though.
All the best
Gnome
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham players must take more responsibility, says Pablo Zabaleta
By Dan Long
Last Updated: 01/12/17 9:28pm
SSN
West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta says the players must take responsibility for the miserable form that has earned them a spot in the Premier League relegation places. The Hammers have won just twice in 14 league games this season and find themselves two points adrift of safety ahead of this weekend's Super Sunday clash with leaders Manchester City, live on Sky Sports Premier League. David Moyes was brought in during early November to replace Slaven Bilic at the helm, but since his appointment, the Scot has overseen a draw and two defeats, the latter of which came against his former employers Everton earlier this week.
Zabaleta believes the onus must be on the players to perform, rather than all the pressure being hoisted onto the shoulders of the manager, as he prepares to take on his former club on Sunday. "When David Moyes came in, it seemed like, at that time, something needed to change," he told Sky Sports. "In football when a manager doesn't get results, he's probably the first person to pay the price. In some ways he has a positive impact on the team and the reality was we lost two games and we drew one against Leicester. "As players we must take some responsibility. New manager, but the same mistakes that we've been doing for the whole season. It's about confidence, winning one or maybe two games in a row and getting everything on track again - he makes the difference for sure. "At the moment, he's not worried about lack of quality because we have good players, but at the moment [the mental side] is the key factor. To let the players know we need to improve as a team by giving everything in the game, by being tougher, tracking back, being harder to beat - he is insisting on this."
The defeat at Goodison Park marked the third occasion in which Moyes' squad have shipped four goals this campaign and the Argentine conceded that the season hadn't unfolded in the manner the squad had anticipated. "The situation at the moment is not what we expected at the beginning of the season. There are so many things we have to change if we want to be a Premier League team next season. When you lose 4-0, it's a big defeat - it's massive. "Individual performances have not been great, this is difficult then to have a collective and, as a team, look solid, strong. We need to step up. This is something we were saying a few weeks ago, and then, after some games like Everton, you feel that all what we've been saying, all the work didn't work out in the game."
The goal-shy Hammers scored just two goals in the entirety of November, and Zabaleta feels that confidence is the primary factor affecting the way West Ham are performing this season. "I think it's about confidence. I can't find anything different other than being concentrated going into the game, focus on your job because if you look at the players we have in the squad, they all have huge experience in the Premier League and different competitions; you expect that team to do better."
"You cannot make those mistakes week in week out. It's hard to understand and to accept because, before the games, we talk about the first 15-20 minutes and trying not to concede goals and then, in the game, first ball into the box, we concede goals or we make some mistakes - a little mistake that is costing so many points."
Speaking of the occasion, in which Zabaleta will face City for the first time since his nine-year spell at the Etihad concluded in the summer said: "I think it's going to be a bit weird [going back], a bit strange. It will be the first time I'll go back to a former club, but especially at City as it's where I spent most of my career. As a player, I grew up with the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vincent Kompany expects West Ham to study Huddersfield and Southampton game plans
Last Updated: 02/12/17 12:24pm
SSN
Vincent Kompany expects David Moyes to be studying Huddersfield and Southampton's tactics in search of a way to stop Manchester City. But the City captain has warned the West Ham boss that the Premier League leaders also expect to have learnt from their last games as they bid to get back to their dynamic best on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Huddersfield and Southampton both went close to ending City's long winning run, but their efforts were ultimately undone by late Raheem Sterling goals.
Moyes' Hammers are the next visitors to the Etihad Stadium as City look to extend a winning run that now stretches to 19 games in all competitions and 12 in the Premier League.
Kompany said: "I put myself in the position if I was the manager of West Ham, I suppose I would've seen the images against Southampton and Huddersfield, I would've seen what causes trouble and I would've trained extremely hard on those points for that game.
"But if I was the City manager, I would've seen the same thing and I would've trained extremely hard on making sure these teams cannot exploit that."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admits regretting the way he spoke to Nathan Redmond but insists there was nothing disrespectful meant in the exchange.
Huddersfield and Southampton both adopted cautious approaches, absorbing considerable pressure by defending deep but then posing a threat with the occasional counter-attack or from set-pieces. They may have fallen short but City, who earlier in the season enjoyed thumping wins over Liverpool (5-0), Watford (6-0), Crystal Palace (5-0) and Stoke (7-2), have been stifled.
Kompany said: "I can see a period of time where teams will try to play this approach but as teams will need points eventually, as teams will need to further their own agenda, I think it will settle again and we will have a more open game with both teams trying to win it.
"In this case it's proven nearly successful for the teams who did it, but at the same time as they're adopting this approach, we're learning how to deal with it as well, so as soon as we find a way through it, I think it'll change again."
Sunday's clash with West Ham will see the return to the Etihad Stadium of a former City favourite.
Pablo Zabaleta joined the Londoners in the summer after a nine-year spell at City that saw him win two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup.
Such was Zabaleta's contribution to City's modern history, he was presented with a lifetime season ticket when he left.
Kompany said: "It'll be strange for him but I'm sure he'll get a warm reception.
"I kind of feel he'll be dreading this game as well a bit, knowing Zaba and knowing that he's been at the Etihad and seen what the players can do if it goes wrong for you.
"But knowing Zaba he'll probably rise up to the challenge and probably have his best game of the season.
"It'll be great and this place is always going to be his home, no matter what."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss David Moyes says he has money to spend on transfers in January
Last Updated: 01/12/17 5:29pm
SSN
West Ham boss David Moyes says he has money to spend on transfers in January, but says his focus is on getting the current squad to produce results.
West Ham were thrashed 4-0 by Moyes' former club Everton on Wednesday, a result that left the struggling Hammers without a win in eight games, and sitting 18th in the Premier League table
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Sky Live game against high-flying, Premier League leaders Manchester City, Moyes said: "They told me when I came that if things were needed in January then it would be possible to do so.
"But I said last week, and I'm saying again that I am focusing on the players here. "I have to try and get a team from what we have in the squad. We want to get a winning team from what we've got and if we are struggling to find that then we might have to find other people who can do that.
"It will be difficult because I've only been here two or three weeks.
"I do expect the staff that work here and who work it that department [transfers] will have plenty of people to look at and recommend.
"If it gets nearer the time and I think it's needed I'll go myself and see them.
"I see the players here having a strong mentality and a fighting spirit amongst them to make things right. I can only harp back to small things. It's individual lapses that cost us in recent games.
"I'm focusing on the players here. We have to get a winning team from what we've got in the squad."
Moyes short-term aim is to get the best out of the players currently at his disposal, as they look to bounce back from the defeat at Goodison Park.
"I was unhappy with the performance the other night, but the spirit is fine. I need them to stand up and be better but overall I think they're big enough in here to know they need to do better.
"When I came in there was a worry about a lack of confidence. I think the players got over a big part of it against Leicester. I thought we started frightened against Everton and didn't try to take any initiative. The players need to find a way of getting on the front foot."
Moyes also revealed he will have to face Manchester City without strike duo Andy Carroll, and Javier Hernandez, who both remain on the injury list.
He added: "We've got a few injured players. We've got a few. We're going to go to Manchester and try to put on a good show and take something from the game.
"Andy Carroll and Chicharito aren't back. We've got a few missing just now. Winston Reid - we will check him out tomorrow. Jose Fonte is a long-term injury."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England No1 Joe Hart faces getting stuck on West Ham's bench in World Cup year, warns David Moyes
On-loan keeper can't play parent club Man City on Sunday and new boss hints at sticking with sub Adrian if he impresses
The Mirror
BySteve Stammers
22:30, 2 DEC 2017
'Unappreciated' England keeper Joe Hart gets lavish praise from his West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
Joe Hart has been warned that he could face a battle to keep his place with West Ham and England .
Hart will miss Sunday's clash with Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, because he is on loan at West Ham and City are his parent club.
His place will be taken by Spaniard Adrian and, if he performs well against free-scoring City, manager David Moyes has made it clear there will be no automatic return for Hart — with the World Cup finals looming at season's end.
Hart has to give up the gloves this weekend because West Ham are playing his parent club (Image: Getty)
Adrian wants regular first-team football – but Moyes insists he will not be sold in the winter transfer window.
"I need two experienced goalkeepers," said Moyes. "He won't be leaving here in January."
Hart is currently the No.1 choice for England boss Gareth Southgate but that role could be in jeopardy if he fails to re-establish himself at West Ham.
"If you get the jersey, you have a chance," said Moyes.
"If someone comes in, they have to show me they are good enough to play – and Adrian will get that chance as well."
Moyes admitted that Hart has had an exacting season, combining excellence with occasional eccentricity.
"It has been mixed with Joe," said the Scot.
"I have seen some good stuff and stuff which hasn't been so good."
Moyes was boss at Manchester United when they played Guardiola's Bayern Munich in Europe.
He said: "Bayern were very good, and City are close to that team.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 3
Saturday, December 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd December 2017
Manchester City v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are back in Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to league leaders Manchester City.
Read on for all the information you need to know about the match with City, including team news, how to follow the action, and how to get there:
Where and when?
Manchester City v West Ham United will be played on Sunday 3 December at the Etihad Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00pm.
How to follow:
Manchester City v West Ham will be shown live on Sky Sports, on the Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event channels. Coverage will begin at 3:30pm.
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.
Live audio coverage will be provided from BBC Radio 5 Live.
Meet the opposition:
0:24
Team news:
David Moyes will offer an update to the media on Friday afternoon about his squad during his pre-Manchester City press-conference.
Stay close to the official West Ham United channels for extensive coverage of the press-conference, as well as confirmation of team news and player availability as and when available.
Match Officials:
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Referees: Simon Long and Dan Cook
Fourth Official: Mike Jones
Last Five Meetings:
0:39
What they Say:
"We need to get back to work and try and get some points. We need to stay strong, be men, take responsibility and move forward."
Andre Ayew
How to get there:
The Etihad Stadium has its own Metrolink stop on the East Manchester line, named Etihad Campus. This can be reached from either Manchester Victoria or Piccadilly railway stations, with a journey time of roughly eight minutes.
By Train
Leave the M6 at Junction 19 and follow the A556, then join the M56. Continue onto the M60 passing Stockport and heading on towards Ashton Under Lyne. Leave the M60 at Junction 23 and take the A635 towards Manchester. Branch off onto the A662.
By Car:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Expectations, Improvements & Academy prospects
WHUFC.com
David Moyes spoke to the media on Friday ahead of West Ham United's clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
The Hammers boss discussed how his side can stop City's attack, the chance he's willing to give Academy players, and the expectations on his team…
'There is an expectation to be competitive'
Heading into Sunday's match Manchester City are in incredible form, with Pep Guardiola's side only dropping points on one occasion so far this season.
With West Ham currently occupying the bottom three Moyes admits that, to the neutral, this weekend's match could be a foregone conclusion.
However, the manager believes there is still an expectation of his side to perform and try to get a positive result, with Moyes anticipating a competitive showing from his side against the Citizens.
"Against Manchester City there's probably less expectations on you in many ways, but we've got to find a way of going there, being competitive and in the game," Moyes said.
"I don't want to say there's no expectation. There is an expectation. We have to try and win all the games. We're in a worse position than Manchester City. They might be saying they have to win to stay at the top but our position is as big in that we have to get away from the wrong end of the table.
"I see the players here having a strong mentality and a fighting spirit to make things right. We've tried to do bits to have a better shape and start from a stronger position."
'Manchester City will be beaten…I hope it's us'
Moyes has previously stated his stance that he believes he has a team that is capable of winning every game, something which hasn't changed heading into the match with City.
He said: "I don't think I've ever gone into any game not thinking we're going to win, or we've got a chance of winning, or we're going to get something out of it."
Although Guardiola's side are currently unbeaten this campaign Moyes does not believe that means it's impossible to take points off of them, pointing to how well some of City's recent opponents have performed.
And the Scotsman is confident his West Ham team can do the same on Sunday.
He added: "Undoubtedly, we're going up against the most in-form team in the league. But that doesn't mean to say they're unbeatable, because they will be beaten somewhere. We hope that it's us.
"I think we've seen some teams play well against them. Huddersfield had a real go. Southampton had a really good go. I think there's ways to play against them. I think they've got weaknesses and I don't think they are completely unflappable in what they've got.
"I think what they have got, going forward, is people who can really create chances, take chances, and be very clinical. We've got to try and make sure we're in the game all the way and give ourselves every chance."
'The players are trying to improve and get better'
The Hammers are yet to collect a victory under David Moyes but, despite this, the former Everton and Sunderland boss has picked out signs of encouragement in all of his new side's matches so far.
The manager feels that, more than anything, individual player errors have been the main cause of goals being conceded so far, something he is eager to iron out.
And the biggest positive for Moyes has been a willingness from his players to make a marked improvement.
"There's been bits of encouragement in all the games. I think Leicester was probably our best all-round performance, even though it probably was only good for one half of the game. I thought it was the same in the Everton game. I thought for 20 minutes of the second half we were okay and we gave ourselves a chance.
"I think there's been moments where we've looked okay. The biggest thing is the players are trying to improve and get better. The hard bit to take is when it becomes individual mistakes which I think a lot of our goals conceded have come down to recently."
'If you look back at my history, I've always played young players'
"If I could play young players I would do," Moyes told his press-conference when asked about the possibility of giving some Academy graduates a chance in his first team.
Moyes has had an Academy graduate involved in each of his matchday squads since taking over at West Ham with the likes of Declan Rice, Domingos Quina and Toni Martinez all a part of at least one Premier League squad since his appointment.
The boss is eager to give these youngsters – and indeed others – the chance to play but says the onus is on them to prove that they are worth inclusion in the first team and then to justify a continued selection.
Moyes continued: "If you look back at my history, I've always played young players. But you have to do it at the right time and the right moments. Also, I've got to say, I've got to see enough from the young players to suggest they are better than the players who are in just now.
"We've got two or three young players making the bench right now. If any of them get an opportunity we will give them every chance to show what they can do. But they need to show us, if they get in, that they are capable of staying in."
'I've really enjoyed returning to the Premier League'
Although results haven't quite gone his way yet, Moyes is relishing life back in the Premier League.
The West Ham coach is pointed to the Club's owners and the fans for their brilliant support, which is making his role with the Irons all the more pleasant.
"Apart from the result the other night I've really enjoyed it," Moyes said. "The Club's been great. The owners have been terrific and the support behind the scenes has been terrific.
"The support from West Ham supporters as well. West Ham supporters know how difficult the job is and they know the situation we are in. At the moment, apart from the midweek result, I've been really enjoying it."
'I'm focusing on the players that are here, not the players that are elsewhere'
Moyes was also questioned about potential additions to his team in the January transfer window, but the manager is currently focused on building a winning side with the players currently available.
He said: "They told me when I came that if things were needed in January it would be possible to do so. But I'm focusing on the players that are here, not the players that are elsewhere just now.
"I have to try and get a team from what we have in the squad. We want to get a team, a winning team, from what we've got. If we're struggling we might have to look at other players to do that."
Moyes admitted he is yet to look at potential signings anyway, having been in the job less than a month, and will look to guidance from his coaching team should they decide to make any signings.
"I've only been here two or three weeks. To have done all that work, and be prepared, I don't think anybody could do that in that short time. But I do expect the staff that work here and the people in that department will have me plenty of people to look at recommend, and if I think it's needed nearer the time I'll go and see them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
London Stadium: A statement from West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Following the release of the Mayor of London's independent review of London Stadium today, West Ham United have issued the following statement:
"As the report confirms, the Concession Agreement is a watertight, legally binding contract signed in 2013 in good faith by West Ham United, who remain absolutely committed to its terms for the entire 99-year duration.
"We have delivered everything we committed to within the Concession Agreement, and act as the primary vehicle for London Stadium's legacy, delivering its most watched sporting spectacles, revenue driving events and thousands of jobs for local people.
"It is not in West Ham United's interests for the Stadium to not be performing in line with aspiration and, as we have done ever since moving to Stratford in the summer of 2016, we continue to offer the benefit of our commercial expertise and substantial experience in managing successful stadia.
"West Ham United will continue to devote our absolute commitment to London Stadium, but our first priority in this sense is always to act in the best interests of our supporters.
"We fully concur that West Ham United has played a significant part in the most successful regeneration programme in the history of the modern Olympics, however the stadium itself craves renewed leadership and direction and we welcome the Mayor's decision to step in and deliver this. West Ham United is firmly behind him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Team News: Moyes offers update on Chicharito, Carroll and Reid
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has insisted injuries will not be used as an excuse by West Ham United, with a couple of key players set to be absent for this weekend's match with Manchester City.
The Hammers head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to take on Pep Guardiola's Premier League leaders.
West Ham are poised to be without a few players for the latest game, according to Moyes, but the manager is adamant that he won't let absentees be a defence for a poor performance.
"We've got a few injured players," Moyes told his pre-Manchester City press conference: "I don't want to be somebody that talks about injuries but we've got a few injuries.
