Norwich City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the important background information and team news ahead of Saturday's trip to Carrow Road
14.09.2012
NORWICH CITY v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: ANTHONY TAYLOR
Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Carrow Road to face Norwich City tomorrow in their fourth Barclays Premier League game of the 2012/13 season.
• Saturday's clash at Norwich City is the Hammers' third consecutive 12.45pm kick-off, after facing Swansea City and Fulham at the same time in their previous two games.
• Yossi Benayoun could make his second Hammers 'debut' after joining on loan from Chelsea on deadline day.
• Winger Matt Jarvis could also start after recovering from a slight groin injury. If he does, he would emulate namesake Rossi Jarvis, who started for Norwich City in the most-recent meeting between the two clubs in the FA Cup third round in January 2006.
• The Hammers go into their third consecutive lunchtime league kick-off knowing victory would take them up to second in the table. An unlikely six-goal triumph would take Sam Allardyce's side above Chelsea to the top of the tree, but let's not get carried away.
• West Ham United have taken six points from a possible nine and start the weekend in seventh position. However, Big Sam's men were beaten in their only previous away fixture, 3-0 at Swansea City on 25 August. That defeat was the Hammers' first on the road since 31 January.
• Norwich City have taken two points from three matches to start the weekend in 15th. However, two of those games have been on the road at Fulham (0-5) and Tottenham Hotspur (1-1). The Canaries drew 1-1 at home with Queens Park Rangers in their only previous league game at Carrow Road this term.
• It is nearly seven years since West Ham United's last trip to Norfolk, when Hayden Mullins and Bobby Zamora netted in a 2-1 FA Cup third-round victory on 7 January 2006. League-wise, the Hammers drew 1-1 at Carrow Road in the Championship on 21 February 2004, with Marlon Harewood scoring and Matty Etherington being sent-off.
• West Ham United's clash with Norwich City is one of eight Barclays Premier League games on Saturday, the others are as follows: (Kick-off 3pm unless stated) Arsenal v Southampton, Aston Villa v Swansea City, Fulham v West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United v Wigan, Queens Park Rangers v Chelsea, Stoke City v Manchester City and Sunderland v Liverpool (5.30pm).
Last time out
Saturday 1 September 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 3-0 Fulham
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins (Tomkins 67), Demel (Hall 78), Nolan, Taylor, Noble, Diame, Carroll (Cole 68), Vaz Te
Subs not used: Henderson, Diarra, O'Neil, Maiga
Goals: Nolan 1, Reid 29, Taylor 41
Saturday 1 September 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Norwich City
Norwich City: Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Garrido, Barnett, Johnson, Howson, Pilkington, Snodgrass, Holt, Jackson (Morison 73)
Subs not used: Rudd, Turner, Tierney, Surman, Hoolahan, Tettey
Goals: Snodgrass 85
Previous meeting
• Hayden Mullins and Bobby Zamora scored the goals that gave West Ham United a 2-1 win over Norwich City the last time the sides met in the FA Cup on 7 January 2006. Mullins opened the scoring after just six minutes when his shot deflected in off the post and the Hammers doubled their advantage after 57 minutes when Robert Green's mistake allowed Zamora to score. Paul McVeigh pulled one back from the penalty spot after James Collins handled the ball but the Hammers held on to end Norwich's FA Cup dreams for the second consecutive season. The lineups that day were:
Norwich City: Green (Ward 89), Jarrett (Spillane 87), Fleming (Cave-Brown, 90), Doherty, Drury, Henderson, Etuhu, Charlton, Jarvis, Thorne, McVeigh
West Ham United: Hislop, Repka, Gabbidon, Collins, Konchesky, Newton, Mullins (Fletcher 68), Reo-Coker, Etherington (Dailly 79), Harewood, Zamora (Katan 81)
Background
• West Ham United have officially faced Norwich City 46 times, winning 17, losing 15 and with 14 matches ending in draws.
• The first meeting between the two sides came on 6 October 1934, with John James Foreman and Hugh Mills scoring in a 2-1 West Ham United win at Carrow Road.
• Norwich City have yet to pick up a win in the Barclays Premier League under new boss Chris Hughton, having lost on the opening day and drawn their previous two games.
