Big Sam on: Blackpool
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce faced the media ahead of West Ham United's big date at Wembley
17.05.2012
Sam Allardyce says everything is going well as West Ham United prepare for
the conclusion of their season in Saturday's big Play-Off date with
Blackpool at Wembley. There was good news on the injury front as Jack
Collison returned to training on Thursday and his chances of making the
final are looking good. Training has also been hugely positive this week,
with the squad making use of the Boleyn Ground pitch for the final two
training sessions on Thursday and Friday.
Sam, can you give us any team news please?
SA: I think everyone who has been playing recently is fit and available. The
squad is quite strong and we just have a final couple of days to select the
side and I'll let the lads know the team on Friday and the subs on Saturday
morning.
We'll train at Upton Park on Thursday and Friday as it's a better venue for
the build-up and then I think the lads will look forward to the game and I
don't think it can come quick enough. It's been a long wait since Cardiff
and they are eager now to get going and they will hopefully give the best
performance of the season.
Do you two previous results against Blackpool count for anything?
SA: It should give us a bit of confidence as we've managed to beat them
twice both here and at Bloomfield Road. They'd only lost three at home all
season and one of our best performances was the 4-1 win there. The Play-Off
final will be different and it is a one-off game and it will be a great game
to be involved in, especially for the players. It won't be easy so we must
treat them with the upmost respect and try to expose their weaknesses as
early as we can.
Are you comfortable with pressure?
SA: I think we all know how big the game is as the pressure builds-up day by
day. We're low key in our training and nobody wants to get any injuries. It
should bring the best out of us and not have one of those where we freeze on
the big stage.
Have you planned for next season yet?
SA: I haven't given it that much thought as we've planned for next
pre-season as that's all we can do as basically it stays the same whatever
division we're in. We don't know what the outcome of Saturday will be and we
hope we can overcome Blackpool but that will be a tricky task based on the
fact that they've recently won there 3-2 against Cardiff, so they've got a
lot of players that have experienced the victory that they gained on that
day. I would have thought that in Ian's terms that would give his players a
bit of and edge. We'll have to wait and see.
Right now my focus on the team and get the best out of them in the most
important game since Alan took them up through the Play-Offs. It's important
for the status of everyone in the club who require Premier League status.
From a revenue point of view it brings a great amount of revenue to the club
and it brings us worldwide branding.
Will the players be nervous?
SA: They won't be as nervous as me but I think the players are the lucky
ones as they will be nervous before the game but once they cross the white
line and have the pleasure of playing in one of the world's greatest arenas.
They're the lucky ones as they don't feel the nerves and get on with the
game. It's everyone else like the coaching team and the supporters who get
the nerves from then on in.
I think there will be a certain amount of anxiety but in a game like this
you need to control their emotions and give the best performance they can
give. From my point of view I need to control my emotions to make the best
decisions in the game. That's my job and if that needs to be done then I
need to get that decisions right.
How important will the crowd's backing be?
SA: There'll be more than 35,000 West Ham fans there I can tell you that!
It'll be more like 45,000. Everyone has been ringing me for tickets so if
anyone is listening to this then don't ring me as there aren't any left! If
I catch players getting people tickets now I'll give them a good dressing
down as tickets for friends and family is a massive distraction for this.
The lads have put that to bed on Tuesday so hopefully we can just continue
to focus on the game.
Is the big money available in the Premier League an added pressure?
SA: It's one that everyone strives to achieve now. Blackpool have tasted
life in the PL recently and want to get there again and we want to get back
there in the first time of asking and knowing what that extra finance will
bring. But really it's about our own pride and status and not about the
money. It's about coaching and managing in the best league in the world. If
we can get there then that brings the best funding to earn more than you
would do normally. It's not money that's the motivation; it's the winning of
a football match.
Are you pleased to have players with a lot of experience?
SA: I think those players with the experience need to be the mentors for the
other lads who haven't been there and once they see the other lads
performing to the best it drags them along and then the team can give a
great performance. You must first start the game well and get that first
pass right and get that first tackle and header right. That sets us up to
let us know how we're going to play on the day. That will be critical to us
trying to win on the day.
How big is this game?
SA: It'll a super atmosphere and it's a fabulous stadium to go and compete
in. Hopefully we will be victors but I know a man down the road called Ian
who will be looking to win just as much as me! I've got every respect for
them and what they're trying to do. We will have to be at our very best to
overcome them.
Have you been surprised at the size of the club?
SA: That swell of support will be great to hear and they will cheer our lads
on. That's what we do it for. It's a big stage and let's hope they deliver.
I'd like to squash a rumour I've heard today that we've had Premier League
shirts made up. We haven't. Some media site has said we've had them printed
but we haven't. We've had 'Play-Off finals' printed and nothing else.
_______________________________________________________________
Happy birthday Gary!
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil is eager to complete a memorable few months by making his
Wembley debut
18.05.2012
Six months ago, Gary O'Neil was still unsure whether he would ever kick a
football again. A serious ankle injury suffered in a Premier League fixture
with Aston Villa in April 2011 left the midfielder with his career in the
balance at the age of 27.
Just over a year after that fateful day O'Neil, who celebrates his 29th
birthday today, is preparing to celebrate a successful comeback by making
his first appearance at Wembley when West Ham United take on Blackpool in
the npower Championship final.
"I'm looking forward to Saturday," the No32 told West Ham TV. "The most
important thing is that if we win we go into the Premier League - the fact
that it is at Wembley is a nice touch, but we're going there to win.
"It's been a good few months. Obviously I've played a lot more than I
expected to this season. The injury went a lot better than we expected,
which was real help and I'm pleased we have hit a decent run of form.
"I think the only danger is that it has been quite a long time since we last
played so we need to make sure we hit the ground running and get off to a
good start as we have done recently."
A modest character, O'Neil played down his own contribution to West Ham's
recent run of one defeat in 20 league matches - a run that included O'Neil's
first Hammers goal in a 4-1 win at Blackpool in February.
"The guys have done great all season. I don't think me coming back has made
any difference to the performances of the team. We've played quite well
recently, but we've had other periods this season when the lads have played
well.
"I'm just pleased that I can play and if I'm selected I'll do as well as I
can and if that helps the team, then great."
O'Neil has started ten of West Ham's last eleven league matches, including
both legs of the Play-Off semi-final victory over Cardiff City. While most
people would tip his name to be on the teamsheet at Wembley, the former
England Under-21 captain is not counting his chickens before they are
hatched.
Likewise, the midfielder has warned Blackpool that the Hammers will
certainly not take them lightly at the Home of Football.
"I think it will be different for everyone. There will be people in the
dressing room who are regulars and expecting to play because they have
played most of the games, and there will be others who have played some and
are wondering and others who will be expecting not to play.
"Everyone is in the same boat but it doesn't really matter who plays on
Saturday. If the gaffer said I'd be in the stands but we'll win 3-0 and go
up, I'd say 'Yeah, fine'. It's not about who is playing or individuals -
it's about getting the job done and going up."
O'Neil has the experience of more than 350 career matches to draw upon at
Wembley, including a memorable night at Bloomfield Road earlier this season.
There, not only did O'Neil score, but West Ham beat Blackpool 4-1 despite
losing Robert Green to a red card with 35 minutes to go and Henri Lansbury
going in goal.
"We're confident because we've been on a decent run of form and we've got
good players and are a decent side, but we're also aware of the fact we need
to be ready and we need to be at it because it is one game and there are no
second chances.
"I'm sure Blackpool will be confident. I'm sure they have studied the games
where we've beaten them and feel it is their turn to get the rub of the
green. Both teams will fancy their chances going into it, so it'll be a
nervy affair."
O'Neil will be forced to delay his birthday celebrations as the squad are
shut away on Friday night ahead of the big game, but the midfielder is
hoping to be able to let his freshly-cut hair down on Saturday night
following a Wembley victory.
"I've not really thought about my birthday to be honest! I'm sure the wife
will get me some gear to wear on the golf course over the summer - nothing
exciting really because I'm 29 and I'm getting old fast!"
_______________________________________________________________
'Wembley is a fantastic day out'
WHUFC.com
FA Cup legend Alan Taylor has great memories of playing at Wembley
17.05.2012
More than most, Ex-West Ham United forward Alan Taylor knows how good a day
out at Wembley with West Ham United can be.
Taylor scored both of West Ham's goals in the 1975 FA Cup Final at Wembley
against Fulham after scoring three braces in the competition before the
final itself. The pacey Hammers forward told West Ham TV he remembers that
day very fondly.
"I was only young at the time when I played in that final which reflects a
lot on the players we have here at the moment. We had Trevor Brooking, Billy
Bonds and Frank Lampard mixed in with Billy Jennings and Keith Robson so we
had a good mixture of youth and experience and on the day we had too much
for Fulham. This is similar to what we have now, Kevin Nolan and Robert
Green mixed in with James Tomkins, Henri Lansbury and jack Collison."
"To actually go there after a week of build up and anticipation it is
fantastic. We got taken away to get ready for the big occasion but nowadays
its slightly different. Nevertheless it is still a fantastic experience and
a great day out."
With West Ham United facing Blackpool in the Play-Off Final on Saturday,
Taylor told West Ham TV that Hammers fans can expect a memorable day out.
"To go to the new Wembley would be a new experience for everybody at the
club and I can only say what a great experience being at Wembley is
especially if you come out as winners which I hope we do on Saturday."
_______________________________________________________________
Nolan ready for Wembley
WHUFC.com
Skipper Kevin Nolan is looking forward to leading the team out against
Blackpool
17.05.2012
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has spoken of how proud he would be to
lead his team out at Wembley.
The Hammers skipper has been in inspiring form in recent weeks, bagging a
vital goal in the 3-0 npower Championship Play-Off semi-final second leg
victory over Cardiff City.
Nolan reflected on a professional job done against the Bluebirds and looked
ahead to Saturday's big final date with Blackpool at the Home of Football.
"I can't wait to play at Wembley. Hopefully being able to lead the team out
in front of all the Hammers fans and my family too will be very special to
me," he told West Ham TV.
"From the first minute at Cardiff to the last minute at home I thought the
performance from us was absolutely fantastic and I don't even think the
scoreline flattered us at all.
"It will be fantastic if we manage to get promoted. Wembley is an incredible
stadium and to have the opportunity to play there is going to be great. "
Nolan has never played at the national stadium himself, but he did visit
recently to cheer on close friend and former Newcastle United team-mate Andy
Carroll in action for Liverpool in the recent FA Cup final.
"I've never played there myself," he confirmed. "When we came through the
Play-Offs with Bolton in 2001 we won it at Cardiff, which was a fantastic
occasion with an amazing atmosphere.
"I managed to get to the FA Cup final to see my mate Andy Carroll play,
which was fantastic just to see it and then on the Monday when I realised I
was going there, it was just about taking everything in and you could see
what it is all about."
Nolan has enjoyed some massive games in his career, most notably UEFA Cup
ties with Olympique Marseille, Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich,
but Saturday's match will also be among the highlights.
"It is definitely going to be right up there. Playing in Europe with Bolton
was fantastic and we got some great results, so hopefully there will be more
of the same come Saturday.
"I am really looking forward to it. Wembley is a top arena and it is a great
game to be involved in."
Nolan is looking forward to leading his side out but knows they face a tough
task in the final if they are to reach the Premier League. The skipper knows
the Hammers have to perform if they are to beat a Blackpool side who
defeated Birmingham City in the semi-finals.
"We will work our socks off and put in the same performances we have as of
late which should result in West Ham being back in the Premier League. We
are flying high and our confidence is at the top.
"The final is a one-off game and we have to make sure we are on top of ours
to stand the best chance of gaining promotion."
_______________________________________________________________
Blackpool v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
KO 15:00
17 May 2012
Last updated at 17:46 GMT
NPOWER CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFF FINAL
Venue: Wembley Date: Saturday, 19 May Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on The Football League Show; listen on BBC Radio
5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website
TEAM NEWS
Midfielder Jack Collison has handed West Ham a major fitness boost ahead of
the Championship play-off final with Blackpool on Saturday.
The 23-year-old has recovered from the dislocated shoulder he suffered in
the semi-final secong leg against Cardiff.
Collison has been a key figure for the Hammers and scored both their goals
in the first leg of the semi in Wales.
Continue reading the main story
"
It's a two-horse race. It's not a long race now, just a sprint and we're
going to try and dip towards the line
"
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway
Both West Ham and Blackpool are aiming for an instant return to the top
flight after being relegated in 2011.
The London side go into the game as favourites, having narrowly missed out
on automatic promotion on the final day, finishing two points behind
second-placed Southampton.
In the regular season, Sam Allardyce's side put eight goals past Blackpool
in their two fixtures, beating them 4-0 at Upton Park in October and then
4-1 at Bloomfield Road in February.
Collison's return to fitness means Allardyce has a near full-strength side
for the game at Wembley.
"Everyone who has been playing recently is fit, the squad is strong and we
just have one final day to select the side," said manager Sam Allardyce.
"It's been a bit of a long wait since we played Cardiff but we are rested,
eager and hopefully we can give our best performance of the season.
"We are the favourites with all the pressure on us, so we have to handle
that as we have done all season. Hopefully we can deliver and beat Blackpool
for third time this season.
"But it won't be easy, we will treat them with the utmost respect and make
sure we try to expose the weaknesses they have in their side if we can and
as early as we can.
"We've got to live with the pressure to spur us on to give us our best
performance. The pressure should bring the best out of us and not be one of
those games where we actually freeze on the big stage."
West Ham have been criticised at times this season - most notably by their
own supporters - for a perceived lack of attacking verve to their play,
while Blackpool have won a host of admirers for their swashbuckling style.
West Ham & Blackpool in the Championship play-off final
2004: West Ham lose out as Neil Shipperley's goal takes Crystal Palace up to
the Premier League.
2005: A year later, West Ham make amends as Bobby Zamora's goal gives them a
1-0 win over Preston.
2010: Brett Ormerod's goal proves decisive as Blackpool beat Cardiff 3-2 at
Wembley.
However, Seasiders boss Ian Holloway feels such talk of a contrast in style
between the side's is unfair on Allardyce's side.
"I think it's unfair on Sam," said Holloway. "I think he's a fantastic
manager. Basically, he's brilliant at the important things in the game.
"Sam can play any way, he can play any style. He's just very, very gifted at
what he does. He knows what wins."
Blackpool are chasing a second Championship play-off triumph in three
seasons after beating Cardiff 3-2 at Wembley two years ago. They reached
this year's final courtesy of a narrow two-legged win over Birmingham.
"I really cherish this achievement," said Holloway. "In the league we drew
with Birmingham and we lost down there and in the play-off games we beat
them here and drew down there. We did it in such a pressure situation as
well. I couldn't be prouder."
Blackpool head into the final off the back of nine games without defeat and
Holloway has been working on ways to prevent a repeat of his side's league
encounters with West Ham this season.
"I've been staring at West Ham, how they beat us twice, come up with one or
two things and hopefully we've worked on them," added Holloway.
"It's all down to Saturday, it's all down to the lads, it's all down to the
will and sometimes the will is more important than the skill.
"It's a two-horse race. It's not a long race now, just a sprint and we're
going to try and dip towards the line."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
. This is the 54th competitive meeting in 105 years. West Ham have won 23 of
the previous 53, and Blackpool 17.
. The Hammers are seeking a fourth consecutive triumph over Blackpool,
having scored a total of 11 goals in winning the last three.
. Sam Allardyce's side did the league double over the Seasiders this term
with comprehensive victories; 4-0 at Upton Park in October, and 4-1 at
Bloomfield Road in February. Seven different players scored those eight
goals, and the London club had goalkeeper Rob Green sent off after 53
minutes in the second game, when the Hammers were 2-1 up.
