Loan watch: Burke defeats Snodgrass in battle of West Ham loanees
WHUFC.com
Reece Burke won the battle of the West Ham United loanees as his Bolton
Wanderers side defeated Robert Snodgrass's Aston Villa. The Trotters upset
the promotion-chasing Villans at a snowy Macron Stadium, where Adam Le
Fondre scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half. Burke
was at his best defensively, making eight clearances and a tackle and also
blocking a shot, helping Bolton claim three points and rise to 19th in the
EFL Championship table with eight games remaining. Snodgrass put in a
team-high eleven crosses and made three key passes, but he was also shown a
yellow card for an altercation with Bolton midfielder Karl Henry. Villa fell
to fourth, behind Fulham on goal difference and seven points behind Cardiff
City in the second automatic promotion place.
Burke returns to action on Good Friday 30 March, when Bolton travel to Leeds
United, while Snodgrass and Villa play next at Hull City on Saturday 31
March.
Moses Makasi enjoyed another memorable appearance for loan club Plymouth
Argyle as the Pilgrims climbed back into the EFL League One Play-Off places
with a thrilling 3-2 win over Bristol Rovers. Starting his second game in
succession for the Devon side in front of a bumper 13,466-strong crowd,
central midfielder Makasi helped his team recover from 1-0 and 2-1 down to
win through Graham Carey's 85th-minute penalty. Argyle's seventh win in
eight league matches took them back above Peterborough United into sixth
place with nine games to play, the first of which is at Charlton Athletic
this coming Saturday.
In Spain, Toni Martinez played his part as Real Valladolid came from a goal
down to defeat Almeria 2-1 in the Segunda Division. Having fallen behind in
the first half, Valladolid levelled through Oscar Plano on the hour-mark
before Martinez was introduced with 13 minutes remaining, and the home side
were rewarded when Jaime Mata headed home with four minutes remaining to
snatch all three points. Valladolid are ninth in the table, but just two
points behind Sporting Gijon in fourth, ahead of a trip to mid-table Lugo on
Saturday.
Elsewhere, Reece Oxford was ruled out of Borussia Monchengladbach's 3-3
Bundesliga draw with Hoffenheim with a hamstring strain.
Likewise, Martin Samuelsen missed Burton Albion's 3-1 Championship defeat at
leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers with an unspecified injury.
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Cullen and Rice claim Ireland accolades
WHUFC.com
It was a successful night for West Ham United pair Josh Cullen and Declan
Rice at the FAI awards on Sunday as both picked up prestigious accolades in
their respective age categories. Midfielder Cullen – who spent the first
half of the campaign on loan at Championship side Bolton Wanderers – picked
up the U21 International Player of the Year award after a series of
impressive performances as skipper of the side. Rice, meanwhile, was named
U19 International Player of the Year – his second honour in as many years
having been presented with the U17 equivalent last March. The young
centre-back, who has made such an impact in the Hammers' first team this
season, was called into the Republic of Ireland's senior squad for the first
time last week for their upcoming friendly against Turkey.
The 19-year-old has so far been an important figure in the U21s' European
Qualifying campaign too, often playing alongside Cullen in central midfield
for the Boys in Green who so far have ten points from a possible 15 in Group
5, sitting behind just Germany in the table.
As well as Rice's senior call-up, the Hammers duo have both been named in
Noel King's U21 squad for Thursday's friendly against Iceland and next
Tuesday's qualifier at home to Azerbaijan.
Martin O'Neill's senior squad take on Turkey in Antalya on Friday.
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FA Cup hero backs Jordan Hugill to make West Ham impact
WHUFC.com
Four decades ago, West Ham United snapped up a lower-league striker who
would gain hero status in Claret and Blue. Alan Taylor was an unheralded
centre forward who had just turned 21 when he was signed by John Lyall from
Fourth Division Rochdale in December 1974. Six months later, his goals
secured the Club's second FA Cup triumph at Wembley. Forty-three years
later, the Hammers returned to the Football League for another young English
goalscorer, snapping up Jordan Hugill from Championship club Preston North
End. Taylor, who was also with the Deepdale side as a teenager, is hoping
the 25-year-old will follow in his own footsteps by making his mark in a
West Ham shirt. "I'd be absolutely delighted if the lad gets his chance and
scores a few goals," said Taylor, who scored 36 goals in 124 games for the
Hammers. "It'd be brilliant for Jordan Hugill and it'd be brilliant for the
Club, too. "That signing showed that West Ham are prepared to look around
the lower divisions for youngsters. "At Preston, Jordan showed his
goalscoring instincts and now, with better players around him, I really hope
that he gets a run and knocks a few in."
Reflecting on his own career, where Hugill will benefit from playing
alongside the likes of Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic, Taylor finished
chances created by Trevor Brooking and Keith Robson. "Ron Greenwood and John
Lyall reckoned my speed would work well with Trevor's ability to unlock
defences. I was loving my football at Rochdale but when a club from the top
division came in for me and doubled my wages, it was a no brainer. Hey
presto, I was a West Ham United player! "Back then, lower-league players
could break through because if you performed well, a club might take a
chance. It also worked out well for Billy Jennings, who came from
[third-tier] Watford and Keith Robson, who was struggling at Newcastle
United. "Pace was my asset but Ron and John taught me to get into the right
positions to benefit from Trevor's great passing ability. As young English
lads, all wanting to be better footballers, we looked up to the senior
players like Trevor, Frank Lampard and Billy Bonds, who was a fantastic
leader. They were great people, who made West Ham United a great football
club."
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The amazing story of how West Ham signed an all-time goalscoring great
WHUFC.com
This is the amazing story of how West Ham United signed John Dick, the
Scottish striker who went on to become an all-time great in Claret and Blue.
Dick, who was born in Glasgow on 19 March 1930, went on to score 177 goals
for the Hammers across nine seasons, spearheading the Club's attack as they
won the Second Division title in 1958. But the tale of how manager Ted
Fenton clinched the Scot's signature is even more sensational than his
subsequent goalscoring record!
Raised in the same Govan district that produced Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny
Dalglish, Dick was stationed in Essex in the post-war years, during which
time he played non-league football for Crittall Athletic – then the works
team of Crittall Windows Ltd and now National League club Braintree Town.
Dick's goalscoring exploits for both Crittall and his Army unit caught the
attention of scouts. The prolific forward was recommended to both West Ham
boss Fenton and Tottenham Hotspur manager Bill Nicholson but, when he was
reposted to Catterick in North Yorkshire, the race was on to turn the
full-time soldier into a full-time striker.
Fenton recounted a tale that would seem barely believable in the modern game
in his seminal book At Home With The Hammers, which was published at the
height of Dick's goalscoring powers in 1960...
"I heard about John Dick, our goalscoring inside forward, through an old
friend from my Colchester days. My friend told me that he had seen a soldier
playing for Crittalls Athletic, the Essex side, who was worth watching. "No
sooner the word than the deed but, when I turned up to see Dick play, my
first view was an abbreviated one. He was taken off with a dislocated
shoulder. But I had seen and heard enough to be interested. "From then on
John Dick was under the microscope most of the time. I got permission from
his club and then went to see him. After that I followed his progress
closely through the Army Cup rounds, and went up to his new station at
Catterick to have a further look. "I had made up my mind that I wanted Dick
at West Ham, although I knew it wouldn't be easy. The lad wasn't keen on
coming to England. He wanted to stay in his native Scotland. And, above all,
he was just crazy about Glasgow Rangers. "But I knew my time was running out
when I heard that the Crittalls coach, an old Spurs player, had tipped off
White Hart Lane about the boy. So, when Dick went home to Scotland on leave,
I followed. "That started off one of those depressingly crazy treasure
hunts. I arranged to meet him at Ibrox one Saturday afternoon and when I
turned up there was no sign of Dick. I waited around, then, beginning to get
fed up, I went in to see the match. A mix-up in the messages had sent Dick
across to Hampden where he, too, waited patiently. "After the match I set
out to find Dick, who I knew was 'somewhere in Glasgow'. But where? After a
lot of phone calls and enquiries, I eventually traced his family to
Cardonald, a suburb about five miles out. "Off I went, only to find nobody
in. After long spell hammering on the door, and a lowering period while I
thought about sitting on the door-step for the rest of the weekend,
neighbours came to my rescue and suggested he might be at his sister's in
Govan. "So I blazed another trail to Govan, only to find what looked like a
forest of flats, hundreds and hundreds of them, all grey and similar – and I
didn't know the number I wanted. I knocked at doors, I trudged along dark
corridors. I asked and asked, always the same seemingly pointless questions
until I thought I must sound like a lunatic. And all the time I knew I
wasn't going to get the answer I wanted. "At last, in desperation, I went
back to his parents' place. At least I knew where they lived, so I was
better employed wasting my time where I knew something might happen. Once
more I knocked at the door without hope, only this time I heard movement as
someone came to answer it. John Dick's parents were in! If I had known how
to do a Highland Fling, I would have done it.
"But this wasn't the end of the disappointment. Nothing so simple as that.
It was eleven o'clock, but John was still out. So we sat and talked and
waited. Eventually, John's mother said she would go out and see if she could
find him. She did both – arriving back with him soon afterwards. "Then came
the long, interminable discussions as I talked John out of his desire to
stay in Scotland. Eventually I won, and, way past midnight I signed him for
West Ham. I have seldom been so exhausted, nor so happy. "In fact, I felt so
good I walked the five miles back to Glasgow in the icy cold with policemen
eyeing me suspiciously. I couldn't get a room in the hotel either, and, in
the end, I gave a night porter ten shillings to let me doze on the settee.
"But I didn't care. I had made my first signing. More were to come."
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West Ham striker Chicharito proud to pull on Mexico shirt again
WHUFC.com
Chicharito and Mexico will step up their preparations for the 2018 FIFA
World Cup finals in the United States at the end of this month. The West Ham
United striker will almost certainly be part of the El Tri squad for
friendly international matches with Iceland and Croatia, which will be
placed on 23 March and 27 March in San Francisco and Dallas respectively.
The fixtures have been organised not only to give the large Hispanic
populations of California and Texas a chance to see Mexico in action, but
also to prepare Chicharito and company for their Group F fixtures with
European opponents Germany and Sweden at this summer's World Cup. The No17
is naturally looking forward to representing his country again, having
reached the 100-cap mark when he faced Belgium in Brussels last time out.
"This is the best feeling for me, in my job and my sport, to wear the green
shirt of Mexico, whether I'm playing at home, in Europe or in the United
States, where will play our next two games," said Mexico's all-time leading
scorer with 49 goals. "Every stadium we play in, we see Mexicans, as we have
a lot of fans all over the world who support our national team. It's been a
pleasure every time I pulled on the shirt and it will be a pleasure every
time I pull on the shirt in the future. "These are important games for us,
too, against Croatia and Iceland. They will be tough friendly matches, but
we have the World Cup coming up soon and these matches, as well as the games
we have against Wales and Scotland at the end of the season, will give us a
good idea of where we are ahead of the tournament in June."
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Moses making waves on the south coast
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's on-loan midfielder Moses Makasi has been praised for his
recent performances by team mate Jamie Ness. The 22-year-old midfielder
joined Plymouth Argyle on loan in January and has appeared on just three
occasions for the Pilgrims since. However Ness, who plays alongside the
youngster at the heart of the Plymouth midfield was effusive in his praise
of Makasi's efforts since he came in the side to replace regular first
teamer Antoni Sarcevic, who has been absent as a result of surgery. "He has
done really well, the two games he has come in," Ness told The Herald. "He
has not played league football before, so that's obviously a massive step up
from reserve level. "Sarce was different class for us, probably our best
player in January. To lose him was a big blow but Moses has come in and got
the goal last week. "He has got a lot of pace, a lot of energy and likes to
get forward as well. He has slotted in really well. All credit to him, it
has not affected us really. "
Plymouth have taken four points from their last two matches in which Makasi
has started; a 1-1 draw at Fleetwood - in which he scores Argyle's goal -
and last weekend's 3-2 win over fellow South West outfit Bristol Rovers,
thanks to Graham Varey's late penalty. Makasi, who first appeared for West
Ham's Under 18s in 2012 as a 16-year-old previously spent a short spell on
loan with Chelmsford City, back in September 2015.
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Ex-Hammer returns - for FIFTH management spell!
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 19th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Martin Allen has been appointed by League Two side Barnet -
for the fifth time. In what must be some kind of managerial record, former
Hammers midfielder Allen has returned to The Hive for a fifth spell with the
Bees six seven points adrift of safety at the foot of the Football League.
News of Allen's return was confirmed by Chairman Tony Kleanthous, who fired
his predecessor Graham Westley at the weekend. "I knew Martin was available
[before we hired Westley] and we met for breakfast one morning. We always
get along great, he is an interesting character but a man with a genuinely
good heart and he cares about the Club. "I should have given him the job
there and then but at that time I was still thinking we could make the
playoffs and he was trying to convince me we were going to be fighting
relegation. "With hindsight he was right and I was in cuckoo land but as
always when it comes to all things Barnet, I struggle to accept anything
negative and my enthusiasm gets the better of me, I should have listened to
him. "In fairness to Graham, he has been absolutely great to work with and
the team ethic has definitely improved under him. However after two
successive poor home performances and with the season running out, I had to
go for one last throw of the dice. "This meant turning to the only man I
know who can hopefully restore some belief and get the wins we need to
salvage our League status. Sitting on my hands and doing nothing was not an
option. "So here we are again, another Monday another manager, Martin is
back. His remit is simple, clear the decks, get everyone focused and win
matches!"
Allen, 52, who featured for West Ham between 1989 and 1995 was first
appointed manager of Barnet in 2003. Following spells at Brentford, MK Dons,
Leicester and Cheltenham he returned to the Underhill Stadium for a
short-term stint in 2011. After a season at Notts County he returned for a
third spell at the club in a caretaker role in 2012 with Barnet, shortly
before they moved to a new ground (The Hive). A fourth spell - at two
years, his longest - followed a year at Gillingham before Allen took the
vacant post at Eastleigh, his most recent role before accepting Kleanthous'
latest call for help.
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West Ham are stuck with the London Stadium - the only way to make it
bearable for fans is by winning
Karren Brady sort of apologised for what happened at the London Stadium last
week in the defeat to Burnley - but the board must try and create a winning
team
The Mirror
Andy Dunn
ByAndy Dunn
12:41, 18 MAR 2018
For some reason, it took an entire week and was not even through the club's
official channels. But Karren Brady has sort of apologised and sort of
taken some blame for the scenes at the London Stadium last Saturday. In
doing so in her newspaper column, she referred to West Ham as being known
around the football world for its history, its heritage and, above all, its
heart. For starters, it really, really isn't. No more than most football
clubs, anyway. Does it have history, heritage and heart? Sure, but it is
hardly a global symbol of those abstract qualities.
And it is a little rich talking about history, heritage and heart when you
have moved the club to an athletics stadium and plastered LONDON on the club
crest.
Brady, David Sullivan and David Gold can dress up the stadium move in
whatever manner they want but, quite simply, it was and it remains a piece
of naked commercial opportunism – one that is pretty much irreversible,
certainly in short and medium term. As Brady said yesterday, "we have moved
and there is no going back".
So West Ham are stuck with an arena that is only truly fit for footballing
purpose in the sense it has a large rectangle of grass in its middle. Brady
highlights the attempts to make it feel more like 'home' but getting
permission to put a claret-coloured cover over the track is not going to
make fans suddenly feel fuzzy. Long term, it will be a generational thing,
it is the way time works. Relatively soon, there will be a generation of
West Ham supporters who have known nothing other than the London Stadium. In
the meanwhile, the only way to make the stadium bearable to the majority is
to win football matches.
In football, winning is a panacea, a magic bullet, a cure-all. The pitch
does not get invaded if you are one up against Burnley and snapping at the
heels of the Big Six. Brady can have all the meetings she likes with the
London Mayor about how to improve practical things at the stadium but that
is all trivia compared to the one thing she, Sullivan and Gold, can do to
calm the mutinous factions. That is to help produce a winning team. There
was one telling line in Brady's mea culpa lite.
"We are in the process of entirely restructuring our player recruitment.
This will change the way we handle transfers in the future, giving the
control to the manager and the football staff."
There you have it. By logical extension, non-football staff have been
involved in a transfer policy that, like the stadium, has not been fit for
purpose in recent times.
And while Brady points to a record spend of £80million in 2016-17, the net
spend over the last four transfer windows is less than £30m. Not only that,
decisions on who have been bought and sold have obviously been influenced by
people not qualified to properly judge a footballer. However steeped in
tradition your club, signing and selling the wrong players will not give you
a winning team.
So, if the unlikely gist of what Brady is saying, amidst all the flannel, is
that this board will now just write the cheques, at least West Ham fans have
something positive to latch on to.
As well as all that history, heritage and heart, of course.
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NO MORE RAZZLE DAZZLE - HARD GRAFT AND FOCUS WILL DO
By HamburgHammer 19 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Having two weekends in a row with no West Ham game sucks, but that's what
happens when one is a weekend reserved for FA Cup games (and you're already
out because you decided to prioritise the league fixtures) followed by
another international weekend (once again with limited activity for West Ham
players these days – does anyone actually LIKE international weekends ?).
Of course the world of West Ham never really stops turning and there are
loads of things still happening, mainly off the pitch, for our glorious club
at the moment.
I won't be talking about the board too much (again) at this point as most of
the national British media have now kindly taken over having a butchers at
why exactly our club may be in its current predicament, on the pitch and off
it.
I understand representatives of WHUISA (which I have been a member of ever
since it was founded) have been invited to a meeting with David Sullivan
tomorrow to ask some questions.
Whether this will ultimately take the predictable route which previous
meetings with other fan groups have travelled on or if it will indeed lead
to the board sitting up and take notice for a change remains to be seen. I
won't be holding my breath, but it'd be plain rude of WHUISA not to sit down
with the main s shareholder and give it a right good go. What'll happen with
our club further down the road, in the summer, should be a different matter
– right now the game against Southampton takes the utmost importance.
The media sometimes tends to label too many games as relegation six-pointers
in order to drum up interest, sell papers or get viewing figures.
The Southampton game though promises to be nailbiting stuff, squeaky bum
style, with both teams needing the three points desperately.
With West Brom and Stoke losing we can put some daylight between us and
another relegation rival if we beat Southampton, how we get that win is
secondary, but beat them we must.
I reckon the vast majority of our fans are very much aware what's at stake
here and I would think the atmosphere, while being tense, could also be
fantastic, bordering cauldron level, if only our team put the effort in and
give the fans something worth cheering for early on.
Not even a goal necessarily, although that'd obviously help a lot, but a
tenacious tackle, a fine passing combination, a cracking shot on goal, you
get the picture.
A sign from the players that they want the win as much as the fans.
Relegation would do neither the club nor the players any favours and
whatever our club may have to go through in the next few months and years,
it'll be easier ftom the position of playing in the Premier League rather
than the Championship.
Now, I'm well aware of the new manager initial boost theory and while
Southampton have some decent players and while Mark Hughes may have certain
qualities as a manager, Southampton are where they are in the table for a
reason. I know we lost 3:0 against Burnley, but I see them as a much better
drilled and organised side than Southampton are this season. With the right
application, a positive mindset and the encouragement from the home crowd
hopefully we will ask Southampton a few questions on the pitch.
It's not like Southampton have momentum on their side right now and surely
David Moyes and his coaching staff have enough time now to put our team in
the best shape and frame of mind for the Southampton game. Phase 1 was the
warm weather break in Miami. Actually I don't mind that move. You could
argue whether a trip to Tenerife or Malta might have done the same, but the
general idea of having a bit of a reboot, a change of scenery, a change of
routine might do the lads the world of good.