"It does make the task much more difficult, because of the lack of experience and probably players who might be seen as some of our better players. But if we talk about injuries all the time it will, in some way, be used as an excuse. I don't want to do that.
If we talk about injuries all the time it will be used as an excuse. I don't want to do that. I'd rather stand up with what I've got.
David Moyes
"I'd rather stand up with what I've got and give the players that are in the team confidence that we believe in them and trust in them. We will have some other people that will come into the team. It might not just be this game, it might be other games as well, because we've got a few long-term injuries.
"We're going to go to Manchester City and try and put on a good show and take something from the game. Ultimately, that's what we have to do."
The Irons were without striker Andy Carroll and Chicharito for Wednesday's defeat to Everton and Moyes has confirmed that West Ham will be missing the attacking duo once again.
A late check will also be given to Winston Reid, who limped out of the match at Goodison Park.
Moyes said: "Andy Carroll's not back yet and Chicharito is not back yet. We've got a few missing just now. It's the same at all other clubs.
"Winston Reid; we will check him out tomorrow. Jose Fonte is a long-term injury. It's a couple of months before he's back in the fold."
With Joe Hart unavailable to play against parent club Manchester City this weekend it is likely that Adrian will be given his first Premier League appearance of the season.
Moyes is looking forward to watching the Spaniard in action and has called on the goalkeeper to show his ability now he has an opportunity to feature.
"I think when you get in, show me what you can do. Ultimately that's the same with all players. When you get your chance, you've got to show you're good enough to play and that's the same, not just for Adrian, but for everybody else as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: THE BLOGGERS MEETING WITH KARREN BRADY
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 1 DECEMBER 2017 AT 11:04PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Kevin Slade (Sex, Drugs, & Carlton Cole) with help from ExWHUEmployee
Last night we were called to a third meeting with Karren Brady at the London stadium regarding current affairs at the club. Myself, Dave, and Ex were in attendance representing our respective social media platforms, as were Nicky and Ryan from West Ham fan TV, Blowing Bubbles magazine's David Blackmore, and a representative from KUMB. The meeting began discussing the playing staff; although Karren immediately dismissed any involvement with the team herself, she was in agreement that it's just not good enough at present and the club are doing all they can to put this right. This followed on to the club's financial state – rumours have been circulating the internet in recent weeks claiming a transfer budget for David Moyes will be around £20m – £30m in the January transfer window. I can categorically tell you now that no transfer budget for January has yet been disclosed by the club (as confirmed by Karren). No players have a relegation release clause either; Winston Reid had one but that was taken out. To her credit, Karren was very open, responsive, and gave us very detailed explanations to every question everyone asked her, which now brings me to the Financial Fair Play rules (FFP) in the Premier League.
For those that don't understand the FFP, I will try to explain this as clearly as possible: The Premier League has its own form of financial regulation which is not as stringent as Uefa's version of FFP. The Premier League also has a short-term cost control measure in which clubs are restricted in the amount of increased PL central funds that can be used to improve player wages. Outside of these obligations it is up to individual clubs, who all have their own directors and senior executives, to make decisions over how they spend their income. In a nut shell, it is not determined on how wealthy the club owner is. It's based on the club's seasonal income. Wondering why Manchester City can spend whatever they like? Because they're branded by their owner's own business which includes their stadium naming rights. Example: If we were branded by Ann Summers, we would be able to do the same. Unfortunately Ann Summers isn't a big enough business to do so! She explained in depth this is how we've been able to smash our transfer record on Marko Arnautovic, and our wage cap on Javier Hernandez.
Other finances such as club debt, income, and ticketing were brought up by all in attendance. As were other points:-
CLUB DEBT: The club's 'debt' currently stands at £50m. However, West Ham United football club is clear of all debt. The 'debt' was transferred from the West Ham united accounts in to another business which effectively means its being used as an 'overdraft', as opposed to 'being in the red' so to speak. As we all know, using an overdraft also comes with interest… this interest currently stands at 3%…
INCOME: The club are obviously generating a greater income to that at the Boleyn Ground since moving to the London stadium. Karren was adamant that the income is being put back into the club for player wages, renewing contracts, bigger transfer budgets, improving Rush Green training ground etc.
TRANSFER POLICY:
Potential players coming in to the club was confirmed as a joint effort collectively between the manager, David Sullivan, Tony Henry, and scouts. However the manager has the absolute final say on any transfer dealings.
TICKETING: 'Affordable football' was the topic of discussion at this stage. The club currently have 10k season tickets at £99 each. The £70/£80 tickets for children (Band 1) are in the 1966 seats, and this was justified by wealthier families purchasing these tickets for the experience.
Should the worst happen and we get relegated, ticketing all over the stadium will be reduced. Karren also confirmed that the season ticket waiting list stands at 50k.
There was talk about speaking to Chelsea and looking at ways to put on away trains solely for West Ham fans
STADIUM MODIFICATION:
There are no current plans for any structural modification to the London stadium. However there is a long term plan in place to square off the arches at the front of the stands, and fill the voids in the corners.
The club have also dismissed the idea of claret Astro turf surrounding the pitch because it was too expensive as "rubbish". The LLDC will only comply with the club if the surrounding Astro turf is 'London stadium blue', which the club will absolutely not go ahead with as its Tottenham's colours. The club are making a genuine attempt to have this overturned & are extremely confident in doing so.
The Bobby Moore statue is expected to be removed from Upton Park & will be at the London stadium as of next season. A location for it is yet to be decided.
BOLEYN CASTLE RETURN:
The club are open to the idea of the castle returning to programmes and on the walls. Stencils on the side of the stadium, or having a castle feature hanging inside the concourse are being discussed, but not confirmed. Timelines of our history may appear outside and pictures in the ground from great days gone by.
FUTURE FIXTURES COINCIDING WITH ATHLETICS:
Future home fixtures at the London stadium will no longer coincide with athletics. Future Boxing Day home fixtures haven't been ruled out either.
CURRENT BADGE/CREST:
The club are aware that the majority of the supporters aren't keen on the current badge. Ideas and suggestions have been noted and taken into consideration.
MUSEUM MEMORABILIA:
The memorabilia from the museum at the Boleyn Ground is in storage. Ideas & locations around the London stadium are currently in discussion for its use.
ACCESS TRIALS:
Access to the London stadium is constantly being trialled at home games for supporters and disabled supporters. Westfield have agreed to allow disabled supporters to travel through the shopping centre to make their journey easier.
Finally, the board take full responsibility regarding mistakes that were made during the transition to the new stadium. Karren acknowledged that the 95% of fans happy with the stadium stat was just a throwaway figure mentioned by David Sullivan in a Sky interview and wasn't based on any research. They're proactively noting ideas on how to improve a match day experience for West Ham supporters & making it feel more like 'home'. It was a very productive meeting which lasted up to almost three hours, and everyone present put forward some valid points and asked some important questions which were answered in detail by Karren.
Kevin Slade
(Sex, Drugs, & Carlton Cole)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are back in Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to league leaders Manchester City.
Read on for all the information you need to know about the match with City, including team news, how to follow the action, and how to get there:
Where and when?
Manchester City v West Ham United will be played on Sunday 3 December at the Etihad Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00pm.
How to follow:
Manchester City v West Ham will be shown live on Sky Sports, on the Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event channels. Coverage will begin at 3:30pm.
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.
Live audio coverage will be provided from BBC Radio 5 Live.
Meet the opposition:
0:24
Team news:
David Moyes will offer an update to the media on Friday afternoon about his squad during his pre-Manchester City press-conference.
Stay close to the official West Ham United channels for extensive coverage of the press-conference, as well as confirmation of team news and player availability as and when available.
Match Officials:
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant Referees: Simon Long and Dan Cook
Fourth Official: Mike Jones
Last Five Meetings:
0:39
What they Say:
"We need to get back to work and try and get some points. We need to stay strong, be men, take responsibility and move forward."
Andre Ayew
How to get there:
The Etihad Stadium has its own Metrolink stop on the East Manchester line, named Etihad Campus. This can be reached from either Manchester Victoria or Piccadilly railway stations, with a journey time of roughly eight minutes.
By Train
Leave the M6 at Junction 19 and follow the A556, then join the M56. Continue onto the M60 passing Stockport and heading on towards Ashton Under Lyne. Leave the M60 at Junction 23 and take the A635 towards Manchester. Branch off onto the A662.
By Car:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Expectations, Improvements & Academy prospects
WHUFC.com
David Moyes spoke to the media on Friday ahead of West Ham United's clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
The Hammers boss discussed how his side can stop City's attack, the chance he's willing to give Academy players, and the expectations on his team…
'There is an expectation to be competitive'
Heading into Sunday's match Manchester City are in incredible form, with Pep Guardiola's side only dropping points on one occasion so far this season.
With West Ham currently occupying the bottom three Moyes admits that, to the neutral, this weekend's match could be a foregone conclusion.
However, the manager believes there is still an expectation of his side to perform and try to get a positive result, with Moyes anticipating a competitive showing from his side against the Citizens.
"Against Manchester City there's probably less expectations on you in many ways, but we've got to find a way of going there, being competitive and in the game," Moyes said.
"I don't want to say there's no expectation. There is an expectation. We have to try and win all the games. We're in a worse position than Manchester City. They might be saying they have to win to stay at the top but our position is as big in that we have to get away from the wrong end of the table.
"I see the players here having a strong mentality and a fighting spirit to make things right. We've tried to do bits to have a better shape and start from a stronger position."
'Manchester City will be beaten…I hope it's us'
Moyes has previously stated his stance that he believes he has a team that is capable of winning every game, something which hasn't changed heading into the match with City.
He said: "I don't think I've ever gone into any game not thinking we're going to win, or we've got a chance of winning, or we're going to get something out of it."
Although Guardiola's side are currently unbeaten this campaign Moyes does not believe that means it's impossible to take points off of them, pointing to how well some of City's recent opponents have performed.
And the Scotsman is confident his West Ham team can do the same on Sunday.
He added: "Undoubtedly, we're going up against the most in-form team in the league. But that doesn't mean to say they're unbeatable, because they will be beaten somewhere. We hope that it's us.
"I think we've seen some teams play well against them. Huddersfield had a real go. Southampton had a really good go. I think there's ways to play against them. I think they've got weaknesses and I don't think they are completely unflappable in what they've got.
"I think what they have got, going forward, is people who can really create chances, take chances, and be very clinical. We've got to try and make sure we're in the game all the way and give ourselves every chance."
'The players are trying to improve and get better'
The Hammers are yet to collect a victory under David Moyes but, despite this, the former Everton and Sunderland boss has picked out signs of encouragement in all of his new side's matches so far.
The manager feels that, more than anything, individual player errors have been the main cause of goals being conceded so far, something he is eager to iron out.
And the biggest positive for Moyes has been a willingness from his players to make a marked improvement.
"There's been bits of encouragement in all the games. I think Leicester was probably our best all-round performance, even though it probably was only good for one half of the game. I thought it was the same in the Everton game. I thought for 20 minutes of the second half we were okay and we gave ourselves a chance.
"I think there's been moments where we've looked okay. The biggest thing is the players are trying to improve and get better. The hard bit to take is when it becomes individual mistakes which I think a lot of our goals conceded have come down to recently."
'If you look back at my history, I've always played young players'
"If I could play young players I would do," Moyes told his press-conference when asked about the possibility of giving some Academy graduates a chance in his first team.
Moyes has had an Academy graduate involved in each of his matchday squads since taking over at West Ham with the likes of Declan Rice, Domingos Quina and Toni Martinez all a part of at least one Premier League squad since his appointment.
The boss is eager to give these youngsters – and indeed others – the chance to play but says the onus is on them to prove that they are worth inclusion in the first team and then to justify a continued selection.
Moyes continued: "If you look back at my history, I've always played young players. But you have to do it at the right time and the right moments. Also, I've got to say, I've got to see enough from the young players to suggest they are better than the players who are in just now.
"We've got two or three young players making the bench right now. If any of them get an opportunity we will give them every chance to show what they can do. But they need to show us, if they get in, that they are capable of staying in."
'I've really enjoyed returning to the Premier League'
Although results haven't quite gone his way yet, Moyes is relishing life back in the Premier League.
The West Ham coach is pointed to the Club's owners and the fans for their brilliant support, which is making his role with the Irons all the more pleasant.
"Apart from the result the other night I've really enjoyed it," Moyes said. "The Club's been great. The owners have been terrific and the support behind the scenes has been terrific.
"The support from West Ham supporters as well. West Ham supporters know how difficult the job is and they know the situation we are in. At the moment, apart from the midweek result, I've been really enjoying it."
'I'm focusing on the players that are here, not the players that are elsewhere'
Moyes was also questioned about potential additions to his team in the January transfer window, but the manager is currently focused on building a winning side with the players currently available.
He said: "They told me when I came that if things were needed in January it would be possible to do so. But I'm focusing on the players that are here, not the players that are elsewhere just now.
"I have to try and get a team from what we have in the squad. We want to get a team, a winning team, from what we've got. If we're struggling we might have to look at other players to do that."
Moyes admitted he is yet to look at potential signings anyway, having been in the job less than a month, and will look to guidance from his coaching team should they decide to make any signings.
"I've only been here two or three weeks. To have done all that work, and be prepared, I don't think anybody could do that in that short time. But I do expect the staff that work here and the people in that department will have me plenty of people to look at recommend, and if I think it's needed nearer the time I'll go and see them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
London Stadium: A statement from West Ham United
WHUFC.com
Following the release of the Mayor of London's independent review of London Stadium today, West Ham United have issued the following statement:
"As the report confirms, the Concession Agreement is a watertight, legally binding contract signed in 2013 in good faith by West Ham United, who remain absolutely committed to its terms for the entire 99-year duration.
"We have delivered everything we committed to within the Concession Agreement, and act as the primary vehicle for London Stadium's legacy, delivering its most watched sporting spectacles, revenue driving events and thousands of jobs for local people.
"It is not in West Ham United's interests for the Stadium to not be performing in line with aspiration and, as we have done ever since moving to Stratford in the summer of 2016, we continue to offer the benefit of our commercial expertise and substantial experience in managing successful stadia.
"West Ham United will continue to devote our absolute commitment to London Stadium, but our first priority in this sense is always to act in the best interests of our supporters.
"We fully concur that West Ham United has played a significant part in the most successful regeneration programme in the history of the modern Olympics, however the stadium itself craves renewed leadership and direction and we welcome the Mayor's decision to step in and deliver this. West Ham United is firmly behind him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Team News: Moyes offers update on Chicharito, Carroll and Reid
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has insisted injuries will not be used as an excuse by West Ham United, with a couple of key players set to be absent for this weekend's match with Manchester City.
The Hammers head to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to take on Pep Guardiola's Premier League leaders.
West Ham are poised to be without a few players for the latest game, according to Moyes, but the manager is adamant that he won't let absentees be a defence for a poor performance.
"We've got a few injured players," Moyes told his pre-Manchester City press conference: "I don't want to be somebody that talks about injuries but we've got a few injuries.
"It does make the task much more difficult, because of the lack of experience and probably players who might be seen as some of our better players. But if we talk about injuries all the time it will, in some way, be used as an excuse. I don't want to do that.
If we talk about injuries all the time it will be used as an excuse. I don't want to do that. I'd rather stand up with what I've got.
David Moyes
"I'd rather stand up with what I've got and give the players that are in the team confidence that we believe in them and trust in them. We will have some other people that will come into the team. It might not just be this game, it might be other games as well, because we've got a few long-term injuries.
"We're going to go to Manchester City and try and put on a good show and take something from the game. Ultimately, that's what we have to do."
The Irons were without striker Andy Carroll and Chicharito for Wednesday's defeat to Everton and Moyes has confirmed that West Ham will be missing the attacking duo once again.
A late check will also be given to Winston Reid, who limped out of the match at Goodison Park.
Moyes said: "Andy Carroll's not back yet and Chicharito is not back yet. We've got a few missing just now. It's the same at all other clubs.
"Winston Reid; we will check him out tomorrow. Jose Fonte is a long-term injury. It's a couple of months before he's back in the fold."
With Joe Hart unavailable to play against parent club Manchester City this weekend it is likely that Adrian will be given his first Premier League appearance of the season.
Moyes is looking forward to watching the Spaniard in action and has called on the goalkeeper to show his ability now he has an opportunity to feature.