. It's 41 years since Blackpool last beat West Ham; 4-0 at home in January
1971, in the third round of the FA Cup.
. They have never met in the play-offs.
West Ham United
. The 5-0 aggregate victory over Cardiff in the play-off semi-finals took
West Ham's winning sequence to four and unbeaten run to eight (W6, D2). They
have lost only one of their last 20, since the start of February.
. They closed the regular season in third place, two points off an automatic
promotion spot and suffered the fewest defeats in the division (eight).
. The club finishing immediately outside the top two has been the most
successful in the play-offs in the last 20 years, gaining promotion seven
times - the most recent being Swansea last season.
. West Ham are hoping to become the 16th club to make an immediate return to
the Premier League.
. The Upton Park club are paying their first visit to the new Wembley, and
their 10th in total to the hallowed turf. They were last there to pick up
League Cup runners-up medals in April 1981, and were last winners there in
1980, when Trevor Brooking's headed goal was sufficient to beat Arsenal 1-0
to win the FA Cup.
. This is only West Ham's third crack at the play-offs. The most recent
resulted in promotion to the Premier League, following a 1-0 win over
Preston in the final in May 2005 at the Millennium Stadium, through Bobby
Zamora's winner.
. Only one of three previous play-off experiences as a manager produced
promotion for Sam Allardyce. He took Bolton up to the Premier League in
2001.
Blackpool
. Blackpool's 3-2 aggregate win over Birmingham in the play-off semi-finals
took their unbeaten sequence to nine games (W5, D4), a sequence started on
31 March.
. The 2-2 draw at St Andrew's on 9 May was the first time in 11 play-off
matches that they had failed to win.
. The only club in play-off history to rise from the fourth to the top tier
entirely through this route (between 2001 and 2010), they have not been
beaten in these end-of-season mini-tournaments, since the second leg of the
Division Two semi-final (third tier), home to Bradford, in May 1996.
. Blackpool ended the regular season two places and 11 points inferior to
West Ham. They won four fewer games (20 to 24), lost three more (11 to
eight) and scored 79 goals to West Ham's 81.
. The club finishing fifth in the second tier after 46 regular fixtures has
gone on to gain promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs six
times in the last 20 years.
. This is Blackpool's third visit to the new Wembley, and their eighth
overall to Wembley.
. Ian Holloway is fighting his fourth play-off campaign as a manager, and is
hoping to win promotion for the second time, after guiding Blackpool to a
3-2 triumph over Cardiff in the Wembley final in May 2010, when Charlie
Adam, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Brett Ormerod were their scorers.
. Blackpool could become only the second club to make an immediate return to
the Premier League through the play-offs. Leicester were the first to do so
in 1996.
_______________________________________________________________
Allardyce on... the play-off Final (part one)
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
KUMB joined Sam Allardyce at his pre-match press call to look ahead to this
weekend's play-off Final against Blackpool - as his side prepares to do
battle for the chance to return to the Premier League...
Sam: Have you got any team news for us?
I think everybody who has been playing recently is fit and available. The
squad is quite strong in terms of strength and depth and we just have the
final day tomorrow to select the side. I'll let the lads who are starting in
the team know tomorrow and select the subs on Saturday morning.
We've trained here [at the Boleyn Ground] for the last couple of days, which
we feel is a better venue for the build-up to the game. The lads are looking
forward to the game and I don't think it can come quick enough. it's beena
bit of a long wait since we played Cardiff and they're eager now, rested and
recovered physically and mentally to hopefully give their best performance
of the season.
You had two great results against Blackpool in the League this season; will
that count for much on the day?
Well it should give us a bit of confidence because we have managed to beat
them twice, both here and at Bloomfield [Road]. I was looking today, they
only lost three at home all season and we had one of our best performances
of the season - no doubt about that - with the 4-1 win there. But being a
Wembley play-off Final I can't see it meaning much, to be perfectly honest
with you.
A one-off game, a fabulous game to be involved in - particularly for the
players. We're the favourites with all the pressure on us so we have to
handle that, as we've done for most of the season and deliver. Hopefully we
can deliver and beat Blackpool for third time this season. But it won't be
easy, we'll treat them with the utmost respect and try and expose any
weaknesses they have in their side if we possibly can and as early as we
possibly can.
Are you comfortable with that pressure? Because you are the overwhelming
favourites as you said. This club hasn't had a day out like this for quite
some time.
We all realise how big the game is and we all realise the presuure is
building day by day as it builds up. We're pretty low-key in our training
because we want to try and deliver on the day and nobody wants to get any
injuries at this stage. We've just got to live with the pressure to
hopefully spur us on to give our best performance, I think that's what
pressure should do for us on Saturday. It should bring the best out of us
hopefully and not have one of those where we freeze on the big stage.
If you do get over the line on Saturday how far do you think you can take
this team next season in the Premier League?
I really haven't given that much thought because we've planned for next
season first and foremost and that's all we can do, because we don't know
what division we're going to be in. Basically the pre-season stays the same
whatever. So we've managed to plan for that but we can plan for nothing else
other than that because we don't know what the outcome of Saturday is going
to be.
Obviously we hope that we can overcome Blackpool but that will be a
difficult task based on the fact that it was only a couple of seasons ago
they won there 3-2 against Cardiff. They've got a lot of players who've
experienced Wembley, who've experienced the victory that they gained on that
day and I would have thought that would give Ian [Holloway]'s players a bit
of an edge. We'll have to wait and see.
I know it was a while ago now but is there any part of you that still feels
sore over the way you left Blackpool?
No, not really. It's long gone, it was many years ago, lots of water under
the bridge. At the time it was devastating because I felt I might have been
lost to football, I might not have come back into the game. Luckily that
wasn't the case but the experience I gained managing in the league for the
first time as a manager stood me in good stead to go on and do better
things. So I've no axe to grind with Blackpool and what happened there.
Is it true they never gave you a reason as to why you were sacked?
Not really, no. But like I said, it's so long ago now it is water under the
bridge.
What do you think of the England squad?
I dunno, I haven't looked at it. I'm far too busy concentrating on what I've
got to do without looking at what Roy's squad is! Let me get Saturday out of
the way and then hopefully I can relax, enjoy the summer a little bit and
look forward to the Euro championships. But I'm totally focussed on this
game and nothing else is distracting me.
One of your colleagues obviously lost his job yesterday. Sympathy for him
now he's gone?
I've sympathy for any manager who loses him job in the first full year of
his reign. Again, it's a sign of the unstable times as a football manager
that we have to cope with. Both Alex [McLeish] and Kenny [Dalglish], only a
full season in charge of two football clubs that want to get back to where
they've got to get back to. It takes a manager more than one season to do
that, you've got to give everybody a little bit more time but unfortunately
neither of those have been given the time that I think they should have been
to deliver what's expected.
How disappointed were you with the Steve Kean revelations this week?
It's disappointing, but in the hands of my lawyers and they're taking the
action that's appropriate under the law of the land.
You've got a two-year project; do you feel a certain amount of pressure on
your own job? Football is so fickle.
Well I would have thought that come Saturday we won't be talking about my
job apart from expanding the club back into the Premier League. But if
that's not the case for whatever reason, somebody somewhere will say "will
your job be safe?" When that comes around, I can answer that but up until
then, my job is to focus on the team and try to get the best of of it and
try and win the most important game this club has played for God knows how
many years, since the last time Alan [Pardew] took them up via the
play-offs.
That's how important it is. It's important for the status of everybody at
the club - particular myself, my staff and the players - that we acquire
Premier League status again. It gives us all a greater standing in the game
and of course, from a financial point of view, it brings a huge amount of
revenue into this football club and it gives it worldwide branding. So we
all know how important it is from both the football and financial side.
_______________________________________________________________
Kean comments disappoint Sam
Hammers boss prefers to focus on Wembley date
Last Updated: May 17, 2012 10:01pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was 'disappointed' to learn of comments made
by Steve Kean, but is looking to leave the matter in the hands of his
lawyers. Footage of Blackburn boss Kean emerged this week in which the Scot
appears to make disparaging comments about his Ewood Park predecessor.
Allardyce has confirmed that he will be taking legal action against his
former assistant, but is reluctant to discuss the incident at any length.He
said: "It's disappointing but it's in the hands of my lawyers and they are
taking the action that is appropriate under the law of the land."
Of greater concern to Allardyce at present is West Ham's Championship
play-off final date with Blackpool on Saturday.
Strong
The Hammers are looking to bounce back into the Premier League at the first
time of asking and have been boosted by the news that their semi-final hero
Jack Collison will be fit for the trip to Wembley."Everyone who has been
playing recently is fit, the squad is strong and we just have one final day
to select the side," said Allardyce."It's been a bit of a long wait since we
played Cardiff but we are rested, eager and hopefully we can give our best
performance of the season."
West Ham go into the clash as short-priced favourites having thumped eight
goals past Blackpool in their two league meetings this term.Allardyce's men
have been accused of overconfidence ahead of the game, but he is backing his
troops to handle the pressure that has been placed on their shoulders.
Fabulous
"We are the favourites with all the pressure on us, so we have to handle
that as we have done all season. Hopefully we can deliver and beat Blackpool
for third time this season." "It's a one-off game," he said."It's a fabulous
game to be involved in, particularly for the players."We are the favourites
with all the pressure on us, so we have to handle that as we have done all
season. Hopefully we can deliver and beat Blackpool for third time this
season."But it won't be easy, we will treat them with the utmost respect and
make sure we try to expose the weaknesses they have in their side if we can
and as early as we can."We've got to live with the pressure to spur us on to
give us our best performance. The pressure should bring the best out of us
and not be one of those games where we actually freeze on the big stage."
_______________________________________________________________
Holloway backing Big Sam
Blackpool boss believes West Ham rival deserves more respect
Last Updated: May 17, 2012 4:28pm
SSN
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway believes West Ham counterpart Sam Allardyce
deserves more respect for his scientific approach to the game. Automatic
promotion evaded West Ham on the final day of the regular season as they
finished two points shy of Southampton in second.The Hammers scored 81 times
on their way to 86 points - 12 more goals than champions Reading - but the
perception remains of Allardyce sending out functional, direct sides focused
on achieving set-piece domination.Blackpool have won a host of admirers with
a swashbuckling style that has brought them, like their opponents, to within
one game of an instant return to the Premier League.
Remote Record
And Holloway believes there has been a blunt simplification of Allardyce's
methods."I think it's unfair on Sam," he said. "I think he's a fantastic
manager. Basically, he's brilliant at the important things in the game.
Science
"Sam can play any way, he can play any style. He's just very, very gifted at
what he does. He knows what wins."You've only got to look at his record. I
guarantee you Blackburn wouldn't have gone down if they hadn't got rid of
him, no way."Sam knows it's a science and he does it as a science. And he
can play any way you like. He could play more football than anybody if he
wanted because he's that good."
Blackpool are chasing a second Championship play-off triumph in three
seasons after overcoming Cardiff 3-2 on a sweltering Wembley afternoon two
years ago.Holloway admits he was caught up in the whirlwind of emotions
associated with the end-of-season tournament in 2010, but, despite a tense
finale to their 3-2 aggregate win over Birmingham in the semi-final last
week, he has made a point of savouring every moment this time around."I've
had time to reflect this time. It's been absolutely marvellous," he said.
Fantastic
"The minute we did it (at Birmingham), we knew what days to train, what days
to give them rest, what days to have all the press and the suits and all of
that, so it's been fantastic."I really cherish this achievement. In the
league we drew with Birmingham and we lost down their and in the play-off
games we beat them here and drew down there. We did it in such a pressure
situation as well. I couldn't be prouder."
The Seasiders' record against West Ham this term leaves much to be desired
as Allardyce's men triumphed 4-0 and 4-1 in the league, although the last of
those games came in February and Blackpool head into the weekend decider on
a nine-match unbeaten run."I've been staring at West Ham, how they beat us
twice, come up with one or two things and hopefully we've worked on them,"
said Holloway, who believes his players' collective desire could be decisive
at the national stadium.
"It's all down to Saturday, it's all down to the lads, it's all down to the
will and sometimes the will is more important than the skill."We've
certainly got plenty of that so let's see what we can do. It's a two-horse
race. It's not a long race now, just a sprint and we're going to try and dip
towards the line."
_______________________________________________________________
Warnock favours the Hammers
Whites boss predicting close encounter at Wembley
By James Pearson - Follow me: @SkySportsJamesP. Last Updated: May 17,
2012 10:01pm
SSN
Neil Warnock believes West Ham will be the team to beat in Saturday's
mouth-watering Championship play-off final against Blackpool at Wembley.A
place in England's top-flight is at stake, along with an estimated
£90million windfall, as Sam Allardyce's Hammers tackle Ian Holloway's
Seasiders at the home of English football.West Ham got the better of
Blackpool in their Championship meetings having followed up their 4-0 win at
home by securing a 4-1 success at Bloomfield Road in February.
However, Warnock, who has won promotion via the play-offs on four occasions
with three different teams, is not writing off Blackpool in a one-off clash
in one of the most pressurised environments.The showpiece event is often a
contest to remember following last year's thrilling 4-2 win for Swansea over
Reading and more fireworks are sure to be on offer this time around.
Blackpool were unlucky to be relegated from the Premier League in the
2010/11 season and the Leeds United tactician believes the Seasiders could
pull off an upset.
Money
"I think if you were to put money on you'd put it on West Ham," he told Sky
Sports. "They've beaten Blackpool twice and scored four goals on both
occasions"I think physically they are stronger and well organised, but you
wouldn't write Blackpool off on a one-off. I think on a big pitch anything
can happen, they are a dangerous opponent.You've got to fancy West Ham
because they've been good away from home."
"Every time we've won it I've felt we were the better team. The key is to go
in and do what you've been good at. You've got to fancy West Ham because
they've been good away from home."Our preparations were good and we turned
up on the day. One or two people said the younger lads might freeze, but the
younger lads thrived on it and enjoyed it."
If Warnock had any advice for the players who will be taking to the pitch on
Saturday it would be try and treat the game like a normal outing."Just be as
normal as you can. You don't try and make it anything special," he
continued. "You just try and make it another match. That's how both managers
will be doing it this weekend, I think."
_______________________________________________________________
Friday, May 18
Thursday, May 17
Daily WHUFC News - 17th May 2012
'It is going to be my biggest game'
WHUFC.com
Impressive defender James Tomkins is relishing his first-ever trip to
Wembley
16.05.2012
James Tomkins is rested, relaxed and cannot wait for the biggest game of his
career.
West Ham United's No5 has enjoyed a fantastic season at the heart of the
back four, being voted into both the npower Championship Team of the Year
and as Hammer of the Year runner-up to close pal Mark Noble.
The centre-back has forged a rock-solid partnership with Winston Reid and
has also weighed-in with four important goals. Now he is hoping to complete
the best season of his life by helping the Hammers to gain promotion in
Saturday's npower Championship Play-Off final with Blackpool at Wembley.
Tomkins sat down with Newham Recorder reporter Dave Evans to talk about his
season, his fantastic form and his first trip to Wembley.
James, you have had nearly two weeks to prepare for the Play-Off final. Has
that been a help or a hindrance?
JT - I think it has been nice. We have had some time off and let it sink it
that we have made the final and prepare for the fact that we have got
Blackpool. We have enjoyed the time off. It is a long season we have had a
lot of games so to have a few days to ourselves is important for our
recovery to prepare for the weekend.
You have been at West Ham for about 15 years now, so did you go to the 2004
or 2005 Championship Play-Off finals?