The players will know themselves they have vastly underperformed this
season, they don't need to read a blog or online fanzine to know that. But
now Phase 2 has to kick in, you've had your week in the sun, now go out on
the cold and wet training pitch in Blighty and work on the basics needed to
beat Southampton.
Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Arnautovic and Hernandez back together
from the first whistle. Also it will definitely help to finally have Masuaku
back in the fold.
Somehow we have looked a much better team all around whenever he's been on
the pitch for us.
I also would like to see an attacking lineup, even though this may leave us
a bit more open at the back. But I wouldn't expect us to keep a clean sheet
these days anyway and would rather see us counter that with a lot of pace,
physical presence and plenty of positivity further up the field. I'd also
like to think the home crowd would respond to attacking football a lot more
and surely we need the crowd on or team's side rather than their backs.
I still have no doubt we can escape relegation through a combination of
honest graft, effort and a healthy dose of good luck. Don't forget, new
manager or not, Southampton won't arrive in London brimming with confidence.
It's our job to make sure they won't be gaining any confidence from playing
us.
That's my West Ham thoughts for the Southampton game which still seems
lightyears away. On a personal level, the weekend was mostly successful. I
visited my brother at his rehab clinic again (where he will get a week's
extension to fatten him up a bit more in preparation for his final cycle of
chemo).
I was trying to help with the fattening up bit by bringing some cake and we
then settled down in his room with the radio on, listening to the Bundesliga
Soccer Saturday programme, being elated with Hamburg SV taking a 1:0 lead at
halftime only to lose 1:2 against Hertha Berlin eventually, relegation
beckoning ever more fiercely now!
The new Hamburg manager (Hamburg have now gone through 18 managers in 11
years) tried something new, a VERY young team with an average age of 23.98
years, the youngest Hamburg team fielded in 44 years, but it just wasn't
enough. The team frankly isn't Bundesliga standard and the only positive I
can take from the situation is that there is going to be another Hamburg
derby next season, albeit in Bundesliga 2, between Hamburg SV and FC
St.Pauli.
My Sunday was spent by watching a Concordia doubleheader with both teams
winning in the freezing cold East Hamburg sunshine, but arctic winds coming
in from God knows where made me question my sanity more than once while
spending almost four hours alongside two God forsaken artificial pitches,
watching lower league football.
But nothing warms you up better than seeing you team win (apart from some
chips, hot coffee and some mulled wine!) and Cordi 2 won their away game 3:1
while Cordi's first team beat FC Suederelbe (the Millwall equivalent of the
Oberliga Hamburg) by a 2:0 scoreline.
Cordi 2 is now almost guaranteed promotion to the next level while Cordi 1
are bound to save some face late on in the season by stringing some wins
together which will probably lead to a 4th or 5th place finish at the end of
the season, representing failed ambition (as they were hoping to get
promoted this season), but that's football.
And frankly, with an average attendance of 150 people at home games it's
hardly comparable to West Ham's woes in the Premier League.
Who knows what this week will bring to our much beloved West Ham United ?
Good news on a postcard please! COYI!!!
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 20
Monday, March 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th March 2018
West Ham defender Ogbonna 'honoured' to earn Italy recall
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna has expressed his pride at being called-up to the Italy squad
for the first time in 18 months. Capped eleven times, the centre-half made
his debut for the Azzurri against Poland back in November 2011, but has not
featured since appearing in a FIFA World Cup qualifying win in Israel in
September 2016.
The former Torino and Juventus defender is closing in on 100 appearances for
West Ham United, having arrived from the Serie A champions in the summer of
2015, and his consistent performances under David Moyes have earned him a
recall from caretaker Italy manager Luigi Di Biagio. And Ogbonna himself is
excited by the prospect of facing Manuel Lanzini's Argentina at the City of
Manchester Stadium on 23 March and Joe Hart's England at Wembley four nights
later. "It will be an honor and a privilege to return to defend the colours
of our national team," the 29-year-old posted on his Instagram account on
Sunday. Ogbonna has already scored at both stadia this season, memorably
netting West Ham's Carabao Cup winner against Tottenham Hotspur back in
October, before heading in the opener in the Hammers' 2-1 Premier League
defeat at Manchester City in December.
England versus Italy will be screened live in the UK by ITV.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Angelo Ogbonna has expressed his pride at being called-up to the Italy squad
for the first time in 18 months. Capped eleven times, the centre-half made
his debut for the Azzurri against Poland back in November 2011, but has not
featured since appearing in a FIFA World Cup qualifying win in Israel in
September 2016.
The former Torino and Juventus defender is closing in on 100 appearances for
West Ham United, having arrived from the Serie A champions in the summer of
2015, and his consistent performances under David Moyes have earned him a
recall from caretaker Italy manager Luigi Di Biagio. And Ogbonna himself is
excited by the prospect of facing Manuel Lanzini's Argentina at the City of
Manchester Stadium on 23 March and Joe Hart's England at Wembley four nights
later. "It will be an honor and a privilege to return to defend the colours
of our national team," the 29-year-old posted on his Instagram account on
Sunday. Ogbonna has already scored at both stadia this season, memorably
netting West Ham's Carabao Cup winner against Tottenham Hotspur back in
October, before heading in the opener in the Hammers' 2-1 Premier League
defeat at Manchester City in December.
England versus Italy will be screened live in the UK by ITV.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 18
Daily WHUFC News - 18th March 2018
Rice feeling the benefits of Miami training camp
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice says deeper relationships with his West Ham United teammates and
the coaching staff is a major benefit of this week's training camp in Miami.
The Hammers spent five days working in Florida this week, returning to
London on Saturday, and Rice believes the quality time with the rest of the
squad has helped to develop stronger bonds between them "I think the more
time you spend together, the more you get to know each other," Rice told
whufc.com. "There might be some people that you don't really speak to at the
training ground. You can be here and speak to them and get to know more
about them. "It's the same with the staff as well. You don't really get to
sit down with the staff. It's been really good. To get away, with the
weather out here, with the results not really going our way at the moment,
getting to spend time together as a team and bringing the staff as well.
It's important that we've come out here and done this trip."
It's not just off the field that Rice can feel the positives of the mid-week
training camp, with the defender likening the intensity of the sessions to
those usually seen in pre-season training. He continued: "The sessions were
probably an insight into what pre-season is going to be like! We're Premier
League footballers so we've got to be fit as a fiddle really, and the
manager, to bring us out here, we've got to work hard. And when we get back
we've got to keep going. "We've had four hard sessions out here, including
the bike session on Monday. The manager has really worked us hard out here
and with the heat out here, it's really made an impact. We're all feeling
the benefits of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clark calls for unbeaten run to continue against Portsmouth
WHUFC.com
Molly Clark has called on West Ham United Ladies to make it nine games
unbeaten when they take on her former side, Portsmouth, this weekend. Clark
made her debut for the Irons last week as Karen Ray's side defeated
Chichester City 2-0, continuing the side's record of being unbeaten in 2018.
The Ladies have not been bested in their last eight matches and Clark is
hoping that the run continues when her former team, Portsmouth, visit Rush
Green on Sunday. "The girls have worked so hard to be unbeaten in eight
straight matches is a fantastic achievement," Clark told whufc.com. "I'm so
glad I was able to play a role in the last game, and if we just continue to
play and work hard like we have been I can't see any reason why we can't
make it nine games unbeaten. "As people may know, Portsmouth is my home team
and I've had a lot of amazing experiences during my three spells with them.
But, my focus now is on West Ham and I'm sure we can three points this
weekend."
The midfielder's first showing last week earned praise from interim head
coach Karen Ray, and Clark was delighted to cap her first showing for the
Hammers with a victory. And Clark is optimistic that she can also help the
Irons get another win this weekend. "I really enjoyed playing my first
match," Clark continued. "Getting the win with it obviously made it an even
better experience. Chichester were a tough team but I think we dug deep as a
unit and we got the three points, which is the main thing. "Being at West
Ham has been really enjoyable so far. I'm really happy to be a part of this
club and working hard with the other girls. We just need to keep performing
and keep winning. Portsmouth are a good team but I'm confident we can get
the right result."
Watch West Ham United Ladies this Sunday against Portsmouth FC Ladies at
Rush Green Stadium! Kick-off at 2pm!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta: I feel proud to play for West Ham fans
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta says the support West Ham fans show for the Irons makes him
proud to represent the team. Speaking at the end of a five-day training camp
in Miami, the Argentinian full-back was full of praise for the loyal Claret
and Blue Army, revealing he is still captivated by the backing the
supporters give to the players. "I've been saying for a few months since
being at this club, I've seen the fans be incredible," Zabaleta told
whufc.com. "Even away from home, I've seen the fans travelling everywhere,
giving great support to the team. At home, at London Stadium, in front of
60,000 people, it's incredible. It shows the potential of the Club in terms
of how many fans West Ham have got. "Us as players, and personally from my
point of view, I feel proud to play with our fans. Sometimes that passion is
what we really need to know, the players, to give them something back by
winning games. "It's been a difficult season in terms of injuries and many
things that sometimes have affected the team. To the fans all we can say is
thanks for the great support they show week in and week out because they are
amazing."
Zabaleta joined the Hammers last summer from Manchester City and, with the
defender closing in on the end of his first season at the east London Club,
the 33-year-old took the opportunity to pay tribute to the West Ham
supporters. With defeats in the last three games, Zabaleta can understand
that supporters want to see more from the team and has called on everyone
involved with West Ham to be united ahead of the next contest, at home to
Southampton. He continued: "Hopefully we can perform well enough to keep
West Ham in the Premier League. We will try. We know we have to do better
than we have done in the last three games. "I do really understand
sometimes the frustration of the fans when things don't go like everyone
expects, but I think those tough periods, we all need to be together. It's
the only reason to go forward, to be united. Us as players, we know we have
to do better on the field."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Karren Brady apologises for London Stadium trouble
BBC.co.uk
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has apologised for the scenes that
marred the 3-0 defeat by Burnley last weekend. There were four separate
pitch invasions at London Stadium and fans also protested in front of the
directors' box, with joint-owner David Sullivan being hit by a coin. Brady,
in her Sun newspaper column, called the events "one of the most painful
days" in the club's history. She added that "nothing comes" before the
safety of supporters.
Brady also said:
the club were trying hard to make London Stadium feel like their home
she has arranged an interview with the Mayor to discuss issues with the
ground
the Hammers would be restructuring player recruitment to give control to the
manager
the club's spending on transfers and wages has doubled over past five years
'The board take full responsibility'
The Hammers have struggled since moving from Upton Park to London Stadium
this season and are three points and two places above the Premier League
relegation zone.
Their next game is at home to fellow strugglers Southampton on 31 March.
"The board of West Ham United would like to offer our sincere apologies to
the vast majority of our supporters who turned up to support their club -
lots of them with young children - who sat and tried to continue to support
their team," Brady said.
"I also pledge to you that nothing - and I mean nothing - is more important
to us now than ensuring that you are able to come and support the team
safely in all future games. "The board takes full responsibility for our
predicament."
Last summer, West Ham signed forward Marko Arnautovic for £20m, striker
Javier Hernandez for £16m and midfielder Sead Haksabanovic for £2.7m, as
well as signing defender Pablo Zabaleta for free and keeper Joe Hart on
loan. In January, the Hammers brought in striker Jordan Hugill for £10m,
midfielder Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan and left-back Patrice Evra on
a free transfer, while departures included Andre Ayew for £18m and Diafro
Sakho for £8.8m. "We are in the process of entirely restructuring our player
recruitment. This will change the way we handle transfers, giving the
control to the manager and the football staff. "I feel I must address issues
around investment in the squad. Spending on transfers and wages has doubled
over past five years. A club-record £80m was spent on players in 2016-17.
"Our wage bill of £105m compares with top-flight Premier League clubs. Some
may argue that the money has not been invested well enough, but it has been
invested."
Home discomforts
West Ham finished 11th in their final campaign at Upton Park last season,
registering seven home wins.
They have five wins at London Stadium after 30 top-flight outings this
season and have home games remaining against Southampton, Manchester United,
Stoke, Manchester City and Everton.
"It's difficult for everyone to move, we all have cherished memories of our
old home but we have moved and there is no going back," Brady said.
"In reality, when you move to a new house it is empty and without
personality.
"Over time you make it a home, decorating it to your taste in your preferred
colours, adding your pictures, photos and memories to make it warm and
comfortable.
"We have been trying very hard to make our stadium home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brady apologises - to 'the vast majority'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 17th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Karren Brady has issued an apology to "the vast majority" of West Ham United
fans who were present at last week's Burnley game.
Brady, speaking via her tabloid newspaper column on Saturday rather grandly
claimed that the noisy but peaceful anti-Board protest was "one of the most
painful days in the history of the club".
Not a single supporter was either seriously hurt or injured during the
protest, which took place during the second half of last weekend's match.
Still, Brady - who was involved in meetings with the Safety Advisory Board
this week - insisted that the safety of fans inside the stadium was
paramount.
"I want to put on record that the Board of West Ham United would like to
offer our sincere apologies to the vast majority of our supporters who
turned up to support their club, lots of them with young children who sat
and tried to continue to support their team," she wrote.
"I also pledge to you that nothing – and I mean nothing – is more important
to us now than ensuring that you are able to come and support the team
safely when we play Southampton on 31 March and all future games.
"Saturday hurt everyone associated with the football club deeply and no one
more than our captain Mark Noble - the most recent in a proud line of deeply
committed and passionate homegrown heroes.
"We are acting fast on the recommendations and findings of the Safety
Advisory Group meeting which took place on Thursday following a series of
emergency meetings called by the club. We are fully aware of the
responsibility we have to guarantee our supporters' safety, and nothing
comes before that."
Brady also stated in her column that the club "take full responsibility for
our predicament" - before appearing to do exactly the opposite by listing a
string of excuses for the club's current malaise.
"Spending on transfers and wages has doubled over past five years," she
added. "A club-record £80million was spent on players in 2016/17. Our wage
bill of £105million compares with top flight Premier League clubs. Some may
argue that the money has not been invested well enough, but it has been
invested.
"Moving home ranks top in most stress lists. It's difficult for everyone to
move. In reality when you move to a new house it is empty and without
personality. Over time you make it a home. We have been trying very hard to
make our stadium home.
"Sadly, the lack of collaboration and dialogue [with Mayor Khan] prior to
this has led us in sheer desperation to pursue the legal route around
matters, [to ensure] the Stadium has the look and feel of our home ground
which we always understood was of paramount importance to our supporters."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady says West Ham board 'takes full responsibility' for current
'predicament'
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 17/03/18 8:03am
SSN
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says the board "takes full
responsibility" for the club's current struggles, in the wake of widespread
fan protests at the London Stadium. Several pitch invasions interrupted West
Ham's 3-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday, a result which leaves the Hammers
just three points outside the Premier League relegation places. A large
group of supporters congregated beneath the directors' box to protest
against co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan and their perceived lack of
investment in the years following the club's move from the Boleyn Ground.
Brady described the defeat to Burnley as "one of the most painful days in
the history of the club" and insists the board has accepted blame for the
club's on and off the field problems. "Let me be frank. The Board takes full
responsibility for our predicament," Brady told The Sun. "Ultimately the
table does not lie and just like the team we are judged on our position.
"Every fan has a view on players, manager and team formation but it is our
job to put in place a structure that allows our players and team management
to secure the necessary results."
Some sections of the West Ham support have criticised the club's owners for
failing to provide sufficient transfer funds in recent seasons, but Brady
insists both the club's transfer and wage bill is comparable with other
Premier League teams. "Spending on transfers and wages has doubled over past
five years. A club-record £80m was spent on players in 2016/17," she said.
"Our wage bill of £105m compares with top-flight Premier League clubs. Some
may argue that the money has not been invested well enough, but it has been
invested."
Brady also defended the decision to move the Hammers away from the Boleyn
Ground, the club's previous home of 112 years, to the London Stadium. Fans
have voiced their disapproval at the stadium layout, particularly the
distance between the stands and the pitch, but Brady says the club will work
with architects to improve the matchday experience for supporters. "We know
improving the situation at the Club is our responsibility and we intend to
go to a wider group of supporters for consultation of what improvements they
would like to see at the stadium," Brady added. "We will employ top
architects to see what improvements can be made to the seating
configuration. We are striving to do better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'I could have given more' - Andre Ayew gives brutally honest assessment of
his time at West Ham
Ayew played a key role for Swansea against his former team
Football London
COMMENTS
ByRob Guest
11:12, 18 MAR 2018
Andre Ayew has stated that he could have given a lot more to West Ham had he
not suffered with injuries during his time at the London Stadium. Signed for
a then club-record fee of £20.5m in August 2016, the Ghanaian limped off on
his Hammers debut with a hamstring injury at Chelsea, missing eleven games
in the process.
Ayew returned for the team two months later, yet the Hammers couldn't build
on a promising final season at Upton Park as they finished in the bottom
half. With Slaven Bilic paying the price for a poor start to the current
campaign, the ex-Marseille forward parted ways with the Hammers in January
to return to Swansea City.
Speaking to the Independent in an exclusive interview, the 28-year-old
revealed his disappointment that the moved didn't work out. "I have to say
it wasn't the best, and did not go as we all wished for but that is
football," he said. "I am disappointed and I felt it so hard that Slaven had
to pay the price for disappointment.
"The consistency wasn't there because of a lot of factors but check the
numbers I scored more than any other West Ham player in the entire 2017 in
all competitions and even as of now I have six goals for them in all
competitions this season. Only Marko [Arnautovic] has more and even now that
is only seven "I feel I could have given more if I was fit throughout that
is the game now and things move at a fast pace."
Ayew played a key role in Swansea's recent 4-1 win over the Hammers at the
Liberty Stadium that saw his new side leapfrog West Ham in the table
However, despite the Hammers' current struggles, he's confident that they
can escape danger. "To be honest all I was looking out for was the three
points because it was very awkward playing against a team of players I was
training with a couple of weeks ago," he added. "West Ham United have got
great players and I am certain that they will find a way out of the
situation they are in but we have a job and that is to keep Swansea City
up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna called up by Italy for friendlies against England
and Argentina
JAMES BENGE
ES Sport
West Ham centre-back Angelo Ogbonna has been called up to Italy's squad for
friendlies against Argentina and England to cover for the injured Giorgio
Chiellini.
Ogbonna has struggled alongside the rest of his team-mates in recent weeks,
conceding over two goals a game on average of late, but will be hoping to
have made enough of an impression on the Azzurri's interim head coach Luigi
Di Biagio to add to his 13 caps. The 29-year-old's most recent run out for
Italy came 18 months ago, coming off the bench as Israel were beaten 3-1 in
a World Cup qualifier in September 2016. Ogbonna opportunity has come after
Chiellini limped out of Juventus' 0-0 draw with SPAL on Saturday night,
Andrea Barzagli replacing his team-mate in the 81st minute. Juventus head
coach Massimiliano Allegri labelled Chiellini's problem "muscular fatigue"
and the Italian FA confirmed that they are still awaiting medical test
results before deciding what role the 33-year-old will play in their
upcoming international friendlies.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice says deeper relationships with his West Ham United teammates and
the coaching staff is a major benefit of this week's training camp in Miami.
The Hammers spent five days working in Florida this week, returning to
London on Saturday, and Rice believes the quality time with the rest of the
squad has helped to develop stronger bonds between them "I think the more
time you spend together, the more you get to know each other," Rice told
whufc.com. "There might be some people that you don't really speak to at the
training ground. You can be here and speak to them and get to know more
about them. "It's the same with the staff as well. You don't really get to
sit down with the staff. It's been really good. To get away, with the
weather out here, with the results not really going our way at the moment,
getting to spend time together as a team and bringing the staff as well.