"I think when you get in, show me what you can do. Ultimately that's the same with all players. When you get your chance, you've got to show you're good enough to play and that's the same, not just for Adrian, but for everybody else as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: THE BLOGGERS MEETING WITH KARREN BRADY
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 1 DECEMBER 2017 AT 11:04PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Kevin Slade (Sex, Drugs, & Carlton Cole) with help from ExWHUEmployee
Last night we were called to a third meeting with Karren Brady at the London stadium regarding current affairs at the club. Myself, Dave, and Ex were in attendance representing our respective social media platforms, as were Nicky and Ryan from West Ham fan TV, Blowing Bubbles magazine's David Blackmore, and a representative from KUMB. The meeting began discussing the playing staff; although Karren immediately dismissed any involvement with the team herself, she was in agreement that it's just not good enough at present and the club are doing all they can to put this right. This followed on to the club's financial state – rumours have been circulating the internet in recent weeks claiming a transfer budget for David Moyes will be around £20m – £30m in the January transfer window. I can categorically tell you now that no transfer budget for January has yet been disclosed by the club (as confirmed by Karren). No players have a relegation release clause either; Winston Reid had one but that was taken out. To her credit, Karren was very open, responsive, and gave us very detailed explanations to every question everyone asked her, which now brings me to the Financial Fair Play rules (FFP) in the Premier League.
For those that don't understand the FFP, I will try to explain this as clearly as possible: The Premier League has its own form of financial regulation which is not as stringent as Uefa's version of FFP. The Premier League also has a short-term cost control measure in which clubs are restricted in the amount of increased PL central funds that can be used to improve player wages. Outside of these obligations it is up to individual clubs, who all have their own directors and senior executives, to make decisions over how they spend their income. In a nut shell, it is not determined on how wealthy the club owner is. It's based on the club's seasonal income. Wondering why Manchester City can spend whatever they like? Because they're branded by their owner's own business which includes their stadium naming rights. Example: If we were branded by Ann Summers, we would be able to do the same. Unfortunately Ann Summers isn't a big enough business to do so! She explained in depth this is how we've been able to smash our transfer record on Marko Arnautovic, and our wage cap on Javier Hernandez.
Other finances such as club debt, income, and ticketing were brought up by all in attendance. As were other points:-
CLUB DEBT: The club's 'debt' currently stands at £50m. However, West Ham United football club is clear of all debt. The 'debt' was transferred from the West Ham united accounts in to another business which effectively means its being used as an 'overdraft', as opposed to 'being in the red' so to speak. As we all know, using an overdraft also comes with interest… this interest currently stands at 3%…
INCOME: The club are obviously generating a greater income to that at the Boleyn Ground since moving to the London stadium. Karren was adamant that the income is being put back into the club for player wages, renewing contracts, bigger transfer budgets, improving Rush Green training ground etc.
TRANSFER POLICY:
Potential players coming in to the club was confirmed as a joint effort collectively between the manager, David Sullivan, Tony Henry, and scouts. However the manager has the absolute final say on any transfer dealings.
TICKETING: 'Affordable football' was the topic of discussion at this stage. The club currently have 10k season tickets at £99 each. The £70/£80 tickets for children (Band 1) are in the 1966 seats, and this was justified by wealthier families purchasing these tickets for the experience.
Should the worst happen and we get relegated, ticketing all over the stadium will be reduced. Karren also confirmed that the season ticket waiting list stands at 50k.
There was talk about speaking to Chelsea and looking at ways to put on away trains solely for West Ham fans
STADIUM MODIFICATION:
There are no current plans for any structural modification to the London stadium. However there is a long term plan in place to square off the arches at the front of the stands, and fill the voids in the corners.
The club have also dismissed the idea of claret Astro turf surrounding the pitch because it was too expensive as "rubbish". The LLDC will only comply with the club if the surrounding Astro turf is 'London stadium blue', which the club will absolutely not go ahead with as its Tottenham's colours. The club are making a genuine attempt to have this overturned & are extremely confident in doing so.
The Bobby Moore statue is expected to be removed from Upton Park & will be at the London stadium as of next season. A location for it is yet to be decided.
BOLEYN CASTLE RETURN:
The club are open to the idea of the castle returning to programmes and on the walls. Stencils on the side of the stadium, or having a castle feature hanging inside the concourse are being discussed, but not confirmed. Timelines of our history may appear outside and pictures in the ground from great days gone by.
FUTURE FIXTURES COINCIDING WITH ATHLETICS:
Future home fixtures at the London stadium will no longer coincide with athletics. Future Boxing Day home fixtures haven't been ruled out either.
CURRENT BADGE/CREST:
The club are aware that the majority of the supporters aren't keen on the current badge. Ideas and suggestions have been noted and taken into consideration.
MUSEUM MEMORABILIA:
The memorabilia from the museum at the Boleyn Ground is in storage. Ideas & locations around the London stadium are currently in discussion for its use.
ACCESS TRIALS:
Access to the London stadium is constantly being trialled at home games for supporters and disabled supporters. Westfield have agreed to allow disabled supporters to travel through the shopping centre to make their journey easier.
Finally, the board take full responsibility regarding mistakes that were made during the transition to the new stadium. Karren acknowledged that the 95% of fans happy with the stadium stat was just a throwaway figure mentioned by David Sullivan in a Sky interview and wasn't based on any research. They're proactively noting ideas on how to improve a match day experience for West Ham supporters & making it feel more like 'home'. It was a very productive meeting which lasted up to almost three hours, and everyone present put forward some valid points and asked some important questions which were answered in detail by Karren.
Kevin Slade
(Sex, Drugs, & Carlton Cole)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, December 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st December 2017
Pedro Obiang recalls the day he finally broke his West Ham duck
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang recalls the day he finally broke his duck in a West Ham United
shirt, in a 3-1 win at Southampton on 4 February 2017…
THE BUILD-UP
For many West Ham United players, the wait for their first goal in Claret
and Blue was a short one. Among those to have scored on their debuts were
Carlton Cole, Bobby Zamora, Mauro Zarate, Ian Wright, Alvin Martin, Tony
Cottee and 1940 War Cup final hero Sam Small. For others, however, the same
wait goes on seemingly forever, with supporters beginning to ask if he will
ever find the net for the Hammers. Two-time Hammer of the Year Steve Potts,
who famously scored just once in 505 appearances, had to wait until his
118th game to register his first goal for the Club, against Hull City in
1990. Another defensive great, Ken Brown, marked his 279th appearance, a 5-0
thrashing of Birmingham City in October 1962, to net the first of his three
West Ham goals. And spare a thought for Alfred Earl, too. The right-back
played 206 times between 1925 and 1933 and did not score a single goal – the
most games played by a West Ham outfield player without finding the back of
the net. As the calendar flipped from January to February 2017, Pedro Obiang
was still anxiously awaiting his first goal in a Claret and Blue shirt. The
Spanish midfielder had, to be brutally honest, not really threatened to get
off the mark, firing a few hopeful shots narrowly wide, over or close enough
to the goalkeeper to be saved fairly comfortably. Hammers fans were
beginning to wonder if the popular Obiang, who was enjoying a breakout
second season at the Club, would ever be able to celebrate a West Ham goal
of his own. "Scoring goals is not my main job, of course, but I wanted to
score one!" the 25-year-old reflected, with a smile. "I had to wait for a
long time for my first goal at Sampdoria, so maybe we should not be
surprised that we had to wait a long time for my first goal at West Ham. "I
did try to score before, though, I promise. I had some shots, but for
whatever reason, they didn't go in!"
THE MATCH
West Ham's 2016/17 season was something of a stop-start struggle from the
off. Five defeats in six Premier League matches left the Hammers in the
relegation zone and only a run of three slightly fortuitous straight wins in
December pulled them into the relative comfort of mid-table. Back-to-back
and convincing victories at the end of January, at home to Crystal Palace
and at Middlesbrough, saw Slaven Bilic's side rise to a season-high tenth in
the table. A humbling 4-0 home defeat by Manchester City soured moods
somewhat, but West Ham still travelled to Southampton with confidence on 4
February. Obiang was named in the team for his 55th Hammers appearance. That
confidence looked to have evaporated just 12 minutes in, when Saints new boy
Manolo Gabbiadini marked his own debut by blasting high past Darren
Randolph. Two minutes later, however, Man of the Match Obiang took
centre-stage for the first time, threading a superb through ball for Andy
Carroll, who converted his fourth in four games with aplomb. And seconds
before half-time, the No14 finally broke his duck to put West Ham into a
lead they would never relinquish. When Southampton cleared a corner only as
far as Obiang, he took a touch and sent an accurate, low, skimming –
'bobbling' may be a fairer description – shot through a forest of legs and
into the bottom left-hand corner of Fraser Forster's net. Cue wild
celebrations. Obiang was mobbed by his happy teammates and lifted into the
air by Winston Reid. In the stands, the fans marked the big moment with a
cheer and a song for their new goalscoring hero.
Captain Mark Noble would add a third goal after the break and West Ham went
on to win 3-1, delighting Obiang. "For the team, for the supporters and for
the Club this is great, because after the game against Manchester City we
were all angry. That's normal, but after today we can be calm for this week
and try to take another three points on Saturday against West Bromwich. "I
was happy for the supporters – we had over 3,000 of them there and they come
every time.
"I know we have nice supporters. They come to us every time, whether we have
lost or won."
THE REACTION
Obiang was naturally delighted to score his first goal for the Club, all the
more so because he had recently become a father for the first time, with
baby Jeremih being born in summer 2016. "It feels very, very good to score
my first goal for West Ham," he beamed. "This goal is for my baby because I
am now a Dad, and I am very happy because many times I have seen the other
guys score. I've enjoyed that and now I have scored, so I am very happy.
"One time before, the same ball arrived and I tried to cross. When it came
to me again I thought 'it's your time'. If I score, then OK, and if not, no
worries. This time I scored! "It was important for us to go in front at that
stage. We started the game well, but they scored quickly and we needed to
recover. We did that, and then after my goal we had a really nice game."
Unfortunately, West Ham would fail to build on their morale-boosting win at
St Mary's Stadium, failing to win any of their next seven matches to slip
down the table. By 8 April, the Hammers were 15th and needed a vital 1-0
home win over Swansea City – the first of five games unbeaten – and a 2-1
final-day win at Burnley to end the season in a creditable eleventh
position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chantelle Mackie marvels at morale
WHUFC.com
"Just mention about when Hannah Wheeler dropped her phone down the toilet,"
Chantelle Mackie says, while grinning mischievously. Mackie is eager to make
sure her defensive teammate's mishap is included – a sign of the bond that
she shares with Wheeler and indeed the rest of the squad at the West Ham
United Ladies.
"She was so distressed and it was so funny," Mackie continued. "It was
honestly one of the funniest moments so far this year and only she and I saw
it happen. But that's just the nature of the team. We can banter each other
about anything! "We're all like a family now which is really nice. We are
all really close which is a massive help."
A major aspect of that feeling comes from the 3-1 win away at Charlton
Athletic last month – a result the Ladies are still talking about. Mackie
says the win over the league leaders at The Valley cannot be underplayed,
highlighting the importance of the victory on West Ham's confidence. She
said: "I think it gave us a massive confidence boost. From that win, we
started to believe in ourselves a whole lot more. It helped us so much and I
don't think the significance of that result can be understated. "Everyone
after that game seemed to realise that we are good players and we can play
good football."
While manager Greg de Carnys is happy to try different approaches on the
pitch, it appears the first-team boss is happy with his defensive line.
Mackie, the right-back in the usual set-up, believes that comes from hard
work on the training pitch. "We all work really well together," she said on
the defence: "Our communication is excellent and we all work off each other.
If one of us is stepping up the other three are there, covering them. It's
almost instinctual now. We've got a really good understanding. "We've worked
a lot on it, especially communicating. We know we need to pass messages all
along the line and through the team and our development and progress as a
back-four really shows in our games."
Despite being the Ladies' No2, Mackie isn't scared to push up the field, and
harbours a desire to get on the score-sheet at least once this season. "I've
been a right-back for eight years and I really enjoy defending and putting
in the tackles. I do really enjoy attacking though. I do want to get more
assists and maybe try to get at least one goal as well – I'd really like
that." But if she had to pick between a goal and a clean-sheet? "I'd always
pick a clean-sheet over getting a goal any day. Those are more important to
the team, 100 per cent. "We just want to keep winning and get up the table.
We're focused on the football, and the next game. We're all improving in the
present. "And I would really like a goal!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian returns for City test
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Reserve goalkeeper Adrian is set to return to first team action this Sunday
when West Ham tackle Manchester City at the Etihad. The Spanish stopper has
had to settle for a spot on the bench for much of the campaign following the
arrival of Joe Hart on a season-long loan. However with the England
international prevented from playing against his parent club this weekend,
Adrian is poised to make his first Premier League start since May, some six
months ago. The 30-year-old, a regular first team member under Sam Allardyce
and Slaven BIlic (for most of his tenure) has made just three appearances so
far this season, all in the EFL Cup.
During those three matches Adrian has managed to keep clean sheets against
League One Cheltenham and Championship side Bolton, something Hart has
failed to achieve in his last seven appearances (albeit against Premier
League opposition). Hart was roundly condemned last night for the error that
led to Everton's third goal, when his attempted clearance fell at the feet
of Wayne Rooney - who sent it straight back into an empty net from the half
way line. Should Adrian perform well this coming Sunday, he could spark a
major battle for the number one slot once again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate under fire from fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Cheik Kouyate has come in for some heavy critricism from
supporters after a video illustrating how he failed to track his marker was
published on social media. The 16-second short details how the Senegal
international allowed veteran Wayne Rooney to sprint past him before
applying the finish for Everton's second goal in last night's crushing 4-0
defeat at Goodison Park. And it has been used as a prime example of the
perceived general lack of fitness and effort from some of West Ham's senior
players. "The spine of the team is weak and they lack discipline, passion
and courage," wrote KUMB member ads78. "Kouyate should both be nowhere near
a team that needs to be fighting for every point - he lacks the discipline
to be a top class footballer." "He plainly doesn't bother to chase back -
Rooney ran straight past him and left him for dead," added Crossd-Hammrs.
"Kouyate gives up before the ball is crossed and makes minimal effort as it
goes past him to Rooney. Too many players have been lazy for too long."
Already many fans have called for the reinstatement of club captain Mark
Noble, who has spent the first two of David Moyes' three matches on the
bench.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Time to stand up and be counted, says Ayew
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Andre Ayew says that he and his team mates need to begin shouldering
responsibility for West Ham's below par performances. The Ghanaian
international started last night as West Ham were thrashed 4-0 by fellow
strugglers Everton, leaving David Moyes' side firmly entrenched in a
relegation battle. And with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal to follow
in the next three games, Ayew says it's time the squad started to show a
little fight. There are no words. We came here with lots of determination
to do something," he said in reaction to last night's defeat. "We leave here
with zero points and four goals conceded. It's not normal. "We need to stay
strong, be men, take responsibility and move forward. It's not going to be
easy. It'll be difficult as we have tough games coming up - but we need to
tune our minds, fight and try and get the maximum points that we can from
those games. "It's been frustrating, but we need to turn our season around."
Last night's defeat left West Ham in 18th spot in the Premier League with
just 10 points from their opening 14 matches - one more than Crystal Palace
and Swansea, who could both rise above the Hammers this weekend with a point
each.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes sweating on scan results
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes expects Andy Carroll to return for this weekend's trip to
Manchester City - but is sweating on the results of a scan on defender
Winston Reid. Moyes, whose team were beaten 4-0 by fellow relegation
candidates Everton last night is facing a fresh injury crisis after losing
two of his key first team players within the last 48 hours. However the big
striker - who was once again absent last night - should return in time to
face the league leaders at the Etihad this weekend, according to a
shellshocked Moyes. "We don't think his [Andy's] injury is that bad," he
told the media following last night's reversal. "We had it scanned and
nothing showed up."
Meanwhile Reid - who had only recently returned to the first team - is
expected to undergo a scan today in order to determine the extent of the
damaged sustained to his hamstring which, depending on the severity, could
keep him out of action for anywhere between two and six weeks. Slightly
better news for Moyes was the return to first team action last night for
Michail Antonio, whilst key striker Javier Hernandez - who has also been
sidelined in recent weeks with a hamstring, picked up on international duty
- is touch and go for this Sunday's trip to Manchester.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MOYES NEEDS TO LEARN FAST.
By Blind Hammer 30 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer reflects on another dismal performance.
One of the more memorable remarks Moyes made on entering the London Stadium
was to claim he was a "man in a hurry". The point however is to not just
hurry but know where you are going. Most people finally now accept that the
most important, distressing tactical weakness that West Ham has displayed
over the last 18 months has been their abject defending. It is only a
sadness that this obvious weakness was never addressed in the summer
recruitment priorities and we stumbled into the season with a limited set of
largely aged and/or injury prone defenders. The club were so obsessed with
remedying Carroll's and Sakho's injury issues they completely ignored this
more critical weakness. My readers will know this inept glamour recruitment
policy worried me sick over the summer and I feel even worse now.
The consequences of this strategic folly are now coming home to roost. Clubs
struggling before they play us all manage to score freely. Brighton
Southampton Newcastle and now Everton have all recovered their form against
us. Crystal Palace was unfortunate to only score 2.