JT - I went to the Ipswich Town semi-final game in 2005 and then I went to
the final, so I know what it is like and the atmosphere was amazing. I have
never played at Wembley and I have never even been to the new stadium. I
went to the old Wembley when I was a kid, but I haven't been to the new one
and it is just going to be unbelievable to play at my country's home
stadium. The atmosphere is going to be unbelievable and I am really looking
forward to it.
This season you have played consistently well. What has been the secret?
JT - I think this year I have come on a lot. I have grown in confidence and
become a man this season. I think with my performances since I have come
into the team, I have deserved to keep my place and I feel I am getting
better and better. I don't want the season to end, really, but hopefully we
can end it on a high and get where we feel we belong. I think it helps with
the manager believing in you and playing you regularly, which is important
for my confidence. I feel that I am a big part of the team this year and I
have tried taking that in my stride and I feel that I am just getting better
and better.
You have formed a great partnership with Winston Reid in recent weeks. Do
you enjoy playing alongside him?
JT - Yes, I do. I think we are both enthusiastic, young and eager. We
complement each other really well as we have similar attributes. We can
cover each other and we both feel we can play on the floor as well as being
good in the air.
Has it been easier to play in the Championship to your previous seasons in
the Premier League?
JT - I think it is different. In the Premier League you are going to get
punished more often than not, while in this league you can sometimes get
away with it. It is more physically demanding here, though, with so many
games and a quick turnover. You have got to recover well and you feel that
you are not always 100 per cent fit. Sometimes you can play three games in a
week and that is a lot to ask really. That is the key difference, it is not
necessarily easier, it is just that you have to show different attributes in
your game.
You scored at Blackpool earlier this season and have netted four times in
total. Do you feel you are an important part of the team's attacking threat
these days?
JT - We do a lot of set-plays in training and that is something that we have
worked out this year. I have got on the end of quite a few of Matt Taylor's
and Mark Noble's crosses this year. My timing has improved this year and I
am taking the ball well. We do work on them in training, but not as much as
you think, but it is something that is important and we have not conceded as
many this season either. I feel that when I go up, I do have a chance of
scoring and that's important because if you are going up half-hearted then
there is no point in going up at all. It is important that we keep improving
there, keep scoring from set-pieces and not conceding from them.
You must be excited about the prospect of playing in the Play-Off final and
winning promotion back to the Premier League?
JT - Definitely. I think I will have a few sleepless nights this week just
because of the excitement the weekend is going to bring, but hopefully we
can win the game and we are really confident that we can. It is massively
important for us to get to the Premier League. Every player would be lying
if they said they didn't want to play there. It is vital that the club
bounces straight back up and it is something that we are all aiming to do.
It is something that I targeted this year. When I signed a new contract I
had it in mind to get the club back where we belong.
Is this the biggest game of your career so far?
JT - Certainly it is going to be my biggest game up to date, just because of
what is on it - that is Premier League status which is a massive thing. We
know how big this game is. For the neutral it is going to be brilliant, the
atmosphere is going to be unbelievable, so hopefully at the end of the day,
we can win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green in EURO 2012 squad
WHUFC.com
Robert Green has been named in the England squad for the UEFA European
Championship finals
16.05.2012
West Ham United are happy to confirm that Robert Green has been named in
England's 23-man squad for the 2012 UEFA European Championship finals. The
Hammers No1 has been included in Roy Hodgson's selection for the tournament,
which begins in Poland and Ukraine on 8 June. Green, who has eleven senior
caps, made his England debut against Colombia in New York on 31 May 2005.
The 32-year-old made his most-recent appearance against the United States at
the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The goalkeeper has been rewarded
following a fine season for the Hammers during which he has kept 13 clean
sheets and helped the club to reach the npower Championship Play-Off final.
A consistent figure capable of pulling off exceptional saves, Green has made
240 first-team appearances for West Ham since joining the club from Norwich
City in August 2006. After making his England debut in Giants Stadium as a
half-time substitute for David James, Green made his first start on his
third appearance in a 4-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in Kazakhstan on 6
June 2009. He has totalled nine starts for his country, but became the first
England goalkeeper to be sent-off when he was red-carded in a 1-0 FIFA World
Cup qualifying defeat in Ukraine in October 2009. Since then, he has made
successful appearances against Egypt and Mexico in the build-up to the 2010
FIFA World Cup finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green on his way
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is on his way to the European
Championships after being named in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad. The
32-year-old Hammer will travel to Eastern Europe next month as one of three
shot-stoppers named in the new England manager's first tournament selection.
Out of contract with West Ham at the end of the season, Green has failed to
make a start for his country since his appearance against the USA in the
2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. He will be very much second choice
behind Manchester City's Joe Hart - but almost certainly ahead of Norwich
City's John Ruddy in the pecking order.
England Euro 2012 Squad
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich)
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), John Terry
(Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole
(Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton)
Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man
City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man
United), James Milner (Man City)
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man United), Danny Welbeck (Man United), Andy
Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
Standby: Jack Butland, Phil Jagielka, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Daniel
Sturridge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dear stupid
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Blackpool FC's attempts to build a siege mentality ahead of this Saturday's
play-off Final reached a hilarious conclusion this morning when defender Ian
Evatt claimed that a mocked-up replica shirt was West Ham's official away
kit for the 2012/13 season.
For the past few days, Blackpool fans and players have been attempting to
paint West Ham United as "cocky" and "overconfident" ahead of this weekend's
play-off Final - despite United choosing to adopt a low-key approach to the
game.
And in what modern parlance would refer to an "epic fail", Evatt claimed
this morning that a mocked-up replica kit initially posted on the KUMB.com
forum by a site member (see above) was West Ham United's's official output -
whilst insisting that it was a viable example of the club's perceived
arrogance.
"A guy has just told me that their new kit's come out with Premier League
badges on," said Evatt, "which I think is jumping the gun a bit. It's
disrespectful towards our group of players.
"If you listen to them, they're already up aren't they?" he raged on. "It's
going to be a 90-minute game and it's going to be difficult for them as it
is for us. If I was them I wouldn't be counting my chickens just yet."
The website that lifted the image from KUMB - a Blackpool forum entitled
'Back Henry Street' - posted the mock-up on their forum yesterday.
A BHS member called 'MR-DD' - who is understood to be a 33-year-old site
administrator - posted the image, in a thread entitled 'West Ham away kit
(next season)' alongside the message, "Why does it have Premier League
badges on?"
That post was followed by a string of replies condeming West Ham as -
amongst other things - "arrogant Cockneys", exhibiting "a major show of
disprespect" and the club's fans as "deluded".
Even though the error was pointed out by several highly-amused visiting West
Ham supporters Back Henry Street continues to host the thread, which now
stretches to nine pages - making it the fifth-largest* thread on the obscure
website.
And the picture was only posted on the forum after another image featuring
Premier League badges and being worn by Thomas Hitzlsperger - West Ham's
official away kit from TWO YEARS ago - had been replaced by the same user,
MR-DD.
Evatt's comments have also been published on websites such as the Sporting
Life, SkySports and the Evening Standard already this morning.
KUMB.com member sutts07 - who has been posting replica kit mock-ups on our
website for several years - is responsible for the artwork; you may see the
design in question plus many more here.
When we informed sutts07 that his work was the subject of Evatt's ire, he
told KUMB: "I guess I have to thank Ian Evatt for the subliminal
acknowledgement of my artwork. I am also available on a reasonable
consultancy rate for any future kit design requirements West Ham have!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
10,000 tickets remain unsold
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Blackpool FC have confirmed that they still have in excess of 10,000 tickets
for this weekend's play-off Final available for sale - despite the match
being just 72 hours away. With little more than three days remaining until
the big game, the Tangerines have confirmed that as of this morning they had
sold a total of 27,624 - leaving in excess of 10,000 up for grabs. Amongst
that number are thought to be several West Ham supporters who were unable to
obtain tickets in the home end after the club's allocation was sold out
within 20 minutes of reaching general sale on Tuesday morning. As such,
there could be in excess of 40,000 West Ham United supporters at Wembley on
Saturday afternoon - possibly the largest single gathering of the club's
fans since the FA Cup Final against Arsenal some 32 years ago.
Unfortunately none of the tickets left unsold are likely to be returned to
the Football League for distribution amongst United supporters, due to the
fact that Blackpool have sold seats in every one of the available blocks.
Despite this, West Ham United co-Chairman David Gold told followers of his
Twitter account this morning that more tickets may yet materialise. "We are
sold out," said Gold, before adding, "it's still possible that Blackpool
might return another 500 in the next day or so."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers deny hoax photo
West Ham remove themselves from internet kit story
Last Updated: May 16, 2012 3:48pm
SSN
West Ham have denied their part in a photograph appearing of next season's
kit featuring the Barclays Premier League logo. The Hammers take on
Blackpool in the Championship play-off final on Saturday afternoon for the
right to be reinstated into England's top flight. Both clubs are aiming for
an immediate return to the division after suffering relegation last season,
with West Ham the favourites for the contest. But, in a statement, the
London club said: "West Ham United can confirm that reports of replica
shirts being produced with Premier League badges on ahead of Saturday's
play-off final are completely erroneous. "The photograph of a shirt is a
hoax and in no way connected to West Ham United Football Club. "Comments
made as to the conduct of our club in regards to our opponents on Saturday,
Blackpool, are also false and have again, nothing to do with the club."
Meanwhile, the Hammers have tied youth players Callum Driver and Eoin Wearen
to new contracts.
Both players have signed one year deals after spending loan spells at League
Two sides this season. Full-back Driver has played eight games for Burton
this season and said: "I've worked this whole year to get another contract,
so to think the club believe in me and see I have got more development in me
is nice." Meanwhile, centre-back Wearen made four appearances for Dagenham
and said: " A lot of good players have been released this year so I know I
am one of the lucky ones who have been kept on. "I'd like to think I earned
this contract."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble hails new-look Hammers
Midfielder setting his sights on top flight and England call-up
Last Updated: May 16, 2012 8:53am
SSN
Mark Noble believes 'things are turning around at Upton Park', with Sam
Allardyce having helped to steady the West Ham ship. The Hammers are looking
to secure an immediate return to the Premier League this term, with a place
in Saturday's Championship play-off final offering them a shot at the big
time. The capital outfit are getting used to eventful campaigns, with the
last few seasons having seen them avoid the drop, suffer relegation and put
themselves in promotion contention. Noble, a constant throughout that run,
admits things have been 'a bit mental' but the home-grown midfielder feels
times are changing. Since Allardyce inherited the managerial reins last
summer, the former England U21 international says stability and leadership
has returned to Upton Park.
Reacted
"West Ham is a completely differently run club nowadays," Noble told The
Sun. "Sam is in charge of everything and what he says goes. And the boys and
staff have reacted to that. "In the last few years, I've gone through the
Great Escape, relegation, promotions, cup finals - it's all experience in
the bank but it's been a bit mental. Now, you get the feeling things are
turning around at Upton Park."
Future
Noble has been through a lot for a 25-year-old footballer, but he is
determined to take things one step further and become a regular Premier
League performer and contender for a spot in the senior England squad.
Ahead of Saturday's play-off meeting with Blackpool, he added: "I think I
have played 50 games this season but feel fresh and raring to go. The
Championship is not the level I want to play at. I was voted in the Team of
the Year by the other pros and was also named Hammer of the Year, which is
great. "Mentally and physically, I'm a hundred times better than a few years
ago and I want to produce the football I have this season in the Premier
League and for England." On his future, Noble added: "I've not had any
conversations with the club about my contract. "Last season, following
relegation, there were a couple of clubs interested in me but I was told the
new manager was adamant he wanted to keep me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tony Cottee Column: The result is all that matters for West Ham at Wembley
Tony Cottee, West Ham Columnist
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
3:58 PM
London 24
The nerves are starting to build and I am beginning to get really excited
about Saturday's trip to Wembley and the play-off final.
It is going to be a very special occasion and it is so important that the
players are prepared to go out there and perform.
One thing I know that Sam Allardyce is big on is preparation and I am sure
that he will have the players in the best shape both physically and mentally
ahead of Saturday's game.
I know that the fans are starting to get really excited too and it is great
credit to the club that they managed to sell close to 40,000 tickets with no
trouble at all.
In fact, there are so many fans that weren't able to get tickets, I think we
could have sold out the whole stadium if we had to.
I think that it is a good idea for the players and staff to try and treat
the game like it is just another league fixture, but that is easier said
than done.
When those players arrive at Wembley and feel the buzz that the place
generates and see and hear all of the fans, then it will hit them just how
big an occasion it really is.
There will be huge amounts of emotion swirling around the stadium and it
will be interesting to see how the players react to the occasion, but with
the experienced heads of the likes of Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor in the
dressing room, the younger players will be in good hands.
West Ham have been made heavy favourites for the game and it is clear to see
why due to their earlier results against Blackpool during the season, but it
would be wrong to write Ian Holloway's side off.
They are a good footballing side and they have some dangerous players such
as Thomas Ince and Matt Phillips who can cause damage out wide.
The Seasiders also have plenty of experience with the likes of Barry
Ferguson in midfield and Kevin Phillips, who is a constant danger in the
penalty box.
There is no doubting that we will need to be on our game if we are to beat
Blackpool.
We would all love to see a thrilling and open game of football, but I know
that I will take a boring 1-0 victory if it means that West Ham are back in
the Premier League come 5pm on Saturday.
All that really matters on Saturday is the result, the performance can come
second as so much is at stake.
It looks as though the game will come too soon for Jack Collison, and that
is a real shame as he was just starting to find his best form.
I know that Jack will come back a stronger player though and I wish him all
the best in his recovery from that shoulder injury.
In his absence, I would like to see George McCartney come in a left-back,
with Taylor pushing further forward to midfield.
Having said that, Sam has plenty of options and a welcome selection headache
ahead of Saturday.
I know that Sam has had the players practicing penalties all week but there
is a massive difference between slotting one home at Chadwell Heath and
doing it in front of 90,000 people at Wembley!
I know that I wouldn't fancy taking a penalty in that scenario and it takes
real bottle, but I am sure the players are prepared for any eventuality.
With the way we are playing and scoring freely at the moment, I think the
Hammers will win 3-1 and seal a place back in the top flight next season
sending the fans home happy.
Come on you Irons!
Tony Cottee was talking to Nathaniel John
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan: 'West Ham must be aware of a Blackpool masterclass on Saturday'
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
2:45 PM
Lodnon 24
West Ham may have beaten Blackpool in convincing style twice already this
season, but skipper Kevin Nolan is determined to make sure his team do not
treat the Seasiders' challenge lightly at Wembley.
Those thumping wins make West Ham overwhelming favourites come Saturday, but
Nolan is a shrewd customer when it comes to preparation.
"Obviously confidence is high," said the 29-year-old West Ham captain. "We
beat them 4-0 and 4-1, but at the end of the day it is a one-off game and
Blackpool can turn up for one day and produce a masterclass performance.
"We can't rest on our laurels, what we have got to do is put what we learned
from those two games and master that game plan again on Saturday."
Nolan has been here before. Way back in 2001, he helped Bolton dispatch
Preston North End in the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium in
Cardiff.
So what did he learn from that thumping 3-0 victory?
"I think you learn just how to handle the occasion," reflected the
inspirational captain. "You are trying to make sure the nerves don't get the
better of you, stick to your game plan and if we do then we will a fantastic
chance."
Nolan has played European football for Wanderers in Madrid, Munich and
Marseille among others, while he also saw his mate Andy Carroll perform at
Wembley in the FA Cup Final on May 5, but this will be his first chance to
play on the hallowed turf.
"I've never played there," he said. "When we came through the play-offs with
Bolton we won it at Cardiff which was a fantastic occasion with an amazing
atmosphere.