It's important that we've come out here and done this trip."
It's not just off the field that Rice can feel the positives of the mid-week
training camp, with the defender likening the intensity of the sessions to
those usually seen in pre-season training. He continued: "The sessions were
probably an insight into what pre-season is going to be like! We're Premier
League footballers so we've got to be fit as a fiddle really, and the
manager, to bring us out here, we've got to work hard. And when we get back
we've got to keep going. "We've had four hard sessions out here, including
the bike session on Monday. The manager has really worked us hard out here
and with the heat out here, it's really made an impact. We're all feeling
the benefits of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clark calls for unbeaten run to continue against Portsmouth
WHUFC.com
Molly Clark has called on West Ham United Ladies to make it nine games
unbeaten when they take on her former side, Portsmouth, this weekend. Clark
made her debut for the Irons last week as Karen Ray's side defeated
Chichester City 2-0, continuing the side's record of being unbeaten in 2018.
The Ladies have not been bested in their last eight matches and Clark is
hoping that the run continues when her former team, Portsmouth, visit Rush
Green on Sunday. "The girls have worked so hard to be unbeaten in eight
straight matches is a fantastic achievement," Clark told whufc.com. "I'm so
glad I was able to play a role in the last game, and if we just continue to
play and work hard like we have been I can't see any reason why we can't
make it nine games unbeaten. "As people may know, Portsmouth is my home team
and I've had a lot of amazing experiences during my three spells with them.
But, my focus now is on West Ham and I'm sure we can three points this
weekend."
The midfielder's first showing last week earned praise from interim head
coach Karen Ray, and Clark was delighted to cap her first showing for the
Hammers with a victory. And Clark is optimistic that she can also help the
Irons get another win this weekend. "I really enjoyed playing my first
match," Clark continued. "Getting the win with it obviously made it an even
better experience. Chichester were a tough team but I think we dug deep as a
unit and we got the three points, which is the main thing. "Being at West
Ham has been really enjoyable so far. I'm really happy to be a part of this
club and working hard with the other girls. We just need to keep performing
and keep winning. Portsmouth are a good team but I'm confident we can get
the right result."
Watch West Ham United Ladies this Sunday against Portsmouth FC Ladies at
Rush Green Stadium! Kick-off at 2pm!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta: I feel proud to play for West Ham fans
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta says the support West Ham fans show for the Irons makes him
proud to represent the team. Speaking at the end of a five-day training camp
in Miami, the Argentinian full-back was full of praise for the loyal Claret
and Blue Army, revealing he is still captivated by the backing the
supporters give to the players. "I've been saying for a few months since
being at this club, I've seen the fans be incredible," Zabaleta told
whufc.com. "Even away from home, I've seen the fans travelling everywhere,
giving great support to the team. At home, at London Stadium, in front of
60,000 people, it's incredible. It shows the potential of the Club in terms
of how many fans West Ham have got. "Us as players, and personally from my
point of view, I feel proud to play with our fans. Sometimes that passion is
what we really need to know, the players, to give them something back by
winning games. "It's been a difficult season in terms of injuries and many
things that sometimes have affected the team. To the fans all we can say is
thanks for the great support they show week in and week out because they are
amazing."
Zabaleta joined the Hammers last summer from Manchester City and, with the
defender closing in on the end of his first season at the east London Club,
the 33-year-old took the opportunity to pay tribute to the West Ham
supporters. With defeats in the last three games, Zabaleta can understand
that supporters want to see more from the team and has called on everyone
involved with West Ham to be united ahead of the next contest, at home to
Southampton. He continued: "Hopefully we can perform well enough to keep
West Ham in the Premier League. We will try. We know we have to do better
than we have done in the last three games. "I do really understand
sometimes the frustration of the fans when things don't go like everyone
expects, but I think those tough periods, we all need to be together. It's
the only reason to go forward, to be united. Us as players, we know we have
to do better on the field."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Karren Brady apologises for London Stadium trouble
BBC.co.uk
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has apologised for the scenes that
marred the 3-0 defeat by Burnley last weekend. There were four separate
pitch invasions at London Stadium and fans also protested in front of the
directors' box, with joint-owner David Sullivan being hit by a coin. Brady,
in her Sun newspaper column, called the events "one of the most painful
days" in the club's history. She added that "nothing comes" before the
safety of supporters.
Brady also said:
the club were trying hard to make London Stadium feel like their home
she has arranged an interview with the Mayor to discuss issues with the
ground
the Hammers would be restructuring player recruitment to give control to the
manager
the club's spending on transfers and wages has doubled over past five years
'The board take full responsibility'
The Hammers have struggled since moving from Upton Park to London Stadium
this season and are three points and two places above the Premier League
relegation zone.
Their next game is at home to fellow strugglers Southampton on 31 March.
"The board of West Ham United would like to offer our sincere apologies to
the vast majority of our supporters who turned up to support their club -
lots of them with young children - who sat and tried to continue to support
their team," Brady said.
"I also pledge to you that nothing - and I mean nothing - is more important
to us now than ensuring that you are able to come and support the team
safely in all future games. "The board takes full responsibility for our
predicament."
Last summer, West Ham signed forward Marko Arnautovic for £20m, striker
Javier Hernandez for £16m and midfielder Sead Haksabanovic for £2.7m, as
well as signing defender Pablo Zabaleta for free and keeper Joe Hart on
loan. In January, the Hammers brought in striker Jordan Hugill for £10m,
midfielder Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan and left-back Patrice Evra on
a free transfer, while departures included Andre Ayew for £18m and Diafro
Sakho for £8.8m. "We are in the process of entirely restructuring our player
recruitment. This will change the way we handle transfers, giving the
control to the manager and the football staff. "I feel I must address issues
around investment in the squad. Spending on transfers and wages has doubled
over past five years. A club-record £80m was spent on players in 2016-17.
"Our wage bill of £105m compares with top-flight Premier League clubs. Some
may argue that the money has not been invested well enough, but it has been
invested."
Home discomforts
West Ham finished 11th in their final campaign at Upton Park last season,
registering seven home wins.
They have five wins at London Stadium after 30 top-flight outings this
season and have home games remaining against Southampton, Manchester United,
Stoke, Manchester City and Everton.
"It's difficult for everyone to move, we all have cherished memories of our
old home but we have moved and there is no going back," Brady said.
"In reality, when you move to a new house it is empty and without
personality.
"Over time you make it a home, decorating it to your taste in your preferred
colours, adding your pictures, photos and memories to make it warm and
comfortable.
"We have been trying very hard to make our stadium home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brady apologises - to 'the vast majority'
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 17th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Karren Brady has issued an apology to "the vast majority" of West Ham United
fans who were present at last week's Burnley game.
Brady, speaking via her tabloid newspaper column on Saturday rather grandly
claimed that the noisy but peaceful anti-Board protest was "one of the most
painful days in the history of the club".
Not a single supporter was either seriously hurt or injured during the
protest, which took place during the second half of last weekend's match.
Still, Brady - who was involved in meetings with the Safety Advisory Board
this week - insisted that the safety of fans inside the stadium was
paramount.
"I want to put on record that the Board of West Ham United would like to
offer our sincere apologies to the vast majority of our supporters who
turned up to support their club, lots of them with young children who sat
and tried to continue to support their team," she wrote.
"I also pledge to you that nothing – and I mean nothing – is more important
to us now than ensuring that you are able to come and support the team
safely when we play Southampton on 31 March and all future games.
"Saturday hurt everyone associated with the football club deeply and no one
more than our captain Mark Noble - the most recent in a proud line of deeply
committed and passionate homegrown heroes.
"We are acting fast on the recommendations and findings of the Safety
Advisory Group meeting which took place on Thursday following a series of
emergency meetings called by the club. We are fully aware of the
responsibility we have to guarantee our supporters' safety, and nothing
comes before that."
Brady also stated in her column that the club "take full responsibility for
our predicament" - before appearing to do exactly the opposite by listing a
string of excuses for the club's current malaise.
"Spending on transfers and wages has doubled over past five years," she
added. "A club-record £80million was spent on players in 2016/17. Our wage
bill of £105million compares with top flight Premier League clubs. Some may
argue that the money has not been invested well enough, but it has been
invested.
"Moving home ranks top in most stress lists. It's difficult for everyone to
move. In reality when you move to a new house it is empty and without
personality. Over time you make it a home. We have been trying very hard to
make our stadium home.
"Sadly, the lack of collaboration and dialogue [with Mayor Khan] prior to
this has led us in sheer desperation to pursue the legal route around
matters, [to ensure] the Stadium has the look and feel of our home ground
which we always understood was of paramount importance to our supporters."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady says West Ham board 'takes full responsibility' for current
'predicament'
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 17/03/18 8:03am
SSN
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady says the board "takes full
responsibility" for the club's current struggles, in the wake of widespread
fan protests at the London Stadium. Several pitch invasions interrupted West
Ham's 3-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday, a result which leaves the Hammers
just three points outside the Premier League relegation places. A large
group of supporters congregated beneath the directors' box to protest
against co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan and their perceived lack of
investment in the years following the club's move from the Boleyn Ground.
Brady described the defeat to Burnley as "one of the most painful days in
the history of the club" and insists the board has accepted blame for the
club's on and off the field problems. "Let me be frank. The Board takes full
responsibility for our predicament," Brady told The Sun. "Ultimately the
table does not lie and just like the team we are judged on our position.
"Every fan has a view on players, manager and team formation but it is our
job to put in place a structure that allows our players and team management
to secure the necessary results."
Some sections of the West Ham support have criticised the club's owners for
failing to provide sufficient transfer funds in recent seasons, but Brady
insists both the club's transfer and wage bill is comparable with other
Premier League teams. "Spending on transfers and wages has doubled over past
five years. A club-record £80m was spent on players in 2016/17," she said.
"Our wage bill of £105m compares with top-flight Premier League clubs. Some
may argue that the money has not been invested well enough, but it has been
invested."
Brady also defended the decision to move the Hammers away from the Boleyn
Ground, the club's previous home of 112 years, to the London Stadium. Fans
have voiced their disapproval at the stadium layout, particularly the
distance between the stands and the pitch, but Brady says the club will work
with architects to improve the matchday experience for supporters. "We know
improving the situation at the Club is our responsibility and we intend to
go to a wider group of supporters for consultation of what improvements they
would like to see at the stadium," Brady added. "We will employ top
architects to see what improvements can be made to the seating
configuration. We are striving to do better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'I could have given more' - Andre Ayew gives brutally honest assessment of
his time at West Ham
Ayew played a key role for Swansea against his former team
Football London
COMMENTS
ByRob Guest
11:12, 18 MAR 2018
Andre Ayew has stated that he could have given a lot more to West Ham had he
not suffered with injuries during his time at the London Stadium. Signed for
a then club-record fee of £20.5m in August 2016, the Ghanaian limped off on
his Hammers debut with a hamstring injury at Chelsea, missing eleven games
in the process.
Ayew returned for the team two months later, yet the Hammers couldn't build
on a promising final season at Upton Park as they finished in the bottom
half. With Slaven Bilic paying the price for a poor start to the current
campaign, the ex-Marseille forward parted ways with the Hammers in January
to return to Swansea City.
Speaking to the Independent in an exclusive interview, the 28-year-old
revealed his disappointment that the moved didn't work out. "I have to say
it wasn't the best, and did not go as we all wished for but that is
football," he said. "I am disappointed and I felt it so hard that Slaven had
to pay the price for disappointment.
"The consistency wasn't there because of a lot of factors but check the
numbers I scored more than any other West Ham player in the entire 2017 in
all competitions and even as of now I have six goals for them in all
competitions this season. Only Marko [Arnautovic] has more and even now that
is only seven "I feel I could have given more if I was fit throughout that
is the game now and things move at a fast pace."
Ayew played a key role in Swansea's recent 4-1 win over the Hammers at the
Liberty Stadium that saw his new side leapfrog West Ham in the table
However, despite the Hammers' current struggles, he's confident that they
can escape danger. "To be honest all I was looking out for was the three
points because it was very awkward playing against a team of players I was
training with a couple of weeks ago," he added. "West Ham United have got
great players and I am certain that they will find a way out of the
situation they are in but we have a job and that is to keep Swansea City
up."
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West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna called up by Italy for friendlies against England
and Argentina
JAMES BENGE
ES Sport
West Ham centre-back Angelo Ogbonna has been called up to Italy's squad for
friendlies against Argentina and England to cover for the injured Giorgio
Chiellini.
Ogbonna has struggled alongside the rest of his team-mates in recent weeks,
conceding over two goals a game on average of late, but will be hoping to
have made enough of an impression on the Azzurri's interim head coach Luigi
Di Biagio to add to his 13 caps. The 29-year-old's most recent run out for
Italy came 18 months ago, coming off the bench as Israel were beaten 3-1 in
a World Cup qualifier in September 2016. Ogbonna opportunity has come after
Chiellini limped out of Juventus' 0-0 draw with SPAL on Saturday night,
Andrea Barzagli replacing his team-mate in the 81st minute. Juventus head
coach Massimiliano Allegri labelled Chiellini's problem "muscular fatigue"
and the Italian FA confirmed that they are still awaiting medical test
results before deciding what role the 33-year-old will play in their
upcoming international friendlies.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th March 2018
I'm happy to be here and play for West Ham – Arnautovic
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has vowed to do everything he can for West Ham United and
the supporters who have come to adore him. After a tough start, the Austrian
has become a hero among the Claret and Blue Army for his outstanding
displays, never-say-die attitude and clear affection for the fans. With the
Hammers set to return home from a five day training camp in Miami on
Saturday, Arnautovic restated his love for those in the stands, and for the
Club as a whole. "I'm happy. I'm happy, I've said this a couple of times
already," he said. "I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to play for this
Club, with my teammates and for those fans. But it doesn't matter how I feel
now. I want the team as one unit and we're going to fight in these last
eight games."
After a run of 20 points from 12 games, West Ham have lost each of their
last three Premier League matches by a combined score off 11-1 to drop to
within three points of the relegation zone. Marko Arnautovic handed his
boots to a young fan after Saturday's defeat by Burnley Following last
Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Burnley, Arnautovic stood in the pitch, head
bowed, in disappointment and frustration, before collecting his thoughts and
handing his boots to a young fan as the crowd sang his name. That bond, he
says, will be even more important when West Ham return to action at home to
Southampton on 31 March. "The fans are always important. I know they are
disappointed, but I also know that against Southampton the Stadium is going
to be full and they are going to be right behind us. We need them, because
without them, you are not much in football without fans. "I have a good
connection with them [the fans] and even when they boo us, it doesn't
matter, I will always be behind them and I will always love when they
support us. Still those people were with us until the end. I was applauding
them because they deserved it, even in this hard situation. "We know this is
a hard time, a tough time for them, but also for us. It's not that we don't
want to win games. We are in a hard situation but if we are all together,
work hard together, and keep the team and the fans and everyone involved
with West Ham together, then we can come out of this situation."
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Haksabanovic earns Montenegro call-up for March friendlies
WHUFC.com
Sead Haksabanovic has been named in Montenegro's squad for the upcoming
friendlies at the end of March. The 18-year-old will link up with his
international teammates for a contest with Cyprus in Nicosia on Friday 23
March before welcoming Turkey to Podgorica for a friendly fixture on Tuesday
27. The teenage midfielder played twice for Montenegro in World Cup
Qualification, making his appearances from the bench, with the most recent
coming in the away defeat to Poland. Haksabanovic and his international
teammates will not be at the tournament in Russia this summer after they
finished third in Group E of the UEFA qualifying groups, but the youngster
will be looking to stake his claim to a regular place in the Montenegro
starting line-up. The summer signing has made 12 appearance for the U23s
side this season and has played twice for the senior team - featuring in the
Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers and also making an appearance in the
FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic. Haksabanovic has also been on the bench
for six Premier League matches this campaign, but is yet to make his top
flight debut for the Hammers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ray: 'Shared responsibility' key to winning Portsmouth test
WHUFC.com
A strong sense of 'shared responsibility and accountability' will be crucial
if West Ham United Ladies are to beat Portsmouth this weekend, according to
interim head coach Karen Ray. The Ladies head into Sunday's match in good
form, with the side unbeaten in their last eight matches across all
competitions and having conceded just twice in 2018. The team will take on
a stern test in Portsmouth FC Ladies, however, with this weekend's opponents
sitting fifth in the Premier League Southern Division, having claimed
back-to-back away wins in their previous two contests. Ray recognises the
threat Portsmouth pose to her side's unbeaten streak and feels the team
needs to continue to share culpability, something she feels has been vital
in the previous wins. "Portsmouth will certainly be a team to respect," Ray
told whufc.com: "Jay is a good coach, who has been having a successful
season and we will have to be at our best to get a result. "Having Neo, our
analyst, really helps us understand our opponents. We work together to
nullify our oppositions strengths and exploit their weaknesses while staying
true to our new-found identity. "The key for us has been shared
responsibility and accountability. Everyone now knows what needs to be done
to get the results. We all value each other's differences, the diversity
within our team creates a higher level of understanding and creativity which
allows us to all trust the process."
The Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture against Portsmouth
in September, and while the Irons have added to the squad since that game,
Ray feels a clear philosophy has led to the team's improvements since then.
She continued: "We have made a couple of signings since the previous meeting
with Portsmouth, but ultimately I think the identity the team has gained has
been the biggest factor. We have instilled a style of play that supports
very talented individuals in contributing to the team. "Everyone is
passionate about performing well and winning games, our mentality shift has
been key to our newfound success and we all have plans to continue."
With just five games left in the league this campaign, plus two Cup finals,
Ray is thrilled with the progress she has seen from West Ham in 2018 and has
called on the players to continue to raise their standards between now and
the end of the season. "When I was asked to step in for the interim, my
ambition was to support the girls in earning the respect they truly
deserve," Ray added: "I think they are doing so. However, there is no reason
why we can't continue to set our sights higher. "We have an extremely
talented, competitive and brave group of players - the perfect mix for
success. The staff and I certainly won't let standards slip as we raise the
bar higher every time we cross the white line. It's a professional,
demanding and challenging environment that is driving our positive results
and I don't often say it but I am extremely proud of everyone."
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Barrett: Upbeat U18s are focused on Aston Villa clash
WHUFC.com
Returning defender Mason Barrett says the improvement in form for the West
Ham United U18s has led to a boost in atmosphere in the changing room, with
the entire squad focused on Saturday's match with Aston Villa. The Irons
head into this weekend's contest at Little Heath Sports Ground on the back
of three straight wins, and take on a Villa side that sit just two points
above them in the league. Barrett says the side recognises that this season
hasn't been the best for the young Hammers but insists the team have learned
from past mistakes, and are now a closer group because of it. And the
youngster is ready for the challenge Villa will poise. "As a team, we have
to be brutally honest and say we haven't had the best of seasons," Barrett
admitted to whufc.com. "But I feel we have learned a lot from that. We've
taken the things that we've not done well, looked on how to fix them, and
how to improve. "Our recent form has been really good and has definitely
changed the mood in the dressing room. You can tell now, before matches,
that everyone is more relaxed but also really switched on and focused at the
same time. It will be the same for Aston Villa. "The team is a lot more
upbeat and really enjoying playing together and winning games. I really feel
we have grown closer as a team in the last few weeks."
West Ham's resurgence in form coincides with Barrett's return to the team,
with the 18-year-old spending 14 months on the sidelines with stress-related
problems in both of his shins. Barrett is thrilled to be involved again and
reckons his injury experience will only make him a stronger player in the
long run. He continued: "It's a great feeling to be back and winning games.