• Norwich City have not lost in any of their last 14 league games at home against West Ham United dating back to 10 February 1973, when Bryan 'Pop' Robson scored the only goal in a 1-0 Hammers victory.
Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
7 January 2006 FA Cup third round Norwich City 1-2 West Ham United
8 January 2005 FA Cup third round West Ham United 1-0 Norwich City
21 February 2004 Division One Norwich City 1-1 West Ham United
15 October 2003 Division One West Ham United 1-1Norwich City
11 March 1995 West Ham United 2-2 Norwich City
27 August 1994 Norwich City 1-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Norwich City (all competitions) W 17 D 14 L 15
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
Norwich City
2011/12 Premier League 12th (47 points)
2010/11 Championship 2nd (84 points - promoted to Premier League )
2009/10 League One 1st (95 points - promoted to Championship)
2008/09 Championship 22nd (46 points - relegated to League One)
2007/08 Championship 17th (55 points)
2006/07 Championship 16th (57 points)
2005/06 Championship 9th (62 points)
2004/05 Premier League 19th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2003/04 Championship 1st (94 points - promoted to Premier League)
2002/03 Championship 8th (69 points)
2001/02 Championship 6th (75 points)
Referee
• Saturday afternoon's referee will be Chris Foy.
• Foy refereed West Ham United twice last season, in the Hammers' 2-0 npower Championship away win at Cardiff City at the beginning of March and the defeat at the Boleyn Ground to Reading at the end of March.
• Previous to that, Foy was referee when the Hammers lost 1-0 at home to Birmingham City in the Premier League on 6 February 2011. Prior to that, he had taken charge of the 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle United on 23 October 2010 and the 3-1 defeat by Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground on 11 September 2010.
• Foy has been a Barclays Premier League referee since 2001, having originally made the Select Group list of assistant referees in 1995.
• In 2007, Foy took charge of the FA Trophy final at Wembley, before returning to the Home of Football a year later to act as fourth official for Portsmouth's FA Cup final victory over Cardiff.
• In 2009, he was back at Wembley to take charge of the League Cup final and Community Shield, while Portsmouth were in action again as Foy refereed the 2010 FA Cup final, which Pompey lost to Chelsea.
• Foy will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Richard West. The fourth official will be Mick Russell.
Team news
• Jack Collison is unlikely to play after missing the start of the season as he continues to manage his long-term knee issues.
• Andy Carroll will also be missing after suffering a hamstring injury on his debut against Fulham on Saturday 1 September. In Carroll's absence both Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga are vying for a starting spot, as is Alou Diarra who is yet to make Premier League start.
• George McCartney and Matt Jarvis are also pushing for a place after returning to training, as is Yossi Benayoun who could make his second Hammers debut.
• Elliott Bennett (knee) and new arrival Steven Whittaker (ankle) are both injured, while Elliott Ward, who won the Championship Play-Offs with West Ham in 2005, has been left out of the Canaries' 25-man Barclays Premier League squad.
Old boys
• Norwich City manager Chris Hughton played for West Ham United 43 times between 1990 and 1992, winning promotion from the old Division Two in 1990/91.
• Norwich City defender Elliot Ward came through the ranks at West Ham United, playing for the youth team before breaking into the first team in August 2003. He made 18 appearances for the first team and formed a terrific partnership with Anton Ferdinand during the 2004/05 season that saw the club win promotion to the Premier League via the Play-Offs. Ward joined Norwich in 2010 and has passed 50 appeared appearances for the Canaries.
General Information
• The weather forecast for Saturday is mainly dry with bright spells and broken cloud with temperatures reaching highs of 18C (65F).
• Greater Anglia rail services from London Liverpool Street to Norwich will be subject to engineering works that will extend journey times. Due to overhead line renewal work taking place between Witham and Shenfield, mainline services from Norwich/Ipswich/Clacton/Colchester/Braintree will terminate at Witham and will connect into a replacement bus service to Billericay. At Billericay buses will connect into Southend Victoria services to Liverpool Street. A shuttle bus service will operate between Ingatestone and Shenfield for Ingatestone passengers only. For full information and timetables, click here.