"Playing in Europe with Bolton was fantastic and we got some great results,
so hopefully there will be more of the same come Saturday."
So what have been Nolan's top moments from the season so far? He doesn't
have to think back very far.
"Two of my highlights have been the two Cardiff games," said the midfielder.
"I think Malky Mackay said it was the money we have got and the squad we
have got that puts us where we are, but it is not you know.
"In the two games against them we were totally the better side and
throughout the season we have learned how teams have set up against us, what
they have done to try and counteract us.
"So it was great to see all that come to fruition in those two Cardiff
games.
"I have really enjoyed this year and hopefully I can get better both on and
off the pitch and we can start building something, the first thing being
getting back into the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deny producing 'Barclays Premier' kit ahead of Championship
play-off final
ANDY SIMS WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2012
Independent.co.uk
West Ham have denied producing a new away kit for next season featuring the
Barclays Premier League logo after a mock-up picture appeared online and
apparently riled play-off opponents Blackpool. Seasiders defender Ian Evatt
branded West Ham "disrespectful" after hearing of the photo, and also
accused the east London club of being overconfident going into Saturday's
Wembley showdown. "If you listen to them, they're already up aren't they?"
said Evatt. "If I was them I wouldn't be counting my chickens just yet
because what I have learned over the past five or six seasons is these
players never give up. "A guy has just told me that their new kit's come out
with Premier League badges on, which I think is jumping the gun a bit and
it's disrespectful towards our group of players. "I'm not going to sit here
and say Blackpool are going to win, but we're going to give them a better
game than they think we're going to give them."
Yet West Ham's build-up to the final has been deliberately low-key, although
the club have now been compelled to respond to Evatt's remarks. A statement
read: "West Ham United can confirm that reports of replica shirts being
produced with Premier League badges on ahead of Saturday's play-off final
are completely erroneous. "The photograph of a shirt is a hoax and in no way
connected to West Ham United Football Club. "Comments made as to the conduct
of our club in regards to our opponents on Saturday, Blackpool, are also
false and have again, nothing to do with the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Impressive defender James Tomkins is relishing his first-ever trip to
Wembley
16.05.2012
James Tomkins is rested, relaxed and cannot wait for the biggest game of his
career.
West Ham United's No5 has enjoyed a fantastic season at the heart of the
back four, being voted into both the npower Championship Team of the Year
and as Hammer of the Year runner-up to close pal Mark Noble.
The centre-back has forged a rock-solid partnership with Winston Reid and
has also weighed-in with four important goals. Now he is hoping to complete
the best season of his life by helping the Hammers to gain promotion in
Saturday's npower Championship Play-Off final with Blackpool at Wembley.
Tomkins sat down with Newham Recorder reporter Dave Evans to talk about his
season, his fantastic form and his first trip to Wembley.
James, you have had nearly two weeks to prepare for the Play-Off final. Has
that been a help or a hindrance?
JT - I think it has been nice. We have had some time off and let it sink it
that we have made the final and prepare for the fact that we have got
Blackpool. We have enjoyed the time off. It is a long season we have had a
lot of games so to have a few days to ourselves is important for our
recovery to prepare for the weekend.
You have been at West Ham for about 15 years now, so did you go to the 2004
or 2005 Championship Play-Off finals?
JT - I went to the Ipswich Town semi-final game in 2005 and then I went to
the final, so I know what it is like and the atmosphere was amazing. I have
never played at Wembley and I have never even been to the new stadium. I
went to the old Wembley when I was a kid, but I haven't been to the new one
and it is just going to be unbelievable to play at my country's home
stadium. The atmosphere is going to be unbelievable and I am really looking
forward to it.
This season you have played consistently well. What has been the secret?
JT - I think this year I have come on a lot. I have grown in confidence and
become a man this season. I think with my performances since I have come
into the team, I have deserved to keep my place and I feel I am getting
better and better. I don't want the season to end, really, but hopefully we
can end it on a high and get where we feel we belong. I think it helps with
the manager believing in you and playing you regularly, which is important
for my confidence. I feel that I am a big part of the team this year and I
have tried taking that in my stride and I feel that I am just getting better
and better.
You have formed a great partnership with Winston Reid in recent weeks. Do
you enjoy playing alongside him?
JT - Yes, I do. I think we are both enthusiastic, young and eager. We
complement each other really well as we have similar attributes. We can
cover each other and we both feel we can play on the floor as well as being
good in the air.
Has it been easier to play in the Championship to your previous seasons in
the Premier League?
JT - I think it is different. In the Premier League you are going to get
punished more often than not, while in this league you can sometimes get
away with it. It is more physically demanding here, though, with so many
games and a quick turnover. You have got to recover well and you feel that
you are not always 100 per cent fit. Sometimes you can play three games in a
week and that is a lot to ask really. That is the key difference, it is not
necessarily easier, it is just that you have to show different attributes in
your game.
You scored at Blackpool earlier this season and have netted four times in
total. Do you feel you are an important part of the team's attacking threat
these days?
JT - We do a lot of set-plays in training and that is something that we have
worked out this year. I have got on the end of quite a few of Matt Taylor's
and Mark Noble's crosses this year. My timing has improved this year and I
am taking the ball well. We do work on them in training, but not as much as
you think, but it is something that is important and we have not conceded as
many this season either. I feel that when I go up, I do have a chance of
scoring and that's important because if you are going up half-hearted then
there is no point in going up at all. It is important that we keep improving
there, keep scoring from set-pieces and not conceding from them.
You must be excited about the prospect of playing in the Play-Off final and
winning promotion back to the Premier League?
JT - Definitely. I think I will have a few sleepless nights this week just
because of the excitement the weekend is going to bring, but hopefully we
can win the game and we are really confident that we can. It is massively
important for us to get to the Premier League. Every player would be lying
if they said they didn't want to play there. It is vital that the club
bounces straight back up and it is something that we are all aiming to do.
It is something that I targeted this year. When I signed a new contract I
had it in mind to get the club back where we belong.
Is this the biggest game of your career so far?
JT - Certainly it is going to be my biggest game up to date, just because of
what is on it - that is Premier League status which is a massive thing. We
know how big this game is. For the neutral it is going to be brilliant, the
atmosphere is going to be unbelievable, so hopefully at the end of the day,
we can win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green in EURO 2012 squad
WHUFC.com
Robert Green has been named in the England squad for the UEFA European
Championship finals
16.05.2012
West Ham United are happy to confirm that Robert Green has been named in
England's 23-man squad for the 2012 UEFA European Championship finals. The
Hammers No1 has been included in Roy Hodgson's selection for the tournament,
which begins in Poland and Ukraine on 8 June. Green, who has eleven senior
caps, made his England debut against Colombia in New York on 31 May 2005.
The 32-year-old made his most-recent appearance against the United States at
the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The goalkeeper has been rewarded
following a fine season for the Hammers during which he has kept 13 clean
sheets and helped the club to reach the npower Championship Play-Off final.
A consistent figure capable of pulling off exceptional saves, Green has made
240 first-team appearances for West Ham since joining the club from Norwich
City in August 2006. After making his England debut in Giants Stadium as a
half-time substitute for David James, Green made his first start on his
third appearance in a 4-0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win in Kazakhstan on 6
June 2009. He has totalled nine starts for his country, but became the first
England goalkeeper to be sent-off when he was red-carded in a 1-0 FIFA World
Cup qualifying defeat in Ukraine in October 2009. Since then, he has made
successful appearances against Egypt and Mexico in the build-up to the 2010
FIFA World Cup finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green on his way
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is on his way to the European
Championships after being named in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad. The
32-year-old Hammer will travel to Eastern Europe next month as one of three
shot-stoppers named in the new England manager's first tournament selection.
Out of contract with West Ham at the end of the season, Green has failed to
make a start for his country since his appearance against the USA in the
2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa. He will be very much second choice
behind Manchester City's Joe Hart - but almost certainly ahead of Norwich
City's John Ruddy in the pecking order.
England Euro 2012 Squad
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Rob Green (West Ham), John Ruddy (Norwich)
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Man United), John Terry
(Chelsea), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole
(Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton)
Midfielders: Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Gareth Barry (Man
City), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Tottenham), Ashley Young (Man
United), James Milner (Man City)
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man United), Danny Welbeck (Man United), Andy
Carroll (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham)
Standby: Jack Butland, Phil Jagielka, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, Daniel
Sturridge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dear stupid
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Blackpool FC's attempts to build a siege mentality ahead of this Saturday's
play-off Final reached a hilarious conclusion this morning when defender Ian
Evatt claimed that a mocked-up replica shirt was West Ham's official away
kit for the 2012/13 season.
For the past few days, Blackpool fans and players have been attempting to
paint West Ham United as "cocky" and "overconfident" ahead of this weekend's
play-off Final - despite United choosing to adopt a low-key approach to the
game.
And in what modern parlance would refer to an "epic fail", Evatt claimed
this morning that a mocked-up replica kit initially posted on the KUMB.com
forum by a site member (see above) was West Ham United's's official output -
whilst insisting that it was a viable example of the club's perceived
arrogance.
"A guy has just told me that their new kit's come out with Premier League
badges on," said Evatt, "which I think is jumping the gun a bit. It's
disrespectful towards our group of players.
"If you listen to them, they're already up aren't they?" he raged on. "It's
going to be a 90-minute game and it's going to be difficult for them as it
is for us. If I was them I wouldn't be counting my chickens just yet."
The website that lifted the image from KUMB - a Blackpool forum entitled
'Back Henry Street' - posted the mock-up on their forum yesterday.
A BHS member called 'MR-DD' - who is understood to be a 33-year-old site
administrator - posted the image, in a thread entitled 'West Ham away kit
(next season)' alongside the message, "Why does it have Premier League
badges on?"
That post was followed by a string of replies condeming West Ham as -
amongst other things - "arrogant Cockneys", exhibiting "a major show of
disprespect" and the club's fans as "deluded".
Even though the error was pointed out by several highly-amused visiting West
Ham supporters Back Henry Street continues to host the thread, which now
stretches to nine pages - making it the fifth-largest* thread on the obscure
website.
And the picture was only posted on the forum after another image featuring
Premier League badges and being worn by Thomas Hitzlsperger - West Ham's
official away kit from TWO YEARS ago - had been replaced by the same user,
MR-DD.
Evatt's comments have also been published on websites such as the Sporting
Life, SkySports and the Evening Standard already this morning.
KUMB.com member sutts07 - who has been posting replica kit mock-ups on our
website for several years - is responsible for the artwork; you may see the
design in question plus many more here.
When we informed sutts07 that his work was the subject of Evatt's ire, he
told KUMB: "I guess I have to thank Ian Evatt for the subliminal
acknowledgement of my artwork. I am also available on a reasonable
consultancy rate for any future kit design requirements West Ham have!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
10,000 tickets remain unsold
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 16th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
Blackpool FC have confirmed that they still have in excess of 10,000 tickets
for this weekend's play-off Final available for sale - despite the match
being just 72 hours away. With little more than three days remaining until
the big game, the Tangerines have confirmed that as of this morning they had
sold a total of 27,624 - leaving in excess of 10,000 up for grabs. Amongst
that number are thought to be several West Ham supporters who were unable to
obtain tickets in the home end after the club's allocation was sold out
within 20 minutes of reaching general sale on Tuesday morning. As such,
there could be in excess of 40,000 West Ham United supporters at Wembley on
Saturday afternoon - possibly the largest single gathering of the club's
fans since the FA Cup Final against Arsenal some 32 years ago.
Unfortunately none of the tickets left unsold are likely to be returned to
the Football League for distribution amongst United supporters, due to the
fact that Blackpool have sold seats in every one of the available blocks.
Despite this, West Ham United co-Chairman David Gold told followers of his
Twitter account this morning that more tickets may yet materialise. "We are
sold out," said Gold, before adding, "it's still possible that Blackpool
might return another 500 in the next day or so."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers deny hoax photo
West Ham remove themselves from internet kit story
Last Updated: May 16, 2012 3:48pm
SSN
West Ham have denied their part in a photograph appearing of next season's
kit featuring the Barclays Premier League logo. The Hammers take on
Blackpool in the Championship play-off final on Saturday afternoon for the
right to be reinstated into England's top flight. Both clubs are aiming for
an immediate return to the division after suffering relegation last season,
with West Ham the favourites for the contest. But, in a statement, the
London club said: "West Ham United can confirm that reports of replica
shirts being produced with Premier League badges on ahead of Saturday's
play-off final are completely erroneous. "The photograph of a shirt is a
hoax and in no way connected to West Ham United Football Club. "Comments
made as to the conduct of our club in regards to our opponents on Saturday,
Blackpool, are also false and have again, nothing to do with the club."
Meanwhile, the Hammers have tied youth players Callum Driver and Eoin Wearen
to new contracts.
Both players have signed one year deals after spending loan spells at League
Two sides this season. Full-back Driver has played eight games for Burton
this season and said: "I've worked this whole year to get another contract,
so to think the club believe in me and see I have got more development in me
is nice." Meanwhile, centre-back Wearen made four appearances for Dagenham
and said: " A lot of good players have been released this year so I know I
am one of the lucky ones who have been kept on. "I'd like to think I earned
this contract."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble hails new-look Hammers
Midfielder setting his sights on top flight and England call-up
Last Updated: May 16, 2012 8:53am
SSN
Mark Noble believes 'things are turning around at Upton Park', with Sam
Allardyce having helped to steady the West Ham ship. The Hammers are looking
to secure an immediate return to the Premier League this term, with a place
in Saturday's Championship play-off final offering them a shot at the big
time. The capital outfit are getting used to eventful campaigns, with the
last few seasons having seen them avoid the drop, suffer relegation and put
themselves in promotion contention. Noble, a constant throughout that run,
admits things have been 'a bit mental' but the home-grown midfielder feels
times are changing. Since Allardyce inherited the managerial reins last
summer, the former England U21 international says stability and leadership
has returned to Upton Park.
Reacted
"West Ham is a completely differently run club nowadays," Noble told The
Sun. "Sam is in charge of everything and what he says goes. And the boys and
staff have reacted to that. "In the last few years, I've gone through the
Great Escape, relegation, promotions, cup finals - it's all experience in
the bank but it's been a bit mental. Now, you get the feeling things are
turning around at Upton Park."
Future
Noble has been through a lot for a 25-year-old footballer, but he is
determined to take things one step further and become a regular Premier
League performer and contender for a spot in the senior England squad.
Ahead of Saturday's play-off meeting with Blackpool, he added: "I think I
have played 50 games this season but feel fresh and raring to go. The
Championship is not the level I want to play at. I was voted in the Team of
the Year by the other pros and was also named Hammer of the Year, which is
great. "Mentally and physically, I'm a hundred times better than a few years
ago and I want to produce the football I have this season in the Premier
League and for England." On his future, Noble added: "I've not had any
conversations with the club about my contract. "Last season, following
relegation, there were a couple of clubs interested in me but I was told the
new manager was adamant he wanted to keep me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tony Cottee Column: The result is all that matters for West Ham at Wembley
Tony Cottee, West Ham Columnist
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
3:58 PM
London 24
The nerves are starting to build and I am beginning to get really excited
about Saturday's trip to Wembley and the play-off final.
It is going to be a very special occasion and it is so important that the
players are prepared to go out there and perform.
One thing I know that Sam Allardyce is big on is preparation and I am sure
that he will have the players in the best shape both physically and mentally
ahead of Saturday's game.
I know that the fans are starting to get really excited too and it is great
credit to the club that they managed to sell close to 40,000 tickets with no
trouble at all.
In fact, there are so many fans that weren't able to get tickets, I think we
could have sold out the whole stadium if we had to.