I'm just happy to be playing again but our recent good form has been a real
confidence boost for both myself and the team. "I was buzzing to just get on
the field in general, to be fair. It was hard to be out for so long so to
just be involved again is unreal. "My injury, in a way, has just helped me
become even more hungry and now I'm back, I just want to achieve my dream of
being a professional football player even more. Right now, I'm just focused
on getting minutes under my belt, playing consistently well and seeing out
the season in the best way possible."
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Trott named in England U20s squad
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s' goalkeeper Nathan Trott has been named in the England
U20s squad for the upcoming matches with Poland and Portugal. Trott has
been in fine form this season for the West Ham Premier League 2 side and
made his England U20s debut last August in a 3-0 win over the Netherlands.
The shot-stopper was also between the sticks for the 4-0 victory against the
Czech Republic in October. The UEFA European U19 Championship winner has
once again been included, as one of two goalkeepers in head coach Keith
Downing's 19-man squad. The Three Lions will take on Poland in
Bielsku-Bialej on Thursday 22 March before returning to Manchester City's
Academy Stadium for a fixture against Portugal on Tuesday 27. Trott has
made 19 appearances in all competitions for the West Ham United U23s this
campaign, and was also on the bench for the first team's Premier League
match with Manchester City in December.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mario named in Portuguese 25
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Joao Mario has been named in the Portugal squad to face the Netherlands in a
pre World Cup friendly later this month. The 25-year-old midfielder, who is
currently on loan at West Ham has been included in Fernando Manuel Costa's
squad to face Egypt (March 23) and Holland (26 March) in two friendlies
ahead of this summer's World Cup finals in Russia. Mario, who debuted for
his country back in 2014 having made an incredible 82 appearances at youth
level has made a total of seven full international appearances for Portugal.
The full Portuguese squad includes six UK-based players, four from the
Premier League, one from the Championship and one from the Scottish Premer
League. Former Hammers Jose Fonte, who recently joined Chinese Super League
side Dalian Yifang has also been included in Costa's latest selection.
Portugal have been grouped with Spain, Iran and Morocco in their World Cup
group.
Full Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe) and Rui Patrício
(Sporting).
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cédric Soares (Southampton), Fábio
Coentrão (Sporting), João Cancelo (Inter), José Fonte (Dalian Yifang),
Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund), Rolando (Marselha) and Rúben Dias (Benfica).
Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), André Gomes (FC Barcelona), Bruno
Fernandes (Sporting), João Mário (West Ham), João Moutinho (Monaco), Manuel
Fernandes (Lokomotiv), Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton) and William Carvalho
(Sporting ).
Forwards: André Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City),
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Gonçalo Guedes
(Valência) and Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic grateful for fans' support
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic says he is delighted to have built a rapport with the West
Ham fans since moving from Stoke City.
The 28-year-old Austrian, currently in Miami with the rest of the first team
squad is rapidly becoming a crowd favourite and has been tipped by many as a
potential KUMB Player of the Year, following a decent start to his career in
east London.
And the winger, who is settling down into life in London with wife Sarah
following a £24million move from Stoke City last summer says the welcome he
has received from the fans has helped create a special bond between the two.
"The fans are always important," he told whufc.com. "I know they are
disappointed [with our recent form], but I also know that against
Southampton the stadium is going to be full and they are going to be right
behind us.
"We need them, because without the fans you are not much in football. I have
a good connection with them and even when they boo us, it doesn't matter. I
will always be behind them and I will always love when they support us.
"We know this is a hard time, a tough time for them, but also for us. We are
in a hard situation but if we are all together, work hard together, and keep
the team and the fans and everyone involved with West Ham together, then we
can come out of this situation."
Arnautovic, West Ham's leading goalscorer this season with seven to his name
(all scored in the Premier League) is set to appear next for his nation when
they face Slovenia (23 March) and Luxembourg (27 March) in international
friendlies.
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Solidarity is key, says Parish
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has sympathised with West Ham
supporters with regards to their current plight - whilst defending co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold. Parish, whose Palace side are currently three
points and two places below West Ham in the Premier League table was
speaking in the wake of the disturbances that highlighted the supporters'
dissatisfaction with the way the club is currently being managed. And
despite his side sitting in the relegation zone with just nine matches left
to play, Parish stressed that he wouldn't change places with the Hammers. "I
do not wish what happened at West Ham on anyone," he told the Croydon
Advertiser. "I do not look at that and think 'that is great for us at
Palace'. "I know David Sullivan and David Gold. I know those guys have got
their heart and soul in that club. None of us are going to get this right,
everything we do at a football club. It is impossible, but everyone knows
the team you should have picked at 4.45pm on Saturday! It is easy to
criticise. "I know it is difficult for supporters to stay calm in that
moment. We have all had it after a game when we are getting beat. It is not
a nice experience and I think you can make your feelings known without
stepping over the line. I was disappointed to see that.
"But I know that club is a great club and have got great supporters. And I
know they will all rally round as well. When push comes to shove they will
all be there for the team. They will. They made their feelings known and
hopefully they have put that behind them."
Parish, who has been involved at Selhurst Park since 2012 also urged Hammers
fans to keep the current situation in "perspective" - no doubt a reminder
that the fans can still play a major role in their team's fortunes. "Three
teams have got to get relegated, and everyone is trying as hard as they can
to stay in the league," he added. "Things do not go wrong on purpose. I
understand people get angry, but I think we have got to keep some
perspective."
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Journalist defends 'co-ordinated attack' accusation
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
A BBC journalist has claimed that more than 20 attempts to enter the field
of play during Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Burnley were thwarted by
stadium security.
According to writer Simon Stone, who was sharing his thoughts via twitter,
"stewards repelled 85% of the attempts" by supporters to get on to the
pitch, before adding that the incidents weren't "spontaneous" but "planned",
involving "in excess of 100 people" and "co-ordinated through mobile
phones". Given that only four supporters managed to enter the field of play,
that would mean approximately 27 people in total tried to encroach onto the
pitch. And, as anyone who had attended the stadium since West Ham moved to
Stratford in 2016 will attest, it is virtually impossible to get a phone
signal inside the ground - let alone coordinate a protest campaign involving
more than 100. Naturally, those figures and explanations left many who were
actually present at the match questioning Stone's logic and information.
Consequently a number of West Ham supporters challenged the authenticity of
his comments, urging the journalist to check his sources or remove his
tweet. However Mr Stone refused to bow to pressure and instead defended his
version of events via a series of additional posts.
"I did not make it up. Info came via credible source," he replied. "I had no
reason to think it was incorrect. Secondly, there is official statement for
Safety Advisory Group - which had the power to close stadium. "[They] said
there was 'unprecedented level of disorder at multiple locations across
stadium, would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage'
+ security op was 'stretched significantly by scale + volume of incidents'
but most attempted pitch incursions were stopped. "All I did was try find
out what the 'unprecedented level of disorder' was. What I reported was what
I was told by someone who is in a position to know and stands by info. Re
mobile signal issue - which I accept - told major use was outside ground
before game to get people in. "Those who think [the] SAG statement is false
are entitled to that view. But it is an official statement and all those
present agreed with its release. CCTV evidence has been passed to police."
Following Stone's comments, several supporters have written to the BBC to
complain.
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GUEST POST: WE CAN NO LONGER BEG TO DIFFER OR ENGAGE IN A CIVIL MANNER. WHY?
By Iain Dale 16 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Guest Post by Anonymous
This follows on from
"THIS2:https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2018/03/11/grown-men-behaving-l
ike-spoilt-children article from the same author on the events of last
weekend.
I just read your "piece for the
Standard"https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2018/03/13/evening-standard-c
olumn-be-careful-what-you-wish-for. You have just completely taken my head
thoughts on this. Agree with every word and nuance in its entirety. Well
done.
For the last two seasons, I witnessed two supporters who sit in front of me
whom week in week out have hurled abuse at the players sat on the subs bench
directly in front of us. Ayew, Carrol, Kouyate and even Antautovic have come
in for nasty stuff at different times. I have come very close to pulling
them up and telling them to shut up, but then it would kick off and just add
to the woes amongst supporters and place me at risk.
The players sit exposed within inches of some supporters who are paying 4k a
year for a seat and who have the manners of moronic pigs despite their
earning capacity. My overwhelming impression of the last two years is of
bunch of players terrified of the supporters. It reminded me of my years
coaching kids football watching parents and other coaches scream at the kids
terrifying the kids.
On a practical level the club should consider redesigning the subs seating
in order to shield players from the supporters and get their focus on the
pitch and not on what goes on in the stands. They perhaps also should start
kicking out some of these abusive fans.
I mean in what other sport or entertainment industry event is it ok to
scream 'You f***ing lazy fat worthless useless c**t!'? Apologies for
language, but this is what I hear week in week out, with many children
present too. Whenever I have made comment on this I am dismissed with 'Oh
it's just banter mate'.
And all this going on before the events of Saturday. Cancer starts small.
I brought up Brexit in my previous email that you posted on your WHTID. I am
not sure if you read some of the replies on the WHTID forum, but some picked
up on this and took my observations out of context in inferring I was
blaming 'Brexit', identifying me as a 'Remoaner' with an ulterior motive and
therefore totally dismissing my views because of this. They wholly missed
the point.
We dropped a bomb with the EU referendum and it divided the nation, the same
has happened with West Ham and the move to the Olympic/London Stadium, we
are no longer West Ham United we are West Ham Disunited. This was the point
I was making.
This is part of a much bigger picture, we are living in a way more
aggressive abusive world than 25 years ago. The internet has also helped
fuel this as people sit anonymously behind their screen typing their bile,
something they would not do face to face, especially 25 years ago.
I have scaled down my involvement on social media to the point I am
considering pulling out completely. I talk face to face more than I have
ever done in recent years. 'Talk Don't Tweet' is now my motto. Engaging with
people in person is the medicine needed for over indulgence behind a
computer screen.
Even amongst long term friends I pick up on massive polarization and
divisive attitudes when on line/Twitter/Facebook etc. We can no longer beg
to differ or engage in a civil manner, we are either A or B, Black or White,
Gay or Straight, Left or Right, Fascist or Socialist, Tory or Labour or of
course a Brexiteer or Remoaner. Everything now has a label. It feels that
most people have forgotten that we are all humans with a limited shelf life.
We simply need to talk face to face and rediscover the art of real
communication and accept that we have different views. This world would be
better for it. Of course, this is me being idealistic.
I do not know the answer to all this hostility and division, there probably
isn't one, I try not to get cynical about mankind, but it is very
challenging not to just shut the door and stay indoors for the rest of one's
days. I fear for the future of my children and eventual grandchildren. The
world has become a worrying place in recent times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This must stop
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Connor Darrell
I am an American. I have no familial ties to the East End, and I have only
been to one West Ham United match in my entire life (a 0-0 draw with Stoke
during the final season at the Boleyn). So I forgive you if you decide to
read no further or question the value of my opinion as an outsider.
But I can assure you that I love this club with a fervent passion. Though
there are days where I ask myself why I didn't just follow Manchester United
or Chelsea like every other fairweather American fan, it is too late now. I
bleed claret and blue.
What follows is a somewhat incoherent collection of thoughts running through
my mind. I have never written any journalistic pieces before, and may never
do so again. But it was somewhat therapeutic for me to do this, and I hope
at least some of you agree with me.
I sat down to write this piece shortly after the final whistle of what could
only be described as a nightmarish and embarrassing loss to Burnley.
Nightmarish not because of the result, but because of the reality it left us
in. Embarrassing not because of what transpired on the pitch, but off of it.
As someone forced to follow the club from 3,500 miles away, it is a bit
difficult for me to gain a full understanding of how we have arrived at this
perilous state.
I think back to that magical final season at the Boleyn, and the optimism I
was filled with. Dimitri Payet was one of the best players in the world, and
while understandably emotional, a pending move to a larger stadium seemed a
reasonable proposition for a club looking to take the next step required to
compete on the world's biggest stage. I couldn't wait to embark on that
journey.
I was drinking the kool-aid.
What's transpired since has been very difficult for me to grasp. Sure, the
board carries the bulk of the blame. The move was clumsily administrated,
empty promises were made, and the final product has been nothing short of
dreadful. But I can't help but think that the unrest among the fan base has
also contributed significantly to our inability to seize opportunity, and
what I witnessed today on my television screen cemented that belief in my
mind.
After 60 minutes of outplaying the opposition, a cheap goal was conceded,
and we allowed Ashley Barnes - Ashley FREAKING Barnes - of all people to put
the final dagger into the soul of this club.
At one goal down, an objective spectator might have reasonably backed West
Ham to still nick at least a point from this match, but those spectators in
attendance who felt the need to take it upon themselves to storm the field
and direct frustration at the board made it certain that wouldn't be the
case. At the very moment the players needed the backing of the club's
supporters, those same supporters abandoned them. There was no coming back.
I truly believe that the time has come for us supporters to look in the
mirror and objectively ask ourselves if we truly believe we are acting in
the club's best interest by franticly rebelling against the board.
One of the most frequently cited knocks on Sullivan and Co. has been the
ineptitude with which they conduct themselves in the transfer market. The
long track record of incompetence is there, and nobody can rationally argue
that the club hasn't been handcuffed by poor personnel and player
recruitment. But the argument that the board has refused to make the
necessary investments in the squad since the move to the London Stadium has
some holes in it.
Given the strife and infighting amongst the club and supporters - and
amongst the supporters themselves - perhaps nobody could have navigated the
tricky negotiations needed to bring in players of the necessary quality.
Ask yourselves this, if you were a young promising player sitting in your
living room with your family and your agent, trying to decide what move
might help you propel your career to the next level, where might West Ham
rank on your list of destinations? My guess is that it would be very close
to the bottom. And part of that is due to the behaviour of supporters on
days like today.
I am not defending the board. They are arrogant, incompetent, and incapable
of objective self evaluation. If the club is going to truly move forward,
they must go. But they won't, and we need to acknowledge that reality.
At this stage, the most important thing is survival, and in order to survive
we must put the anti-board sentiment aside and focus on supporting the
players. After all, they are the only ones with direct control over the fate
of this season. We must do everything we can to support them.
In an age where money is everything, the potential perils of relegation are
far too large. We must swallow our pride, put the anti-board protests aside
for the time being, and focus our energy on positive support for the players
in the dressing room. There are points to be gained in the remaining
fixtures. We all have to do our part.
And when I say "we", I of course really mean all of you who have the luxury
of attending matches. There's nothing I can do from my living room in
Pennsylvania but clench my teeth and nervously shout at the television
screen.
Please heed my call, I would really like to avoid suffering through more
seasons in the Championship, where I must listen to audio-only broadcasts of
trips to Barnsley, Preston, or Reading.
Come on you Irons.
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SEAGULLS HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR WORTHWHILE CAUSE
Brightonandhovealbion.com
Alex Stedman
Jose Izquierdo's goal against West Ham in the 3-1 victory at the Amex
Stadium back in February will live long in the memory for a number of
supporters. But Robin Woolley, a Seagulls fan based in Newcastle, will have
a constant reminder in his home after he won an online auction for a signed
match-worn shirt from the Seagulls wide man, in aid of young Irons fan Isla
Caton, who suffers from a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He
said, "I'm delighted, it was a shirt I had to have because I was at the game
and saw the goal itself – but more importantly it's money that I've bid for
a very worthwhile cause. "I have a daughter who's Isla's age so I thought
that if I was ever in that situation I'd want people to help me and the
family out as well. "Nobody would wish that on anyone, so I would hope
people would also put their hands in their pockets."
A video message from the Colombian midfielder was widely shared across
social media and well-received by a collection of supporters from different
clubs – Robin emphasised the response to the clip as being the perfect
example of the power of football. "The response that the family have got
definitely shows how influential the sport can be. "You put rivalries aside,
there's a lot of Millwall fans online who are giving their support to the
cause and I believe someone is running an event in a West Ham shirt as well,
so that tells you all you need to know. "When you think of the bad publicity
around those rivalries it goes out of the window with something like this.
"I saw the link on Twitter and the video as well and thought I have to have
that for such a great cause – the plan is to have it framed and up on the
wall in the house, it'll take pride of place."
The spectacular effort at the start of last month kick-started a good run of
form in the top flight which currently sees Albion sitting in 11th position
going into Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Old
Trafford. Robin was invited down to the American Express Elite Football
Performance Centre on Thursday, as Chris Hughton met the media ahead of the
last eight cup tie in the historic competition. "It's the best goal I've
seen at the stadium – I've had a bit of journey down because I live up near
Newcastle, but I was able to have a look around the training ground and see
my first-ever press conference too. "To top it off, I got the shirt from
Jose in person as well so it's been great. "It was really interesting to see
how the press conference works – I was tempted to stick my hand up but
someone got in ahead of me with what I was going to ask!"
Fans can donate to Isla's Just Giving Page - set up in order to raise funds
to get Isla vital treatment, by clicking here.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/thebradleyloweryfoundation/isla
caton
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham face behind closed doors fixtures if London Stadium crowd trouble
persists
KEN DYER
ES Sport
West Ham have been warned any repeat of crowd trouble will result in part or
all of the London Stadium being shut to fans for future matches. A number of
spectators invaded the pitch during last Saturday's match against Burnley
and several hundred fans congregated in front of the directors' box in an
ugly demonstration of their dissatisfaction at the club's board. Following a
meeting yesterday of the Safety Advisory Group, which included the stadium
operators, LS185, Newham council, the Metropolitan Police, the London Legacy
Development Corporation and the club, it was agreed there will be police
inside the stadium for the next home match, against Southampton on March
31.There will also be restrictions to the area in front of the directors'
box, a review of where fans can go and the stewards' response teams will be
bolstered. The cost of the increased police presence is expected to be met
by the stadium owners and operators, even though West Ham had looked at
paying in a bid to get more control over security. The SAG warned West Ham
that the remaining five home matches will be closely monitored and if there
is any repeat of the disorder, further action would be taken by Newham
council in its safety certifying role, including reducing capacity or
playing matches behind closed doors.
The Football Association are investigating the trouble and also have the
power to order a partial or full closure of the stadium. However, as steps
are being taken to tackle the issue ahead of the Southampton game, the FA
could give West Ham a heavy fine, with the stadium penalty more likely if
there is a repeat of the chaos.
In a statement, the SAG said: "LS185 and West Ham United have made great
strides in identifying the trouble-makers and have been very clear that
those guilty of violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the
stadium."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has vowed to do everything he can for West Ham United and
the supporters who have come to adore him. After a tough start, the Austrian
has become a hero among the Claret and Blue Army for his outstanding
displays, never-say-die attitude and clear affection for the fans. With the
Hammers set to return home from a five day training camp in Miami on
Saturday, Arnautovic restated his love for those in the stands, and for the
Club as a whole. "I'm happy. I'm happy, I've said this a couple of times
already," he said. "I'm happy to be here and I'm happy to play for this
Club, with my teammates and for those fans. But it doesn't matter how I feel
now. I want the team as one unit and we're going to fight in these last
eight games."