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Captain's blog
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has goals on his mind ahead of the trip to Norwich City on Saturday
14.09.2012
We are very much looking forward to getting back into match action this weekend with our trip to Norwich City. The last week or so has still been good, those of us not on international duty have been back here at Chadwell Heath working hard as usual. It is always a bit different during these weeks and especially as we did have a few lads away. We have worked hard in sessions to make sure our fitness levels were kept up - we all have targets to keep and meet and these are checked, so no one gets away with anything and nor would we want to. We work to make sure we are in top condition for when the next match comes around.
Some people may think we get two weeks off if you don't go away, but it is not like that, We had a couple of days off but around that we have been focusing on keeping things ticking over and getting focused for Norwich. But the fact that many of the lads have been away playing for their countries speaks volumes in that we have a good squad full of quality players and it is good to report that all have returned fit and well. Winston [Reid] was the last to return as he had the longest to travel, but it was good to see everyone back.
We are all looking forward to the Norwich game. To say we were disappointed following our last away match at Swansea is an understatement. We know we let ourselves down with the mistakes we made and knew we could have hurt them if we had taken our chances. But we move on from that now and look to try and carry on from the terrific away record we set up last season and get our first set of points on the road for this campaign. We also have confidence from the two league home games against Aston Villa and Fulham - and the cup game against Crewe which we won to take into this match. Hopefully we can do the business at Carrow Road on Saturday and that is our aim.
It will be a tough one - I have worked under Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood at Newcastle, so I know them very well. They will be looking to get their first win of the season and we have to go there like we haven't got any points yet and battle for them. Elsewhere, the new lads have been settling in well. You could all see the impact Andy [Carroll] had when he came on against Fulham, but not just on the pitch, all around the place. It is great to have the big man here. It was no secret we were chasing him all summer and so to finally get him as well as Jarvo {Matt Jarvis] before that and Yossi [Benayoun] right on the deadline was great.
Hats off to our owners, the Joint-Chairmen, who gave the licence to the gaffer to go after quality players and all of them together, the Joint-Chairmen and the gaffer have produced. Hopefully we can now get them all fit - Andy and Jarvo have had injuries - but we have a very good squad. Competition for places makes for a team that wants to do the best week in week out.
We have had that anyway, but it is really enjoyable going into training every day. The sessions are really good and we are all loving it. The new boys have added to what was a tight-knit bunch before. There are a few boys speaking different languages but it is everyone together and no one escapes the banter!
We have a good mixture and blend in the team - it helps winning games but we know we have this strength to get us through the low times, which there will be. We have to keep working hard, keep a happy medium and I think with the lads we have and the staff around us, we can do that.
One more thing I do want to mention is that Coley [Carlton Cole] was interviewed earlier in the week about us having a little bit of banter about who is going to be top goal scorer again this season and how many goals we are scoring. We do and it is fun. On a serious note though, I can't wait for Coley to get on the score-sheet. I am a midfielder and although a big part of my game is scoring goals, I won't be judged on that come the end of the season, but Carlton as a striker, will. Even though he does a lot more in the game than just scoring goals.
I want to chip in with goals and help make a difference for us in games like I have done against Aston Villa and Fulham, but will happily give the top scorer award at the end of the season again to Coley as it means he has been scoring goals… but I am looking to be just behind him on that front! I want to finish off this week by saying a big thank-you in advance to all our fans travelling to Norwich to cheer us on. Having been here a year now, I understand that we get support no matter what, and this is terrific. Come Saturday, we will be doing all we can to get the result we all want.
Come on you Irons!
Kevin Nolan
Captain
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Vice-Chairman outlines Stratford vision
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady is committed to creating a mutli-sports arena fit for all in Stratford
14.09.2012
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has spoken about her vision for the West Ham United's proposed move to Stratford in a feature in the Guardian newspaper.
The article is featured in full below:
Karren Brady insists West Ham United the best option for Olympic Stadium
- Vice-chair says club would make legacy hopes a reality
- Boris Johnson has taken control of final negotiations
By Owen Gibson
As final negotiations over the future of the Olympic Stadium enter a crucial stage, the West Ham United vice-chair, Karren Brady, has insisted that the club's proposal will deliver a lasting legacy. Boris Johnson this week took personal control of the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), moving the chairman, Daniel Moylan, to a new role chairing an aviation review after less than four months in the job. One of the mayor's most pressing tasks will be to try to strike a deal with West Ham amid protracted negotiations over the terms of any tenancy deal. On top of the £95m in public money already pledged to convert the stadium into a permanent venue with a full roof and hospitality facilities, the east London club are believed to want the LLDC to contribute towards retractable seating and other costs.