I think that it is a good idea for the players and staff to try and treat
the game like it is just another league fixture, but that is easier said
than done.
When those players arrive at Wembley and feel the buzz that the place
generates and see and hear all of the fans, then it will hit them just how
big an occasion it really is.
There will be huge amounts of emotion swirling around the stadium and it
will be interesting to see how the players react to the occasion, but with
the experienced heads of the likes of Kevin Nolan and Matt Taylor in the
dressing room, the younger players will be in good hands.
West Ham have been made heavy favourites for the game and it is clear to see
why due to their earlier results against Blackpool during the season, but it
would be wrong to write Ian Holloway's side off.
They are a good footballing side and they have some dangerous players such
as Thomas Ince and Matt Phillips who can cause damage out wide.
The Seasiders also have plenty of experience with the likes of Barry
Ferguson in midfield and Kevin Phillips, who is a constant danger in the
penalty box.
There is no doubting that we will need to be on our game if we are to beat
Blackpool.
We would all love to see a thrilling and open game of football, but I know
that I will take a boring 1-0 victory if it means that West Ham are back in
the Premier League come 5pm on Saturday.
All that really matters on Saturday is the result, the performance can come
second as so much is at stake.
It looks as though the game will come too soon for Jack Collison, and that
is a real shame as he was just starting to find his best form.
I know that Jack will come back a stronger player though and I wish him all
the best in his recovery from that shoulder injury.
In his absence, I would like to see George McCartney come in a left-back,
with Taylor pushing further forward to midfield.
Having said that, Sam has plenty of options and a welcome selection headache
ahead of Saturday.
I know that Sam has had the players practicing penalties all week but there
is a massive difference between slotting one home at Chadwell Heath and
doing it in front of 90,000 people at Wembley!
I know that I wouldn't fancy taking a penalty in that scenario and it takes
real bottle, but I am sure the players are prepared for any eventuality.
With the way we are playing and scoring freely at the moment, I think the
Hammers will win 3-1 and seal a place back in the top flight next season
sending the fans home happy.
Come on you Irons!
Tony Cottee was talking to Nathaniel John
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan: 'West Ham must be aware of a Blackpool masterclass on Saturday'
Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
2:45 PM
Lodnon 24
West Ham may have beaten Blackpool in convincing style twice already this
season, but skipper Kevin Nolan is determined to make sure his team do not
treat the Seasiders' challenge lightly at Wembley.
Those thumping wins make West Ham overwhelming favourites come Saturday, but
Nolan is a shrewd customer when it comes to preparation.
"Obviously confidence is high," said the 29-year-old West Ham captain. "We
beat them 4-0 and 4-1, but at the end of the day it is a one-off game and
Blackpool can turn up for one day and produce a masterclass performance.
"We can't rest on our laurels, what we have got to do is put what we learned
from those two games and master that game plan again on Saturday."
Nolan has been here before. Way back in 2001, he helped Bolton dispatch
Preston North End in the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium in
Cardiff.
So what did he learn from that thumping 3-0 victory?
"I think you learn just how to handle the occasion," reflected the
inspirational captain. "You are trying to make sure the nerves don't get the
better of you, stick to your game plan and if we do then we will a fantastic
chance."
Nolan has played European football for Wanderers in Madrid, Munich and
Marseille among others, while he also saw his mate Andy Carroll perform at
Wembley in the FA Cup Final on May 5, but this will be his first chance to
play on the hallowed turf.
"I've never played there," he said. "When we came through the play-offs with
Bolton we won it at Cardiff which was a fantastic occasion with an amazing
atmosphere.
"Playing in Europe with Bolton was fantastic and we got some great results,
so hopefully there will be more of the same come Saturday."
So what have been Nolan's top moments from the season so far? He doesn't
have to think back very far.
"Two of my highlights have been the two Cardiff games," said the midfielder.
"I think Malky Mackay said it was the money we have got and the squad we
have got that puts us where we are, but it is not you know.
"In the two games against them we were totally the better side and
throughout the season we have learned how teams have set up against us, what
they have done to try and counteract us.
"So it was great to see all that come to fruition in those two Cardiff
games.
"I have really enjoyed this year and hopefully I can get better both on and
off the pitch and we can start building something, the first thing being
getting back into the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deny producing 'Barclays Premier' kit ahead of Championship
play-off final
ANDY SIMS WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2012
Independent.co.uk
West Ham have denied producing a new away kit for next season featuring the
Barclays Premier League logo after a mock-up picture appeared online and
apparently riled play-off opponents Blackpool. Seasiders defender Ian Evatt
branded West Ham "disrespectful" after hearing of the photo, and also
accused the east London club of being overconfident going into Saturday's
Wembley showdown. "If you listen to them, they're already up aren't they?"
said Evatt. "If I was them I wouldn't be counting my chickens just yet
because what I have learned over the past five or six seasons is these
players never give up. "A guy has just told me that their new kit's come out
with Premier League badges on, which I think is jumping the gun a bit and
it's disrespectful towards our group of players. "I'm not going to sit here
and say Blackpool are going to win, but we're going to give them a better
game than they think we're going to give them."
Yet West Ham's build-up to the final has been deliberately low-key, although
the club have now been compelled to respond to Evatt's remarks. A statement
read: "West Ham United can confirm that reports of replica shirts being
produced with Premier League badges on ahead of Saturday's play-off final
are completely erroneous. "The photograph of a shirt is a hoax and in no way
connected to West Ham United Football Club. "Comments made as to the conduct
of our club in regards to our opponents on Saturday, Blackpool, are also
false and have again, nothing to do with the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th May 2012
Final tickets SOLD OUT
WHUFC.com
The 500 remaining Play-Off final tickets were all snapped up on Tuesday
morning
14.05.2012
West Ham United can confirm that the 500 tickets that went on General Sale
at 9am on Tuesday morning have all sold out. That means West Ham have now
sold their entire allocation of tickets for the big Wembley final against
Blackpool on Saturday. All tickets on sale by West Ham United are in the
West Ham section of Wembley after the segregation area was moved to allow
the additional Hammers into the stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo pen new deals
WHUFC.com
Young professionals Callum Driver and Eoin Wearen have signed new one-year
contracts
15.05.2012
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that young professionals Callum
Driver and Eoin Wearen have signed new one-year contracts. Full-back Driver
and centre-back Wearen (pictured) have both continued their education this
season after coming through the Academy of Football and penning their first
professional deals a year ago. Driver and Wearen have both been out on loan
at npower League Two clubs - Burton Albion and Dagenham and Redbridge
respectively - while the pair have also featured regularly in Ian Hendon's
Development Squad. The duo, both 19, are considered to be bright prospects
and will form part of Hendon's squad which flies out to Hong Kong for the
HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens this weekend.
Driver, who joined West Ham at the age of 12, made 24 Development Squad
appearances this season. He joined in Burton in January 2012, scoring one
goal in eight league appearances. He said: "Overall it's been a good season.
I've got experience and got out on loan which was the target at the start.
The highlights have been my first league goal and my league debut at Burton,
which is something every footballer looks forward to. "I just keep my head
down and keep working - that's the way it has to be done. You've got to have
desire and commitment if you want to be a footballer. I want to get out on
loan again next season and get to a bigger club and get more experience and
keep building my career. "I've worked this whole year to get another
contract, so to think the Club believes in me and sees that I have got more
development in me is nice. "Our full-backs are great players - George
McCartney has played in the Premier League and Guy Demel has played in
Germany as well, so I'd like to follow in their footsteps. Hopefully I can
emulate them in the next few years."
Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Wearen joined the club at the age
of 16 after moving to London from his native Dublin. This season, he has
made 23 Development Squad appearances, scoring three goals. Wearen also
played four games on loan at Dagenham and Redbridge in January, helping the
Daggers to gain a creditable 0-0 FA Cup with Budweiser third-round draw with
Championship side Millwall. "I've worked hard for this contract this season
so now I can enjoy my summer. It was a gamble to change to a position I had
never played in before (centre-back) halfway through the season, but it has
obviously been a good thing because I have developed and improved as the
season has gone on. "Playing the FA Cup was nice. I made my home and away
debuts against Millwall, which not many players do. A lot of good players
have been released this year, so I know I am one of the lucky ones who have
been kept on. I'd like to think I have earned this contract. "I think it has
been decided that the way forward for me and how I will progress at this
club is as a defender. I'm only 19, so this extra year will give me more
time and I feel I can continue to improve a lot again. If I keep my
performance level up, hopefully I can get into the gaffer's plans."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers head for Hong Kong
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's Development Squad will fly out to the Far East this week
14.05.2012
Ian Hendon and his Development Squad will end a busy season by jetting to
Hong Kong for the HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens tournament.
With the first team in the npower Championship Play-Off final on Saturday, a
young West Ham United squad will represent the club in the prestigious
seven-a-side tournament in the Far East.
The likes of Jordan Spence, Dan Potts, Rob Hall, Olly Lee and Eoin Wearen
will form the backbone to Hendon's side as they take on Leicester City, HKFC
Captain's Select and Celtic in Group B on Saturday. With Chelsea, Newcastle
United and Aston Villa among the 16 clubs taking part, competition is set to
be fierce, with the finals taking place on Sunday.
Hendon spoke to West Ham TV about a successful 2011/12 campaign and his
hopes of finishing the season on a high.
Hendo, we have reached the climax of the season after more than 30
Development Squad fixtures. It has been a successful campaign, hasn't it?
IH - It has most definitely been a positive season. I have been looking over
the stats and we have used more than 70 players throughout the season,
ranging from 16 or 17-year-old lads in the system through to trialists to my
own players and senior professionals dropping down. We've had 30-odd games
and it's been a bit of a gruelling season.
We might not have been in a reserve-team league, but all of the Development
Squad matches have been competitive and players have had their individual
points to prove, haven't they?
IH - Most definitely. We played a lot of games against Premier League and
Football League sides who have put their squad players in and it has been a
good test for the young lads this season. You cannot replicate playing
against season professionals so it has prepared the boys for what is ahead,
really.
Who have been the standout performers for the Development Squad this season?
IH - There are standout performances which come to mind straight away, but
there are also players who have played the majority of the games this year -
20-25 games throughout the season - who have dealt with it better than most.
We have had so many changes to the team week-in, week-out that they have
been the ones who have put in consistent performances. The likes of Callum
Driver, Eoin Wearen, Olly Lee, George Moncur and Rob Hall have been in there
when they haven't been out on loan, while Brian Montenegro has been
fantastic all year and his goal-ratio is superb. A lot of the scholars have
stepped up like Blair Turgott and Kenzer Lee - the list is almost endless.
The players who have done well are the ones who have played the majority of
the games.
It also represents a new challenge for yourself, who has been used to
managing a smaller squad as a first-team manager and assistant manager,
doesn't it?
IH - I think the major thing for myself was not being in a league. Whereas
before I've been used to having days to prepare for a match and trying to
actually win something, the difficulty for me has been playing friendlies
and having different lads every week. I've had a day's notice to prepare a
group for a game. In the ideal world you'd like three or four days to
prepare for a match and to do a bit of scouting on the opposition so you
know what is coming. You go in blind a lot of the time. It's been a bit of a
learning curve for myself, if I'm being honest, but it's something I've got
used to and I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
The system appears to have worked, with players coming up from the Academy
and through to either the first-team squad or out on loan to Football League
clubs?
IH - The players have developed, I'd like to think. It's about getting these
players ready for the first team. They played friendlies aganist
professional clubs and if we look at them and they handle it, we look to get
them out on loan to league clubs. Quite a few have gone out and I've been
out and monitored their development and they've done ever so well. A lot of
them have taken a step in the right direction this year.
Finally, you and your Development Squad fly to Hong Kong this week for the
HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens. You must all be looking forward
to it?
IH - I've actually played in this competition at the ripe old age of 35! If
they think they are going there for a nice end-of-season trip they are
mistaken because they're going to play on a huge pitch with six outfield
players and a goalkeeper and they'll be getting a workout. It's tough! That
said, it is enjoyable and it's a nice break at the end of the season and a
reward for their hard work. We're going to play some tournament football
against some good teams - Celtic and Leicester are in our group along with
the Hong Kong Football Club . Let's hope the weather is nice because they've
been having thunderstorms this week!
Will you be able to watch the npower Championship Play-Off final on
Saturday?
IH - The game will kick-off at 10pm Hong Kong time. We're very disappointed
that we'll miss the game at Wembley, especially myself as I've been involved
in the first team myself at times this season. We'll get together and watch
it. There is a big screen at Hong Kong Football Club and we'll all be there
watching with interest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor eyes Wembley cheer
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor will draw on his great experience during Saturday's Play-Off
final
15.05.2012
Matt Taylor has played more than 450 league matches and is hoping to draw on
that vast experience during Saturday's npower Championship Play-Off final.
The 30-year-old won promotion with both Luton Town and Portsmouth before
enjoying a fine Premier League career with both Pompey and at Bolton
Wanderers. Taylor also played at Wembley for Bolton in last season's FA Cup
sem-finals, only to suffer a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City. The No14
is hoping to eradicate that memory and complete a personal hat-trick of
promotions on Saturday, but insists he will be keeping his feet on the
ground to ensure he produces the best-possible performance.
"Obviously we all know the importance of it, but I know it probably sounds
like a cliché, but you can't put too much emphasis on the game itself," said
Taylor. "We just have to play the game and not the atmosphere. "It is going
to be a wonderful day for the club in terms of the fact that it is a trip to
Wembley, but we have to make sure that as players we don't get overawed and
caught up in the atmosphere. "It will be one of the biggest games in my
career, but you can make as much out of it as you want. Obviously there will
be a huge build-up in the press and what have you, but from a point of view
in terms of the team we will be keeping low key because you can get too
overawed and the emotions can become raw on the day if you keep hyping
yourself up. "I played at Wembley last season, but it obviously wasn't a
great experience in the FA Cup semi-final, but I have been there so
hopefully I will know what to expect and hopefully it will be a better
experience this time around!"
While Taylor himself will draw on his great experience to keep his own
emotions in check, he said his colleagues were also level-headed enough not
to let the occasion of playing in front of 90,000 supporters for a place in
the Premier League get to them. That said, he admitted that there would
still be some butterflies as the Hammers lineup in the Wembley tunnel ahead
of what is a hugely-important game for the future of the Club. "I don't
think anyone will need calming down," he said. "I think that we all
ultimately know the importance of the game but, in saying that, we want to
make sure that we go about things in the right manner and continue from what
we have done in the past eight to ten weeks in terms of what we have done on
the pitch."
"Everybody is going to be nervous when we step out there, it's arguably the
biggest club game in terms of money - I think someone was talking about £90
million. We all know what is at stake. We all know we want to get back into
the Premier League, but Blackpool are going to be thinking and wanting to do
exactly the same thing."
Taylor also played down media claims that West Ham are big favourites to
succeed at the Home of Football. Blackpool finished above the Hammers in the
Premier League table last season and enjoyed a fine 3-2 aggregate victory
over Birmingham City in the Play-Off semi-finals, and Taylor knows Ian
Holloway's side will be a tough nut to crack. "We are both in the same
position in terms of both teams got relegated last season and obviously both
teams would like to bounce back at the first opportunity. One of us is going
to do so on Saturday and hopefully it will be us. "Blackpool are a good
football team and they are there on merit. They had a really good end to the
season and I watched the second leg of their Play-Off semi-final against
Birmingham and they played good football so it is going to be a very tough
afternoon."