After a run of 20 points from 12 games, West Ham have lost each of their
last three Premier League matches by a combined score off 11-1 to drop to
within three points of the relegation zone. Marko Arnautovic handed his
boots to a young fan after Saturday's defeat by Burnley Following last
Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Burnley, Arnautovic stood in the pitch, head
bowed, in disappointment and frustration, before collecting his thoughts and
handing his boots to a young fan as the crowd sang his name. That bond, he
says, will be even more important when West Ham return to action at home to
Southampton on 31 March. "The fans are always important. I know they are
disappointed, but I also know that against Southampton the Stadium is going
to be full and they are going to be right behind us. We need them, because
without them, you are not much in football without fans. "I have a good
connection with them [the fans] and even when they boo us, it doesn't
matter, I will always be behind them and I will always love when they
support us. Still those people were with us until the end. I was applauding
them because they deserved it, even in this hard situation. "We know this is
a hard time, a tough time for them, but also for us. It's not that we don't
want to win games. We are in a hard situation but if we are all together,
work hard together, and keep the team and the fans and everyone involved
with West Ham together, then we can come out of this situation."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Haksabanovic earns Montenegro call-up for March friendlies
WHUFC.com
Sead Haksabanovic has been named in Montenegro's squad for the upcoming
friendlies at the end of March. The 18-year-old will link up with his
international teammates for a contest with Cyprus in Nicosia on Friday 23
March before welcoming Turkey to Podgorica for a friendly fixture on Tuesday
27. The teenage midfielder played twice for Montenegro in World Cup
Qualification, making his appearances from the bench, with the most recent
coming in the away defeat to Poland. Haksabanovic and his international
teammates will not be at the tournament in Russia this summer after they
finished third in Group E of the UEFA qualifying groups, but the youngster
will be looking to stake his claim to a regular place in the Montenegro
starting line-up. The summer signing has made 12 appearance for the U23s
side this season and has played twice for the senior team - featuring in the
Carabao Cup win over Bolton Wanderers and also making an appearance in the
FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic. Haksabanovic has also been on the bench
for six Premier League matches this campaign, but is yet to make his top
flight debut for the Hammers.
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Ray: 'Shared responsibility' key to winning Portsmouth test
WHUFC.com
A strong sense of 'shared responsibility and accountability' will be crucial
if West Ham United Ladies are to beat Portsmouth this weekend, according to
interim head coach Karen Ray. The Ladies head into Sunday's match in good
form, with the side unbeaten in their last eight matches across all
competitions and having conceded just twice in 2018. The team will take on
a stern test in Portsmouth FC Ladies, however, with this weekend's opponents
sitting fifth in the Premier League Southern Division, having claimed
back-to-back away wins in their previous two contests. Ray recognises the
threat Portsmouth pose to her side's unbeaten streak and feels the team
needs to continue to share culpability, something she feels has been vital
in the previous wins. "Portsmouth will certainly be a team to respect," Ray
told whufc.com: "Jay is a good coach, who has been having a successful
season and we will have to be at our best to get a result. "Having Neo, our
analyst, really helps us understand our opponents. We work together to
nullify our oppositions strengths and exploit their weaknesses while staying
true to our new-found identity. "The key for us has been shared
responsibility and accountability. Everyone now knows what needs to be done
to get the results. We all value each other's differences, the diversity
within our team creates a higher level of understanding and creativity which
allows us to all trust the process."
The Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture against Portsmouth
in September, and while the Irons have added to the squad since that game,
Ray feels a clear philosophy has led to the team's improvements since then.
She continued: "We have made a couple of signings since the previous meeting
with Portsmouth, but ultimately I think the identity the team has gained has
been the biggest factor. We have instilled a style of play that supports
very talented individuals in contributing to the team. "Everyone is
passionate about performing well and winning games, our mentality shift has
been key to our newfound success and we all have plans to continue."
With just five games left in the league this campaign, plus two Cup finals,
Ray is thrilled with the progress she has seen from West Ham in 2018 and has
called on the players to continue to raise their standards between now and
the end of the season. "When I was asked to step in for the interim, my
ambition was to support the girls in earning the respect they truly
deserve," Ray added: "I think they are doing so. However, there is no reason
why we can't continue to set our sights higher. "We have an extremely
talented, competitive and brave group of players - the perfect mix for
success. The staff and I certainly won't let standards slip as we raise the
bar higher every time we cross the white line. It's a professional,
demanding and challenging environment that is driving our positive results
and I don't often say it but I am extremely proud of everyone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barrett: Upbeat U18s are focused on Aston Villa clash
WHUFC.com
Returning defender Mason Barrett says the improvement in form for the West
Ham United U18s has led to a boost in atmosphere in the changing room, with
the entire squad focused on Saturday's match with Aston Villa. The Irons
head into this weekend's contest at Little Heath Sports Ground on the back
of three straight wins, and take on a Villa side that sit just two points
above them in the league. Barrett says the side recognises that this season
hasn't been the best for the young Hammers but insists the team have learned
from past mistakes, and are now a closer group because of it. And the
youngster is ready for the challenge Villa will poise. "As a team, we have
to be brutally honest and say we haven't had the best of seasons," Barrett
admitted to whufc.com. "But I feel we have learned a lot from that. We've
taken the things that we've not done well, looked on how to fix them, and
how to improve. "Our recent form has been really good and has definitely
changed the mood in the dressing room. You can tell now, before matches,
that everyone is more relaxed but also really switched on and focused at the
same time. It will be the same for Aston Villa. "The team is a lot more
upbeat and really enjoying playing together and winning games. I really feel
we have grown closer as a team in the last few weeks."
West Ham's resurgence in form coincides with Barrett's return to the team,
with the 18-year-old spending 14 months on the sidelines with stress-related
problems in both of his shins. Barrett is thrilled to be involved again and
reckons his injury experience will only make him a stronger player in the
long run. He continued: "It's a great feeling to be back and winning games.
I'm just happy to be playing again but our recent good form has been a real
confidence boost for both myself and the team. "I was buzzing to just get on
the field in general, to be fair. It was hard to be out for so long so to
just be involved again is unreal. "My injury, in a way, has just helped me
become even more hungry and now I'm back, I just want to achieve my dream of
being a professional football player even more. Right now, I'm just focused
on getting minutes under my belt, playing consistently well and seeing out
the season in the best way possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Trott named in England U20s squad
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23s' goalkeeper Nathan Trott has been named in the England
U20s squad for the upcoming matches with Poland and Portugal. Trott has
been in fine form this season for the West Ham Premier League 2 side and
made his England U20s debut last August in a 3-0 win over the Netherlands.
The shot-stopper was also between the sticks for the 4-0 victory against the
Czech Republic in October. The UEFA European U19 Championship winner has
once again been included, as one of two goalkeepers in head coach Keith
Downing's 19-man squad. The Three Lions will take on Poland in
Bielsku-Bialej on Thursday 22 March before returning to Manchester City's
Academy Stadium for a fixture against Portugal on Tuesday 27. Trott has
made 19 appearances in all competitions for the West Ham United U23s this
campaign, and was also on the bench for the first team's Premier League
match with Manchester City in December.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mario named in Portuguese 25
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Joao Mario has been named in the Portugal squad to face the Netherlands in a
pre World Cup friendly later this month. The 25-year-old midfielder, who is
currently on loan at West Ham has been included in Fernando Manuel Costa's
squad to face Egypt (March 23) and Holland (26 March) in two friendlies
ahead of this summer's World Cup finals in Russia. Mario, who debuted for
his country back in 2014 having made an incredible 82 appearances at youth
level has made a total of seven full international appearances for Portugal.
The full Portuguese squad includes six UK-based players, four from the
Premier League, one from the Championship and one from the Scottish Premer
League. Former Hammers Jose Fonte, who recently joined Chinese Super League
side Dalian Yifang has also been included in Costa's latest selection.
Portugal have been grouped with Spain, Iran and Morocco in their World Cup
group.
Full Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe) and Rui Patrício
(Sporting).
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cédric Soares (Southampton), Fábio
Coentrão (Sporting), João Cancelo (Inter), José Fonte (Dalian Yifang),
Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund), Rolando (Marselha) and Rúben Dias (Benfica).
Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), André Gomes (FC Barcelona), Bruno
Fernandes (Sporting), João Mário (West Ham), João Moutinho (Monaco), Manuel
Fernandes (Lokomotiv), Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton) and William Carvalho
(Sporting ).
Forwards: André Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City),
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Gonçalo Guedes
(Valência) and Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic grateful for fans' support
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic says he is delighted to have built a rapport with the West
Ham fans since moving from Stoke City.
The 28-year-old Austrian, currently in Miami with the rest of the first team
squad is rapidly becoming a crowd favourite and has been tipped by many as a
potential KUMB Player of the Year, following a decent start to his career in
east London.
And the winger, who is settling down into life in London with wife Sarah
following a £24million move from Stoke City last summer says the welcome he
has received from the fans has helped create a special bond between the two.
"The fans are always important," he told whufc.com. "I know they are
disappointed [with our recent form], but I also know that against
Southampton the stadium is going to be full and they are going to be right
behind us.
"We need them, because without the fans you are not much in football. I have
a good connection with them and even when they boo us, it doesn't matter. I
will always be behind them and I will always love when they support us.
"We know this is a hard time, a tough time for them, but also for us. We are
in a hard situation but if we are all together, work hard together, and keep
the team and the fans and everyone involved with West Ham together, then we
can come out of this situation."
Arnautovic, West Ham's leading goalscorer this season with seven to his name
(all scored in the Premier League) is set to appear next for his nation when
they face Slovenia (23 March) and Luxembourg (27 March) in international
friendlies.
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Solidarity is key, says Parish
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has sympathised with West Ham
supporters with regards to their current plight - whilst defending co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold. Parish, whose Palace side are currently three
points and two places below West Ham in the Premier League table was
speaking in the wake of the disturbances that highlighted the supporters'
dissatisfaction with the way the club is currently being managed. And
despite his side sitting in the relegation zone with just nine matches left
to play, Parish stressed that he wouldn't change places with the Hammers. "I
do not wish what happened at West Ham on anyone," he told the Croydon
Advertiser. "I do not look at that and think 'that is great for us at
Palace'. "I know David Sullivan and David Gold. I know those guys have got
their heart and soul in that club. None of us are going to get this right,
everything we do at a football club. It is impossible, but everyone knows
the team you should have picked at 4.45pm on Saturday! It is easy to
criticise. "I know it is difficult for supporters to stay calm in that
moment. We have all had it after a game when we are getting beat. It is not
a nice experience and I think you can make your feelings known without
stepping over the line. I was disappointed to see that.
"But I know that club is a great club and have got great supporters. And I
know they will all rally round as well. When push comes to shove they will
all be there for the team. They will. They made their feelings known and
hopefully they have put that behind them."
Parish, who has been involved at Selhurst Park since 2012 also urged Hammers
fans to keep the current situation in "perspective" - no doubt a reminder
that the fans can still play a major role in their team's fortunes. "Three
teams have got to get relegated, and everyone is trying as hard as they can
to stay in the league," he added. "Things do not go wrong on purpose. I
understand people get angry, but I think we have got to keep some
perspective."
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Journalist defends 'co-ordinated attack' accusation
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
A BBC journalist has claimed that more than 20 attempts to enter the field
of play during Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Burnley were thwarted by
stadium security.
According to writer Simon Stone, who was sharing his thoughts via twitter,
"stewards repelled 85% of the attempts" by supporters to get on to the
pitch, before adding that the incidents weren't "spontaneous" but "planned",
involving "in excess of 100 people" and "co-ordinated through mobile
phones". Given that only four supporters managed to enter the field of play,
that would mean approximately 27 people in total tried to encroach onto the
pitch. And, as anyone who had attended the stadium since West Ham moved to
Stratford in 2016 will attest, it is virtually impossible to get a phone
signal inside the ground - let alone coordinate a protest campaign involving
more than 100. Naturally, those figures and explanations left many who were
actually present at the match questioning Stone's logic and information.
Consequently a number of West Ham supporters challenged the authenticity of
his comments, urging the journalist to check his sources or remove his
tweet. However Mr Stone refused to bow to pressure and instead defended his
version of events via a series of additional posts.
"I did not make it up. Info came via credible source," he replied. "I had no
reason to think it was incorrect. Secondly, there is official statement for
Safety Advisory Group - which had the power to close stadium. "[They] said
there was 'unprecedented level of disorder at multiple locations across
stadium, would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage'
+ security op was 'stretched significantly by scale + volume of incidents'
but most attempted pitch incursions were stopped. "All I did was try find
out what the 'unprecedented level of disorder' was. What I reported was what
I was told by someone who is in a position to know and stands by info. Re
mobile signal issue - which I accept - told major use was outside ground
before game to get people in. "Those who think [the] SAG statement is false
are entitled to that view. But it is an official statement and all those
present agreed with its release. CCTV evidence has been passed to police."
Following Stone's comments, several supporters have written to the BBC to
complain.
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GUEST POST: WE CAN NO LONGER BEG TO DIFFER OR ENGAGE IN A CIVIL MANNER. WHY?
By Iain Dale 16 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Guest Post by Anonymous
This follows on from
"THIS2:https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2018/03/11/grown-men-behaving-l
ike-spoilt-children article from the same author on the events of last
weekend.
I just read your "piece for the
Standard"https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/2018/03/13/evening-standard-c
olumn-be-careful-what-you-wish-for. You have just completely taken my head
thoughts on this. Agree with every word and nuance in its entirety. Well
done.
For the last two seasons, I witnessed two supporters who sit in front of me
whom week in week out have hurled abuse at the players sat on the subs bench
directly in front of us. Ayew, Carrol, Kouyate and even Antautovic have come
in for nasty stuff at different times. I have come very close to pulling
them up and telling them to shut up, but then it would kick off and just add
to the woes amongst supporters and place me at risk.
The players sit exposed within inches of some supporters who are paying 4k a
year for a seat and who have the manners of moronic pigs despite their
earning capacity. My overwhelming impression of the last two years is of
bunch of players terrified of the supporters. It reminded me of my years
coaching kids football watching parents and other coaches scream at the kids
terrifying the kids.
On a practical level the club should consider redesigning the subs seating
in order to shield players from the supporters and get their focus on the
pitch and not on what goes on in the stands. They perhaps also should start
kicking out some of these abusive fans.
I mean in what other sport or entertainment industry event is it ok to
scream 'You f***ing lazy fat worthless useless c**t!'? Apologies for
language, but this is what I hear week in week out, with many children
present too. Whenever I have made comment on this I am dismissed with 'Oh
it's just banter mate'.
And all this going on before the events of Saturday. Cancer starts small.
I brought up Brexit in my previous email that you posted on your WHTID. I am
not sure if you read some of the replies on the WHTID forum, but some picked
up on this and took my observations out of context in inferring I was
blaming 'Brexit', identifying me as a 'Remoaner' with an ulterior motive and
therefore totally dismissing my views because of this. They wholly missed
the point.
We dropped a bomb with the EU referendum and it divided the nation, the same
has happened with West Ham and the move to the Olympic/London Stadium, we
are no longer West Ham United we are West Ham Disunited. This was the point
I was making.
This is part of a much bigger picture, we are living in a way more
aggressive abusive world than 25 years ago. The internet has also helped
fuel this as people sit anonymously behind their screen typing their bile,
something they would not do face to face, especially 25 years ago.
I have scaled down my involvement on social media to the point I am
considering pulling out completely. I talk face to face more than I have
ever done in recent years. 'Talk Don't Tweet' is now my motto. Engaging with
people in person is the medicine needed for over indulgence behind a
computer screen.
Even amongst long term friends I pick up on massive polarization and
divisive attitudes when on line/Twitter/Facebook etc. We can no longer beg
to differ or engage in a civil manner, we are either A or B, Black or White,
Gay or Straight, Left or Right, Fascist or Socialist, Tory or Labour or of
course a Brexiteer or Remoaner. Everything now has a label. It feels that
most people have forgotten that we are all humans with a limited shelf life.
We simply need to talk face to face and rediscover the art of real
communication and accept that we have different views. This world would be
better for it. Of course, this is me being idealistic.
I do not know the answer to all this hostility and division, there probably
isn't one, I try not to get cynical about mankind, but it is very
challenging not to just shut the door and stay indoors for the rest of one's
days. I fear for the future of my children and eventual grandchildren. The
world has become a worrying place in recent times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This must stop
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th March 2018
By: Connor Darrell
I am an American. I have no familial ties to the East End, and I have only
been to one West Ham United match in my entire life (a 0-0 draw with Stoke
during the final season at the Boleyn). So I forgive you if you decide to
read no further or question the value of my opinion as an outsider.
But I can assure you that I love this club with a fervent passion. Though
there are days where I ask myself why I didn't just follow Manchester United
or Chelsea like every other fairweather American fan, it is too late now. I
bleed claret and blue.
What follows is a somewhat incoherent collection of thoughts running through
my mind. I have never written any journalistic pieces before, and may never
do so again. But it was somewhat therapeutic for me to do this, and I hope
at least some of you agree with me.
I sat down to write this piece shortly after the final whistle of what could
only be described as a nightmarish and embarrassing loss to Burnley.
Nightmarish not because of the result, but because of the reality it left us
in. Embarrassing not because of what transpired on the pitch, but off of it.
As someone forced to follow the club from 3,500 miles away, it is a bit
difficult for me to gain a full understanding of how we have arrived at this
perilous state.
I think back to that magical final season at the Boleyn, and the optimism I
was filled with. Dimitri Payet was one of the best players in the world, and
while understandably emotional, a pending move to a larger stadium seemed a
reasonable proposition for a club looking to take the next step required to
compete on the world's biggest stage. I couldn't wait to embark on that
journey.
I was drinking the kool-aid.
What's transpired since has been very difficult for me to grasp. Sure, the
board carries the bulk of the blame. The move was clumsily administrated,
empty promises were made, and the final product has been nothing short of
dreadful. But I can't help but think that the unrest among the fan base has
also contributed significantly to our inability to seize opportunity, and
what I witnessed today on my television screen cemented that belief in my
mind.
After 60 minutes of outplaying the opposition, a cheap goal was conceded,
and we allowed Ashley Barnes - Ashley FREAKING Barnes - of all people to put
the final dagger into the soul of this club.
At one goal down, an objective spectator might have reasonably backed West
Ham to still nick at least a point from this match, but those spectators in
attendance who felt the need to take it upon themselves to storm the field
and direct frustration at the board made it certain that wouldn't be the
case. At the very moment the players needed the backing of the club's
supporters, those same supporters abandoned them. There was no coming back.
I truly believe that the time has come for us supporters to look in the
mirror and objectively ask ourselves if we truly believe we are acting in
the club's best interest by franticly rebelling against the board.
One of the most frequently cited knocks on Sullivan and Co. has been the
ineptitude with which they conduct themselves in the transfer market. The
long track record of incompetence is there, and nobody can rationally argue
that the club hasn't been handcuffed by poor personnel and player
recruitment. But the argument that the board has refused to make the
necessary investments in the squad since the move to the London Stadium has
some holes in it.
Given the strife and infighting amongst the club and supporters - and
amongst the supporters themselves - perhaps nobody could have navigated the
tricky negotiations needed to bring in players of the necessary quality.
Ask yourselves this, if you were a young promising player sitting in your
living room with your family and your agent, trying to decide what move
might help you propel your career to the next level, where might West Ham
rank on your list of destinations? My guess is that it would be very close
to the bottom. And part of that is due to the behaviour of supporters on
days like today.
I am not defending the board. They are arrogant, incompetent, and incapable
of objective self evaluation. If the club is going to truly move forward,
they must go. But they won't, and we need to acknowledge that reality.
At this stage, the most important thing is survival, and in order to survive
we must put the anti-board sentiment aside and focus on supporting the
players. After all, they are the only ones with direct control over the fate
of this season. We must do everything we can to support them.
In an age where money is everything, the potential perils of relegation are
far too large. We must swallow our pride, put the anti-board protests aside
for the time being, and focus our energy on positive support for the players
in the dressing room. There are points to be gained in the remaining
fixtures. We all have to do our part.
And when I say "we", I of course really mean all of you who have the luxury
of attending matches. There's nothing I can do from my living room in
Pennsylvania but clench my teeth and nervously shout at the television
screen.
Please heed my call, I would really like to avoid suffering through more
seasons in the Championship, where I must listen to audio-only broadcasts of
trips to Barnsley, Preston, or Reading.