Brady will make the argument that by handing the main tenancy to a Premier League football club, it will bring benefits to the Olympic Park and wider area above and beyond its rental contribution, including enhancing the value of naming rights and helping make it a popular destination. "I noted with interest Lord Coe's comments on Sunday about his desire to find a workable solution where athletics and other sports can operate together side-by-side," Brady said. "His comments instantly struck a chord with me, as I firmly believe that our proposal will ensure that his vision would become a reality should we be given the opportunity to do so."
It is understood that Johnson is keen to conclude a deal and anxious to avoid any potential delay in reopening the park from July next year onwards. But the LLDC's interim chief executive, Dennis Hone, will be keen to ensure that the figures add up and some on the board believe the success of the Olympics, which proved the stadium will work as an athletics and music venue, have strengthened their negotiating hand with West Ham.
"In addition to bringing the most exciting and most watched football league in the world to Stratford, we would ensure that the stadium retains the Olympic legacy that Lord Coe feels so passionately about," Brady argued. "The truly multi‑sport capabilities of the arena would mean our award-winning community sports trust, which already helps tens of thousands of children a year, can further extend its multi-sports coaching to the next generation of potential Olympic athletes."
The saga of the future of the £468m stadium has been long and drawn out, punctuated by missed opportunities, legal battles and expensive mistakes. The original deal with West Ham had to be scrapped amid legal challenges from Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient. But Coe said at the close of the Games that it remained "perfectly within the wit and wisdom of all of us to make a multi-purpose sporting arena work for track and field". The LLDC hopes to reopen the south end of the park, including the stadium, by spring 2014. Brady said that West Ham's bid would also help further the legacy aims of the LLDC and the government. "Our bid revolves around creating a sporting hub that the community of east London and beyond can use to better themselves; whether that be through sport, education or simply living a healthier lifestyle," she said. "We have all watched in wonder at the historic scenes created in the Olympic Stadium and I believe it would now be unthinkable to not maintain this new global landmark as a stunning, world-class sporting venue that can inspire hundreds of thousands of people through the power of sport."
*Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of West Ham United
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George targeting Norwich victory
WHUFC.com
George McCartney is preparing to take on a few familiar faces when the Hammers travel to Norwich City
14.09.2012
George McCartney believes West Ham United can continue their encouraging start to the season when they head to Norwich City on Saturday. The Hammers have won two of their opening three Barclays Premier League fixtures and will head to Carrow Road confident of achieving their first away victory of 2012/13. The reigning Players' Player of the Year will help West Ham's cause with insider knowledge on four Canaries players who he has previously played alongside - former Leeds United trio Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson and Bradley Johnson and ex-Sunderland centre-back Michael Turner. The left-back sat down with whufc.com to talk about his former team-mates and his hopes of success in Norfolk.
George, you and all the players must be encouraged by the good start we have made to the new Barclays Premier League season?
GM - "Yes, we have collected six points from nine. We sat down before the season and worked out what we were aiming for from the first few games so to get six points out of nine is a very good start and gives us a platform to build on. Hopefully we can be consistent throughout the season and have a really good year."
When you are out on the training pitch, do you look around and think to yourself 'We have got a really strong squad here' and believe we can have a successful 2012/13 campaign?
GM - "I pre-season, the squad wasn't that big. It was pretty much the same as last year. Although we all had really good seasons last year and promotion was the main aim, I think the manager knew he had to make the squad stronger. Over the last two or three weeks, you can see some of the quality that the manager and the Joint-Chairmen have brought into the club. Everyone has fitted in really well and it's going to be hard, not only to get into the team but to get a position on the bench because it's a big squad now. We have a lot of quality players, but you expect that of a Premier League club."
We have lost just one away game since January - last time out at Swansea City - so presumably we are targeting a positive result at Norwich City?