West Ham enjoyed two comprehensive victories over Blackpool during the
regular season - 4-0 at home and 4-1 at Bloomfield Road - but Taylor said
they will be irrelevant at Wembley. However, he does believe the Hammers'
recent run of one defeat in 20 matches means they will travel to the final
feeling confident of completing the job. "It doesn't count for anything. For
me it is 90 minutes now and that is all that is important, the results count
for nothing when the whistle goes at three o'clock on Saturday. "I think
everybody confident because winning football matches breeds confidence, and
that's what we've done. We've scored goals and the forwards are scoring
goals and that always helps so we are in decent form and the boys are in
good spirits."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Devonshire backing the Hammers
WHUFC.com
F.A Cup winner Alan Devonshire is predicting a Wembley success for the
Hammers on Saturday
14.05.2012
Former West Ham United Alan Devonshire has told West Ham TV that he is
backing West Ham United to have a successful day at Wembley on Saturday.
Devonshire knows all about enjoyable days our at Wembley as he was part of
the West Ham team that beat Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup final in 1980,
courtesy of a 13th minute-Trevor Brooking header. The former wide midfielder
says playing at the Home of Football is a great feeling. "It was good times
and it was a good era for the club and it is great that we are back there
again," Devonshire said. "It's a special place and I was lucky enough to
play there a few times. Hopefully it's going to be a fantastic day at
Wembley again for the club."
Devonshire, who made 358 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 29 times, has
faith in the squad to deliver Premier League status for West Ham on
Saturday. The Ex-England International believes they can feed off manager
Sam Allardyce's previous experience of winning the Play-Offs to ensure
success on Saturday. "The club is big enough now and we have players with
loads of experience so I expect us to get a result. Wembley is away from
home and we are decent away from home. I will keep my fingers crossed for
sure. "This club deserves to be in the Premier League and the fans deserve
it too. So hopefully Big Sam and the boys can do the job on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam to sue over 'crook' allegations
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has begun legal proceedings against
Blackburn manager Steve Kean. A video, thought to have been recorded in Hong
Kong last summer showed Kean, who succeeded Allardyce as manager of
Blackburn Rovers dismissing his predecessor as a 'crook'. The comment was
made after Kean, who was being secretly recorded without his knowledge, was
asked why Allardyce was sacked by Rovers, who were relegated from the
Premier League earlier this month. Kean - who also insisted during the video
that he would lead Blackburn to a top ten finish - replied, "Just because
he's a f***ing crook. That's the only reason."
"I haven't spoken to him because he mullered me. I worked my balls off for
him and then he had a go at me, so f*** him."
- Kean on Allardyce
Despite the video being filmed some ten months ago, it was released into the
public domain for the first time this week - clearly designed to destabilise
Allardyce's preparations for this weekend's play-off Final. According to the
Telegraph, Allardyce had instructed his legal representatives to begin legal
proceedings after talks were held this lunchtime.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gone
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's allocation for this weekend's play-off Final sold out this
morning as the last available tickets were snapped up. The few remaining
tickets that went on General Sale this morning were all accounted for within
20 minutes of the 9:00am start time. Reports that just 500 tickets in total
were on sale would appear to be wide of the mark however, with a
spokesperson for SeeTickets telling KUMB.com last night that around four
times that number went to General Sale this morning.
Additionally, a number of supporters were able to purchase tickets in the
areas behind the goal in the West Ham end. As expected, SeeTickets' website
was inundated by supporters hoping to take advantage of today's sale.
However with West Ham's allocation set at just under 39,000, many thousands
of supporters have been left disappointed. Meanwhile Blackpool are
understood to have several thousand tickets still available despite their
allocation being on general sale since last Friday. Some West Ham supporters
have reported success in buying tickets in the opposition end - an
inevitable conclusion given that both sides were given the same allocation,
despite the much higher demand from West Ham United fans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Catch 22
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
I am sure every Hammers fan views Saturday's play-off Final with a potent
mixture of excitment, nervousness and anticipation. We know that West Ham
are the better team and that we should have too much for our opponents. But
we also kow that the Seasiders are determined and spirited footballers who
have performed well this season to reach the Final. We also know that the
best team does not always win a one-off match and there are many factors
that can derail a team's ambitions such as over-confidence, poor
preparation, player error, bad luck and refereeing decisions. Last but not
least, we have learnt over many seasons not to take anything for granted
where West Ham are concerned. It is always possible that West Ham will not
turn up on the day and Blackpool will take advantage. Anyone who was at the
2004 play-off Final, against Crystal Palace, will know the pain and
disappointment of a massive under-perfomance on the big day.
On the positive side, West Ham have really gelled over the last four or five
matches, ever since the disasterous 2-4 home defeat to Reading FC. The
football played against Cardiff City was outstanding. And, more to the
point, we played the right way and never gave Cardiff City a chance to get
in to the match over the semi-final ties. I stated that I wanted Cardiff
City in the semis because I knew that we could beat them. Others saw them as
dangerous opponents after their valiant efforts against Liverpool in the
Cup. We now know those fears were misplaced. Most fans seemed to want to
avoid Birmingham City in the Final and they got their wish. My view was that
they were probably justified in seeing Brum as the more problematic of the
two potential opponents.
Blackpool come with their own inherant dangers, not least their great spirit
and attacking ability. But they also have mirror weaknesses, not least the
fact that they are vumerable at the back and likely to conceed. Indeed, it
poses the question how Ian Holloway will approach the match? Will his team
throw caution to the wind and go for all out attack, the hope being that
they can out score us on the day? Or will they try to play a defensive
match, with 5 in midfield and attempt to beat us on the counter-attack? The
catch 22 for them is that an open, attacking match will also create lots of
space for our forwards to exploit. Brighton adopted that approach and look
what happened to them! Alternatively, do they have the personnel and
discipline to play a defensive, counter-attacking, game? Results this season
indicate that they do not, unless they confound us with hidden qualities on
the day.
So what is going to be their approach to the match? Holloway will know that
West Ham have the measure of his team, having beaten them convincingly both
home and away in the Championship. So, he needs to do something different to
try and change the odds, to break the mould. One of the factors identified
by Holloway in his newspaper columns is the size and power of the West Ham
team. He has stated that in the two league matches West Ham physically
dominated his side and, consequently, they were unable to impose their play
on the games. What is the answer to that? He cannot make his team physically
larger or more imposing, but he can encourage them to adopt a more
aggressive approach to the game. They can attempt to play an extra man in
midfield in an attempt to seize control of the game or perhaps they will
seek to exploit Wembley's wide, open flanks with the pace of Thomas Ince and
Matt Phillips. Will they endeavour to 'get at' our full-backs and put Reid
and Tomkins under pressure with dangerous low crosses in to the box?
Blackpool could try all of those things, but they are easier said than done.
I would be extremely surprised if they came out on top in midfield; while
Demel and Taylor or McCartney should have the experience and ability to deal
with Ince and Phillips. As for aggression, they can try it but it is a
dangerous approach that carries the danger of yellow and red cards. Also,
all things being equal, I just cannot see West Ham losing a physical contest
with Blackpool. They may get on top for periods, but I do not doubt West
Ham's ability to wrest back control. And a crucial difference between the
teams is that West Ham are looking defensively solid. Can Blackpool say the
same? Look at how Brum pegged them back from 3-0 on aggregate to 3-2. Also
we have variation in our play, we can play it on the ground or launch an
ariel bombardment, pushing lots of bodies in the box. Birmingham City
collapsed in the face of those tactics, would Blackpool hold up any better?
I think not.
We are favourites to win the Final for very good reasons. But under-dogs do
come out on top, ask Man Utd how many times under-dog Hammers teams have
defeated them home and away over the decades. But if we play to our
potential, exploit our advantages and impose ourselves we should emerge
victorious. If we take them too lightly or let the occasion overwhelm us
then, equally, defeat is a possibility. The answer lies in wanting it more
than them, performing on the day and winning with efficiency and total
ruthlessness. We saw a very clinical/ruthlessly effective West Ham in the
semis, now we must replicate that to overcome the final obstacle to a PL
return.
West Ham have better quality players, are ihave good team spirit and
excellent form, fitness levels are the highest they have been for over two
seasons and we hold the psychological advantage over Blackpool. If we cannot
win from that position, and with those advantages, then it has to be
grudgingly admitted that we do not deserve to go up. It's as straightforward
as that.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Does Demba Ba Want to Leave Newcastle Utd in the Summer?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
A report has emerged that Demba Ba may seek a move from Newcastle Utd this
summer. The reason cited, after such a relatively successful season with the
bar codes? Allegedly he is tired of being play out wide, rather than through
the middle as a central striker. Sources at West Ham predicted that Ba's
camp might seek a move sooner rather than later. No doubt a fair number of
clubs, in the PL and abroad, would be interested in securing his services,
especially if the rumour is true about a £6m release clause. The only
problem being the risk associated with his knee condition.
Surely a promoted West Ham would be interested in acquiring a PL goal scorer
of Ba's proven pedigree. Whether that is a 'goer' on either side, however,
is highly debatable. If Ba does want to move on, it is probable that he will
have ambitions to join a club already in or with realistic prospects of
qualifying for Champions League football. While perhaps the West Ham
hierarchy have not really forgiven Ba's decision to walk last summer, after
West Ham took a risk on his knee and gave him his break in the PL?
Furthermore, would we be prepared to meet his likely wage demands even if
was prepared to move back to the Hammers?
Would Hammers fans welcome back Ba? Although he left last summer, exercising
his relegation release clause, there is no indication that Ba;s addition was
anything but positive to team morale duing his hal a season with us. It is
probably a non-starter, but it is interesting to speculate on the
eventuality and gage suporters views.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce to sue Kean AND Blackburn over former No 2's foul-mouthed rant
By CHRIS WHEELER
PUBLISHED: 00:18, 16 May 2012 | UPDATED: 00:18, 16 May 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce is suing his old club Blackburn and their manager Steve Kean
over derogatory comments his successor at Ewood Park is alleged to have made
about him. Kean's future was already under threat when he landed in India
for crisis talks with owners Venky's on Tuesday, but he now faces more
problems after disgruntled fans from The BRFC Action Group claimed
responsibility for posting a video clip of him on the club's pre-season trip
to Hong Kong last summer.
Speaking to supporters in a bar, Kean appears to make unguarded comments
about Allardyce in which he questions the integrity of the man who appointed
him as first-team coach at Blackburn.
ROVERS FANS GRANTED MEETING
The fans' group campaigning for the removal of Blackburn manager Steve Kean
have been granted meetings with Government and the Premier League to air
their concerns. The BRFC Action Group have long called for the removal of
Kean and claim owners Venky's, the Indian poultry firm, are not fit and
proper persons to run the club. Their campaign has been stepped up since the
club were relegated from the Barclays Premier League amid scenes of unrest
and protest at Ewood Park last week. Allardyce instructed his lawyers to sue
Kean for slander, and he is taking legal action against Blackburn as well
because Kean is an employee who was on club business at the time. Asked
about his relationship with Allardyce since he replaced him as manager in
December 2010, Kean is also heard saying: 'I haven't spoken to him. He
mullered me so I said f*** him. 'I worked my b***s off for him and then he
had a go at me so f*** him.' The 44-year-old Scot appears to claim the
credit for Phil Jones's emergence from Blackburn's academy before he was
sold to Manchester United for £16.5million last summer, as well as telling
the fans that his team would finish in the top half of the table and win the
Carling Cup.
In fact, Blackburn were relegated from the Premier League and could be
replaced by Allardyce's West Ham this weekend. The release of the video clip
appears to have been timed to cause maximum embarrassment for Kean as he
arrived in Pune for talks with Venky's. A petition signed by 5,000 fans
calling for him to be sacked has already been sent to the Indian owners. It
also coincided with news that Blackburn MP Jack Straw has helped set up a
meeting between The BRFC Action Group and sports minister Hugh Robertson
next month, while the Premier League have agreed in principle to hold talks
with them.
The former chairman of Blackburn's neighbours Accrington Stanley claimed
yesterday that he is ready to head a consortium of local businessman
interested in buying the club if Venky's are prepared to sell. Ilyas Khan
said: 'If they were to decide that it's time for them to move on to a
different business venture, I think our consortium is the only one that
could turn this into a success for the town.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce starts legal action against Kean
Move comes after footage is leaked of Rovers manager questioning his
predecessor's abilities
MARTIN HARDY WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2012
Independent.co.uk
Sam Allardyce's legal representatives have sent letters to Steve Kean and
Blackburn Rovers following video footage that shows the club's manager
making disparaging remarks about his former colleague.
Kean was secretly videoed by supporters during Blackburn's trip to Hong Kong
last summer. He tells those fans that Rovers will definitely finish in the
top 10 (for the season that has just finished, when they were relegated),
also win the Carling Cup and places a £100 bet with them. However, it is the
potentially libellous comments about Allardyce, who was in charge when Kean
was a coach at Ewood Park, that have seen legal proceedings begin.
Allardyce, now manager at West Ham United and preparing for Saturday's
Championship play-off final with Blackpool, only became aware of the YouTube
video yesterday morning. He met his legal team just after lunchtime and the
decision was made to begin proceedings. The footage that has sparked the
controversy was filmed months ago but its posting on Twitter has pushed it
into the public domain. It shows Kean questioning the operating methods and
ability of the man who was manager before him at Blackburn.
Kean and Allardyce fell out hugely after the latter was sacked by Venky's,
Blackburn's owners, in December 2010, despite the team being 13th in the
Premier League at the time. To the surprise of many, especially in light of
promises of big-money signings such as Ronaldinho and speculation linking
Diego Maradona with the vacant manager's position, the Indian owners instead
promoted from within.
Kean, however, has faced a huge public backlash in Blackburn since he was
given the job, with repeated demonstrations calling for him to be sacked or
to resign. The local newspaper has twice called for him to go and his
appointment has been blamed for the huge disappointment of the current
campaign, which ended in relegation before the final game of the season.
The 44-year-old Scot was flying to Pune yesterday to meet Venky's owner
Anuradha Desai for further talks about his position. It has been alleged
that the relationship between Desai and Kean's wife Margaret was the reason
he has kept his position at Ewood Park.
Kean insisted last week that he retained the support of the Rao family,
which owns Venky's, despite Blackburn's demotion to the Championship, and
that the controversial family were the right people to lead the club back
into the Premier League.
A legal letter has also been sent to them from Allardyce's representatives
as the employers of Kean. Allardyce is said to be furious with the slur. The
release of the four-minute YouTube rant by Kean was calculated to cause
maximum embarrassment as he fights for his job; the BRFC Action Group, who
have repeatedly called for his dismissal and the removal of Venky's, posted
the video on their website yesterday. They have also been granted meetings
with the Government and the Premier League to air their concerns.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Steve Kean's problems just get worse at Blackburn Rovers following public
rant over Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce is suing Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean and is also
considering legal action against the Ewood Park club following Kean's
astonishing attack on his predecessor on YouTube.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy10:00PM BST 15 May 20121 Comment
Allardyce, sacked by Rovers in 2010 and now with West Ham, has instructed
his lawyers to initiate proceedings against Kean, his former assistant.
Allardyce is understood to be "seething" about the inflammatory remarks made
by Kean that cast doubt on his integrity, his operating methods and ability
as a manager. The comments were filmed by Rovers fans in a Hong Kong bar
during the club's pre-season tour of the Far East last summer. Allardyce is
also ready to sue his former club in a move that will only increase the
pressure on both Kean and the Indian owners, Venky's. It is believed that,
under the severance package agreed when Allardyce was dismissed, neither he
nor Rovers are permitted to make derogatory remarks about each other.
Allardyce is understood to view Kean's comments as a breach of contract by
Blackburn and is determined to take the matter to court. Talks were held
with his solicitors on Tuesday after he was alerted to the video footage
that had gained more than 170,000 hits on YouTube last night, and letters
have been served.