Over the last 18 months the only consistent defensive solidity that Bilic
has ever achieved has been with a defensive three, most effective when
marshalled by James Collins. It is a mark of our current defensive weakness
that the return of the injury prone Collins, a passionate and committed but
limited player at the end of his career is now look upon as a possible
saving grace for our team in the weeks ahead.
Yet Bilic never embraced the 3 at the back in his squad strategy and
stubbornly insisted on developing a glamour team built on lose sand,
erecting a failed flimsy and rickety defensive setup.
Now Moyes has come to the helm he appears to share Bilic's analysis of the
squad and he also has tried to set up a team with a flat back four. The
results so far are sadly completely predictable and West Ham continues to
ship goals at a rate of 2-3 goals a game. The Moyes' magic wand could not
reasonably be expected to work on a unit which had failed for the previous
18 months.
Moyes is also obviously limited by the squad options he has inherited. It
seems unlikely that with any defensive cover of quality that Obonna would
have retained his place. Certainly Tomkins would walk into this side. Before
and during the game many called for Declan rice's inclusion. However the
Premiership is a tough baptism for an 18 year old and when Rice eventually
entered the frayed he was instantly beaten by Williams for Everton's third
goal. The squad will need a major defensive overhaul in January and the
reported "war chest" of £20 million for Moyes will not be anything like
enough. In fact it is laughably inadequate. I can only hope that this figure
is an attempt to depress market transfer expectations with a higher figure
held up a sleeve. If we, for example, managed to attract a buyer for Obonna
it is likely that we would have to let him go on the cheap or alternatively
pay him off to leave as, his wages far exceed that which could be afforded
by Italian clubs. Similarly for Jose Fonte, which club in Europe could
afford a defender on £65,000 a week? We are unlikely to achieve any value
out of these transfers.
It seems that we need to recruit at least 2 centre backs, at least 1,
arguably 2 full back and bolster up midfield with pace and aggression. I
hope that this recruitment is on track now for the beginning of January
rather than waiting for the slam door at the end. We are in a hurry to
recruit and we cannot play the longer game looking for value at the last
minute.
Still there are several weeks during which we will need to work with our
current squad. It may be that Moyes will prove me wrong but by persisting
with a back 4 we will simply invite heavy defeats not just against the big
clubs but the likes of Bournemouth and Stoke. Planning for 3 at the back now
will not necessarily prevent further defeat, but may limit the confidence
shattering heavy reverses we experience against poor or average sides.
It is not fair to criticise Moya so early but in his own words there are
difficulties that he will have to learn fast about if we are to recover any
semblance of form Orr confidence. I can accept for example, that he may want
to build a team around the strengths of Andy Carroll. However Carroll's
propensity to injury should not be a shock. A plan B of replacing Carroll
with Ayew as a like for like is surely not viable in a team set up to play a
long ball? I imagine Chico will similarly struggle with this kind of
service. In that context I can only conclude that Sakho's failure to start
reveals that his attitude in training must stink. If it is really that bad
he needs to be shipped out on January 1st and his replacement arrive
simultaneously. If it is to be long ball from now until the end of season so
be it, but recruit players for this plan rather than try to squeeze round
pegs into square holes.
COYI
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton reveals the dressing room nickname West Ham players had for new
West Brom boss Alan Pardew
Ex-West Ham star lifts lid on what Hammers stars called old boss
The Mirror
ByMatt Lawless
09:56, 30 NOV 2017
Dean Ashton has revealed the nickname what West Ham players had for Alan
Pardew : 'chocolate'. The retired former England striker now works as a
pundit.
Speaking to talkSPORT after Pardew's appointment as new West Bromwich Albion
boss, Ashton insisted that his ex-Hammers boss will do well at the
Hawthorns.
He believes Pardew's self-confidence will inspire the lowly Baggies after
explaining the West Ham dressing room's fond monicker for the 56-year-old.
"He's not short of confidence," said Ashton, who was signed by Pardew at
Upton Park for £7million from Norwich in 2006. "His nickname, and what he is
fondly know as, is 'chocolate' - because he would eat himself if he could.
"But that's what great about him. Players feed off that confidence and he'll
make you feel special as a player. "I remember when I signed for West Ham, I
went and met him at a hotel and he put on a PowerPoint presentation on how I
would integrate into the team, how the team would work around me and do you
know what, he wasn't lying. That was how it was. "It was all about how the
team attacked and how it got the best out of me. I'm sure he was saying that
to all the other players and that's what he is very, very good at."
Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss Pardew vowed to control his 'ego'
after he was unveiled by the Baggies on Wednesday, penning a
two-and-half-year contract to replace Tony Pulis . And Ashton, 34, reckons
Pardew will get the 17th placed Premier League club on a 'roll' with his
brand of attacking football.
"The first thing he'll look at is the way they attack teams because that's
his philosophy," he said. "He likes to play attacking football. "He's got a
bad reputation for some of the runs he has had at some clubs he has been at.
He certainly is a streaky manager. "But he's got two teams to the FA Cup
Final who probably had no right to get there. "I think that shows that when
he gets a group together, they really can get on a roll."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes reveals what he said to West Ham players in dressing room during
4-0 hammering by Everton
West Ham conceded four without reply and now sit in the relegation places
The Mirror
ByDavid Maddock
northern Football Correspondent
07:46, 30 NOV 2017
David Moyes has admitted he was ashamed to put his name to West Ham's first
half performance at Goodison. And while a good old fashioned half time
dressing room rollicking at least changed the Hammers' attitude after the
break, the new boss conceded that his team simply didn't deserve anything
after a 4-0 defeat by Everton. "The second half I could put my name to the
performance, I didn't want to put my name to the first half that's for
sure," he said. "We didn't perform in the first half so we didn't deserve
anything from the game, that's certain."
West Ham trailed 2-0 by the break after two strikes from the experienced
Wayne Rooney, but a missed penalty by Manuel Lanzini scuppered any fight
back, and Rooney produced a wonder goal from inside his own half to defend
Moyes to another defeat. It means he has spent 39 consecutive games in the
bottom three with Sunderland and now West Ham, just one shy of former
Swindon boss John Gorman's record. And the manager conceded he is concerned
about his side's attitude...especially with a visit to Manchester City
coming up at the weekend. "I got into them yes at half time, there were
tactical changes, but we had to improve mentally. Individual mistakes cost
us, each time," he said. "The three games we've been in, it's not tactical
or not that we are not running enough, it's just individual mistakes and we
have to eradicate them. "The first half worried me, yeah, because we were
submissive we never played, we never had a threat, in saying that we could
have gone in 2-1 and it would give us a lift. "But one thing I will say we
came out second half and gave it a real go, we improved and we had a chance
to get back into the game. I don't think the scoreline reflected the game."
Moyes is now looking for a miracle at City to kick start his side after
taking just a point from his first three matches in charge. "I have got to
hope that this is where 'you never know what happens in football' comes in.
"We are not favourites for sure, but you are expecting we will go there
(City) and get nothing, but you never know, it's exactly right – you never
know." Andy Carroll missed the trip to Goodison after twisting his knee is
training and is a doubt for the weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Pedro Obiang recalls the day he finally broke his duck in a West Ham United
shirt, in a 3-1 win at Southampton on 4 February 2017…
THE BUILD-UP
For many West Ham United players, the wait for their first goal in Claret
and Blue was a short one. Among those to have scored on their debuts were
Carlton Cole, Bobby Zamora, Mauro Zarate, Ian Wright, Alvin Martin, Tony
Cottee and 1940 War Cup final hero Sam Small. For others, however, the same
wait goes on seemingly forever, with supporters beginning to ask if he will
ever find the net for the Hammers. Two-time Hammer of the Year Steve Potts,
who famously scored just once in 505 appearances, had to wait until his
118th game to register his first goal for the Club, against Hull City in
1990. Another defensive great, Ken Brown, marked his 279th appearance, a 5-0
thrashing of Birmingham City in October 1962, to net the first of his three
West Ham goals. And spare a thought for Alfred Earl, too. The right-back
played 206 times between 1925 and 1933 and did not score a single goal – the
most games played by a West Ham outfield player without finding the back of
the net. As the calendar flipped from January to February 2017, Pedro Obiang
was still anxiously awaiting his first goal in a Claret and Blue shirt. The
Spanish midfielder had, to be brutally honest, not really threatened to get
off the mark, firing a few hopeful shots narrowly wide, over or close enough
to the goalkeeper to be saved fairly comfortably. Hammers fans were
beginning to wonder if the popular Obiang, who was enjoying a breakout
second season at the Club, would ever be able to celebrate a West Ham goal
of his own. "Scoring goals is not my main job, of course, but I wanted to
score one!" the 25-year-old reflected, with a smile. "I had to wait for a
long time for my first goal at Sampdoria, so maybe we should not be
surprised that we had to wait a long time for my first goal at West Ham. "I
did try to score before, though, I promise. I had some shots, but for
whatever reason, they didn't go in!"
THE MATCH
West Ham's 2016/17 season was something of a stop-start struggle from the
off. Five defeats in six Premier League matches left the Hammers in the
relegation zone and only a run of three slightly fortuitous straight wins in
December pulled them into the relative comfort of mid-table. Back-to-back
and convincing victories at the end of January, at home to Crystal Palace
and at Middlesbrough, saw Slaven Bilic's side rise to a season-high tenth in
the table. A humbling 4-0 home defeat by Manchester City soured moods
somewhat, but West Ham still travelled to Southampton with confidence on 4
February. Obiang was named in the team for his 55th Hammers appearance. That
confidence looked to have evaporated just 12 minutes in, when Saints new boy
Manolo Gabbiadini marked his own debut by blasting high past Darren
Randolph. Two minutes later, however, Man of the Match Obiang took
centre-stage for the first time, threading a superb through ball for Andy
Carroll, who converted his fourth in four games with aplomb. And seconds
before half-time, the No14 finally broke his duck to put West Ham into a
lead they would never relinquish. When Southampton cleared a corner only as
far as Obiang, he took a touch and sent an accurate, low, skimming –
'bobbling' may be a fairer description – shot through a forest of legs and
into the bottom left-hand corner of Fraser Forster's net. Cue wild
celebrations. Obiang was mobbed by his happy teammates and lifted into the
air by Winston Reid. In the stands, the fans marked the big moment with a
cheer and a song for their new goalscoring hero.
Captain Mark Noble would add a third goal after the break and West Ham went
on to win 3-1, delighting Obiang. "For the team, for the supporters and for
the Club this is great, because after the game against Manchester City we
were all angry. That's normal, but after today we can be calm for this week
and try to take another three points on Saturday against West Bromwich. "I
was happy for the supporters – we had over 3,000 of them there and they come
every time.
"I know we have nice supporters. They come to us every time, whether we have
lost or won."
THE REACTION
Obiang was naturally delighted to score his first goal for the Club, all the
more so because he had recently become a father for the first time, with
baby Jeremih being born in summer 2016. "It feels very, very good to score
my first goal for West Ham," he beamed. "This goal is for my baby because I
am now a Dad, and I am very happy because many times I have seen the other
guys score. I've enjoyed that and now I have scored, so I am very happy.
"One time before, the same ball arrived and I tried to cross. When it came
to me again I thought 'it's your time'. If I score, then OK, and if not, no
worries. This time I scored! "It was important for us to go in front at that
stage. We started the game well, but they scored quickly and we needed to
recover. We did that, and then after my goal we had a really nice game."
Unfortunately, West Ham would fail to build on their morale-boosting win at
St Mary's Stadium, failing to win any of their next seven matches to slip
down the table. By 8 April, the Hammers were 15th and needed a vital 1-0
home win over Swansea City – the first of five games unbeaten – and a 2-1
final-day win at Burnley to end the season in a creditable eleventh
position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chantelle Mackie marvels at morale
WHUFC.com
"Just mention about when Hannah Wheeler dropped her phone down the toilet,"
Chantelle Mackie says, while grinning mischievously. Mackie is eager to make
sure her defensive teammate's mishap is included – a sign of the bond that
she shares with Wheeler and indeed the rest of the squad at the West Ham
United Ladies.
"She was so distressed and it was so funny," Mackie continued. "It was
honestly one of the funniest moments so far this year and only she and I saw
it happen. But that's just the nature of the team. We can banter each other
about anything! "We're all like a family now which is really nice. We are
all really close which is a massive help."
A major aspect of that feeling comes from the 3-1 win away at Charlton
Athletic last month – a result the Ladies are still talking about. Mackie
says the win over the league leaders at The Valley cannot be underplayed,
highlighting the importance of the victory on West Ham's confidence. She
said: "I think it gave us a massive confidence boost. From that win, we
started to believe in ourselves a whole lot more. It helped us so much and I
don't think the significance of that result can be understated. "Everyone
after that game seemed to realise that we are good players and we can play
good football."
While manager Greg de Carnys is happy to try different approaches on the
pitch, it appears the first-team boss is happy with his defensive line.
Mackie, the right-back in the usual set-up, believes that comes from hard
work on the training pitch. "We all work really well together," she said on
the defence: "Our communication is excellent and we all work off each other.
If one of us is stepping up the other three are there, covering them. It's
almost instinctual now. We've got a really good understanding. "We've worked
a lot on it, especially communicating. We know we need to pass messages all
along the line and through the team and our development and progress as a
back-four really shows in our games."
Despite being the Ladies' No2, Mackie isn't scared to push up the field, and
harbours a desire to get on the score-sheet at least once this season. "I've
been a right-back for eight years and I really enjoy defending and putting
in the tackles. I do really enjoy attacking though. I do want to get more
assists and maybe try to get at least one goal as well – I'd really like
that." But if she had to pick between a goal and a clean-sheet? "I'd always
pick a clean-sheet over getting a goal any day. Those are more important to
the team, 100 per cent. "We just want to keep winning and get up the table.
We're focused on the football, and the next game. We're all improving in the
present. "And I would really like a goal!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian returns for City test
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Reserve goalkeeper Adrian is set to return to first team action this Sunday
when West Ham tackle Manchester City at the Etihad. The Spanish stopper has
had to settle for a spot on the bench for much of the campaign following the
arrival of Joe Hart on a season-long loan. However with the England
international prevented from playing against his parent club this weekend,
Adrian is poised to make his first Premier League start since May, some six
months ago. The 30-year-old, a regular first team member under Sam Allardyce
and Slaven BIlic (for most of his tenure) has made just three appearances so
far this season, all in the EFL Cup.
During those three matches Adrian has managed to keep clean sheets against
League One Cheltenham and Championship side Bolton, something Hart has
failed to achieve in his last seven appearances (albeit against Premier
League opposition). Hart was roundly condemned last night for the error that
led to Everton's third goal, when his attempted clearance fell at the feet
of Wayne Rooney - who sent it straight back into an empty net from the half
way line. Should Adrian perform well this coming Sunday, he could spark a
major battle for the number one slot once again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate under fire from fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Cheik Kouyate has come in for some heavy critricism from
supporters after a video illustrating how he failed to track his marker was
published on social media. The 16-second short details how the Senegal
international allowed veteran Wayne Rooney to sprint past him before
applying the finish for Everton's second goal in last night's crushing 4-0
defeat at Goodison Park. And it has been used as a prime example of the
perceived general lack of fitness and effort from some of West Ham's senior
players. "The spine of the team is weak and they lack discipline, passion
and courage," wrote KUMB member ads78. "Kouyate should both be nowhere near
a team that needs to be fighting for every point - he lacks the discipline
to be a top class footballer." "He plainly doesn't bother to chase back -
Rooney ran straight past him and left him for dead," added Crossd-Hammrs.
"Kouyate gives up before the ball is crossed and makes minimal effort as it
goes past him to Rooney. Too many players have been lazy for too long."
Already many fans have called for the reinstatement of club captain Mark
Noble, who has spent the first two of David Moyes' three matches on the
bench.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Time to stand up and be counted, says Ayew
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Andre Ayew says that he and his team mates need to begin shouldering
responsibility for West Ham's below par performances. The Ghanaian
international started last night as West Ham were thrashed 4-0 by fellow
strugglers Everton, leaving David Moyes' side firmly entrenched in a
relegation battle. And with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal to follow
in the next three games, Ayew says it's time the squad started to show a
little fight. There are no words. We came here with lots of determination
to do something," he said in reaction to last night's defeat. "We leave here
with zero points and four goals conceded. It's not normal. "We need to stay
strong, be men, take responsibility and move forward. It's not going to be
easy. It'll be difficult as we have tough games coming up - but we need to
tune our minds, fight and try and get the maximum points that we can from
those games. "It's been frustrating, but we need to turn our season around."
Last night's defeat left West Ham in 18th spot in the Premier League with
just 10 points from their opening 14 matches - one more than Crystal Palace
and Swansea, who could both rise above the Hammers this weekend with a point
each.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes sweating on scan results
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes expects Andy Carroll to return for this weekend's trip to
Manchester City - but is sweating on the results of a scan on defender
Winston Reid. Moyes, whose team were beaten 4-0 by fellow relegation
candidates Everton last night is facing a fresh injury crisis after losing
two of his key first team players within the last 48 hours. However the big
striker - who was once again absent last night - should return in time to
face the league leaders at the Etihad this weekend, according to a
shellshocked Moyes. "We don't think his [Andy's] injury is that bad," he
told the media following last night's reversal. "We had it scanned and
nothing showed up."