GM - "Last year, our away form was a lot better than our home form. We hadn't lost away from home for a few months prior to Swansea but I think you know that, when you move up to the Premier League, the main thing is to win home games. It's going to be a lot harder to play away from home and we found that at Swansea. We did gift them the first two goals but overall our performance wasn't good enough. We all sat down and looked through the game to see where we went wrong and
I'm sure the same mistakes won't be made against Norwich."
What is your assessment of Norwich City?
GM - "It's going to be a tough game. They have made a few signings over the summer and they got a draw at Tottenham in their last game, which is no easy place to go. They will be looking to get their first league win of the season but we've had a good start and hopefully we can continue to progress and stay in the top half of the season."
You played with three Norwich City midfielders during your loan spell at Leeds United in 2010/11. What can you tell us about Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson and
Bradley Johnson?
GM - "They are all obviously great lads and I had a few months with them at Leeds. I could tell then that they were all quality players and would end up getting the moves that they wanted to the Premier League. I didn't see many of Norwich's games last year but I'm sure they were playing most weeks and doing a good job. All three of them are very good players and come Saturday, they'll present a tough test for us. That said, I look around our team and we are more than capable of getting a good result. Howson is a very attack-minded midfielder.
Scotland winger Robert Snodgrass was very highly-rated at Leeds and has settled in quickly at Carrow Road. What is it that makes him so effective?
"Snodgrass's quality on the ball is probably up there with any winger I have come across. From free-kicks and corners and creating goals from open play, his delivery is really good. He might not have that much pace about him, but his quality on the ball is really good and I'm sure he'll be a danger-man for us to watch out for. In general, I think it'll be a tough game and Norwich have a lot of quality players. I do feel we can at least get a draw there."
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Times they are a'changing
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th September 2012
By: Paul Walker
The Olympics are gone, consigned to a vivid memory of a triumph, a London one and in particular an east London triumph, as we all knew they would be.
Now as a proud east London football club, we await the decision next month that will change us forever, whether we get the Olympic stadium or not.
Anybody who believes that we can just continue as we are is living in a dream world. Some of us may not want to move to Stratford, and I have swayed from one side to other over the years, now I am exhausted really with the debate.
We all know the arguments inside out by now. For and against. Nobody, surely is sitting on the fence and doesn't understand the issues any longer.
But our owners have their master plan. Everything, from moving out of the Boleyn to signing Andy Carroll is part of that great scheme.
We must progress. To stay as we are leaves us, in effect, slipping backwards with every passing season. The only way to compete at the highest level and to take and maintain West Ham into the top half of the Premier League, is increased revenues.
And the only way that is achieved is to have a bigger stadium. If it is not Stratford then Upton Park has to be enlarged, or we have to find a new home to build a stadium with a 60,000 capacity and all the commercial capacity that comes with it.
To be honest, rebuilding the East Stand and adding 10,000 more seats is not enough, even if we could overcome the difficult planning logistics--and get Newham Council's approval--that would be needed.
Our owners have a plan, clearly, and they have never hidden the fact that they would want to sell the club at one stage. Selling the Boleyn to pay off the club debts and to recoup their own outlay is their aim, whether we like it or not.
The smart money is already on us getting the Olympic stadium. Too many reports and expert observers in recent months have made reference to us winning the bid for it not to be nailed on, or so it seems.
If for some reason we don't get Stratford, there will be a major re-think of the owners' plans and a messy debriefing of what went wrong and where they go from here.
But the status quo is not an option. We will be left with the revenue only to mount a regular fight to avoid the drop. And that is not progress.
Nobody really wants to leave the Boleyn. Four generations of my family have lived their lives in our lovely old stadium. I know every step of the old Chicken Run and where they all watched the Irons from way back into the last century.
That does not mean that we cannot move home. And let's face it, so many clubs have done it. Manchester City moved to the now Etihad from Maine Road, to my mind a similar sort of ground and club to ourselves in the good old days. Nobody talks much of Maine Road now.
Sunderland, Derby, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Southampton, Reading, Coventry, Swansea, Stoke, Cardiff, Hull, Brighton have all changed homes to give themselves a better future. Even ourselves from the Memorial ground to Upton Park. The list goes on. Nothing is forever, and we should realise we have to embrace that.