Come on you Irons.
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the
author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be
attributed to, KUMB.com.
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SEAGULLS HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR WORTHWHILE CAUSE
Brightonandhovealbion.com
Alex Stedman
Jose Izquierdo's goal against West Ham in the 3-1 victory at the Amex
Stadium back in February will live long in the memory for a number of
supporters. But Robin Woolley, a Seagulls fan based in Newcastle, will have
a constant reminder in his home after he won an online auction for a signed
match-worn shirt from the Seagulls wide man, in aid of young Irons fan Isla
Caton, who suffers from a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma. He
said, "I'm delighted, it was a shirt I had to have because I was at the game
and saw the goal itself – but more importantly it's money that I've bid for
a very worthwhile cause. "I have a daughter who's Isla's age so I thought
that if I was ever in that situation I'd want people to help me and the
family out as well. "Nobody would wish that on anyone, so I would hope
people would also put their hands in their pockets."
A video message from the Colombian midfielder was widely shared across
social media and well-received by a collection of supporters from different
clubs – Robin emphasised the response to the clip as being the perfect
example of the power of football. "The response that the family have got
definitely shows how influential the sport can be. "You put rivalries aside,
there's a lot of Millwall fans online who are giving their support to the
cause and I believe someone is running an event in a West Ham shirt as well,
so that tells you all you need to know. "When you think of the bad publicity
around those rivalries it goes out of the window with something like this.
"I saw the link on Twitter and the video as well and thought I have to have
that for such a great cause – the plan is to have it framed and up on the
wall in the house, it'll take pride of place."
The spectacular effort at the start of last month kick-started a good run of
form in the top flight which currently sees Albion sitting in 11th position
going into Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Old
Trafford. Robin was invited down to the American Express Elite Football
Performance Centre on Thursday, as Chris Hughton met the media ahead of the
last eight cup tie in the historic competition. "It's the best goal I've
seen at the stadium – I've had a bit of journey down because I live up near
Newcastle, but I was able to have a look around the training ground and see
my first-ever press conference too. "To top it off, I got the shirt from
Jose in person as well so it's been great. "It was really interesting to see
how the press conference works – I was tempted to stick my hand up but
someone got in ahead of me with what I was going to ask!"
Fans can donate to Isla's Just Giving Page - set up in order to raise funds
to get Isla vital treatment, by clicking here.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/thebradleyloweryfoundation/isla
caton
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West Ham face behind closed doors fixtures if London Stadium crowd trouble
persists
KEN DYER
ES Sport
West Ham have been warned any repeat of crowd trouble will result in part or
all of the London Stadium being shut to fans for future matches. A number of
spectators invaded the pitch during last Saturday's match against Burnley
and several hundred fans congregated in front of the directors' box in an
ugly demonstration of their dissatisfaction at the club's board. Following a
meeting yesterday of the Safety Advisory Group, which included the stadium
operators, LS185, Newham council, the Metropolitan Police, the London Legacy
Development Corporation and the club, it was agreed there will be police
inside the stadium for the next home match, against Southampton on March
31.There will also be restrictions to the area in front of the directors'
box, a review of where fans can go and the stewards' response teams will be
bolstered. The cost of the increased police presence is expected to be met
by the stadium owners and operators, even though West Ham had looked at
paying in a bid to get more control over security. The SAG warned West Ham
that the remaining five home matches will be closely monitored and if there
is any repeat of the disorder, further action would be taken by Newham
council in its safety certifying role, including reducing capacity or
playing matches behind closed doors.
The Football Association are investigating the trouble and also have the
power to order a partial or full closure of the stadium. However, as steps
are being taken to tackle the issue ahead of the Southampton game, the FA
could give West Ham a heavy fine, with the stadium penalty more likely if
there is a repeat of the chaos.
In a statement, the SAG said: "LS185 and West Ham United have made great
strides in identifying the trouble-makers and have been very clear that
those guilty of violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the
stadium."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, March 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th March 2018
Arnautovic included in Austria squad for March matches
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has been named in Austria's squad for two friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United forward
is one of 24 players selected to host Slovenia in Klagenfurt on 23 March
before traveling to Luxembourg four days later. Capped 67 times and with 16
goals for his country, Arnautovic is the most-experienced member of Franco
Foda's squad, having made his debut against the Faroe Islands back in
October 2008. Since then, he has featured regularly for the Burschen and was
part of the squad which travelled to the UEFA European Championship finals
in 2016. Vienna-born Arnautovic, who has seven Premier League goals to his
name for the Hammers this season, is joined in Foda's group by Watford
defender Sebastian Prodl, Leicester City centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic and
the likes of Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba and FC Augsburg pair
Martin Hinteregger and Michael Gregoritsch. The 28-year-old is one of a
number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Manuel
Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate
(Senegal) also set for action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison: International football will benefit West Ham youngsters
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's lead U14/U16 coach Jack Collison says the Club's young
players will benefit from playing for their respective national teams.
Premier League 2 players Domingos Quina, Martin Samuelsen and Conor
Coventry, as well as U18 regulars Rihards Matrevics, Jeremy Ngakia and
Ajibola Alese and schoolboys Serine Sanneh and Daniel Jinadu are all in line
for call-ups for international fixtures in March and April. With opposition
ranging from Brazil to Kosovo, former Wales international Collison believes
playing against players and teams with different tactics and playing styles
can only aid the West Ham youngsters. "A number of our players will be
hoping to be called into their respective international teams' camps next
week, during the break, which will provide them with great opportunities to
further their development," said Collison, who was capped 15 times by the
Dragons at senior level and also featured seven times for the U21s. "The
chance to play for your country at this young age is a real testament to
their efforts, and the lads will need to be prepared to come up against
different formations, different styles of playing football, and even
different pressures. "The pressure of wearing an international shirt is
something every young player dreams of and I'm sure the lads involved will
give the best possible account of themselves."
While many call-ups are still at the provisional stage, West Ham could have
as many as eleven players involved in age-group internationals.
Declan Rice, Josh Cullen (both Republic of Ireland), Edimilson Fernandes
(Switzerland) and Samuelsen (Norway) are set for U21 duty in UEFA European
Championship qualifiers, while Ngakia could be involved in DR Congo's Africa
U20 Cup of Nations qualifiers with Tanzania.
Quina (Portugal), Coventry (Republic of Ireland) and Matrevics (Latvia) are
all set for UEFA European U19 Championship qualifiers.
Alese's England U17s face a friendly double-header with Brazil, while
goalkeepers Sanneh and Jinadu could be involved in the Montaigu Tournament
in France with England U16s.
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Bonds: Bobby Moore was a truly great player and a great man
WHUFC.com
Billy Bonds tells long-serving London Evening Standard reporter Ken Dyer
that the late, great Bobby Moore, who passed away 25 years ago, was his own
footballing hero...
I count myself a lucky man to have watched Bobby Moore in his pomp, but how
much better would it have been to have played in the same team as the
greatest ever Hammer?
Dream on, as they say, but one man who does know what it was to play with
the great man is yet another Club legend – Billy Bonds.
Billy joined West Ham United from Charlton Athletic for £55,000 in the
summer of 1967, a year after Bobby, as England captain, had wiped his
muddied hands on the Royal Box velvet, shaken the white-gloved hand of Her
Majesty The Queen and then received the Jules Rimet Trophy. The two men –
Bonzo and Mooro as they are affectionately known by Hammers' fans everywhere
– actually first met eight years earlier – and Bonzo hadn't a clue then, who
the blond-haired young man was. Billy takes up the story.
"I first met Mooro when I was about 12 years old – and I had no idea who he
was," he recalls. "He came over to South London to present some medals to my
local Sunday League morning team. He brought his future wife Tina over – I
think they were going out together at the time. "We had won the league and
the cup that year and our manager, Mr Flowers, told us he had arranged for
somebody to come and present the medals to us. "We all turned up at Middle
Park School and in came Mooro. He had just broken into the West Ham first
team but we didn't know who he was. Even then, though, he had something
about him, blond, good looking with a lovely young lady alongside him. He
did a bit of coaching with us, presented the medals and that was it. "We
later found out his name was Bobby Moore and he played for West Ham but
communication back then wasn't like it is now, there weren't loads of
matches on TV – and most people of my estate were either Charlton or
Millwall fans! "Fast forward six years from that first meeting and I'm
watching along with millions of others on TV, as Mooro lifts the World Cup."
Woolwich-born Bonds moved across the River Thames in 1967, when he signed
for West Ham from Second Division Charlton Athletic. "A year after the World
Cup I joined West Ham from Charlton and I certainly knew who he was then! I
was a bit in awe of him to be honest because, along with Pele, he was
probably the most famous footballer in the world - but I needn't have been
worried. "He was great right with me right from the start. There wasn't an
ounce of arrogance or ego in him. He was so down to earth you had to remind
yourself all that he had achieved. "That was what was so great about him,
apart from his ability. Nowadays there are players who, let's be honest,
couldn't lace Mooro's boots but they get a little touch of stardom and
that's it – you can't talk to them – big-time Charlies. "Mooro could have
been like that – but he wasn't. He was just a lovely bloke, someone you
looked up to and admired. Then, to play with him, well…. You can imagine
what a thrill it was for me. "The first game we played together I remember
was against Sheffield Wednesday at the start of that 1967 season. Mooro
wasn't a 'bawler and shouter'. I played right-back that day and early in the
game I looked to my left and there was Bobby Moore, playing alongside me. I
thought 'bloody hell', I'm playing alongside a World Cup winner. "He was so
calm on the ball, he wasn't a fierce tackler who would go through the back
of people but he had that wonderful knack of just nicking the ball off
opponents. He wasn't quick so his positional play had to be very good and he
was brilliant at reading the game. "I was totally different to him. He was
cool and calm with everything he did while I was a bull in a china shop,
flying into tackles. Just playing with him though, meant you learnt
something. "As I said though, he was never lairy. He knew all the stars and
everyone wanted to know him but he always had time for you. He always kept
that humility."
Bobby finally left West Ham for Fulham in 1974 but a year later the pair
were back on the same pitch – but this time in opposition. It was to be
Bobby's final competitive match at the national stadium with West Ham
finishing FA Cup winners after beating their London rivals 2-0. Billy was
West Ham captain then but, as he recalIs: "I didn't shake his hand before
the game because Alan Mullery was their captain and when the game started,
you put your business hat on – it's them or us and no-one remembers who
finishes on the losing side in an FA Cup final. "If Mooro had made a forward
run and was threatening our goal I would probably have kicked him – and more
than likely he would have expected it! "When the final whistle went, though,
and we had won the Cup, he was the first one I went to, out of respect,
before I started celebrating. I wanted to make sure he knew how I felt.
There's a picture of Graham Paddon and me, both with our arms around him.
"The last time I saw him was up at Grimsby in November 1992. I was manager
of West Ham and I was doing an interview after a night game. We had drawn
the match 1-1 and Mooro came down from the Press Box and waited until I had
finished to say 'hello' to me. "He didn't look well then and I knew he had
an illness."
Bobby died just three months later.
"I wouldn't say I was ever close to him," says Billy. "It's been well
documented that he loved a 'bevy' and he would go out after a game while I
just went home but I always say I was privileged and proud to play alongside
the great Bobby Moore. "There are different kinds of defenders. Kevin
Beattie was one of the best in my time. He was a powerhouse but Mooro wasn't
like that. I can see him now, knocking 40-yard passes up to Geoff Hurst's
chest. "A truly great player and a great man – I loved him."
*This feature originally appeared in the Official Programme for the Premier
League fixture with Burnley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Evra: I have to lead by example at West Ham
WHUFC.com
Patrice Evra knows he has a huge responsibility to the younger players at
West Ham United and has to lead by example both on the training fields and
during matches. At 36-years-old, Evra is West Ham's most experienced
professional player and boasts a wealth of knowledge, having claimed five
Premier League titles and made 728 competitive match appearances during his
career. The Frenchman signed for the Irons in February and is eager to share
what he has learned in his 20 years as a professional footballer with the
younger players at West Ham. But Evra knows the best way to guide these
talents is by his actions, not his words.
"Coming in at my age, there's massive responsibility on my shoulders," Evra
told whufc.com: "You have to lead by example. Before you can say anything to
a younger player and guide them with your words, you have to show them good
examples and lead with your actions. You have to work hard in training, and
do your job in the games. "It's in my character to do that anyway, and I'm
not someone who has anything to prove. When you're in a leadership position,
your most important job is to create more leaders around you. I like to do
that and I strive to do that. I want to see my teammates – particularly the
younger ones – getting better and playing well. The most important thing is
the team. "This role fits my personality so, for me, it was the perfect fit
to come to West Ham."
Having won 21 major trophies, Evra has enjoyed one of the most successful
playing careers of any individual to grace the Premier League. But
retirement is far from the left-back's mind, with Evra citing his passion
for the game as his reason for continuing. And Evra wants to harness that
hunger to help the Hammers climb back up the table. He continued: "I've got
a lot of friends who said things like 'You've got nothing to prove so why do
you keep playing?' But it's in my DNA. I can't stop. Why would I want to
stop? If I wasn't fit then, of course, I would be questioning myself. But
I'm fit and I know what I am doing. "It's all about hunger. When I was
five-years-old, I had such a hunger for football. Even when I was young, and
I was begging people for money outside of the store, even then I was saying
'I love this game!'. This is my motivation to keep playing. "When I lose
that hunger I will stop. But actually, as I get older, the stronger that
hunger gets. Forget the Patrice Evra from Manchester United, from Juventus,
from the French team. Every day I wake up is a new day, a new challenge, and
I'm always questioning myself. "Every training session and match with West
Ham is a chance to prove to myself and my teammates that I can still play
this game at the highest level. I think that hunger will be with me
forever."
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Hart ready to fight for place after receiving England call-up
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart has been named in England's squad for two mouth-watering friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United
goalkeeper is one of 27 players selected to travel to Amsterdam to face the
Netherlands on Friday 23 March before hosting Italy at Wembley Stadium four
days later. Capped 75 times since making his debut against Trinidad and
Tobago in June 2008, Hart has travelled to the last four major tournaments
with England and will hope to make it five at the FIFA World Cup finals in
Russia this summer. "We've got some good games coming up," said Hart, who
has been working hard during the Hammers' training camp in Miami this week.
"We want to go into them and learn as much about ourselves as we possibly
can. "We've done the hard task of qualifying for the World Cup, which many
other teams found difficult, but I felt we handled it very professionally.
"Now, we've got games to test ourselves and really see where we are at, work
on our strengths and work on our weaknesses."
With the likes of Stoke City's Jack Butland, Southampton's Fraser Forster,
Burnley's Nick Pope and Everton's Jordan Pickford also vying for Gareth
Southgate's attention, Hart knows he needs to maintain his form if he is to
keep his starting place. "Every day is an audition when you go away with
England and it's highly-publicised before each game, who is going to play
and who isn't. "It's interesting how it is working out at the moment, but
I'm still in there fighting, trying to perform to my best levels, and that
will never change."
Hart, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester City, started nine of the
Three Lions' ten World Cup qualifiers, keeping seven clean sheets. In total,
has 42 shutouts in 75 appearances for his country. The 30-year-old is one
of a number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Marko
Arnautovic (Austria), Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of
Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal) also set for action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joao Mario earns Portugal call for upcoming friendlies
WHUFC.com
Joao Mario has been called-up by Portugal for two FIFA World Cup warm-up
friendlies at the end of March. The West Ham United midfielder and his
teammates, including former Hammer Jose Fonte, will head for Switzerland to
face Egypt and the Netherlands. The UEFA Euro 2016 winners will tackle the
Pharaohs in Zurich on Friday 23 March before heading for Geneva to take on
the Dutch on Monday 26 March. Joao Mario is one of five English-based
players in Fernando Santos' squad, joining Southampton full-back Cedric
Soares, Leicester City midfielder Adrian Silva, Wolverhampton Wanderers'
Ruben Neves and Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva. The 25-year-old has
been capped 31 times since 2014, scoring once, and featured in all seven
matches as Portugal were crowned European champions in France two years ago.
They will seek to add the World Cup crown when they travel to Russia in June
to take on Spain, Morocco and Iran in the group stage.
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Arnautovic: We must stay together and fight until the end
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic says every West Ham United player 'has to stay together and
fight' to keep the Club in the Premier League. The Hammers have spent the
week working in Miami, where Arnautovic says David Moyes' training sessions
have had the intensity of pre-season. But while the popular Austrian and his
teammates might have been sweating, they are certainly not complaining, with
the No7 insisting the squad will return refreshed, recharged and united for
the run-in, which kicks-off with the visit of Southampton on 31 March. "The
training has been tough, and this is not a holiday for us," said Arnautovic.
"We came out here to take some sun, of course, but I think this was like
pre-season as the training was really hard. "We are happy for this because
we need to work hard and come back and finish the end of the season
strongly. Until now, so far, it was not how we wanted it. We have to work
hard, we have to stay together, like we are doing this week, until the end
of the season because it's going to be really hard for us."
With Arnautovic in magnificent form, West Ham went on an encouraging run
over Christmas and the New Year, rising to tenth in the table, but three
straight defeats have seen them drop back down to 16th. However, with eight
matches still to play, the seven-goal striker says there is time to put
things right. "Of course, we try to turn things around. I understand the
fans' disappointment. They expect us to win those games at home and we
didn't. "I think it was really hard for the players, but also for the fans
and everyone involved. But my message to everyone is to keep everything
together. "Everybody who wears this badge has to stay together and fight
until the end of the season. I think we're going to do our best to come out
of this."
As an experienced international and Premier League performer, Arnautovic
himself is willing to take on the personal responsibility of scoring and
creating the goals the Hammers need to secure the points required. Having
played influential roles in the home victories over champions Chelsea and
Watford and the away wins at Stoke City and Huddersfield Town, the
28-year-old has already shown he has the character and ability to do just
that. "I try to take as much as possible on my shoulders. I think, with this
kind of situation, that you can do some good. I just want to work hard and
start winning games. "We need those points and we need the whole team to
fight for them."
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West Ham United welcome Safety Advisory Group statement
WHUFC.com
Following the meeting of the Safety Advisory Group at London Stadium today,
West Ham United welcome the announcement of a number of safety and security
measures which will be implemented for our next home match against
Southampton on Saturday 31 March.
Please see below a statement from the London Stadium Safety Advisory Group.
The London Stadium Safety Advisory Group met today and found that a small
minority of spectators from within a very large crowd caused an
unprecedented level of disorder at multiple locations across the stadium,
which would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage.
Whilst some issues in the security regime were identified it is recognised
that the operation were stretched significantly by the scale and volume of
incidents and stopped most attempted pitch incursions successfully.
In response, a series of measures will be introduced for the next fixture
including: increased stewarding, enhanced pitch security and a significantly
larger police presence. A spokesperson on behalf of the London Safety
Advisory Group, said: "The Safety Advisory Group for London Stadium has
today met to discuss the serious disorder last weekend. "The Safety Advisory
Group (SAG) recognises discontent among fans cannot be allowed to compromise
the safety and wellbeing of the majority of spectators at the stadium. "The
SAG has been working closely with London Stadium 185 (LS185), E20 and West
Ham United to understand the sequence of events leading to the disorder. We
have instructed the stadium operators to make changes to prevent a
repetition. The SAG has seen evidence that the level of disorder would have
been difficult for any safety management team to contain. Following today's
meeting the SAG is reassured that safety is LS185's top priority. "The SAG
has made specific requests to the stadium operators for the next fixture
including:
• Police will be present inside and outside the stadium
• Bolstering the response teams
• Restricting access to the area in front of the directors' box
• A review of spectator movement around the stadium
"In addition, LS185 and West Ham United have made great strides in
identifying the trouble makers and have been very clear that those guilty of
violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the stadium. It is
anticipated these stadium bans will be in place for the next home fixture
against Southampton on 31 March. "The SAG acts as the advisory body to
Newham Council in its safety certifying role. Following reassurances that
have been given, it is the SAG's view that the council does not need to use
the ultimate sanction, which would see capacity reduced at the venue and
spectators excluded. The remaining homes games will be closely monitored.