Kean was unaware he was being filmed but his remarks are still classed as
defamatory. Kean, who could be in further hot water with the game's
authorities over his rant, is set to meet his bosses for talks in Pune on
Wednesday following Blackburn's relegation from the Premier League. He has
maintained that his position is safe with Venky's and he still retains the
support of co-owner Anurudha Desai, but this latest episode will only
increase the pressure on him. Deputy chief executive Paul Hunt was ousted
last week after an email sent to Desai expressing his concerns at both Kean
and the future of the club was leaked. Blackburn fans have mounted a
concerted campaign over the past 18 months to have the Scot removed and made
another appeal yesterday by emailing a petition to Desai with the names of
nearly 4,500 supporters. The email requests that "Venky's, as owners and
custodians of our historic football club, terminate the employment of Mr
Steve Kean at Blackburn Rovers Football Club with immediate effect. "His
record as a manager during his 18-month spell in charge of the club is among
the worst in the 20-year history of the Premier League and he is undoubtedly
the worst and arguably the most unpopular in the entire 137-year history of
our football club."
The BRFC Action Group are now planning to meet with government and the
Premier League to air their concerns. Blackburn MP Jack Straw has
facilitated a meeting of the fans with sports minister Hugh Robertson next
month and the Premier League have agreed in principle to meet them too. A
statement from the group's committee read: "We as a group of supporters,
elected by its members, are disgusted that our club has been allowed to be
pillaged with very little resistance from the regulatory bodies who should
act in the best interest of the sport and supporters."
Venky's said last week they had no intention of relinquishing control at
Rovers. Despite that, there is interest in buying the club from elsewhere.
Former Accrington Stanley chairman Ilyas Khan has said he is prepared to
front a consortium after holding discussions with local investors and
businessmen. Blackburn are also facing an exodus of players following
demotion to the Championship, with Junior Hoilett, Paul Robinson, Martin
Olsson and Steven Nzonzi all expected to depart this summer.
Hoilett is wanted by Chelsea and Spurs while Sweden international defender
Olsson has emerged as a target for Chelsea and Stoke City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison gives West Ham major fitness boost
By talkSPORT | Tuesday, May 15, 2012
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison has given the club a major boost by
returning to training and is confident of being fit for the Championship
play-off final against Blackpool on Saturday. Collison was a big doubt for
the showdown at Wembley after picking up a shoulder injury during the
semi-final victory over Cardiff last week.
The Wales international was forced to leave the field and had scans to
assess the damage. Those showed no long-term problems and Collison joined
the rest of the first-team squad in training on Tuesday. Manager Sam
Allardyce said: "He has a very, very good chance of making it in time. "When
he first did it, we were thinking about surgery and him being out for a long
time, but he has recovered remarkably well so we are very hopeful."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The 500 remaining Play-Off final tickets were all snapped up on Tuesday
morning
14.05.2012
West Ham United can confirm that the 500 tickets that went on General Sale
at 9am on Tuesday morning have all sold out. That means West Ham have now
sold their entire allocation of tickets for the big Wembley final against
Blackpool on Saturday. All tickets on sale by West Ham United are in the
West Ham section of Wembley after the segregation area was moved to allow
the additional Hammers into the stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo pen new deals
WHUFC.com
Young professionals Callum Driver and Eoin Wearen have signed new one-year
contracts
15.05.2012
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that young professionals Callum
Driver and Eoin Wearen have signed new one-year contracts. Full-back Driver
and centre-back Wearen (pictured) have both continued their education this
season after coming through the Academy of Football and penning their first
professional deals a year ago. Driver and Wearen have both been out on loan
at npower League Two clubs - Burton Albion and Dagenham and Redbridge
respectively - while the pair have also featured regularly in Ian Hendon's
Development Squad. The duo, both 19, are considered to be bright prospects
and will form part of Hendon's squad which flies out to Hong Kong for the
HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens this weekend.
Driver, who joined West Ham at the age of 12, made 24 Development Squad
appearances this season. He joined in Burton in January 2012, scoring one
goal in eight league appearances. He said: "Overall it's been a good season.
I've got experience and got out on loan which was the target at the start.
The highlights have been my first league goal and my league debut at Burton,
which is something every footballer looks forward to. "I just keep my head
down and keep working - that's the way it has to be done. You've got to have
desire and commitment if you want to be a footballer. I want to get out on
loan again next season and get to a bigger club and get more experience and
keep building my career. "I've worked this whole year to get another
contract, so to think the Club believes in me and sees that I have got more
development in me is nice. "Our full-backs are great players - George
McCartney has played in the Premier League and Guy Demel has played in
Germany as well, so I'd like to follow in their footsteps. Hopefully I can
emulate them in the next few years."
Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Wearen joined the club at the age
of 16 after moving to London from his native Dublin. This season, he has
made 23 Development Squad appearances, scoring three goals. Wearen also
played four games on loan at Dagenham and Redbridge in January, helping the
Daggers to gain a creditable 0-0 FA Cup with Budweiser third-round draw with
Championship side Millwall. "I've worked hard for this contract this season
so now I can enjoy my summer. It was a gamble to change to a position I had
never played in before (centre-back) halfway through the season, but it has
obviously been a good thing because I have developed and improved as the
season has gone on. "Playing the FA Cup was nice. I made my home and away
debuts against Millwall, which not many players do. A lot of good players
have been released this year, so I know I am one of the lucky ones who have
been kept on. I'd like to think I have earned this contract. "I think it has
been decided that the way forward for me and how I will progress at this
club is as a defender. I'm only 19, so this extra year will give me more
time and I feel I can continue to improve a lot again. If I keep my
performance level up, hopefully I can get into the gaffer's plans."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers head for Hong Kong
WHUFC.com
Ian Hendon's Development Squad will fly out to the Far East this week
14.05.2012
Ian Hendon and his Development Squad will end a busy season by jetting to
Hong Kong for the HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens tournament.
With the first team in the npower Championship Play-Off final on Saturday, a
young West Ham United squad will represent the club in the prestigious
seven-a-side tournament in the Far East.
The likes of Jordan Spence, Dan Potts, Rob Hall, Olly Lee and Eoin Wearen
will form the backbone to Hendon's side as they take on Leicester City, HKFC
Captain's Select and Celtic in Group B on Saturday. With Chelsea, Newcastle
United and Aston Villa among the 16 clubs taking part, competition is set to
be fierce, with the finals taking place on Sunday.
Hendon spoke to West Ham TV about a successful 2011/12 campaign and his
hopes of finishing the season on a high.
Hendo, we have reached the climax of the season after more than 30
Development Squad fixtures. It has been a successful campaign, hasn't it?
IH - It has most definitely been a positive season. I have been looking over
the stats and we have used more than 70 players throughout the season,
ranging from 16 or 17-year-old lads in the system through to trialists to my
own players and senior professionals dropping down. We've had 30-odd games
and it's been a bit of a gruelling season.
We might not have been in a reserve-team league, but all of the Development
Squad matches have been competitive and players have had their individual
points to prove, haven't they?
IH - Most definitely. We played a lot of games against Premier League and
Football League sides who have put their squad players in and it has been a
good test for the young lads this season. You cannot replicate playing
against season professionals so it has prepared the boys for what is ahead,
really.
Who have been the standout performers for the Development Squad this season?
IH - There are standout performances which come to mind straight away, but
there are also players who have played the majority of the games this year -
20-25 games throughout the season - who have dealt with it better than most.
We have had so many changes to the team week-in, week-out that they have
been the ones who have put in consistent performances. The likes of Callum
Driver, Eoin Wearen, Olly Lee, George Moncur and Rob Hall have been in there
when they haven't been out on loan, while Brian Montenegro has been
fantastic all year and his goal-ratio is superb. A lot of the scholars have
stepped up like Blair Turgott and Kenzer Lee - the list is almost endless.
The players who have done well are the ones who have played the majority of
the games.
It also represents a new challenge for yourself, who has been used to
managing a smaller squad as a first-team manager and assistant manager,
doesn't it?
IH - I think the major thing for myself was not being in a league. Whereas
before I've been used to having days to prepare for a match and trying to
actually win something, the difficulty for me has been playing friendlies
and having different lads every week. I've had a day's notice to prepare a
group for a game. In the ideal world you'd like three or four days to
prepare for a match and to do a bit of scouting on the opposition so you
know what is coming. You go in blind a lot of the time. It's been a bit of a
learning curve for myself, if I'm being honest, but it's something I've got
used to and I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
The system appears to have worked, with players coming up from the Academy
and through to either the first-team squad or out on loan to Football League
clubs?
IH - The players have developed, I'd like to think. It's about getting these
players ready for the first team. They played friendlies aganist
professional clubs and if we look at them and they handle it, we look to get
them out on loan to league clubs. Quite a few have gone out and I've been
out and monitored their development and they've done ever so well. A lot of
them have taken a step in the right direction this year.
Finally, you and your Development Squad fly to Hong Kong this week for the
HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens. You must all be looking forward
to it?
IH - I've actually played in this competition at the ripe old age of 35! If
they think they are going there for a nice end-of-season trip they are
mistaken because they're going to play on a huge pitch with six outfield
players and a goalkeeper and they'll be getting a workout. It's tough! That
said, it is enjoyable and it's a nice break at the end of the season and a
reward for their hard work. We're going to play some tournament football
against some good teams - Celtic and Leicester are in our group along with
the Hong Kong Football Club . Let's hope the weather is nice because they've
been having thunderstorms this week!
Will you be able to watch the npower Championship Play-Off final on
Saturday?
IH - The game will kick-off at 10pm Hong Kong time. We're very disappointed
that we'll miss the game at Wembley, especially myself as I've been involved
in the first team myself at times this season. We'll get together and watch
it. There is a big screen at Hong Kong Football Club and we'll all be there
watching with interest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor eyes Wembley cheer
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor will draw on his great experience during Saturday's Play-Off
final
15.05.2012
Matt Taylor has played more than 450 league matches and is hoping to draw on
that vast experience during Saturday's npower Championship Play-Off final.
The 30-year-old won promotion with both Luton Town and Portsmouth before
enjoying a fine Premier League career with both Pompey and at Bolton
Wanderers. Taylor also played at Wembley for Bolton in last season's FA Cup
sem-finals, only to suffer a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City. The No14
is hoping to eradicate that memory and complete a personal hat-trick of
promotions on Saturday, but insists he will be keeping his feet on the
ground to ensure he produces the best-possible performance.
"Obviously we all know the importance of it, but I know it probably sounds
like a cliché, but you can't put too much emphasis on the game itself," said
Taylor. "We just have to play the game and not the atmosphere. "It is going
to be a wonderful day for the club in terms of the fact that it is a trip to
Wembley, but we have to make sure that as players we don't get overawed and
caught up in the atmosphere. "It will be one of the biggest games in my
career, but you can make as much out of it as you want. Obviously there will
be a huge build-up in the press and what have you, but from a point of view
in terms of the team we will be keeping low key because you can get too
overawed and the emotions can become raw on the day if you keep hyping
yourself up. "I played at Wembley last season, but it obviously wasn't a
great experience in the FA Cup semi-final, but I have been there so
hopefully I will know what to expect and hopefully it will be a better
experience this time around!"
While Taylor himself will draw on his great experience to keep his own
emotions in check, he said his colleagues were also level-headed enough not
to let the occasion of playing in front of 90,000 supporters for a place in
the Premier League get to them. That said, he admitted that there would
still be some butterflies as the Hammers lineup in the Wembley tunnel ahead
of what is a hugely-important game for the future of the Club. "I don't
think anyone will need calming down," he said. "I think that we all
ultimately know the importance of the game but, in saying that, we want to
make sure that we go about things in the right manner and continue from what
we have done in the past eight to ten weeks in terms of what we have done on
the pitch."
"Everybody is going to be nervous when we step out there, it's arguably the
biggest club game in terms of money - I think someone was talking about £90
million. We all know what is at stake. We all know we want to get back into
the Premier League, but Blackpool are going to be thinking and wanting to do
exactly the same thing."
Taylor also played down media claims that West Ham are big favourites to
succeed at the Home of Football. Blackpool finished above the Hammers in the
Premier League table last season and enjoyed a fine 3-2 aggregate victory
over Birmingham City in the Play-Off semi-finals, and Taylor knows Ian
Holloway's side will be a tough nut to crack. "We are both in the same
position in terms of both teams got relegated last season and obviously both
teams would like to bounce back at the first opportunity. One of us is going
to do so on Saturday and hopefully it will be us. "Blackpool are a good
football team and they are there on merit. They had a really good end to the
season and I watched the second leg of their Play-Off semi-final against
Birmingham and they played good football so it is going to be a very tough
afternoon."
West Ham enjoyed two comprehensive victories over Blackpool during the
regular season - 4-0 at home and 4-1 at Bloomfield Road - but Taylor said
they will be irrelevant at Wembley. However, he does believe the Hammers'
recent run of one defeat in 20 matches means they will travel to the final
feeling confident of completing the job. "It doesn't count for anything. For
me it is 90 minutes now and that is all that is important, the results count
for nothing when the whistle goes at three o'clock on Saturday. "I think
everybody confident because winning football matches breeds confidence, and
that's what we've done. We've scored goals and the forwards are scoring
goals and that always helps so we are in decent form and the boys are in
good spirits."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Devonshire backing the Hammers
WHUFC.com
F.A Cup winner Alan Devonshire is predicting a Wembley success for the
Hammers on Saturday
14.05.2012
Former West Ham United Alan Devonshire has told West Ham TV that he is
backing West Ham United to have a successful day at Wembley on Saturday.
Devonshire knows all about enjoyable days our at Wembley as he was part of
the West Ham team that beat Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup final in 1980,
courtesy of a 13th minute-Trevor Brooking header. The former wide midfielder
says playing at the Home of Football is a great feeling. "It was good times
and it was a good era for the club and it is great that we are back there
again," Devonshire said. "It's a special place and I was lucky enough to
play there a few times. Hopefully it's going to be a fantastic day at
Wembley again for the club."
Devonshire, who made 358 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 29 times, has
faith in the squad to deliver Premier League status for West Ham on
Saturday. The Ex-England International believes they can feed off manager
Sam Allardyce's previous experience of winning the Play-Offs to ensure
success on Saturday. "The club is big enough now and we have players with
loads of experience so I expect us to get a result. Wembley is away from
home and we are decent away from home. I will keep my fingers crossed for
sure. "This club deserves to be in the Premier League and the fans deserve
it too. So hopefully Big Sam and the boys can do the job on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam to sue over 'crook' allegations
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has begun legal proceedings against
Blackburn manager Steve Kean. A video, thought to have been recorded in Hong
Kong last summer showed Kean, who succeeded Allardyce as manager of
Blackburn Rovers dismissing his predecessor as a 'crook'. The comment was
made after Kean, who was being secretly recorded without his knowledge, was
asked why Allardyce was sacked by Rovers, who were relegated from the
Premier League earlier this month. Kean - who also insisted during the video
that he would lead Blackburn to a top ten finish - replied, "Just because
he's a f***ing crook. That's the only reason."
"I haven't spoken to him because he mullered me. I worked my balls off for
him and then he had a go at me, so f*** him."
- Kean on Allardyce
Despite the video being filmed some ten months ago, it was released into the
public domain for the first time this week - clearly designed to destabilise
Allardyce's preparations for this weekend's play-off Final. According to the
Telegraph, Allardyce had instructed his legal representatives to begin legal
proceedings after talks were held this lunchtime.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gone
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th May 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's allocation for this weekend's play-off Final sold out this
morning as the last available tickets were snapped up. The few remaining
tickets that went on General Sale this morning were all accounted for within
20 minutes of the 9:00am start time. Reports that just 500 tickets in total
were on sale would appear to be wide of the mark however, with a
spokesperson for SeeTickets telling KUMB.com last night that around four
times that number went to General Sale this morning.