If you stand still, you die. And financing a refit for the Boleyn or building something bigger and better elsewhere - God knows where in such a crowded, over-populated part of Essex and east London - would be horrendously expensive.
The Davids probably could not afford to fund that level of transformation and would no doubt re-evaluate their commitment. And that leaves us wide open to dodgy bidders with ulterior motives. Yes, I mean you, Liverpool and Portsmouth. Better the devil you know!
So get used to it all of you, our club is going to change dramatically over the next few years, giving the Davids the chance to fatten it up and flog it off to some rich Arabs, no doubt. A West Ham club established in the top flight and using a re-designed, iconic stadium close to the City skyline would be an attractive proposition.
Do not forget, billions around the world have been watching the Olympics and seen the stunning backdrop and unique position close to the centre of the greatest city in the world. That is what will be it's selling point for the Davids.
They keep telling us they are dipping into their own pockets to ensure we do stay in the top flight, and we have all experienced a summer of transfer activity, Big Sam style, that has started to address the quality of our squad.
For some it has been an education. Seeing Sam and his agent mate Mark Curtis in full flow, and that has needed financing. Although anyone who believes we have spent over £20m on players is deluding themselves.
The deals never involve full outlay upfront. Only Manchester City can do that, and they've started trimming back on that front.
Punters tend to believe the hype, with Sky at the forefront. They love a big round figure, the bigger the better because it looks good on TV. But we have probably only paid half of that figure, maybe even less with the deals depending on add-ons, appearances and success.
The owners have put in money, and keep saying how hard it is for them and how many family conferences they have had.. And then there's £12m still to pay to Sheffield United.
But until we see the end of ridiculous red limos in the car park. Until the bottom drops out of the lingerie business(yes, I like that one too). Until mansions are sold, private golf courses shut down and oyster cards replacing private helicopters, I will not be crying too much about austerity in the Davids' households.
They know just what they are doing, how to get and maintain funding and how they will get their money back in the long run.
And yes, I do believe they are doing this because they are fans and they care about this club. But don't expect me to repeat such a thing again, the cynic that I am, people will think I've gone soft in my old age!
They have backed Sam and Curtis in the market, and it costs to buy players who can compete at the top level. What does annoy me a little is that every time a player comes onto our radar, the message boards are awash with people slagging them off, insulting them and branding them donkeys, traitors or turncoats. Come on everyone, grow up, this is a tough industry in which players want the very best for themselves.
I was not a bit surprised that Carroll left it so late. He had acquired a move to one of the world's great clubs(although two sets of daft American owners have done their best to destroy that legend.)
Carroll wanted to play for England and it Europe, and with a club who could afford £80,000 a week wages. If you worked in a bank, and someone offered you vast sums to move elsewhere, you would go and you would want to hang onto that new status, so why are footballers considered any different?
But Carroll has arrived, and I believe Liverpool's rookie new boss Brendan Rodgers is at best being disingenuous about the terms of his loan.
Nobody at Liverpool has gone on the record to confirm that Carroll can be recalled in January, and our own owners have been distinctly unhelpful with their own utterances on the subject.
But a mate of mine, a football league chief executive, suggested that the January thing is a red herring, with Liverpool--having accepted money for a season long loan--could only recall Carroll if they wanted to sell him.
Now as we have first refusal and a clause that we can buy him for £17m, Rodgers looks like he was desperately searching for some ammunition to get himself out of the shambolic transfer deadline day abuse he found himself facing when the Boston mob refused to spend £7m on Clint Dempsey.
Now I wouldn't spend that amount on him either, and Fulham--who had previously reported Liverpool for an illegal approach--were going to get their pound of flesh and to make things very tough for the Anfield boss.
Rodgers, facing such uncertainty, should have been the master of his own destiny and not allowed Carroll to go until his replacement was signed.
So Rodgers was done up like a kipper, as they say, and made to look foolish. It didn't help that his managing director Ian Ayre, I believe, went home two hours before the end of the transfer window when the Dempsey deal collapsed! So no Plan B then, Brendan?