"The SAG must make clear that in the event of future disorder, it would
seriously consider advising the certifying authority to take forward this
sanction. Playing behind closed doors would be a great shame for the
majority of fans who wish to watch and support their team in safety."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: More police and tighter security plans announced after crowd
trouble
BBC.co.uk
Tighter safety and security measures, including an increased police
presence, will be put in place for West Ham's next home match, following the
crowd trouble at their most recent game. There were four separate pitch
invasions at London Stadium during Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Burnley. The new
measures were announced after an emergency meeting on Thursday. The group in
charge of stadium safety also warned that future trouble could lead to
closures. London Stadium's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes
representatives from the club, police, Newham council, and stadium owners
and operators, announced the decision. It has the power to restrict the
capacity of the ground or even close it to paying spectators completely.
West Ham have said they will seek life football bans for the supporters who
ran on to the pitch during last weekend's Premier League match. Co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold were forced to leave the directors' box for
their own safety, with Sullivan struck on the head by a coin. Burnley
players sheltered a group of young fans during crowd trouble that broke out
in the home sections.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the scenes as "disgraceful". The Football
Association has opened its own inquiry and the Premier League also expressed
concern at the situation. The SAG said it recognised security had been
"stretched significantly by the scale and volume of incidents and stopped
most attempted pitch incursions successfully".
It said it had now "instructed the stadium operators to make changes to
prevent a repetition". The group said it had made "great strides in
identifying the trouble makers" and expected "stadium bans will be in place
for the next home fixture against Southampton on 31 March".
A statement added: "Following reassurances that have been given, it is the
SAG's view that the council does not need to use the ultimate sanction,
which would see capacity reduced at the venue and spectators excluded. The
remaining homes games will be closely monitored. "The SAG must make clear
that in the event of future disorder, it would seriously consider advising
the certifying authority to take forward this sanction. Playing behind
closed doors would be a great shame for the majority of fans who wish to
watch and support their team in safety."
Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone
It is only now that the sheer scale and organisation of Saturday's trouble
is becoming apparent. Rather than the spontaneous uprising against the
club's owners it initially appeared to be, it has now been established
hundreds of supporters were involved, communicating with mobile phones, and
creating small-scale problems, in a concerted effort to get security staff
away from their designated areas to leave the directors' box, in particular,
vulnerable. Sixty staff are employed at London Stadium on matchdays with the
specific brief to keep fans off the pitch. It has been established that on
Saturday, 85% of those attempts were repelled.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnie set for Lux test
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic has been named in the Austria squad that will face Slovenia
and Luxembourg later this month. The 28-year-old, who is currently in Miami
with the rest of the West Ham first team squad already has 67 caps under his
belt and has been named in Franco Foda's latest 24-man squad ahead of the
two friendlies, which are due to take place on 23 and 27 March.
* Cheikhou Kouyate - with 25 caps to his name - is set to represent Senegal
in their forthcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Uzbekistan and Bosnia
and Herzegovina on March 23 and 27 respectively. The Hammers midfielder -
who currently captains his national side - confesses he can't wait to lead
his team out at this summer's World Cup Finals in Russia. " I am the captain
and my people are behind us, so I need to lead my team," Kouyate told
whufc.com. "It won't be easy though as this is a World Cup and every game
is hard. Every game is a final and we are going there to give our best,
because all of Senegal are proud of the team. Everybody in the country loves
football." The midfielder is joined in the squad by former Hammer Diafra
Sakho, who has scored three goals in his first seven appearances in Ligue 1
for new club Rennes.
* In other international news, Manuel Lanzini has already been named in the
Argentina squad which will face Italy and Spain in the same week. The
25-year-old has previously represented his country at full international
level on two occasions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers shunned by Southgate and England
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's home grown contingent have been snubbed by Gareth Southgate ahead
of England's forthcoming fixtures with Holland and Italy. The only Hammer to
be selected in the former Aston Villa defender's latest international squad
is Joe Hart, currently on loan from Manchester City. And that means a snub
for the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio, who have appeared
under Southgate in recent England line-ups. As a result, there are fewer
Hammers in the squad than the likes of Burnley and Leicester, with Southgate
calling up the Clarets' Nick Pope and James Tarkowski for the first time.
A total number of 14 Premier League clubs are represented in the latest
squad, which is due to face the Dutch in Amsterdam on 23 March and Italy at
Wembley on 27 March, are as follows:
Liverpool: 4 (Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain)
Tottenham Hotspur: 4 (Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier)
Manchester City: 3 (Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker)
Manchester Utd: 3 (Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young)
Arsenal: 2 (Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere)
Burnley: 2 (Nick Pope, James Tarkowski)
Leicester City: 2 (Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy)
Bournemouth: 1 (Lewis Cook)
Everton: 1 (Jordan Pickford)
Southampton: 1 (Ryan Bertrand)
Stoke City: 1 (Jack Butland)
Swansea City: 1 (Alfie Mawson)
West Bromwich Albion: 1 (Jake Livermore)
West Ham United: 1 (Joe Hart)
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Tony Gale urges West Ham fans to unite behind the team
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 15/03/18 6:00pm
SSN
Tony Gale has urged West Ham fans to unite behind the team in a bid to avoid
another "nightmare" relegation. The Hammers sit just three points above the
relegation zone after last Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Burnley, a match
which was played out amid fan protests against co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan. Gale was part of the Hammers squad that was relegated from
the top flight in 1991/1992 - a season which was also marred by a series of
fan protests against the board. To comply with the Lord Justice Taylor
Report into the Hillsborough disaster, West Ham's then-owners needed to
raise £15m to convert the Boleyn Ground into an all-seater stadium. They
proposed a controversial bond scheme whereby fans would need to purchase a
bond - priced between £500 and £950 - to then have the privilege of buying a
season ticket. The scheme was eventually dropped, with only 808 bonds
purchased, but Gale believes the protests were a contributing factor in the
club's relegation and fears the same could happen again if they are not
halted until the summer. When recalling the impact that the protests had on
that season, Gale said: "It was an absolute nightmare. The crowd that was
normally so with you, were against you. "The only way they could vent their
anger at the board was through the players on the pitch - a bit similar to
what happened last weekend against Burnley. "They wanted to have a go at the
board back then, but once supporters started running on the pitch, it
stopped the continuity and concentration that the players had. The
atmosphere at the ground was immediately lost. "Not to have a crowd on your
side for those remaining games, which were so crucial to us in our bid to
survive, was a massive factor in us being relegated. No doubt about it."
The West Ham squad are currently enjoying a warm-weather training camp in
Miami with no fixture until March 31 when they return to the London Stadium
to face relegation rivals Southampton. David Moyes' side face a daunting
run-in, which includes home matches against Manchester United and Manchester
City as well as trips to face London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Gale added:
"The fans have got to put it to bed from now until the summer and make sure
they help the club stay in the Premier League. "The ramifications of going
down to the Championship don't bear thinking about. It's really difficult
for them. "But I'd echo the words of Sir Trevor Brooking by saying revisit
at the end of the season and I hope that the board learn and provide more
investment, more West Ham signage around the stadium, more identity for the
football club and just a bit more of everything."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BROOKING IS RIGHT – STAY AWAY IF YOU CANNOT SUPPORT
By Blind Hammer 15 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer supports Brooking's call for the Board Haters to stay away.
This is what Trevor Brooking said after the disgraceful scenes on Saturday.
"….some of those decided if we went behind that was the time then to show
their frustration. But the actual level of aggression was something I
couldn't believe a West Ham fan could get involved in.
"Some of the aggression was so strong – it did go back to the bad old days.
I saw a few young families leaving because the youngsters were frightened.
That's not your genuine West Ham fan, and some of the aggression was really
strong."
"The stewards were quite young and really couldn't deal with the aggression
that they were faced with."
"The fans, and the fans involved in that have to understand that and really
shelve all those discussions and all those frustrations – just don't come to
the games at the moment until you try and allow the players to get the
points to try and stay up and that is the biggest challenge in the next
three weeks.
"There have been a lot of frustrations about spending money and a players
coming in and all those sort of things as whether the stadium is the right
place. The fact is we're at the stadium and it's nearly the end of the
second season and yes there's a debate on investment but now with five home
matches remaining. It looked an advantage. But when you've just lost 3-0 and
had people coming onto the pitch with a lot of people venting their
frustrations towards the directors… that means the next five games at home
look pretty bleak. There is no way that the team is going to be able to play
and get the points to stay up under that sort of atmosphere – it's
impossible
"All I will say is that between now and the end of the season, anyone who
has got that aggressive frustration to just don't come to the five home
games that are left because we need everyone, all the fans and the team all
working together, to try and get sufficient results in the five home games –
which we thought were going to be the strength – but yesterday became a
massive weakness."
I am amazed that, even now, some are trying to excuse the thugs and idiots
who ruined the game. Brooking is entirely correct, there are no excuses. The
response of so called supporters was astonishingly self-destructive. The
truth is that West Ham were not playing a stinker. We should remember that
for over half the game we were the better side. You do not have to take my
word for it. Sean Syche admitted that his side were simply not in it until
they scored. They were restricted to early time wasting. This was
orchestrated by their goalkeeper Pope. His long punts were also their main
tactic deployed to resist West Ham's dominance. Lennon's handball should
have been punished with a penalty. West Ham's performance was not perfect,
we lacked a cutting edge, Mario and Lanzini in particular missed crucial
chances, and Hernandez should probably have been introduced earlier.
Nevertheless it was Dyche who made an inspired substitution and it was Wood
who scored a fine goal in a rare Burnley attack. This happens in football.
Teams go behind but can recover. Time for our supporters to show their
loyalty, their mettle and support? Not a bit of it.
The proclamation by the Board Haters that they could separate their vitriol
in a way that would not negatively affect the team was always a fantasy.
This animosity destroyed our season at the time of the Bond Scheme. It is
destroying us now. The fact that we are now amongst favourites for
relegation has everything to do with these self-consumed malcontents rather
than anything to do with our squad or management. I get it that people are
emotionally upset that Upton Park no longer exists. I absolutely deny that
they, because they cannot come to terms with this, have the right to drag us
into an angry abyss. If there is a cancer eating away and destroying our
club it is these negative and arrogant self-obsessed. This hate filled
minority were always going to allow their own sense of grievance to come
first. We saw on Saturday how deep their support really is.
The self-consumed were simply waiting for the first hint of any adversity to
abandon any pretence of support. They welcomed it as the earliest
opportunity to launch the disgraceful scenes which shattered any chance that
the team could recover. Lenin once famously described this kind of support
as the support provided by the hangman's noose.
My in stadium commentator could not even describe the game for the last 15
minutes. He had a duty to explain the situation from the health and safety
perspective of blind and visually impaired supporters. He felt obliged to
increase our awareness of the developing Stadium disorder. From his position
he described women and frightened children around him crying in fear. There
were many supporters of all genders and ages getting very panicky. He also
described the reaction of Brooking, positioned adjacent to him, when these
so called supporters, to my mind, idiots, launched their attack. He
described Brooking profound embarrassment when these morons started chanting
his name. Brooking was visibly appalled that they could ever feel he had
anything in common with them.
It is difficult to express the depths of anger I personally feel about the
people who are dragging our club down with their self-serving negativity.
However I don't have to. Brooking has summed up the situation perfectly.
David Griffith
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has been named in Austria's squad for two friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United forward
is one of 24 players selected to host Slovenia in Klagenfurt on 23 March
before traveling to Luxembourg four days later. Capped 67 times and with 16
goals for his country, Arnautovic is the most-experienced member of Franco
Foda's squad, having made his debut against the Faroe Islands back in
October 2008. Since then, he has featured regularly for the Burschen and was
part of the squad which travelled to the UEFA European Championship finals
in 2016. Vienna-born Arnautovic, who has seven Premier League goals to his
name for the Hammers this season, is joined in Foda's group by Watford
defender Sebastian Prodl, Leicester City centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic and
the likes of Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba and FC Augsburg pair
Martin Hinteregger and Michael Gregoritsch. The 28-year-old is one of a
number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Manuel
Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate
(Senegal) also set for action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison: International football will benefit West Ham youngsters
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's lead U14/U16 coach Jack Collison says the Club's young
players will benefit from playing for their respective national teams.
Premier League 2 players Domingos Quina, Martin Samuelsen and Conor
Coventry, as well as U18 regulars Rihards Matrevics, Jeremy Ngakia and
Ajibola Alese and schoolboys Serine Sanneh and Daniel Jinadu are all in line
for call-ups for international fixtures in March and April. With opposition
ranging from Brazil to Kosovo, former Wales international Collison believes
playing against players and teams with different tactics and playing styles
can only aid the West Ham youngsters. "A number of our players will be
hoping to be called into their respective international teams' camps next
week, during the break, which will provide them with great opportunities to
further their development," said Collison, who was capped 15 times by the
Dragons at senior level and also featured seven times for the U21s. "The
chance to play for your country at this young age is a real testament to
their efforts, and the lads will need to be prepared to come up against
different formations, different styles of playing football, and even
different pressures. "The pressure of wearing an international shirt is
something every young player dreams of and I'm sure the lads involved will
give the best possible account of themselves."
While many call-ups are still at the provisional stage, West Ham could have
as many as eleven players involved in age-group internationals.
Declan Rice, Josh Cullen (both Republic of Ireland), Edimilson Fernandes
(Switzerland) and Samuelsen (Norway) are set for U21 duty in UEFA European
Championship qualifiers, while Ngakia could be involved in DR Congo's Africa
U20 Cup of Nations qualifiers with Tanzania.
Quina (Portugal), Coventry (Republic of Ireland) and Matrevics (Latvia) are
all set for UEFA European U19 Championship qualifiers.
Alese's England U17s face a friendly double-header with Brazil, while
goalkeepers Sanneh and Jinadu could be involved in the Montaigu Tournament
in France with England U16s.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bonds: Bobby Moore was a truly great player and a great man
WHUFC.com
Billy Bonds tells long-serving London Evening Standard reporter Ken Dyer
that the late, great Bobby Moore, who passed away 25 years ago, was his own
footballing hero...
I count myself a lucky man to have watched Bobby Moore in his pomp, but how
much better would it have been to have played in the same team as the
greatest ever Hammer?
Dream on, as they say, but one man who does know what it was to play with
the great man is yet another Club legend – Billy Bonds.
Billy joined West Ham United from Charlton Athletic for £55,000 in the
summer of 1967, a year after Bobby, as England captain, had wiped his
muddied hands on the Royal Box velvet, shaken the white-gloved hand of Her
Majesty The Queen and then received the Jules Rimet Trophy. The two men –
Bonzo and Mooro as they are affectionately known by Hammers' fans everywhere
– actually first met eight years earlier – and Bonzo hadn't a clue then, who
the blond-haired young man was. Billy takes up the story.
"I first met Mooro when I was about 12 years old – and I had no idea who he
was," he recalls. "He came over to South London to present some medals to my
local Sunday League morning team. He brought his future wife Tina over – I
think they were going out together at the time. "We had won the league and
the cup that year and our manager, Mr Flowers, told us he had arranged for
somebody to come and present the medals to us. "We all turned up at Middle
Park School and in came Mooro. He had just broken into the West Ham first
team but we didn't know who he was. Even then, though, he had something
about him, blond, good looking with a lovely young lady alongside him. He
did a bit of coaching with us, presented the medals and that was it. "We
later found out his name was Bobby Moore and he played for West Ham but
communication back then wasn't like it is now, there weren't loads of
matches on TV – and most people of my estate were either Charlton or
Millwall fans! "Fast forward six years from that first meeting and I'm
watching along with millions of others on TV, as Mooro lifts the World Cup."
Woolwich-born Bonds moved across the River Thames in 1967, when he signed
for West Ham from Second Division Charlton Athletic. "A year after the World
Cup I joined West Ham from Charlton and I certainly knew who he was then! I
was a bit in awe of him to be honest because, along with Pele, he was
probably the most famous footballer in the world - but I needn't have been
worried. "He was great right with me right from the start. There wasn't an
ounce of arrogance or ego in him. He was so down to earth you had to remind
yourself all that he had achieved. "That was what was so great about him,
apart from his ability. Nowadays there are players who, let's be honest,
couldn't lace Mooro's boots but they get a little touch of stardom and
that's it – you can't talk to them – big-time Charlies. "Mooro could have
been like that – but he wasn't. He was just a lovely bloke, someone you
looked up to and admired. Then, to play with him, well…. You can imagine
what a thrill it was for me. "The first game we played together I remember
was against Sheffield Wednesday at the start of that 1967 season. Mooro
wasn't a 'bawler and shouter'. I played right-back that day and early in the
game I looked to my left and there was Bobby Moore, playing alongside me. I
thought 'bloody hell', I'm playing alongside a World Cup winner. "He was so
calm on the ball, he wasn't a fierce tackler who would go through the back
of people but he had that wonderful knack of just nicking the ball off
opponents. He wasn't quick so his positional play had to be very good and he
was brilliant at reading the game. "I was totally different to him. He was
cool and calm with everything he did while I was a bull in a china shop,
flying into tackles. Just playing with him though, meant you learnt
something. "As I said though, he was never lairy. He knew all the stars and
everyone wanted to know him but he always had time for you. He always kept
that humility."
Bobby finally left West Ham for Fulham in 1974 but a year later the pair
were back on the same pitch – but this time in opposition. It was to be
Bobby's final competitive match at the national stadium with West Ham
finishing FA Cup winners after beating their London rivals 2-0. Billy was
West Ham captain then but, as he recalIs: "I didn't shake his hand before
the game because Alan Mullery was their captain and when the game started,
you put your business hat on – it's them or us and no-one remembers who
finishes on the losing side in an FA Cup final. "If Mooro had made a forward
run and was threatening our goal I would probably have kicked him – and more
than likely he would have expected it! "When the final whistle went, though,
and we had won the Cup, he was the first one I went to, out of respect,
before I started celebrating. I wanted to make sure he knew how I felt.
There's a picture of Graham Paddon and me, both with our arms around him.
"The last time I saw him was up at Grimsby in November 1992. I was manager
of West Ham and I was doing an interview after a night game. We had drawn
the match 1-1 and Mooro came down from the Press Box and waited until I had
finished to say 'hello' to me. "He didn't look well then and I knew he had
an illness."
Bobby died just three months later.
"I wouldn't say I was ever close to him," says Billy. "It's been well
documented that he loved a 'bevy' and he would go out after a game while I
just went home but I always say I was privileged and proud to play alongside
the great Bobby Moore. "There are different kinds of defenders. Kevin
Beattie was one of the best in my time. He was a powerhouse but Mooro wasn't
like that. I can see him now, knocking 40-yard passes up to Geoff Hurst's
chest. "A truly great player and a great man – I loved him."
*This feature originally appeared in the Official Programme for the Premier
League fixture with Burnley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Evra: I have to lead by example at West Ham
WHUFC.com
Patrice Evra knows he has a huge responsibility to the younger players at
West Ham United and has to lead by example both on the training fields and
during matches. At 36-years-old, Evra is West Ham's most experienced
professional player and boasts a wealth of knowledge, having claimed five
Premier League titles and made 728 competitive match appearances during his
career. The Frenchman signed for the Irons in February and is eager to share
what he has learned in his 20 years as a professional footballer with the
younger players at West Ham. But Evra knows the best way to guide these
talents is by his actions, not his words.