Additionally, a number of supporters were able to purchase tickets in the
areas behind the goal in the West Ham end. As expected, SeeTickets' website
was inundated by supporters hoping to take advantage of today's sale.
However with West Ham's allocation set at just under 39,000, many thousands
of supporters have been left disappointed. Meanwhile Blackpool are
understood to have several thousand tickets still available despite their
allocation being on general sale since last Friday. Some West Ham supporters
have reported success in buying tickets in the opposition end - an
inevitable conclusion given that both sides were given the same allocation,
despite the much higher demand from West Ham United fans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Catch 22
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
I am sure every Hammers fan views Saturday's play-off Final with a potent
mixture of excitment, nervousness and anticipation. We know that West Ham
are the better team and that we should have too much for our opponents. But
we also kow that the Seasiders are determined and spirited footballers who
have performed well this season to reach the Final. We also know that the
best team does not always win a one-off match and there are many factors
that can derail a team's ambitions such as over-confidence, poor
preparation, player error, bad luck and refereeing decisions. Last but not
least, we have learnt over many seasons not to take anything for granted
where West Ham are concerned. It is always possible that West Ham will not
turn up on the day and Blackpool will take advantage. Anyone who was at the
2004 play-off Final, against Crystal Palace, will know the pain and
disappointment of a massive under-perfomance on the big day.
On the positive side, West Ham have really gelled over the last four or five
matches, ever since the disasterous 2-4 home defeat to Reading FC. The
football played against Cardiff City was outstanding. And, more to the
point, we played the right way and never gave Cardiff City a chance to get
in to the match over the semi-final ties. I stated that I wanted Cardiff
City in the semis because I knew that we could beat them. Others saw them as
dangerous opponents after their valiant efforts against Liverpool in the
Cup. We now know those fears were misplaced. Most fans seemed to want to
avoid Birmingham City in the Final and they got their wish. My view was that
they were probably justified in seeing Brum as the more problematic of the
two potential opponents.
Blackpool come with their own inherant dangers, not least their great spirit
and attacking ability. But they also have mirror weaknesses, not least the
fact that they are vumerable at the back and likely to conceed. Indeed, it
poses the question how Ian Holloway will approach the match? Will his team
throw caution to the wind and go for all out attack, the hope being that
they can out score us on the day? Or will they try to play a defensive
match, with 5 in midfield and attempt to beat us on the counter-attack? The
catch 22 for them is that an open, attacking match will also create lots of
space for our forwards to exploit. Brighton adopted that approach and look
what happened to them! Alternatively, do they have the personnel and
discipline to play a defensive, counter-attacking, game? Results this season
indicate that they do not, unless they confound us with hidden qualities on
the day.
So what is going to be their approach to the match? Holloway will know that
West Ham have the measure of his team, having beaten them convincingly both
home and away in the Championship. So, he needs to do something different to
try and change the odds, to break the mould. One of the factors identified
by Holloway in his newspaper columns is the size and power of the West Ham
team. He has stated that in the two league matches West Ham physically
dominated his side and, consequently, they were unable to impose their play
on the games. What is the answer to that? He cannot make his team physically
larger or more imposing, but he can encourage them to adopt a more
aggressive approach to the game. They can attempt to play an extra man in
midfield in an attempt to seize control of the game or perhaps they will
seek to exploit Wembley's wide, open flanks with the pace of Thomas Ince and
Matt Phillips. Will they endeavour to 'get at' our full-backs and put Reid
and Tomkins under pressure with dangerous low crosses in to the box?
Blackpool could try all of those things, but they are easier said than done.
I would be extremely surprised if they came out on top in midfield; while
Demel and Taylor or McCartney should have the experience and ability to deal
with Ince and Phillips. As for aggression, they can try it but it is a
dangerous approach that carries the danger of yellow and red cards. Also,
all things being equal, I just cannot see West Ham losing a physical contest
with Blackpool. They may get on top for periods, but I do not doubt West
Ham's ability to wrest back control. And a crucial difference between the
teams is that West Ham are looking defensively solid. Can Blackpool say the
same? Look at how Brum pegged them back from 3-0 on aggregate to 3-2. Also
we have variation in our play, we can play it on the ground or launch an
ariel bombardment, pushing lots of bodies in the box. Birmingham City
collapsed in the face of those tactics, would Blackpool hold up any better?
I think not.
We are favourites to win the Final for very good reasons. But under-dogs do
come out on top, ask Man Utd how many times under-dog Hammers teams have
defeated them home and away over the decades. But if we play to our
potential, exploit our advantages and impose ourselves we should emerge
victorious. If we take them too lightly or let the occasion overwhelm us
then, equally, defeat is a possibility. The answer lies in wanting it more
than them, performing on the day and winning with efficiency and total
ruthlessness. We saw a very clinical/ruthlessly effective West Ham in the
semis, now we must replicate that to overcome the final obstacle to a PL
return.
West Ham have better quality players, are ihave good team spirit and
excellent form, fitness levels are the highest they have been for over two
seasons and we hold the psychological advantage over Blackpool. If we cannot
win from that position, and with those advantages, then it has to be
grudgingly admitted that we do not deserve to go up. It's as straightforward
as that.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Does Demba Ba Want to Leave Newcastle Utd in the Summer?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
A report has emerged that Demba Ba may seek a move from Newcastle Utd this
summer. The reason cited, after such a relatively successful season with the
bar codes? Allegedly he is tired of being play out wide, rather than through
the middle as a central striker. Sources at West Ham predicted that Ba's
camp might seek a move sooner rather than later. No doubt a fair number of
clubs, in the PL and abroad, would be interested in securing his services,
especially if the rumour is true about a £6m release clause. The only
problem being the risk associated with his knee condition.
Surely a promoted West Ham would be interested in acquiring a PL goal scorer
of Ba's proven pedigree. Whether that is a 'goer' on either side, however,
is highly debatable. If Ba does want to move on, it is probable that he will
have ambitions to join a club already in or with realistic prospects of
qualifying for Champions League football. While perhaps the West Ham
hierarchy have not really forgiven Ba's decision to walk last summer, after
West Ham took a risk on his knee and gave him his break in the PL?
Furthermore, would we be prepared to meet his likely wage demands even if
was prepared to move back to the Hammers?
Would Hammers fans welcome back Ba? Although he left last summer, exercising
his relegation release clause, there is no indication that Ba;s addition was
anything but positive to team morale duing his hal a season with us. It is
probably a non-starter, but it is interesting to speculate on the
eventuality and gage suporters views.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce to sue Kean AND Blackburn over former No 2's foul-mouthed rant
By CHRIS WHEELER
PUBLISHED: 00:18, 16 May 2012 | UPDATED: 00:18, 16 May 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce is suing his old club Blackburn and their manager Steve Kean
over derogatory comments his successor at Ewood Park is alleged to have made
about him. Kean's future was already under threat when he landed in India
for crisis talks with owners Venky's on Tuesday, but he now faces more
problems after disgruntled fans from The BRFC Action Group claimed
responsibility for posting a video clip of him on the club's pre-season trip
to Hong Kong last summer.
Speaking to supporters in a bar, Kean appears to make unguarded comments
about Allardyce in which he questions the integrity of the man who appointed
him as first-team coach at Blackburn.
ROVERS FANS GRANTED MEETING
The fans' group campaigning for the removal of Blackburn manager Steve Kean
have been granted meetings with Government and the Premier League to air
their concerns. The BRFC Action Group have long called for the removal of
Kean and claim owners Venky's, the Indian poultry firm, are not fit and
proper persons to run the club. Their campaign has been stepped up since the
club were relegated from the Barclays Premier League amid scenes of unrest
and protest at Ewood Park last week. Allardyce instructed his lawyers to sue
Kean for slander, and he is taking legal action against Blackburn as well
because Kean is an employee who was on club business at the time. Asked
about his relationship with Allardyce since he replaced him as manager in
December 2010, Kean is also heard saying: 'I haven't spoken to him. He
mullered me so I said f*** him. 'I worked my b***s off for him and then he
had a go at me so f*** him.' The 44-year-old Scot appears to claim the
credit for Phil Jones's emergence from Blackburn's academy before he was
sold to Manchester United for £16.5million last summer, as well as telling
the fans that his team would finish in the top half of the table and win the
Carling Cup.
In fact, Blackburn were relegated from the Premier League and could be
replaced by Allardyce's West Ham this weekend. The release of the video clip
appears to have been timed to cause maximum embarrassment for Kean as he
arrived in Pune for talks with Venky's. A petition signed by 5,000 fans
calling for him to be sacked has already been sent to the Indian owners. It
also coincided with news that Blackburn MP Jack Straw has helped set up a
meeting between The BRFC Action Group and sports minister Hugh Robertson
next month, while the Premier League have agreed in principle to hold talks
with them.
The former chairman of Blackburn's neighbours Accrington Stanley claimed
yesterday that he is ready to head a consortium of local businessman
interested in buying the club if Venky's are prepared to sell. Ilyas Khan
said: 'If they were to decide that it's time for them to move on to a
different business venture, I think our consortium is the only one that
could turn this into a success for the town.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce starts legal action against Kean
Move comes after footage is leaked of Rovers manager questioning his
predecessor's abilities
MARTIN HARDY WEDNESDAY 16 MAY 2012
Independent.co.uk
Sam Allardyce's legal representatives have sent letters to Steve Kean and
Blackburn Rovers following video footage that shows the club's manager
making disparaging remarks about his former colleague.
Kean was secretly videoed by supporters during Blackburn's trip to Hong Kong
last summer. He tells those fans that Rovers will definitely finish in the
top 10 (for the season that has just finished, when they were relegated),
also win the Carling Cup and places a £100 bet with them. However, it is the
potentially libellous comments about Allardyce, who was in charge when Kean
was a coach at Ewood Park, that have seen legal proceedings begin.
Allardyce, now manager at West Ham United and preparing for Saturday's
Championship play-off final with Blackpool, only became aware of the YouTube
video yesterday morning. He met his legal team just after lunchtime and the
decision was made to begin proceedings. The footage that has sparked the
controversy was filmed months ago but its posting on Twitter has pushed it
into the public domain. It shows Kean questioning the operating methods and
ability of the man who was manager before him at Blackburn.
Kean and Allardyce fell out hugely after the latter was sacked by Venky's,
Blackburn's owners, in December 2010, despite the team being 13th in the
Premier League at the time. To the surprise of many, especially in light of
promises of big-money signings such as Ronaldinho and speculation linking
Diego Maradona with the vacant manager's position, the Indian owners instead
promoted from within.
Kean, however, has faced a huge public backlash in Blackburn since he was
given the job, with repeated demonstrations calling for him to be sacked or
to resign. The local newspaper has twice called for him to go and his
appointment has been blamed for the huge disappointment of the current
campaign, which ended in relegation before the final game of the season.
The 44-year-old Scot was flying to Pune yesterday to meet Venky's owner
Anuradha Desai for further talks about his position. It has been alleged
that the relationship between Desai and Kean's wife Margaret was the reason
he has kept his position at Ewood Park.
Kean insisted last week that he retained the support of the Rao family,
which owns Venky's, despite Blackburn's demotion to the Championship, and
that the controversial family were the right people to lead the club back
into the Premier League.
A legal letter has also been sent to them from Allardyce's representatives
as the employers of Kean. Allardyce is said to be furious with the slur. The
release of the four-minute YouTube rant by Kean was calculated to cause
maximum embarrassment as he fights for his job; the BRFC Action Group, who
have repeatedly called for his dismissal and the removal of Venky's, posted
the video on their website yesterday. They have also been granted meetings
with the Government and the Premier League to air their concerns.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Steve Kean's problems just get worse at Blackburn Rovers following public
rant over Sam Allardyce
Sam Allardyce is suing Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean and is also
considering legal action against the Ewood Park club following Kean's
astonishing attack on his predecessor on YouTube.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy10:00PM BST 15 May 20121 Comment
Allardyce, sacked by Rovers in 2010 and now with West Ham, has instructed
his lawyers to initiate proceedings against Kean, his former assistant.
Allardyce is understood to be "seething" about the inflammatory remarks made
by Kean that cast doubt on his integrity, his operating methods and ability
as a manager. The comments were filmed by Rovers fans in a Hong Kong bar
during the club's pre-season tour of the Far East last summer. Allardyce is
also ready to sue his former club in a move that will only increase the
pressure on both Kean and the Indian owners, Venky's. It is believed that,
under the severance package agreed when Allardyce was dismissed, neither he
nor Rovers are permitted to make derogatory remarks about each other.
Allardyce is understood to view Kean's comments as a breach of contract by
Blackburn and is determined to take the matter to court. Talks were held
with his solicitors on Tuesday after he was alerted to the video footage
that had gained more than 170,000 hits on YouTube last night, and letters
have been served.
Kean was unaware he was being filmed but his remarks are still classed as
defamatory. Kean, who could be in further hot water with the game's
authorities over his rant, is set to meet his bosses for talks in Pune on
Wednesday following Blackburn's relegation from the Premier League. He has
maintained that his position is safe with Venky's and he still retains the
support of co-owner Anurudha Desai, but this latest episode will only
increase the pressure on him. Deputy chief executive Paul Hunt was ousted
last week after an email sent to Desai expressing his concerns at both Kean
and the future of the club was leaked. Blackburn fans have mounted a
concerted campaign over the past 18 months to have the Scot removed and made
another appeal yesterday by emailing a petition to Desai with the names of
nearly 4,500 supporters. The email requests that "Venky's, as owners and
custodians of our historic football club, terminate the employment of Mr
Steve Kean at Blackburn Rovers Football Club with immediate effect. "His
record as a manager during his 18-month spell in charge of the club is among
the worst in the 20-year history of the Premier League and he is undoubtedly
the worst and arguably the most unpopular in the entire 137-year history of
our football club."
The BRFC Action Group are now planning to meet with government and the
Premier League to air their concerns. Blackburn MP Jack Straw has
facilitated a meeting of the fans with sports minister Hugh Robertson next
month and the Premier League have agreed in principle to meet them too. A
statement from the group's committee read: "We as a group of supporters,
elected by its members, are disgusted that our club has been allowed to be
pillaged with very little resistance from the regulatory bodies who should
act in the best interest of the sport and supporters."
Venky's said last week they had no intention of relinquishing control at
Rovers. Despite that, there is interest in buying the club from elsewhere.
Former Accrington Stanley chairman Ilyas Khan has said he is prepared to
front a consortium after holding discussions with local investors and
businessmen. Blackburn are also facing an exodus of players following
demotion to the Championship, with Junior Hoilett, Paul Robinson, Martin
Olsson and Steven Nzonzi all expected to depart this summer.
Hoilett is wanted by Chelsea and Spurs while Sweden international defender
Olsson has emerged as a target for Chelsea and Stoke City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison gives West Ham major fitness boost
By talkSPORT | Tuesday, May 15, 2012
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison has given the club a major boost by
returning to training and is confident of being fit for the Championship
play-off final against Blackpool on Saturday. Collison was a big doubt for
the showdown at Wembley after picking up a shoulder injury during the
semi-final victory over Cardiff last week.
The Wales international was forced to leave the field and had scans to
assess the damage. Those showed no long-term problems and Collison joined
the rest of the first-team squad in training on Tuesday. Manager Sam
Allardyce said: "He has a very, very good chance of making it in time. "When
he first did it, we were thinking about surgery and him being out for a long
time, but he has recovered remarkably well so we are very hopeful."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