It allowed Big Sam to emerge with a real coup. It's a long time since we signed a player of such magnitude and stature, a current England international, the best in the country by far at his specific job, and not a player on the way down, too old or injury prone. And still some of our fans were slagging off Carroll.
I believe the reaction at Chadwell Heath amongst our players was one of delight, the signing lifted their spirits, the club's and ours. His performance underlined that, he was playing and wanted. And I do not believe he will be out for six weeks.
No one from our club went on the record with a return date after his unfortunate hamstring injury. There was nothing on the club website, either. Hamstrings usually take three weeks to recover from, four if it's bad, so I expect to see Carroll on the bench against Sunderland, having a run-out against Wigan in the League Cup and playing at Loftus Road against QPR on October 1.
Which brings me back to the great master plan. New stadium, old one sold, debts gone and top players being attracted--as well as potential rich buyers. I'd like to think that Carroll will be the first of several more top level players to arrive as long as we stay in the top flight and get out hands on the vastly increased TV money from next season.
And yes, I want to believe the times they are a'changing whether the Mail on Sunday's Patrick Collins thinks our owners are despicable porn barons or not, and whether he likes Sam and Curtis' methods or not--which he outlined in a sneering, sarcastic piece a couple of weeks ago.
So stand-by everyone, it's going to be a rocky time ahead, with us moving somewhere, somehow. Otherwise we will just stagnate and die.
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Norwich City v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th September 2012
By: Preview Percy
Next up we pay a visit to Norfolk where our hosts will be Norwich City. It's the third silly o'clock kick-off in a row, starting as it does at 12.45pm.
If you're the sort of person that likes to travel with the great unwashed on public transport you may care to note that there are engineering works between Billericay and Witham which will necessitate your transfer from railway carriage to omnibus for part of the journey, adding something like an hour to the journey time between London and Norwich. Which probably means that if you are reading this at home it's now too late to go.
For the third time in four matches we face a side that changed manager during the summer. Paul Lambert's departure for Villa saw Chris Hughton making a similar trip in reverse, leaving Birmingham City for Carrow Road.
It wasn't the brightest of starts to the season for the Canaries as Fulham went on the rampage at Craven Cottage with a 5-0 win. Things calmed down a bit in the 'five-nil derby' the following week as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by QPR while last week they arguably had the better of the match (certainly of the closing stages) against Spurs with whom they also drew 1-1.
So two points from three matches then, which leaves them in 15th place so far. This is one place below Spurs by virtue of goal difference – the opening day thrashing doing them no favours in that regard.
Hughton was pretty busy over the summer. One of his first bits of business was to sort out the future of Grant Holt. Holt seemed to be a wee bit put out at the departure of Lambert and seemed set to leave, with an apparent preference for following his old boss to Villa Park. Such love appeared to be unrequited and there doesn't seem to have been any official bid from Villa for the player's services.
We, on the other hand, did apparently make a bid though the amounts being bandied about seemed to be quite a lot of money for a player in his thirties. As subsequent events turned out we ended up with a better deal anyway. Holt, meanwhile, apparently chastened by the relative lack of interest ended up signing a new deal which will keep him at Carrow Road for another three years and he is their skipper this term.
Ex-Hammer Hughton wasn't shy in approaching his other former employers for players. They secured central defender Sebastien Bassong from Spurs as their clearout commenced – depending on which of the many sources of info you believe the fee was £2.6-4m. Bassong has been on his way out of White Hart Lane for some time now, and spent the latter part of last season as part of Wolves' unsuccessful attempt to stay up.
Another central defender to arrive was Michael Turner, who arrived from Sunderland. Turner has spells at Charlton, Brentford and Hull under his belt. At Hull he was thrice voted Player of the year and played in every minute of every game in the Tigers' 2008/09 league campaign. On top of that his principal claim to fame is that many years ago when I actually had hair he and I used to get our locks trimmed at the same establishment. Which was nice. For him.
The ex-Hammer on the books is Elliot Ward. Ward was part of the Irons team that won promotion via the playoffs at the end of 2004/05. Although his selection was a last resort due to everyone else who could play in the centre of defence being injured at the time, it soon transpired that his partnership with Anton Ferdinand was more than good enough for the rigours of second-tier football. The pairing, accidental or otherwise, is widely credited with being a major contribution to our promotion that year.