"Coming in at my age, there's massive responsibility on my shoulders," Evra
told whufc.com: "You have to lead by example. Before you can say anything to
a younger player and guide them with your words, you have to show them good
examples and lead with your actions. You have to work hard in training, and
do your job in the games. "It's in my character to do that anyway, and I'm
not someone who has anything to prove. When you're in a leadership position,
your most important job is to create more leaders around you. I like to do
that and I strive to do that. I want to see my teammates – particularly the
younger ones – getting better and playing well. The most important thing is
the team. "This role fits my personality so, for me, it was the perfect fit
to come to West Ham."
Having won 21 major trophies, Evra has enjoyed one of the most successful
playing careers of any individual to grace the Premier League. But
retirement is far from the left-back's mind, with Evra citing his passion
for the game as his reason for continuing. And Evra wants to harness that
hunger to help the Hammers climb back up the table. He continued: "I've got
a lot of friends who said things like 'You've got nothing to prove so why do
you keep playing?' But it's in my DNA. I can't stop. Why would I want to
stop? If I wasn't fit then, of course, I would be questioning myself. But
I'm fit and I know what I am doing. "It's all about hunger. When I was
five-years-old, I had such a hunger for football. Even when I was young, and
I was begging people for money outside of the store, even then I was saying
'I love this game!'. This is my motivation to keep playing. "When I lose
that hunger I will stop. But actually, as I get older, the stronger that
hunger gets. Forget the Patrice Evra from Manchester United, from Juventus,
from the French team. Every day I wake up is a new day, a new challenge, and
I'm always questioning myself. "Every training session and match with West
Ham is a chance to prove to myself and my teammates that I can still play
this game at the highest level. I think that hunger will be with me
forever."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hart ready to fight for place after receiving England call-up
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart has been named in England's squad for two mouth-watering friendly
international matches at the end of the month. The West Ham United
goalkeeper is one of 27 players selected to travel to Amsterdam to face the
Netherlands on Friday 23 March before hosting Italy at Wembley Stadium four
days later. Capped 75 times since making his debut against Trinidad and
Tobago in June 2008, Hart has travelled to the last four major tournaments
with England and will hope to make it five at the FIFA World Cup finals in
Russia this summer. "We've got some good games coming up," said Hart, who
has been working hard during the Hammers' training camp in Miami this week.
"We want to go into them and learn as much about ourselves as we possibly
can. "We've done the hard task of qualifying for the World Cup, which many
other teams found difficult, but I felt we handled it very professionally.
"Now, we've got games to test ourselves and really see where we are at, work
on our strengths and work on our weaknesses."
With the likes of Stoke City's Jack Butland, Southampton's Fraser Forster,
Burnley's Nick Pope and Everton's Jordan Pickford also vying for Gareth
Southgate's attention, Hart knows he needs to maintain his form if he is to
keep his starting place. "Every day is an audition when you go away with
England and it's highly-publicised before each game, who is going to play
and who isn't. "It's interesting how it is working out at the moment, but
I'm still in there fighting, trying to perform to my best levels, and that
will never change."
Hart, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester City, started nine of the
Three Lions' ten World Cup qualifiers, keeping seven clean sheets. In total,
has 42 shutouts in 75 appearances for his country. The 30-year-old is one
of a number of West Ham players called-up for international duty, with Marko
Arnautovic (Austria), Manuel Lanzini (Argentina), Declan Rice (Republic of
Ireland) and Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal) also set for action.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joao Mario earns Portugal call for upcoming friendlies
WHUFC.com
Joao Mario has been called-up by Portugal for two FIFA World Cup warm-up
friendlies at the end of March. The West Ham United midfielder and his
teammates, including former Hammer Jose Fonte, will head for Switzerland to
face Egypt and the Netherlands. The UEFA Euro 2016 winners will tackle the
Pharaohs in Zurich on Friday 23 March before heading for Geneva to take on
the Dutch on Monday 26 March. Joao Mario is one of five English-based
players in Fernando Santos' squad, joining Southampton full-back Cedric
Soares, Leicester City midfielder Adrian Silva, Wolverhampton Wanderers'
Ruben Neves and Manchester City attacker Bernardo Silva. The 25-year-old has
been capped 31 times since 2014, scoring once, and featured in all seven
matches as Portugal were crowned European champions in France two years ago.
They will seek to add the World Cup crown when they travel to Russia in June
to take on Spain, Morocco and Iran in the group stage.
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Arnautovic: We must stay together and fight until the end
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic says every West Ham United player 'has to stay together and
fight' to keep the Club in the Premier League. The Hammers have spent the
week working in Miami, where Arnautovic says David Moyes' training sessions
have had the intensity of pre-season. But while the popular Austrian and his
teammates might have been sweating, they are certainly not complaining, with
the No7 insisting the squad will return refreshed, recharged and united for
the run-in, which kicks-off with the visit of Southampton on 31 March. "The
training has been tough, and this is not a holiday for us," said Arnautovic.
"We came out here to take some sun, of course, but I think this was like
pre-season as the training was really hard. "We are happy for this because
we need to work hard and come back and finish the end of the season
strongly. Until now, so far, it was not how we wanted it. We have to work
hard, we have to stay together, like we are doing this week, until the end
of the season because it's going to be really hard for us."
With Arnautovic in magnificent form, West Ham went on an encouraging run
over Christmas and the New Year, rising to tenth in the table, but three
straight defeats have seen them drop back down to 16th. However, with eight
matches still to play, the seven-goal striker says there is time to put
things right. "Of course, we try to turn things around. I understand the
fans' disappointment. They expect us to win those games at home and we
didn't. "I think it was really hard for the players, but also for the fans
and everyone involved. But my message to everyone is to keep everything
together. "Everybody who wears this badge has to stay together and fight
until the end of the season. I think we're going to do our best to come out
of this."
As an experienced international and Premier League performer, Arnautovic
himself is willing to take on the personal responsibility of scoring and
creating the goals the Hammers need to secure the points required. Having
played influential roles in the home victories over champions Chelsea and
Watford and the away wins at Stoke City and Huddersfield Town, the
28-year-old has already shown he has the character and ability to do just
that. "I try to take as much as possible on my shoulders. I think, with this
kind of situation, that you can do some good. I just want to work hard and
start winning games. "We need those points and we need the whole team to
fight for them."
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West Ham United welcome Safety Advisory Group statement
WHUFC.com
Following the meeting of the Safety Advisory Group at London Stadium today,
West Ham United welcome the announcement of a number of safety and security
measures which will be implemented for our next home match against
Southampton on Saturday 31 March.
Please see below a statement from the London Stadium Safety Advisory Group.
The London Stadium Safety Advisory Group met today and found that a small
minority of spectators from within a very large crowd caused an
unprecedented level of disorder at multiple locations across the stadium,
which would have been almost impossible for any security team to manage.
Whilst some issues in the security regime were identified it is recognised
that the operation were stretched significantly by the scale and volume of
incidents and stopped most attempted pitch incursions successfully.
In response, a series of measures will be introduced for the next fixture
including: increased stewarding, enhanced pitch security and a significantly
larger police presence. A spokesperson on behalf of the London Safety
Advisory Group, said: "The Safety Advisory Group for London Stadium has
today met to discuss the serious disorder last weekend. "The Safety Advisory
Group (SAG) recognises discontent among fans cannot be allowed to compromise
the safety and wellbeing of the majority of spectators at the stadium. "The
SAG has been working closely with London Stadium 185 (LS185), E20 and West
Ham United to understand the sequence of events leading to the disorder. We
have instructed the stadium operators to make changes to prevent a
repetition. The SAG has seen evidence that the level of disorder would have
been difficult for any safety management team to contain. Following today's
meeting the SAG is reassured that safety is LS185's top priority. "The SAG
has made specific requests to the stadium operators for the next fixture
including:
• Police will be present inside and outside the stadium
• Bolstering the response teams
• Restricting access to the area in front of the directors' box
• A review of spectator movement around the stadium
"In addition, LS185 and West Ham United have made great strides in
identifying the trouble makers and have been very clear that those guilty of
violent or aggravating conduct will be banned from the stadium. It is
anticipated these stadium bans will be in place for the next home fixture
against Southampton on 31 March. "The SAG acts as the advisory body to
Newham Council in its safety certifying role. Following reassurances that
have been given, it is the SAG's view that the council does not need to use
the ultimate sanction, which would see capacity reduced at the venue and
spectators excluded. The remaining homes games will be closely monitored.
"The SAG must make clear that in the event of future disorder, it would
seriously consider advising the certifying authority to take forward this
sanction. Playing behind closed doors would be a great shame for the
majority of fans who wish to watch and support their team in safety."
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West Ham: More police and tighter security plans announced after crowd
trouble
BBC.co.uk
Tighter safety and security measures, including an increased police
presence, will be put in place for West Ham's next home match, following the
crowd trouble at their most recent game. There were four separate pitch
invasions at London Stadium during Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Burnley. The new
measures were announced after an emergency meeting on Thursday. The group in
charge of stadium safety also warned that future trouble could lead to
closures. London Stadium's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), which includes
representatives from the club, police, Newham council, and stadium owners
and operators, announced the decision. It has the power to restrict the
capacity of the ground or even close it to paying spectators completely.
West Ham have said they will seek life football bans for the supporters who
ran on to the pitch during last weekend's Premier League match. Co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold were forced to leave the directors' box for
their own safety, with Sullivan struck on the head by a coin. Burnley
players sheltered a group of young fans during crowd trouble that broke out
in the home sections.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the scenes as "disgraceful". The Football
Association has opened its own inquiry and the Premier League also expressed
concern at the situation. The SAG said it recognised security had been
"stretched significantly by the scale and volume of incidents and stopped
most attempted pitch incursions successfully".
It said it had now "instructed the stadium operators to make changes to
prevent a repetition". The group said it had made "great strides in
identifying the trouble makers" and expected "stadium bans will be in place
for the next home fixture against Southampton on 31 March".
A statement added: "Following reassurances that have been given, it is the
SAG's view that the council does not need to use the ultimate sanction,
which would see capacity reduced at the venue and spectators excluded. The
remaining homes games will be closely monitored. "The SAG must make clear
that in the event of future disorder, it would seriously consider advising
the certifying authority to take forward this sanction. Playing behind
closed doors would be a great shame for the majority of fans who wish to
watch and support their team in safety."
Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone
It is only now that the sheer scale and organisation of Saturday's trouble
is becoming apparent. Rather than the spontaneous uprising against the
club's owners it initially appeared to be, it has now been established
hundreds of supporters were involved, communicating with mobile phones, and
creating small-scale problems, in a concerted effort to get security staff
away from their designated areas to leave the directors' box, in particular,
vulnerable. Sixty staff are employed at London Stadium on matchdays with the
specific brief to keep fans off the pitch. It has been established that on
Saturday, 85% of those attempts were repelled.
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Arnie set for Lux test
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic has been named in the Austria squad that will face Slovenia
and Luxembourg later this month. The 28-year-old, who is currently in Miami
with the rest of the West Ham first team squad already has 67 caps under his
belt and has been named in Franco Foda's latest 24-man squad ahead of the
two friendlies, which are due to take place on 23 and 27 March.
* Cheikhou Kouyate - with 25 caps to his name - is set to represent Senegal
in their forthcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Uzbekistan and Bosnia
and Herzegovina on March 23 and 27 respectively. The Hammers midfielder -
who currently captains his national side - confesses he can't wait to lead
his team out at this summer's World Cup Finals in Russia. " I am the captain
and my people are behind us, so I need to lead my team," Kouyate told
whufc.com. "It won't be easy though as this is a World Cup and every game
is hard. Every game is a final and we are going there to give our best,
because all of Senegal are proud of the team. Everybody in the country loves
football." The midfielder is joined in the squad by former Hammer Diafra
Sakho, who has scored three goals in his first seven appearances in Ligue 1
for new club Rennes.
* In other international news, Manuel Lanzini has already been named in the
Argentina squad which will face Italy and Spain in the same week. The
25-year-old has previously represented his country at full international
level on two occasions.
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Hammers shunned by Southgate and England
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's home grown contingent have been snubbed by Gareth Southgate ahead
of England's forthcoming fixtures with Holland and Italy. The only Hammer to
be selected in the former Aston Villa defender's latest international squad
is Joe Hart, currently on loan from Manchester City. And that means a snub
for the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio, who have appeared
under Southgate in recent England line-ups. As a result, there are fewer
Hammers in the squad than the likes of Burnley and Leicester, with Southgate
calling up the Clarets' Nick Pope and James Tarkowski for the first time.
A total number of 14 Premier League clubs are represented in the latest
squad, which is due to face the Dutch in Amsterdam on 23 March and Italy at
Wembley on 27 March, are as follows:
Liverpool: 4 (Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain)
Tottenham Hotspur: 4 (Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier)
Manchester City: 3 (Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Kyle Walker)
Manchester Utd: 3 (Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young)
Arsenal: 2 (Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere)
Burnley: 2 (Nick Pope, James Tarkowski)
Leicester City: 2 (Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy)
Bournemouth: 1 (Lewis Cook)
Everton: 1 (Jordan Pickford)
Southampton: 1 (Ryan Bertrand)
Stoke City: 1 (Jack Butland)
Swansea City: 1 (Alfie Mawson)
West Bromwich Albion: 1 (Jake Livermore)
West Ham United: 1 (Joe Hart)
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Tony Gale urges West Ham fans to unite behind the team
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 15/03/18 6:00pm
SSN
Tony Gale has urged West Ham fans to unite behind the team in a bid to avoid
another "nightmare" relegation. The Hammers sit just three points above the
relegation zone after last Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Burnley, a match
which was played out amid fan protests against co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan. Gale was part of the Hammers squad that was relegated from
the top flight in 1991/1992 - a season which was also marred by a series of
fan protests against the board. To comply with the Lord Justice Taylor
Report into the Hillsborough disaster, West Ham's then-owners needed to
raise £15m to convert the Boleyn Ground into an all-seater stadium. They
proposed a controversial bond scheme whereby fans would need to purchase a
bond - priced between £500 and £950 - to then have the privilege of buying a
season ticket. The scheme was eventually dropped, with only 808 bonds
purchased, but Gale believes the protests were a contributing factor in the
club's relegation and fears the same could happen again if they are not
halted until the summer. When recalling the impact that the protests had on
that season, Gale said: "It was an absolute nightmare. The crowd that was
normally so with you, were against you. "The only way they could vent their
anger at the board was through the players on the pitch - a bit similar to
what happened last weekend against Burnley. "They wanted to have a go at the
board back then, but once supporters started running on the pitch, it
stopped the continuity and concentration that the players had. The
atmosphere at the ground was immediately lost. "Not to have a crowd on your
side for those remaining games, which were so crucial to us in our bid to
survive, was a massive factor in us being relegated. No doubt about it."
The West Ham squad are currently enjoying a warm-weather training camp in
Miami with no fixture until March 31 when they return to the London Stadium
to face relegation rivals Southampton. David Moyes' side face a daunting
run-in, which includes home matches against Manchester United and Manchester
City as well as trips to face London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Gale added:
"The fans have got to put it to bed from now until the summer and make sure
they help the club stay in the Premier League. "The ramifications of going
down to the Championship don't bear thinking about. It's really difficult
for them. "But I'd echo the words of Sir Trevor Brooking by saying revisit
at the end of the season and I hope that the board learn and provide more
investment, more West Ham signage around the stadium, more identity for the
football club and just a bit more of everything."
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BROOKING IS RIGHT – STAY AWAY IF YOU CANNOT SUPPORT
By Blind Hammer 15 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer supports Brooking's call for the Board Haters to stay away.
This is what Trevor Brooking said after the disgraceful scenes on Saturday.
"….some of those decided if we went behind that was the time then to show
their frustration. But the actual level of aggression was something I
couldn't believe a West Ham fan could get involved in.
"Some of the aggression was so strong – it did go back to the bad old days.
I saw a few young families leaving because the youngsters were frightened.
That's not your genuine West Ham fan, and some of the aggression was really
strong."
"The stewards were quite young and really couldn't deal with the aggression
that they were faced with."
"The fans, and the fans involved in that have to understand that and really
shelve all those discussions and all those frustrations – just don't come to
the games at the moment until you try and allow the players to get the
points to try and stay up and that is the biggest challenge in the next
three weeks.
"There have been a lot of frustrations about spending money and a players
coming in and all those sort of things as whether the stadium is the right
place. The fact is we're at the stadium and it's nearly the end of the
second season and yes there's a debate on investment but now with five home
matches remaining. It looked an advantage. But when you've just lost 3-0 and
had people coming onto the pitch with a lot of people venting their
frustrations towards the directors… that means the next five games at home
look pretty bleak. There is no way that the team is going to be able to play
and get the points to stay up under that sort of atmosphere – it's
impossible
"All I will say is that between now and the end of the season, anyone who
has got that aggressive frustration to just don't come to the five home
games that are left because we need everyone, all the fans and the team all
working together, to try and get sufficient results in the five home games –
which we thought were going to be the strength – but yesterday became a
massive weakness."
I am amazed that, even now, some are trying to excuse the thugs and idiots
who ruined the game. Brooking is entirely correct, there are no excuses. The
response of so called supporters was astonishingly self-destructive. The
truth is that West Ham were not playing a stinker. We should remember that
for over half the game we were the better side. You do not have to take my
word for it. Sean Syche admitted that his side were simply not in it until
they scored. They were restricted to early time wasting. This was
orchestrated by their goalkeeper Pope. His long punts were also their main
tactic deployed to resist West Ham's dominance. Lennon's handball should
have been punished with a penalty. West Ham's performance was not perfect,
we lacked a cutting edge, Mario and Lanzini in particular missed crucial
chances, and Hernandez should probably have been introduced earlier.
Nevertheless it was Dyche who made an inspired substitution and it was Wood
who scored a fine goal in a rare Burnley attack. This happens in football.
Teams go behind but can recover. Time for our supporters to show their
loyalty, their mettle and support? Not a bit of it.
The proclamation by the Board Haters that they could separate their vitriol
in a way that would not negatively affect the team was always a fantasy.
This animosity destroyed our season at the time of the Bond Scheme. It is
destroying us now. The fact that we are now amongst favourites for
relegation has everything to do with these self-consumed malcontents rather
than anything to do with our squad or management. I get it that people are
emotionally upset that Upton Park no longer exists. I absolutely deny that
they, because they cannot come to terms with this, have the right to drag us
into an angry abyss. If there is a cancer eating away and destroying our
club it is these negative and arrogant self-obsessed. This hate filled
minority were always going to allow their own sense of grievance to come
first. We saw on Saturday how deep their support really is.
The self-consumed were simply waiting for the first hint of any adversity to
abandon any pretence of support. They welcomed it as the earliest
opportunity to launch the disgraceful scenes which shattered any chance that
the team could recover. Lenin once famously described this kind of support
as the support provided by the hangman's noose.
My in stadium commentator could not even describe the game for the last 15
minutes. He had a duty to explain the situation from the health and safety
perspective of blind and visually impaired supporters. He felt obliged to
increase our awareness of the developing Stadium disorder. From his position
he described women and frightened children around him crying in fear. There
were many supporters of all genders and ages getting very panicky. He also
described the reaction of Brooking, positioned adjacent to him, when these
so called supporters, to my mind, idiots, launched their attack. He
described Brooking profound embarrassment when these morons started chanting
his name. Brooking was visibly appalled that they could ever feel he had
anything in common with them.
It is difficult to express the depths of anger I personally feel about the
people who are dragging our club down with their self-serving negativity.
However I don't have to. Brooking has summed up the situation perfectly.
David Griffith
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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