Meanwhile Reid - who had only recently returned to the first team - is
expected to undergo a scan today in order to determine the extent of the
damaged sustained to his hamstring which, depending on the severity, could
keep him out of action for anywhere between two and six weeks. Slightly
better news for Moyes was the return to first team action last night for
Michail Antonio, whilst key striker Javier Hernandez - who has also been
sidelined in recent weeks with a hamstring, picked up on international duty
- is touch and go for this Sunday's trip to Manchester.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MOYES NEEDS TO LEARN FAST.
By Blind Hammer 30 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer reflects on another dismal performance.
One of the more memorable remarks Moyes made on entering the London Stadium
was to claim he was a "man in a hurry". The point however is to not just
hurry but know where you are going. Most people finally now accept that the
most important, distressing tactical weakness that West Ham has displayed
over the last 18 months has been their abject defending. It is only a
sadness that this obvious weakness was never addressed in the summer
recruitment priorities and we stumbled into the season with a limited set of
largely aged and/or injury prone defenders. The club were so obsessed with
remedying Carroll's and Sakho's injury issues they completely ignored this
more critical weakness. My readers will know this inept glamour recruitment
policy worried me sick over the summer and I feel even worse now.
The consequences of this strategic folly are now coming home to roost. Clubs
struggling before they play us all manage to score freely. Brighton
Southampton Newcastle and now Everton have all recovered their form against
us. Crystal Palace was unfortunate to only score 2.
Over the last 18 months the only consistent defensive solidity that Bilic
has ever achieved has been with a defensive three, most effective when
marshalled by James Collins. It is a mark of our current defensive weakness
that the return of the injury prone Collins, a passionate and committed but
limited player at the end of his career is now look upon as a possible
saving grace for our team in the weeks ahead.
Yet Bilic never embraced the 3 at the back in his squad strategy and
stubbornly insisted on developing a glamour team built on lose sand,
erecting a failed flimsy and rickety defensive setup.
Now Moyes has come to the helm he appears to share Bilic's analysis of the
squad and he also has tried to set up a team with a flat back four. The
results so far are sadly completely predictable and West Ham continues to
ship goals at a rate of 2-3 goals a game. The Moyes' magic wand could not
reasonably be expected to work on a unit which had failed for the previous
18 months.
Moyes is also obviously limited by the squad options he has inherited. It
seems unlikely that with any defensive cover of quality that Obonna would
have retained his place. Certainly Tomkins would walk into this side. Before
and during the game many called for Declan rice's inclusion. However the
Premiership is a tough baptism for an 18 year old and when Rice eventually
entered the frayed he was instantly beaten by Williams for Everton's third
goal. The squad will need a major defensive overhaul in January and the
reported "war chest" of £20 million for Moyes will not be anything like
enough. In fact it is laughably inadequate. I can only hope that this figure
is an attempt to depress market transfer expectations with a higher figure
held up a sleeve. If we, for example, managed to attract a buyer for Obonna
it is likely that we would have to let him go on the cheap or alternatively
pay him off to leave as, his wages far exceed that which could be afforded
by Italian clubs. Similarly for Jose Fonte, which club in Europe could
afford a defender on £65,000 a week? We are unlikely to achieve any value
out of these transfers.
It seems that we need to recruit at least 2 centre backs, at least 1,
arguably 2 full back and bolster up midfield with pace and aggression. I
hope that this recruitment is on track now for the beginning of January
rather than waiting for the slam door at the end. We are in a hurry to
recruit and we cannot play the longer game looking for value at the last
minute.
Still there are several weeks during which we will need to work with our
current squad. It may be that Moyes will prove me wrong but by persisting
with a back 4 we will simply invite heavy defeats not just against the big
clubs but the likes of Bournemouth and Stoke. Planning for 3 at the back now
will not necessarily prevent further defeat, but may limit the confidence
shattering heavy reverses we experience against poor or average sides.
It is not fair to criticise Moya so early but in his own words there are
difficulties that he will have to learn fast about if we are to recover any
semblance of form Orr confidence. I can accept for example, that he may want
to build a team around the strengths of Andy Carroll. However Carroll's
propensity to injury should not be a shock. A plan B of replacing Carroll
with Ayew as a like for like is surely not viable in a team set up to play a
long ball? I imagine Chico will similarly struggle with this kind of
service. In that context I can only conclude that Sakho's failure to start
reveals that his attitude in training must stink. If it is really that bad
he needs to be shipped out on January 1st and his replacement arrive
simultaneously. If it is to be long ball from now until the end of season so
be it, but recruit players for this plan rather than try to squeeze round
pegs into square holes.
COYI
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton reveals the dressing room nickname West Ham players had for new
West Brom boss Alan Pardew
Ex-West Ham star lifts lid on what Hammers stars called old boss
The Mirror
ByMatt Lawless
09:56, 30 NOV 2017
Dean Ashton has revealed the nickname what West Ham players had for Alan
Pardew : 'chocolate'. The retired former England striker now works as a
pundit.
Speaking to talkSPORT after Pardew's appointment as new West Bromwich Albion
boss, Ashton insisted that his ex-Hammers boss will do well at the
Hawthorns.
He believes Pardew's self-confidence will inspire the lowly Baggies after
explaining the West Ham dressing room's fond monicker for the 56-year-old.
"He's not short of confidence," said Ashton, who was signed by Pardew at
Upton Park for £7million from Norwich in 2006. "His nickname, and what he is
fondly know as, is 'chocolate' - because he would eat himself if he could.
"But that's what great about him. Players feed off that confidence and he'll
make you feel special as a player. "I remember when I signed for West Ham, I
went and met him at a hotel and he put on a PowerPoint presentation on how I
would integrate into the team, how the team would work around me and do you
know what, he wasn't lying. That was how it was. "It was all about how the
team attacked and how it got the best out of me. I'm sure he was saying that
to all the other players and that's what he is very, very good at."
Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss Pardew vowed to control his 'ego'
after he was unveiled by the Baggies on Wednesday, penning a
two-and-half-year contract to replace Tony Pulis . And Ashton, 34, reckons
Pardew will get the 17th placed Premier League club on a 'roll' with his
brand of attacking football.
"The first thing he'll look at is the way they attack teams because that's
his philosophy," he said. "He likes to play attacking football. "He's got a
bad reputation for some of the runs he has had at some clubs he has been at.
He certainly is a streaky manager. "But he's got two teams to the FA Cup
Final who probably had no right to get there. "I think that shows that when
he gets a group together, they really can get on a roll."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes reveals what he said to West Ham players in dressing room during
4-0 hammering by Everton
West Ham conceded four without reply and now sit in the relegation places
The Mirror
ByDavid Maddock
northern Football Correspondent
07:46, 30 NOV 2017
David Moyes has admitted he was ashamed to put his name to West Ham's first
half performance at Goodison. And while a good old fashioned half time
dressing room rollicking at least changed the Hammers' attitude after the
break, the new boss conceded that his team simply didn't deserve anything
after a 4-0 defeat by Everton. "The second half I could put my name to the
performance, I didn't want to put my name to the first half that's for
sure," he said. "We didn't perform in the first half so we didn't deserve
anything from the game, that's certain."
West Ham trailed 2-0 by the break after two strikes from the experienced
Wayne Rooney, but a missed penalty by Manuel Lanzini scuppered any fight
back, and Rooney produced a wonder goal from inside his own half to defend
Moyes to another defeat. It means he has spent 39 consecutive games in the
bottom three with Sunderland and now West Ham, just one shy of former
Swindon boss John Gorman's record. And the manager conceded he is concerned
about his side's attitude...especially with a visit to Manchester City
coming up at the weekend. "I got into them yes at half time, there were
tactical changes, but we had to improve mentally. Individual mistakes cost
us, each time," he said. "The three games we've been in, it's not tactical
or not that we are not running enough, it's just individual mistakes and we
have to eradicate them. "The first half worried me, yeah, because we were
submissive we never played, we never had a threat, in saying that we could
have gone in 2-1 and it would give us a lift. "But one thing I will say we
came out second half and gave it a real go, we improved and we had a chance
to get back into the game. I don't think the scoreline reflected the game."
Moyes is now looking for a miracle at City to kick start his side after
taking just a point from his first three matches in charge. "I have got to
hope that this is where 'you never know what happens in football' comes in.
"We are not favourites for sure, but you are expecting we will go there
(City) and get nothing, but you never know, it's exactly right – you never
know." Andy Carroll missed the trip to Goodison after twisting his knee is
training and is a doubt for the weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, November 29
Daily WHUFC News - 30th November 2017
Everton comfortable winners on night to forget for Hammers
WHUFC.com
It was unhappy return to Goodison Park for West Ham United boss David Moyes
on Wednesday as his former club Everton were 4-0 winners in the Premier
League. Wayne Rooney's hat-trick was followed by an Ashley Williams header
as the hosts were comfortable winners on Merseyside. Toffees captain Rooney
added to his first half brace with a spectacular strike from inside his own
half on 66 minutes before Williams bagged a fourth. Manuel Lanzini was given
the opportunity, with the score 2-0, to get his side back into the game with
a second half penalty, but Jordan Pickford kept the Argentine's low attempt
out and gave Everton a platform to seal the victory. West Ham were the first
to threaten on Merseyside, as Arthur Masuaku left Jonjoe Kenny for dead down
the left on the quarter of an hour mark, but could only find the hands of
Jordan Pickford in goal with the cross. And two minutes later, Everton
punished David Moyes' side for not taking the opportunity as Dominic
Calvert-Lewin drew a foul from goalkeeper Joe Hart and referee Michael
Oliver pointed to the spot. Toffees skipper Rooney stepped up, and despite
the England No1's impressive save low to his right, the former Three Lions
captain was able to nod home the rebound which fell kindly. And ten minutes
later, things went from bad to worse for the Hammers as Everton doubled
their lead. Attacking down the right, Kenny found Tom Davies, whose cross
travelled - via a deflection - all the way to Rooney at the back stick, and
the No10 coolly slotted home from close range.
In the second half, the visitors came out all guns blazing, and despite
creating little in the opening period, put the Blues under pressure. First,
Manuel Lanzini collected 25 yards from goal and, with space in front of him,
let fly with power and precision. Pickford was forced to beat the ball
clear, but it fell for the Argentine again, who slipped in Aaron Cresswell.
Sizing up his options, the Liverpool-born full-back smashed across the
keeper but his effort crashed against the crossbar, leaving the England
international desperately unlucky and inches away from getting his team back
into the game. Moments later, with Everton shaken, the ball bobbled its way
to Marko Arnautovic in the box but the Austrian could only scuff goalwards,
with Pickford left untroubled between the sticks. The huge moment of the
second half came on 58 minutes, however. Substitute Diafra Sakho, holding
the ball with his back to goal, was taken out by Welshman Williams and
Lanzini was left with the responsibility of halving the deficit from 12
yards. Pickford had other ideas, though, springing away to his right to make
the second penalty save of the night. While the hosts were blessed with some
good fortune as the ball fell straight to Rooney in the first half, Moyes'
side were not so lucky. And with 24 minutes left on the clock, it was game
over for the travelling east Londoners as Rooney scored his second goal from
inside his own half against the Hammers, as he had done four years earlier
for Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. Hart raced off his line to clear
an Everton through ball but his clearance fell kindly for Rooney, whose
technique was pure class as he fired into the empty net. Williams completed
a miserable evening for the Hammers with a fourth for his side on 78 minutes
as he rose highest in the box to nod in a Sigurdsson corner.
Everton: Pickford, Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Martina, Davies, Gueye, Lennon
(Lookman 89'), Rooney (Baningime 85'), Sigurdsson, Calvert-Lewin (Vlasic
90+1')
Subs not used: Robles, Scheiderlin, Ramirez, Besic
Goals: Rooney 18', 28', 66', Williams 78'
West Ham United: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid (Rice 77'), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang
(Sakho 46'), Kouyate, Arnautovic (Antonio 62'), Lanzini, Masuaku, Ayew
Subs not used: Adrian, Fernandes, Noble, Martinez
Bookings: Zabaleta 27'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Big moments in Everton defeat went against us
WHUFC.com
David Moyes said big moments in West Ham United's 4-0 Premier League defeat
at Everton went against his team.
The Hammers started slowly at Goodison Park and fell behind to two Wayne
Rooney goals - the first a rebound header after Joe Hart had conceded and
then saved the Everton captain's penalty, and the second a close-range
finish at the end of a slick move down the right flank.
Moyes brought on Diafra Sakho at half-time and Aaron Cresswell hit the
crossbar before the Senegal striker won a spot-kick for his side, only for
Jordan Pickford to save Manuel Lanzini's effort.
Rooney then added to West Ham's frustration by scoring with an audacious
shot from inside his own half, before Ashley Williams completed the scoring
with a looping late header.
"We were much better in the second half and I don't think we deserved the
scoreline in the end," Moyes reflected. "Ultimately, we missed a penalty
kick when it was 2-0 and I thought we were the team on top in the second
half.
"I thought we played well in the second half and things didn't quite go for
us. Jordan Pickford saved a penalty; Joe Hart saved Wayne's penalty but the
rebound came back unfortunately to him.
"We had a chance when we were in the box to make something from it with
Michail Antonio, and from that, they went up the other end and made it 3-0.
I thought the first half wasn't good, but the second half was much better.
"We made changes which helped us, and we had to because we were poor in the
first half. But I have got to say, some of our play gave us a chance. We
improved greatly in the second half but we gave away poor goals, individual
mistakes, which, since I've been here, have cost us. We have to try and
eradicate that."
We were much better in the second half and I don't think we deserved the
scoreline in the end
David Moyes
Moyes gave Rooney his Everton debut as a 16-year-old and later worked with
the former England captain at Manchester United. On Wednesday, his former
charge came back to haunt him in spectacular style.
"I know Wayne very well and he has the technical ability to score the goal
he did for the third. He also has a striker's awareness to get in the right
places and finish chances when he gets them."
Concentrating on his own team again, Moyes says his players simply must cut
out the errors they are making if they are to start picking up positive
results on a regular basis.
Next up is a trip to unbeaten leaders Manchester City on Sunday, when any
lapses will likely be ruthlessly exploited by Pep Guardiola's team.
"It's individual mistakes which are costing us. We're more organised at
times but it didn't show with individual defending. If you're defenders
don't do the simple things well, we'll be in trouble.
"I think that it's said many times, football is a strange game; you never
know. You have to improve all round on performances, which I've been saying
since I joined. We've had good bits, but what I'm noticing is that we're
making individual mistakes rather than collective ones.
"Our attitude and effort was much better in the second half but we just
never got going in the first half."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
It was unhappy return to Goodison Park for West Ham United boss David Moyes
on Wednesday as his former club Everton were 4-0 winners in the Premier
League. Wayne Rooney's hat-trick was followed by an Ashley Williams header
as the hosts were comfortable winners on Merseyside. Toffees captain Rooney
added to his first half brace with a spectacular strike from inside his own
half on 66 minutes before Williams bagged a fourth. Manuel Lanzini was given
the opportunity, with the score 2-0, to get his side back into the game with
a second half penalty, but Jordan Pickford kept the Argentine's low attempt
out and gave Everton a platform to seal the victory. West Ham were the first
to threaten on Merseyside, as Arthur Masuaku left Jonjoe Kenny for dead down
the left on the quarter of an hour mark, but could only find the hands of
Jordan Pickford in goal with the cross. And two minutes later, Everton
punished David Moyes' side for not taking the opportunity as Dominic
Calvert-Lewin drew a foul from goalkeeper Joe Hart and referee Michael
Oliver pointed to the spot. Toffees skipper Rooney stepped up, and despite
the England No1's impressive save low to his right, the former Three Lions
captain was able to nod home the rebound which fell kindly. And ten minutes
later, things went from bad to worse for the Hammers as Everton doubled
their lead. Attacking down the right, Kenny found Tom Davies, whose cross
travelled - via a deflection - all the way to Rooney at the back stick, and
the No10 coolly slotted home from close range.
In the second half, the visitors came out all guns blazing, and despite
creating little in the opening period, put the Blues under pressure. First,
Manuel Lanzini collected 25 yards from goal and, with space in front of him,
let fly with power and precision. Pickford was forced to beat the ball
clear, but it fell for the Argentine again, who slipped in Aaron Cresswell.
Sizing up his options, the Liverpool-born full-back smashed across the
keeper but his effort crashed against the crossbar, leaving the England
international desperately unlucky and inches away from getting his team back
into the game. Moments later, with Everton shaken, the ball bobbled its way
to Marko Arnautovic in the box but the Austrian could only scuff goalwards,
with Pickford left untroubled between the sticks. The huge moment of the
second half came on 58 minutes, however. Substitute Diafra Sakho, holding
the ball with his back to goal, was taken out by Welshman Williams and
Lanzini was left with the responsibility of halving the deficit from 12
yards. Pickford had other ideas, though, springing away to his right to make
the second penalty save of the night. While the hosts were blessed with some
good fortune as the ball fell straight to Rooney in the first half, Moyes'
side were not so lucky. And with 24 minutes left on the clock, it was game
over for the travelling east Londoners as Rooney scored his second goal from
inside his own half against the Hammers, as he had done four years earlier
for Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground. Hart raced off his line to clear
an Everton through ball but his clearance fell kindly for Rooney, whose
technique was pure class as he fired into the empty net. Williams completed
a miserable evening for the Hammers with a fourth for his side on 78 minutes
as he rose highest in the box to nod in a Sigurdsson corner.
Everton: Pickford, Kenny, Holgate, Williams, Martina, Davies, Gueye, Lennon
(Lookman 89'), Rooney (Baningime 85'), Sigurdsson, Calvert-Lewin (Vlasic
90+1')
Subs not used: Robles, Scheiderlin, Ramirez, Besic
Goals: Rooney 18', 28', 66', Williams 78'
West Ham United: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid (Rice 77'), Ogbonna, Cresswell, Obiang
(Sakho 46'), Kouyate, Arnautovic (Antonio 62'), Lanzini, Masuaku, Ayew
Subs not used: Adrian, Fernandes, Noble, Martinez
Bookings: Zabaleta 27'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Big moments in Everton defeat went against us
WHUFC.com
David Moyes said big moments in West Ham United's 4-0 Premier League defeat
at Everton went against his team.
The Hammers started slowly at Goodison Park and fell behind to two Wayne
Rooney goals - the first a rebound header after Joe Hart had conceded and
then saved the Everton captain's penalty, and the second a close-range
finish at the end of a slick move down the right flank.
Moyes brought on Diafra Sakho at half-time and Aaron Cresswell hit the
crossbar before the Senegal striker won a spot-kick for his side, only for
Jordan Pickford to save Manuel Lanzini's effort.
Rooney then added to West Ham's frustration by scoring with an audacious
shot from inside his own half, before Ashley Williams completed the scoring
with a looping late header.
"We were much better in the second half and I don't think we deserved the
scoreline in the end," Moyes reflected. "Ultimately, we missed a penalty
kick when it was 2-0 and I thought we were the team on top in the second
half.
"I thought we played well in the second half and things didn't quite go for
us. Jordan Pickford saved a penalty; Joe Hart saved Wayne's penalty but the
rebound came back unfortunately to him.
"We had a chance when we were in the box to make something from it with
Michail Antonio, and from that, they went up the other end and made it 3-0.
I thought the first half wasn't good, but the second half was much better.
"We made changes which helped us, and we had to because we were poor in the
first half. But I have got to say, some of our play gave us a chance. We
improved greatly in the second half but we gave away poor goals, individual
mistakes, which, since I've been here, have cost us. We have to try and
eradicate that."
We were much better in the second half and I don't think we deserved the
scoreline in the end
David Moyes
Moyes gave Rooney his Everton debut as a 16-year-old and later worked with
the former England captain at Manchester United. On Wednesday, his former
charge came back to haunt him in spectacular style.
"I know Wayne very well and he has the technical ability to score the goal
he did for the third. He also has a striker's awareness to get in the right
places and finish chances when he gets them."
Concentrating on his own team again, Moyes says his players simply must cut
out the errors they are making if they are to start picking up positive
results on a regular basis.
Next up is a trip to unbeaten leaders Manchester City on Sunday, when any
lapses will likely be ruthlessly exploited by Pep Guardiola's team.
"It's individual mistakes which are costing us. We're more organised at
times but it didn't show with individual defending. If you're defenders
don't do the simple things well, we'll be in trouble.
"I think that it's said many times, football is a strange game; you never
know. You have to improve all round on performances, which I've been saying
since I joined. We've had good bits, but what I'm noticing is that we're
making individual mistakes rather than collective ones.
"Our attitude and effort was much better in the second half but we just
never got going in the first half."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Daily WHUFC News II - 29th November 2017
Hart and Adrian backed to shine by goalkeeper coach Chris Woods
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's two senior goalkeepers will each take centre-stage this
week – and both have been tipped to produce the goods. Joe Hart will keep
goal in the vital Premier League fixture at Everton on Wednesday night
before Adrian takes over between the sticks at Manchester City on Sunday,
when the on-loan Hart will be ineligible to face his parent club. Having
seen the work the pair put in on the training pitch every single day,
goalkeeper coach Chris Woods has great confidence that both the 'vital' Hart
and 'ultimate professional' Adrian will rise to the challenge. "Joe has an
aura about him and he portrays that in his talking on and off the pitch and
he is a vital member of the team," said Woods, who was himself capped 43
times by England. "We need to start improving our results and start doing
that with clean sheets and, to do that, we have to defend as a team, working
from the front and ending with Joe in goal. "Adrian would obviously like to
have played more games, but he's been the ultimate professional. He's worked
as hard as he ever did when he was starting in the team and, if anything
happens to Joe, he's got to be ready to go in. "If you don't train and let
yourself go a little bit, then you're called into the first team, it can
have a backward effect on you, but Adrian has worked hard every single day
to put pressure on and stake a claim for a place. While we have competition
like that, it's got to be good for Joe and Adrian. "We will also take Nathan
Trott to Manchester City as our No2 goalkeeper and it's a big day for him.
He's been in and around the first team and trained and travelled with us on
a number of occasions, but Sunday will be one step closer for him."
A true gentleman off the pitch, Woods was one of the best goalkeepers in the
game throughout the 1980s, helping Nottingham Forest win the European Cup
and unfancied Norwich City lift the League Cup before heading north of the
border during the European ban on English clubs to help Rangers win four
Scottish Premier League titles in five seasons between 1986-91. After
hanging up his boots in 1998, Woods was appointed as goalkeeper coach at
Wednesday's opponents Everton by his former Rangers manager Walter Smith. He
spent the next 15 years developing the likes of Richard Wright, John Ruddy
and Tim Howard, before following long-time boss David Moyes to Manchester
United and helped David De Gea win Player of the Year honours. In summer
2015, he joined West Ham, and has since worked with Adrian, Hart, Darren
Randolph and England U20 international Trott. "Every goalkeeper I've worked
with, I've enjoyed working with. There have been no difficult personalities,
so they've made my job and life easier because goalkeepers generally all
enjoy their work. "The game has obviously become so big now and every act is
analysed, so it's important that I get over my views and I listen to their
views as well. It's important to have a good working relationship and that's
what we've got."
Woods thoroughly enjoyed his time at Goodison Park, where he spent eleven
seasons working under Moyes before being reunited with his old boss in east
London earlier this month. "We had eleven fantastic years there, and
obviously the standout moments were getting to the FA Cup final and
qualifying for the Champions League. We built a team and added to it when we
needed to. "I was very fortunate to remain with Everton for such a long
period of time and the club became part of my life and my family's lives, I
got to know the people who worked at the club and built great relationships
with everybody. It was a good time to be there."
Three weeks into Woods has already seen the same approach from Moyes
starting to take effect at West Ham. "David led from the front with hard
work, setting standards that everyone needed to meet. I've definitely seen
the same effect here. It doesn't come overnight, it's a building process
which people buy into, work hard and we all hope it will eventually work
out. "After the game on Friday, we are beginning to understand what the
manager is putting out there. "Goodison has always been a very hard place to
go, though, particularly under the lights, and just because they've not
started the season as they'd hoped, I'm sure it will be a very tough game
and unless we play to our potential and concentrate, it will be difficult."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham has the building blocks for long-term success - Moyes
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has revealed that he would love to build success at West Ham
United in the same way he did during eleven years at Wednesday's opponents
Everton.
Moyes oversaw the Blues' improvement from mid-table also-rans to annual
challengers for a European place, while also developing the Academy into a
regular producer of future first-team stars. He may have been Hammers boss
for just three weeks but, as he prepares to take his new team to face his
old side at Goodison Park, the new manager has already seen the potential of
the Club to emulate Everton's success…
The building blocks are in place
I hope and would love to say that we have similar building blocks here to
those we had at Everton. If I can get good stability and strength, then it
could easily be eleven years, as West Ham has unbelievable potential to be
up there. They've got the infrastructure now. When I took over at Everton,
we trained at Bellefield, which had been Everton's training ground for more
than 50 years, before we moved to Finch Farm in 2007. Bellefield reminds me
quite a lot of Rush Green, which is slightly bigger. Within a couple of
weeks of arriving, we were talking about building a new training ground and
we brought the Academy in to join the first team at Finch Farm. One of the
biggest strengths at Everton was the Academy and bringing their young boys
through. It was always better if it was in one building.
And Everton have had a lot of good young players coming through, not
necessarily because of that but, overall, I got the time to do that and make
changes and to be fair in our period we had a Champions League finish and
Europa League finishes, so over the period we built it up.
Long-term goals
I'd love to think football clubs would always go long-term and think and
aspire to emulate what we built at Everton. I hope it'll turn full circle.
At the moment, managers are now down to probably 16 months in the job, maybe
even less in some cases. What it means is there's always a change of staff
and a change of players. It doesn't get to be settled and bedded down.
Sometimes you need the Directors to say: 'OK we have to go with it, we have
to put things in place for the long-term'. There are other things you need
to develop: you want your Academy to develop, you want all the things around
your club, your infrastructure, all to be good. My job is to come here and
win games and make sure we stay up. I'm here at the moment on a short-term
contract. The future for managers looks more likely to be short-term
contracts than managers tending to get ten or eleven years in any one job.
Making good players better
I was asked if there are things we did at Everton that I am considering
introducing here at West Ham, but I think sometimes you don't always see
them immediately as it takes a bit of time. It takes a bit of time to get
things going. Once you get it going, if you can get a wee bit of momentum. I
was also asked about the January transfer window and the important thing is
we try to sign good players for the future but who could do a job
immediately if possibly, with the right attitudes, and the right types. If I
was looking back at the early days at Everton where we did that was trying
to bring in the right players not just for the short-term but for the
long-term as well. For now, I genuinely am focused on trying to make this
group of players better. Because when I went into the job at Everton, there
wasn't bundles of cash, it was the same: how are you going to make them
better? What is the best way to make them win? How can you get the results?
I'm in the same situation at West Ham. But the difference from then to now
is that the money in the Premier League is just colossal. We will have to
look to see what we can do in terms of bringing in new players. If we're in
the same position, I have no doubts that the owners would support the right
deals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hart: I'll give everything to put us back on the right track
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart is relishing the challenge of helping West Ham United to climb the
Premier League table. The Hammers goalkeeper has experienced it all during
his illustrious career, from appearing at major tournaments with England and
winning the Premier League with Manchester City to battling relegation out
of the Football League and playing non-league football with Shrewsbury Town.
Now, Hart and his new club are facing a battle to rise out of the relegation
zone, but the 30-year-old is not fazed by what lies ahead – starting with
Wednesday's trip to Everton. "I've been through everything in my career.
I've played non-league, I've played for Shrewsbury Town and came into the
team with eight games to go when we were one point above the relegation zone
to go out of the Football League when I was 17 or 18-years-old," he
confirmed. "I've played right at the top and won leagues and won cups, so
I've had a great experience and, at the end of the day, it's football and
I'll to keep the ball out of the net, whether I'm fighting for a title or
fighting to stay in the league. That's what I do and what I love."
When asked to assess the midweek visit to Goodison Park, Hart said his total
focus is on helping the Hammers achieve their first win in seven top-flight
matches.
"I don't know how I feel about them, because they have an awful lot of
talent like we have, but we're in a situation where it's a really big game
and it's really important for both clubs. "I don't really care about how
they feel and I'm sure they don't care about how I feel. I only care about
how organised we are, how much of a performance we're going to put in and
how had we're going to try to win three points and put us on the right
line."
And Hart believes new manager David Moyes, who returns to the club he
managed successfully for eleven years, is doing everything he can to do just
that. "The manager's primary focus has been to get us back into a good
place. That's no disrespect to Slaven [Bilic], because I really enjoyed the
short time I worked with him and he is a good man, but I just felt there was
an uncomfortable situation for everyone. "So, the decision got made and
David has come in and it's quite a simple job in his eyes, and in our eyes,
which is getting us playing as a team in a strong formation and making us
accountable for mistakes and not being in position, and that's how we're
playing at the moment. "In my opinion, it's good and strong and organised
and I like the fact that people are held accountable. Every training session
needs to be trained to the maximum and that's going to help us as a team.
"It depends what you call 'tough'. I call it 'getting what's expected from
the players'. It might be perceived as being 'tough' but, in my opinion,
asking people to train at 100 per cent and give more than they're capable of
on a matchday is not being tough, but asking people to do their job."
While Wednesday's result is far from certain, Hart says West Ham's players
will give everything to reward the fans who roared them on during Friday's
1-1 draw with Leicester City at London Stadium. "A decision was made by the
fans. It was time to either really trash us or really urge us on and to
support us, no matter what, and they gave us an impression of what they
wanted. It wasn't Rabonas and taking people on or doing something magical
that got the crowd going, it was hard work and dedication, and we reacted
well to it. "Even though we are professionals and play football every day,
we play better when we've got support. We do things off the field better
when we've got the support of our families and that's what we've got to
create – a family. "We've got to create one team with the fans and that's
only going to come about down to hard work and dedication for the whole 95
or 96 minutes. It's priceless what that did for us and we can only repay
that by only letting that our minimum from now on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hutchison: Moyes will be super-motivated to secure win on Everton return
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United and Everton star Don Hutchison says David Moyes will
be desperate to get one over his former club on Wednesday evening. Moyes
makes his third return to Goodison Park since ending his eleven-year spell
in charge of the Toffees in May 2013, but has ended on the losing side on
his two visits since then. However, Hutchison says his fellow Scot will not
let those defeats, in 2013/14 with Manchester United and last season with
Sunderland, affect him, but will instead make him more desperate to show an
Everton struggling for results and without a permanent manager what they are
missing.
In the process, West Ham would also end their own poor run at Goodison,
where they have won just once in their last ten Premier League visits. "I
think over the course of the last five or ten years, I always thought it was
always a tricky place for West Ham to go to," said Hutchison, who failed to
win on three trips to the blue half of Liverpool as a Hammer. "I remember
playing there for West Ham and lost a few times but there is added spice to
this match with David Moyes going back to Goodison Park. "As an ex-player,
and I'm sure managers are the same, you always want to go back to your old
stomping ground and try and get the three points. In the current situation
West Ham are in, he certainly needs it."
Hutchison, who scored 18 goals in 110 appearances in Claret and Blue across
two spells between 1994 and 2004, was impressed by the way the Hammers' fans
roared their team on against Leicester City on Friday evening. The support
West Ham received as they came from a goal down to grab a deserved draw
reminded the 46-year-old of the 1994/95 season, when a late-season surge saw
Harry Redknapp's surge escape the relegation zone to finish 14th. Hutchison
led the charge, netting nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances,
including vital strikes in wins over Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and
Liverpool, to help his side stave off the drop. And the Gateshead-born
player-turned-pundit says the present-day Hammers need a few heroes to
emerge if they are to repeat history 23 years on. "I've been involved in
relegation scraps before at West Ham, during the 1994/95 season, and the
fans have always stuck by us, we appreciated this so much and I'm sure they
will do the same. "I'm pretty convinced that West Ham can get out of this
but they're going to need to start doing it quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers U21s to take on Luton Town in Checkatrade Trophy last-32
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U21s have been drawn to play League Two side Luton Town in
the last 32 of the Checkatrade Trophy. Defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on
Tuesday evening saw the Hammers finish second in Group C of the tournament,
putting Terry Westley's through to the knock-out stages of the Checkatrade
Trophy. The young Irons will now take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road with
the fixture scheduled for Tuesday 5 December, with kick-off at 7:45pm.
Tickets for next Tuesday's fixture are just £5 for adults and other
concessions while U16s can attend the contest for just £1!
Full ticketing information will be announced in due course.
West Ham United have already bettered last year's effort in the Checkatrade
Trophy, having failed to qualify from the group stages last season. A trip
to Luton means a contest with a host of ex-West Ham talent, including Dan
Potts, Ellie and Olly Lee, Marek Stech and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu. The match
will also hold special significance for Academy Director Westley, who was
manager of Luton Town in 1995.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley: To go through is a great achievement
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley remained extremely proud of his side's achievements as,
despite defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening, the Hammers U21s
progressed to the knockout rounds of the Checkatrade Trophy. West Ham fell
to a 2-0 defeat against Gareth Ainsworth's League Two outfit and will play
Luton Town in the last-32 after finishing second in their group. Victories
over Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers meant that the Hammers could have
sealed top spot in Group C (South) with a draw or win but instead will
settle for second because of an inferior goal difference to Swindon. Despite
the defeat, Westley was proud of what had been achieved by his team: "We
have to be positive to start with – we have gone through" he insisted.
"Setting the stall out at the start of the season you ask 'can you go a step
further than last year and qualify through the groups?', so it's a really
good achievement, we must not forget that. "To be one of three [U21] teams
to go through to the last-32 is a big achievement for the players at the
club. Goals either side of the break proved the difference at Adams Park,
with Will De Havilland and Sido Jombati the scorers as Wycombe's added
physicality showed its worth. "Of course there is the disappointment at
having not topped the group, we were a goal away from doing that" Westley
explained. "I was disappointed with the manner of the two goals, it was
tough to get the ball down and play because the game was so physical but
they are the demands that the young players have to cope with if you are
going to go on loan at this level."
Marcus Browne back in action against WycombeOf big significance on the night
was the return to action of midfielder Marcus Browne. Browne had missed five
months of action through injury but played the final 20 minutes on Tuesday,
instantly showing glimpses of the quality that he possesses. For Westley,
Browne's return is more than just a boost to his squad: "I'm hopeful for him
more than anything, he loves football, he doesn't look at anything else so
when he's not playing football his life is a little bit empty, which we work
with him on that. "Five months, it's been a long time coming and to name him
on the team sheet, to have him in the dressing rooms, seeing him involved
again, it's great. I said to him when he went on to just go and enjoy
himself and you could see with the burst of pace, getting shots off that we
miss him and we want him back to full fitness."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New jobs for the boys
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has been confirmed as the new manager of Everton - on the same
day as Alan Pardew was confirmed as manager of West Bromwich Albion. The two
former West Ham bosses were confirmed by their new clubs within a matter of
hours of each other this morning, just three weeks after another Premier
League stalwart, David Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic at West Ham. Pardew, who
as KUMB.com exclusively revealed earlier in November wanted a second stab at
the West Ham job has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Albion.
Meanwhile Allardyce, who held the managerial post at West Ham between 2011
and 2015 is poised to sign an 18-month deal worth in the region of £6million
per year. "I'm thrilled with the opportunity Albion have provided," said
Pardew this morning. "I'm looking forward to getting to work with what I
consider to be a talented group of players and it's an exciting opportunity
to play a part in that ambition. "The immediate challenge will be to get the
results we need to pull ourselves up the table. But I'm aware that while I'm
joining one of the great, traditional clubs of English football, it is one
determined to go forward in the Premier League.
Meanwhile Allardyce is set to be at Goodison Park tonight when his new club
take on Moyes' West Ham, although caretaker boss David Unsworth is expected
to name the team and remain as interim manager until later this week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McAvennie: Macari was horrible!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham legend Frank McAvennie has been speaking about his longstanding
beef with former manager Lou Macari. McAvennie was enjoying a second spell
at Upton Park when Macari was hired as replacement for the popular John
Lyall - and within a matter of months, had left the club following a
gambling scandal.
"We got him sacked at West Ham," Macca told interviewer Si Ferry. "He was
never there, he was hopeless. If we got beaten, it was nothing to do with
him - it was becasue you weren't fit enough, so he'd give you extra running.
"I ended up in hospital after one of his pals, Chris Kamara broke my ankle
with a bad tackle on the opening day of the season. They took me to Stoke
Hospital where I was told I wouldn't be able to walk properly, never mind
play football again. "I phoned the physio and the team bus came to pick me
up - and Lou wasn't there, he wasn't even on the bus. "We got back to London
at one in the morning and the doctor said 'that's ok, I'll sort it' - I
don't understand why they sent you to accident and emergency. But that was
Macari for you. "I got the ok to train again on Christmas Eve - and on
Christmas Day he gave me a four mile road run and my ankle blew up again.
I'd been told to do light training and he took me on a four-mile run. He's a
horrible little person."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton v West Ham preview: Gylfi Sigurdsson calls on Toffees to turn it
around
Last Updated: 29/11/17 4:37pm
SSN
Gylfi Sigurdsson wants Everton to turn around their poor form and says home
advantage is key as West Ham visit Goodison Park on Wednesday (kick-off
8pm). The managerless Toffees were defeated 4-1 at Southampton on Sunday,
which came just three days after a 5-1 home drubbing by Atalanta on
Thursday. "All of the players are determined to turn this around," the
Iceland international midfielder said. "We need a little bit of luck, we got
back into the game but we need to make sure we take advantage of those
situations. "The positive thing is we have two more games this week. We must
go into the next one with a bit of positivity and try to get something from
the game. "We have two very important games coming up now. We are playing at
home and we need to get six points."
West Ham boss David Moyes returns to Goodison Park with Everton still
waiting to appoint a permanent manager, but the Scot has plenty of advice
for caretaker David Unsworth, who could be set for his final game in charge.
"If he doesn't take the Everton job I think I would tell 'Unsy' to go and
manage somewhere and earn your corn," said Moyes. "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. "I still believe the best thing to do is to go out and trust
yourself to win a few games wherever you go."
Team news
Everton duo Leighton Baines and Michael Keane are likely to sit out
Wednesday's match after both came off with injuries at Southampton on
Sunday. Fellow defender Mason Holgate (groin), who has missed the last three
matches, will be assessed ahead of the contest at Goodison Park. Oumar
Niasse is unavailable as he completes his two-match suspension, but Tom
Davies can be called upon again having served his one-game ban.
Moyes is set to take an unchanged West Ham squad to Goodison. Marko
Arnautovic should be available despite limping off towards the end of Friday
night's 1-1 draw with Leicester. Javier Hernandez, Michail Antonio (both
hamstring) and James Collins (ankle) are not quite ready to return and Jose
Fonte (ankle) is out until the new year.
Everton have lost just once in their last 18 Premier League matches against
the Hammers (W11 D6 L1) - losing 3-2 in March 2016 under Roberto Martinez.
West Ham have failed to score in their last two Premier League games against
Everton - they last went three in a row without netting back in February
2000 under Harry Redknapp.
Moyes has lost all four of his Premier League matches against his former
side Everton as a manager by an aggregate score of 0-8.
Moyes took charge of 427 Premier League games as Everton manager - only one
of three bosses to have managed 300+ games at one club in the competition,
alongside Arsene Wenger (803 at Arsenal) and Sir Alex Ferguson (810 at Man
Utd).
This will be the 39th consecutive Premier League matchday in which Moyes has
started in charge of a team in the relegation zone - only one manager has a
longer run of matchdays started in a relegation zone, John Gorman in 1993/94
at Swindon Town (40 in a row).
West Ham's winless streak in the Premier League now stands at six games (W0
D3 L3) and should they fail to win this match it'll be their second instance
of a seven-game winless streak in the league in 2017 alone (seven games
between February and April).
Wayne Rooney has been directly involved in 15 goals in 15 starts against
West Ham United in the Premier League (11 goals, four assists).
Andy Carroll hasn't scored in any of his last 11 competitive appearances for
West Ham. Since scoring in the 18th minute of their 2-1 loss against Hull
City on April 1, 2017, the striker has gone 14 hours and 19 minutes without
a goal and attempted just four shots on target in this period.
Merson's prediction
This could be a good game. I thought West Ham did all right against
Leicester on Friday. It was a weird game in that Leicester could not get out
of their own half, but nothing happened in the second half for 25 minutes
and it was not like Kasper Schmeichel was making save after save. Everton,
though, are all over the place, conceding fours and fives in their last two
games… that is not Everton. And on Sunday, for me they just lay down.
Everton have good fans, so it was sad to see and it must be breaking their
hearts seeing that. But I am going to go with home advantage here, as if
they cannot get themselves up for this game at home, they need to start
panicking. This is a big match and they need to give more than they did
against Southampton and bar a worldy goal by Gylfi Sigurdsson, it was not
much.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes says he would relish long-term West Ham stay
Last Updated: 28/11/17 11:22pm
SSN
David Moyes admits he would relish a long-term stay at West Ham, in order to
develop the club like he did at Everton. Moyes replaced the sacked Slaven
Bilic as manager earlier this month, signing a contract until the end of the
season as the Hammers task the Scot with helping secure Premier League
survival. Moyes spent 11 years at Goodison Park, turning Everton into
regular top-eight finishers and occasional European qualifiers, but fears
the days of managers being able to build towards a long-term goal has now
are disappearing. "I'd love to think football clubs would always go long
term and think that way," said Moyes. "I hope it will turn full circle. At
the moment managers are now down to probably 16 months in the job, maybe
even less in some cases. "What it means is there's always a chance of a
change of staff and a change of players. It doesn't get to be settled and
bedded down. "Sometimes you need the directors to say 'OK we have to go with
it, we have to put things in place for the long term'."
The 54-year-old cited academies as a key element in a club's development,
but admitted his immediate focus is ensuring his side avoid the drop. "There
are other things you need to develop - you want your academy to develop, you
want all the things around your club, your infrastructure, all to be good,"
he said. "Myself included, maybe even more so. My job is to come here and
win games and make sure we stay up. I'm here at the moment on a short-term
contract. "The future for managers looks more likely to be short-term
contracts than managers tending to get 10 or 11 years in any one job."
Moyes returns to Goodison Park on Wednesday with West Ham desperate for a
victory to lift themselves out of the relegation zone. Everton are in some
disarray, with caretaker boss David Unsworth still in charge five weeks
after they sacked Ronald Koeman, but Moyes is undecided on whether now is a
good time to take on the Toffees. "I know the players there and they'll be
hurting. They'll be wanting to get back to the standards they've set," he
said. "But my focus is on West Ham and my focus is solely on how we're doing
and trying to improve our performances to get us three points from the
game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's James Collins suffers minor setback after aggravating hamstring
injury
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham defender James Collins has suffered a minor setback after making a
return from injury on Tuesday night. The Wales international, who
originally suffered an ankle injury against West Brom in September but then
picked up a hamstring problem in training last week, was named in the
starting XI for the Hammers' U23s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Wycombe
Wanderers. However, the 34-year-old was withdrawn after just 24 minutes
after aggravating his hamstring problem. Collins was withdrawn as a
precaution and looked comfortable as he left the pitch at Adams Park, where
Terry Westley's side lost 2-0, and is not expected to face much too much
longer on the sidelines. The setback, though, will come as an annoyance to
first team manager David Moyes, who is already without fellow centre-half
Jose Fonte until the New Year. Michail Antonio, however, is closing in on a
return from injury and has travelled to Everton with the squad for their
clash on Wednesday night, though is not expected to start.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's two senior goalkeepers will each take centre-stage this
week – and both have been tipped to produce the goods. Joe Hart will keep
goal in the vital Premier League fixture at Everton on Wednesday night
before Adrian takes over between the sticks at Manchester City on Sunday,
when the on-loan Hart will be ineligible to face his parent club. Having
seen the work the pair put in on the training pitch every single day,
goalkeeper coach Chris Woods has great confidence that both the 'vital' Hart
and 'ultimate professional' Adrian will rise to the challenge. "Joe has an
aura about him and he portrays that in his talking on and off the pitch and
he is a vital member of the team," said Woods, who was himself capped 43
times by England. "We need to start improving our results and start doing
that with clean sheets and, to do that, we have to defend as a team, working
from the front and ending with Joe in goal. "Adrian would obviously like to
have played more games, but he's been the ultimate professional. He's worked
as hard as he ever did when he was starting in the team and, if anything
happens to Joe, he's got to be ready to go in. "If you don't train and let
yourself go a little bit, then you're called into the first team, it can
have a backward effect on you, but Adrian has worked hard every single day
to put pressure on and stake a claim for a place. While we have competition
like that, it's got to be good for Joe and Adrian. "We will also take Nathan
Trott to Manchester City as our No2 goalkeeper and it's a big day for him.
He's been in and around the first team and trained and travelled with us on
a number of occasions, but Sunday will be one step closer for him."
A true gentleman off the pitch, Woods was one of the best goalkeepers in the
game throughout the 1980s, helping Nottingham Forest win the European Cup
and unfancied Norwich City lift the League Cup before heading north of the
border during the European ban on English clubs to help Rangers win four
Scottish Premier League titles in five seasons between 1986-91. After
hanging up his boots in 1998, Woods was appointed as goalkeeper coach at
Wednesday's opponents Everton by his former Rangers manager Walter Smith. He
spent the next 15 years developing the likes of Richard Wright, John Ruddy
and Tim Howard, before following long-time boss David Moyes to Manchester
United and helped David De Gea win Player of the Year honours. In summer
2015, he joined West Ham, and has since worked with Adrian, Hart, Darren
Randolph and England U20 international Trott. "Every goalkeeper I've worked
with, I've enjoyed working with. There have been no difficult personalities,
so they've made my job and life easier because goalkeepers generally all
enjoy their work. "The game has obviously become so big now and every act is
analysed, so it's important that I get over my views and I listen to their
views as well. It's important to have a good working relationship and that's
what we've got."
Woods thoroughly enjoyed his time at Goodison Park, where he spent eleven
seasons working under Moyes before being reunited with his old boss in east
London earlier this month. "We had eleven fantastic years there, and
obviously the standout moments were getting to the FA Cup final and
qualifying for the Champions League. We built a team and added to it when we
needed to. "I was very fortunate to remain with Everton for such a long
period of time and the club became part of my life and my family's lives, I
got to know the people who worked at the club and built great relationships
with everybody. It was a good time to be there."
Three weeks into Woods has already seen the same approach from Moyes
starting to take effect at West Ham. "David led from the front with hard
work, setting standards that everyone needed to meet. I've definitely seen
the same effect here. It doesn't come overnight, it's a building process
which people buy into, work hard and we all hope it will eventually work
out. "After the game on Friday, we are beginning to understand what the
manager is putting out there. "Goodison has always been a very hard place to
go, though, particularly under the lights, and just because they've not
started the season as they'd hoped, I'm sure it will be a very tough game
and unless we play to our potential and concentrate, it will be difficult."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham has the building blocks for long-term success - Moyes
WHUFC.com
David Moyes has revealed that he would love to build success at West Ham
United in the same way he did during eleven years at Wednesday's opponents
Everton.
Moyes oversaw the Blues' improvement from mid-table also-rans to annual
challengers for a European place, while also developing the Academy into a
regular producer of future first-team stars. He may have been Hammers boss
for just three weeks but, as he prepares to take his new team to face his
old side at Goodison Park, the new manager has already seen the potential of
the Club to emulate Everton's success…
The building blocks are in place
I hope and would love to say that we have similar building blocks here to
those we had at Everton. If I can get good stability and strength, then it
could easily be eleven years, as West Ham has unbelievable potential to be
up there. They've got the infrastructure now. When I took over at Everton,
we trained at Bellefield, which had been Everton's training ground for more
than 50 years, before we moved to Finch Farm in 2007. Bellefield reminds me
quite a lot of Rush Green, which is slightly bigger. Within a couple of
weeks of arriving, we were talking about building a new training ground and
we brought the Academy in to join the first team at Finch Farm. One of the
biggest strengths at Everton was the Academy and bringing their young boys
through. It was always better if it was in one building.
And Everton have had a lot of good young players coming through, not
necessarily because of that but, overall, I got the time to do that and make
changes and to be fair in our period we had a Champions League finish and
Europa League finishes, so over the period we built it up.
Long-term goals
I'd love to think football clubs would always go long-term and think and
aspire to emulate what we built at Everton. I hope it'll turn full circle.
At the moment, managers are now down to probably 16 months in the job, maybe
even less in some cases. What it means is there's always a change of staff
and a change of players. It doesn't get to be settled and bedded down.
Sometimes you need the Directors to say: 'OK we have to go with it, we have
to put things in place for the long-term'. There are other things you need
to develop: you want your Academy to develop, you want all the things around
your club, your infrastructure, all to be good. My job is to come here and
win games and make sure we stay up. I'm here at the moment on a short-term
contract. The future for managers looks more likely to be short-term
contracts than managers tending to get ten or eleven years in any one job.
Making good players better
I was asked if there are things we did at Everton that I am considering
introducing here at West Ham, but I think sometimes you don't always see
them immediately as it takes a bit of time. It takes a bit of time to get
things going. Once you get it going, if you can get a wee bit of momentum. I
was also asked about the January transfer window and the important thing is
we try to sign good players for the future but who could do a job
immediately if possibly, with the right attitudes, and the right types. If I
was looking back at the early days at Everton where we did that was trying
to bring in the right players not just for the short-term but for the
long-term as well. For now, I genuinely am focused on trying to make this
group of players better. Because when I went into the job at Everton, there
wasn't bundles of cash, it was the same: how are you going to make them
better? What is the best way to make them win? How can you get the results?
I'm in the same situation at West Ham. But the difference from then to now
is that the money in the Premier League is just colossal. We will have to
look to see what we can do in terms of bringing in new players. If we're in
the same position, I have no doubts that the owners would support the right
deals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hart: I'll give everything to put us back on the right track
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart is relishing the challenge of helping West Ham United to climb the
Premier League table. The Hammers goalkeeper has experienced it all during
his illustrious career, from appearing at major tournaments with England and
winning the Premier League with Manchester City to battling relegation out
of the Football League and playing non-league football with Shrewsbury Town.
Now, Hart and his new club are facing a battle to rise out of the relegation
zone, but the 30-year-old is not fazed by what lies ahead – starting with
Wednesday's trip to Everton. "I've been through everything in my career.
I've played non-league, I've played for Shrewsbury Town and came into the
team with eight games to go when we were one point above the relegation zone
to go out of the Football League when I was 17 or 18-years-old," he
confirmed. "I've played right at the top and won leagues and won cups, so
I've had a great experience and, at the end of the day, it's football and
I'll to keep the ball out of the net, whether I'm fighting for a title or
fighting to stay in the league. That's what I do and what I love."
When asked to assess the midweek visit to Goodison Park, Hart said his total
focus is on helping the Hammers achieve their first win in seven top-flight
matches.
"I don't know how I feel about them, because they have an awful lot of
talent like we have, but we're in a situation where it's a really big game
and it's really important for both clubs. "I don't really care about how
they feel and I'm sure they don't care about how I feel. I only care about
how organised we are, how much of a performance we're going to put in and
how had we're going to try to win three points and put us on the right
line."
And Hart believes new manager David Moyes, who returns to the club he
managed successfully for eleven years, is doing everything he can to do just
that. "The manager's primary focus has been to get us back into a good
place. That's no disrespect to Slaven [Bilic], because I really enjoyed the
short time I worked with him and he is a good man, but I just felt there was
an uncomfortable situation for everyone. "So, the decision got made and
David has come in and it's quite a simple job in his eyes, and in our eyes,
which is getting us playing as a team in a strong formation and making us
accountable for mistakes and not being in position, and that's how we're
playing at the moment. "In my opinion, it's good and strong and organised
and I like the fact that people are held accountable. Every training session
needs to be trained to the maximum and that's going to help us as a team.
"It depends what you call 'tough'. I call it 'getting what's expected from
the players'. It might be perceived as being 'tough' but, in my opinion,
asking people to train at 100 per cent and give more than they're capable of
on a matchday is not being tough, but asking people to do their job."
While Wednesday's result is far from certain, Hart says West Ham's players
will give everything to reward the fans who roared them on during Friday's
1-1 draw with Leicester City at London Stadium. "A decision was made by the
fans. It was time to either really trash us or really urge us on and to
support us, no matter what, and they gave us an impression of what they
wanted. It wasn't Rabonas and taking people on or doing something magical
that got the crowd going, it was hard work and dedication, and we reacted
well to it. "Even though we are professionals and play football every day,
we play better when we've got support. We do things off the field better
when we've got the support of our families and that's what we've got to
create – a family. "We've got to create one team with the fans and that's
only going to come about down to hard work and dedication for the whole 95
or 96 minutes. It's priceless what that did for us and we can only repay
that by only letting that our minimum from now on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hutchison: Moyes will be super-motivated to secure win on Everton return
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United and Everton star Don Hutchison says David Moyes will
be desperate to get one over his former club on Wednesday evening. Moyes
makes his third return to Goodison Park since ending his eleven-year spell
in charge of the Toffees in May 2013, but has ended on the losing side on
his two visits since then. However, Hutchison says his fellow Scot will not
let those defeats, in 2013/14 with Manchester United and last season with
Sunderland, affect him, but will instead make him more desperate to show an
Everton struggling for results and without a permanent manager what they are
missing.
In the process, West Ham would also end their own poor run at Goodison,
where they have won just once in their last ten Premier League visits. "I
think over the course of the last five or ten years, I always thought it was
always a tricky place for West Ham to go to," said Hutchison, who failed to
win on three trips to the blue half of Liverpool as a Hammer. "I remember
playing there for West Ham and lost a few times but there is added spice to
this match with David Moyes going back to Goodison Park. "As an ex-player,
and I'm sure managers are the same, you always want to go back to your old
stomping ground and try and get the three points. In the current situation
West Ham are in, he certainly needs it."
Hutchison, who scored 18 goals in 110 appearances in Claret and Blue across
two spells between 1994 and 2004, was impressed by the way the Hammers' fans
roared their team on against Leicester City on Friday evening. The support
West Ham received as they came from a goal down to grab a deserved draw
reminded the 46-year-old of the 1994/95 season, when a late-season surge saw
Harry Redknapp's surge escape the relegation zone to finish 14th. Hutchison
led the charge, netting nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances,
including vital strikes in wins over Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and
Liverpool, to help his side stave off the drop. And the Gateshead-born
player-turned-pundit says the present-day Hammers need a few heroes to
emerge if they are to repeat history 23 years on. "I've been involved in
relegation scraps before at West Ham, during the 1994/95 season, and the
fans have always stuck by us, we appreciated this so much and I'm sure they
will do the same. "I'm pretty convinced that West Ham can get out of this
but they're going to need to start doing it quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers U21s to take on Luton Town in Checkatrade Trophy last-32
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U21s have been drawn to play League Two side Luton Town in
the last 32 of the Checkatrade Trophy. Defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on
Tuesday evening saw the Hammers finish second in Group C of the tournament,
putting Terry Westley's through to the knock-out stages of the Checkatrade
Trophy. The young Irons will now take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road with
the fixture scheduled for Tuesday 5 December, with kick-off at 7:45pm.
Tickets for next Tuesday's fixture are just £5 for adults and other
concessions while U16s can attend the contest for just £1!
Full ticketing information will be announced in due course.
West Ham United have already bettered last year's effort in the Checkatrade
Trophy, having failed to qualify from the group stages last season. A trip
to Luton means a contest with a host of ex-West Ham talent, including Dan
Potts, Ellie and Olly Lee, Marek Stech and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu. The match
will also hold special significance for Academy Director Westley, who was
manager of Luton Town in 1995.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley: To go through is a great achievement
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley remained extremely proud of his side's achievements as,
despite defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening, the Hammers U21s
progressed to the knockout rounds of the Checkatrade Trophy. West Ham fell
to a 2-0 defeat against Gareth Ainsworth's League Two outfit and will play
Luton Town in the last-32 after finishing second in their group. Victories
over Swindon Town and Bristol Rovers meant that the Hammers could have
sealed top spot in Group C (South) with a draw or win but instead will
settle for second because of an inferior goal difference to Swindon. Despite
the defeat, Westley was proud of what had been achieved by his team: "We
have to be positive to start with – we have gone through" he insisted.
"Setting the stall out at the start of the season you ask 'can you go a step
further than last year and qualify through the groups?', so it's a really
good achievement, we must not forget that. "To be one of three [U21] teams
to go through to the last-32 is a big achievement for the players at the
club. Goals either side of the break proved the difference at Adams Park,
with Will De Havilland and Sido Jombati the scorers as Wycombe's added
physicality showed its worth. "Of course there is the disappointment at
having not topped the group, we were a goal away from doing that" Westley
explained. "I was disappointed with the manner of the two goals, it was
tough to get the ball down and play because the game was so physical but
they are the demands that the young players have to cope with if you are
going to go on loan at this level."
Marcus Browne back in action against WycombeOf big significance on the night
was the return to action of midfielder Marcus Browne. Browne had missed five
months of action through injury but played the final 20 minutes on Tuesday,
instantly showing glimpses of the quality that he possesses. For Westley,
Browne's return is more than just a boost to his squad: "I'm hopeful for him
more than anything, he loves football, he doesn't look at anything else so
when he's not playing football his life is a little bit empty, which we work
with him on that. "Five months, it's been a long time coming and to name him
on the team sheet, to have him in the dressing rooms, seeing him involved
again, it's great. I said to him when he went on to just go and enjoy
himself and you could see with the burst of pace, getting shots off that we
miss him and we want him back to full fitness."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New jobs for the boys
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has been confirmed as the new manager of Everton - on the same
day as Alan Pardew was confirmed as manager of West Bromwich Albion. The two
former West Ham bosses were confirmed by their new clubs within a matter of
hours of each other this morning, just three weeks after another Premier
League stalwart, David Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic at West Ham. Pardew, who
as KUMB.com exclusively revealed earlier in November wanted a second stab at
the West Ham job has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Albion.
Meanwhile Allardyce, who held the managerial post at West Ham between 2011
and 2015 is poised to sign an 18-month deal worth in the region of £6million
per year. "I'm thrilled with the opportunity Albion have provided," said
Pardew this morning. "I'm looking forward to getting to work with what I
consider to be a talented group of players and it's an exciting opportunity
to play a part in that ambition. "The immediate challenge will be to get the
results we need to pull ourselves up the table. But I'm aware that while I'm
joining one of the great, traditional clubs of English football, it is one
determined to go forward in the Premier League.
Meanwhile Allardyce is set to be at Goodison Park tonight when his new club
take on Moyes' West Ham, although caretaker boss David Unsworth is expected
to name the team and remain as interim manager until later this week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McAvennie: Macari was horrible!
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham legend Frank McAvennie has been speaking about his longstanding
beef with former manager Lou Macari. McAvennie was enjoying a second spell
at Upton Park when Macari was hired as replacement for the popular John
Lyall - and within a matter of months, had left the club following a
gambling scandal.
"We got him sacked at West Ham," Macca told interviewer Si Ferry. "He was
never there, he was hopeless. If we got beaten, it was nothing to do with
him - it was becasue you weren't fit enough, so he'd give you extra running.
"I ended up in hospital after one of his pals, Chris Kamara broke my ankle
with a bad tackle on the opening day of the season. They took me to Stoke
Hospital where I was told I wouldn't be able to walk properly, never mind
play football again. "I phoned the physio and the team bus came to pick me
up - and Lou wasn't there, he wasn't even on the bus. "We got back to London
at one in the morning and the doctor said 'that's ok, I'll sort it' - I
don't understand why they sent you to accident and emergency. But that was
Macari for you. "I got the ok to train again on Christmas Eve - and on
Christmas Day he gave me a four mile road run and my ankle blew up again.
I'd been told to do light training and he took me on a four-mile run. He's a
horrible little person."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton v West Ham preview: Gylfi Sigurdsson calls on Toffees to turn it
around
Last Updated: 29/11/17 4:37pm
SSN
Gylfi Sigurdsson wants Everton to turn around their poor form and says home
advantage is key as West Ham visit Goodison Park on Wednesday (kick-off
8pm). The managerless Toffees were defeated 4-1 at Southampton on Sunday,
which came just three days after a 5-1 home drubbing by Atalanta on
Thursday. "All of the players are determined to turn this around," the
Iceland international midfielder said. "We need a little bit of luck, we got
back into the game but we need to make sure we take advantage of those
situations. "The positive thing is we have two more games this week. We must
go into the next one with a bit of positivity and try to get something from
the game. "We have two very important games coming up now. We are playing at
home and we need to get six points."
West Ham boss David Moyes returns to Goodison Park with Everton still
waiting to appoint a permanent manager, but the Scot has plenty of advice
for caretaker David Unsworth, who could be set for his final game in charge.
"If he doesn't take the Everton job I think I would tell 'Unsy' to go and
manage somewhere and earn your corn," said Moyes. "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. "I still believe the best thing to do is to go out and trust
yourself to win a few games wherever you go."
Team news
Everton duo Leighton Baines and Michael Keane are likely to sit out
Wednesday's match after both came off with injuries at Southampton on
Sunday. Fellow defender Mason Holgate (groin), who has missed the last three
matches, will be assessed ahead of the contest at Goodison Park. Oumar
Niasse is unavailable as he completes his two-match suspension, but Tom
Davies can be called upon again having served his one-game ban.
Moyes is set to take an unchanged West Ham squad to Goodison. Marko
Arnautovic should be available despite limping off towards the end of Friday
night's 1-1 draw with Leicester. Javier Hernandez, Michail Antonio (both
hamstring) and James Collins (ankle) are not quite ready to return and Jose
Fonte (ankle) is out until the new year.
Everton have lost just once in their last 18 Premier League matches against
the Hammers (W11 D6 L1) - losing 3-2 in March 2016 under Roberto Martinez.
West Ham have failed to score in their last two Premier League games against
Everton - they last went three in a row without netting back in February
2000 under Harry Redknapp.
Moyes has lost all four of his Premier League matches against his former
side Everton as a manager by an aggregate score of 0-8.
Moyes took charge of 427 Premier League games as Everton manager - only one
of three bosses to have managed 300+ games at one club in the competition,
alongside Arsene Wenger (803 at Arsenal) and Sir Alex Ferguson (810 at Man
Utd).
This will be the 39th consecutive Premier League matchday in which Moyes has
started in charge of a team in the relegation zone - only one manager has a
longer run of matchdays started in a relegation zone, John Gorman in 1993/94
at Swindon Town (40 in a row).
West Ham's winless streak in the Premier League now stands at six games (W0
D3 L3) and should they fail to win this match it'll be their second instance
of a seven-game winless streak in the league in 2017 alone (seven games
between February and April).
Wayne Rooney has been directly involved in 15 goals in 15 starts against
West Ham United in the Premier League (11 goals, four assists).
Andy Carroll hasn't scored in any of his last 11 competitive appearances for
West Ham. Since scoring in the 18th minute of their 2-1 loss against Hull
City on April 1, 2017, the striker has gone 14 hours and 19 minutes without
a goal and attempted just four shots on target in this period.
Merson's prediction
This could be a good game. I thought West Ham did all right against
Leicester on Friday. It was a weird game in that Leicester could not get out
of their own half, but nothing happened in the second half for 25 minutes
and it was not like Kasper Schmeichel was making save after save. Everton,
though, are all over the place, conceding fours and fives in their last two
games… that is not Everton. And on Sunday, for me they just lay down.
Everton have good fans, so it was sad to see and it must be breaking their
hearts seeing that. But I am going to go with home advantage here, as if
they cannot get themselves up for this game at home, they need to start
panicking. This is a big match and they need to give more than they did
against Southampton and bar a worldy goal by Gylfi Sigurdsson, it was not
much.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes says he would relish long-term West Ham stay
Last Updated: 28/11/17 11:22pm
SSN
David Moyes admits he would relish a long-term stay at West Ham, in order to
develop the club like he did at Everton. Moyes replaced the sacked Slaven
Bilic as manager earlier this month, signing a contract until the end of the
season as the Hammers task the Scot with helping secure Premier League
survival. Moyes spent 11 years at Goodison Park, turning Everton into
regular top-eight finishers and occasional European qualifiers, but fears
the days of managers being able to build towards a long-term goal has now
are disappearing. "I'd love to think football clubs would always go long
term and think that way," said Moyes. "I hope it will turn full circle. At
the moment managers are now down to probably 16 months in the job, maybe
even less in some cases. "What it means is there's always a chance of a
change of staff and a change of players. It doesn't get to be settled and
bedded down. "Sometimes you need the directors to say 'OK we have to go with
it, we have to put things in place for the long term'."
The 54-year-old cited academies as a key element in a club's development,
but admitted his immediate focus is ensuring his side avoid the drop. "There
are other things you need to develop - you want your academy to develop, you
want all the things around your club, your infrastructure, all to be good,"
he said. "Myself included, maybe even more so. My job is to come here and
win games and make sure we stay up. I'm here at the moment on a short-term
contract. "The future for managers looks more likely to be short-term
contracts than managers tending to get 10 or 11 years in any one job."
Moyes returns to Goodison Park on Wednesday with West Ham desperate for a
victory to lift themselves out of the relegation zone. Everton are in some
disarray, with caretaker boss David Unsworth still in charge five weeks
after they sacked Ronald Koeman, but Moyes is undecided on whether now is a
good time to take on the Toffees. "I know the players there and they'll be
hurting. They'll be wanting to get back to the standards they've set," he
said. "But my focus is on West Ham and my focus is solely on how we're doing
and trying to improve our performances to get us three points from the
game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's James Collins suffers minor setback after aggravating hamstring
injury
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport
West Ham defender James Collins has suffered a minor setback after making a
return from injury on Tuesday night. The Wales international, who
originally suffered an ankle injury against West Brom in September but then
picked up a hamstring problem in training last week, was named in the
starting XI for the Hammers' U23s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Wycombe
Wanderers. However, the 34-year-old was withdrawn after just 24 minutes
after aggravating his hamstring problem. Collins was withdrawn as a
precaution and looked comfortable as he left the pitch at Adams Park, where
Terry Westley's side lost 2-0, and is not expected to face much too much
longer on the sidelines. The setback, though, will come as an annoyance to
first team manager David Moyes, who is already without fellow centre-half
Jose Fonte until the New Year. Michail Antonio, however, is closing in on a
return from injury and has travelled to Everton with the squad for their
clash on Wednesday night, though is not expected to start.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