Promotion gained, the restructuring of the side saw the arrival of Danny Gabbidon and someone called James Collins (whatever happened to him?). With Ferdinand and "love of our lives" Christian Dailly also about at the time Ward ended up going out on loan to Plymouth before signing a permanent deal with Coventry. He arrived at Carrow Road in 2010 but injuries have precluded his making an appearance thus far this season.
The first of two loan players in the squad is Spaniard Javier Garrido. Garrido is on loan from Lazio and his arrival in the summer marks his second spell in the Premier League, having spent 2007-2010 on the books of Manchester City, making his debut in his side's opening day 2-0 win at the Boleyn in August 2007.
The following few years and the arrival of large amounts of petrodollars on the east side of Manchester saw him make few appearances and his road led to Rome. Although Alexander Kolarov had gone in the other direction a few days before, technically the deals weren't linked. He's come in on a one year loan deal with an option to extend.
The splendidly Dickensian-named Robert Snodgrass arrived from Leeds and was on the scoresheet last week against Spurs. Snodgrass was made captain by his former boss Neil Warnock at Leeds. Which is a little bit like having your musical ability praised by Simon Cowell. Warnock offered Snodgrass an improved contract but the lure of going anywhere just to not work with Colin proved too great and he made the trek down to less unpleasant climes in July.
Regular readers will be aware that we love a good Player/Crime story in this column and Snodgrass is this week's "Miscreant Of The Week". At one stage last year the beak in Glasgow had mobilised the full force of the law against the Scotland international after he'd failed to appear in court. Not for Snodgrass the standard footballer offence of drinking too many shandies and being too stingy to pay for a cab home out of his £25k a week salary. No this was a misunderstanding over stopping on a pelican crossing. Bastard. Hanging's too good for 'em I say.
Perhaps Hughton might have a few words to say on the discipline front, once he's paid off the fine he got himself a couple of weeks ago for failing to identify the driver of his speeding Audi on the M42. I'm willing to bet that it'll be the only time this season that he won't be pleased at picking up six points.
The second loan signing of what I shall laughingly refer to as "the summer" was up front, where their options have been augmented by the arrival of striker Harry Kane. Kane has come in from Spurs on loan and spent a lot of last season at Millwall. Since he also has a spell as an employee of Barry "stuff the community what's in it for me?" Hearn under his belt, Norwich will be like a pleasant breath of fresh air for the player, who has been capped at U19 level for England.
And now us. Remember the 2012/13 season? You must do. We played three games – the last of which saw us beating Fulham 3-0. It seems so long ago now doesn't it. The arrival of Andy Carroll dominated – and continues to dominate - the headlines, especially in view of Liverpool's hilarious failure to get around to replacing him. It was, indeed, a splendid debut which saw him so keen to immerse himself in the traditions of our club he promptly picked up the "new player injury" that seems statutory for us to have at the start of a season. Four to six weeks is the prognosis, which, given the international break should see him back in three to five weeks or so.
Whilst Carroll is obviously out, the position with Guy Demel is less clear. Demel is listed as a doubt with the now ubiquitous "knock" against his name with "no return date". The news is brighter regarding Matt Jarvis & George McCartney, both of whom should be available for selection. There have also been encouraging noises on the subject of Jack Collison – though this match will be too soon for him it's been suggested that a return to the squad is weeks, rather than months away.
We'll also be bolstered by the return of Yossi Benayoun from the various footballing backwaters he's been frequenting since his illegal signing by Liverpool a few years ago. It is to be hoped that spending time at such muppet-places as Anfield, Stamford Bridge and The Library hasn't dulled his undoubted skills any. It is also to be hoped that a cure has been found for the mysterious ailments that seemed to plague him without fail just before every international break during his previous spell with us. I'm sure Mr Allardyce, with all his faith in science and technology has a computer programme already working on the problem.
So it's a pretty strong squad that will be available for this one. There'll be a fair bit of confidence about arising from the manner of the victory against Fulham which, despite Martin Jol's rather sour grapey comments to the contrary, contained a lot of decent football. There is, of course, a temptation to look at the fact that Fulham (somehow) stuck five past this weekend's opponents and look at the way we demolished them in order to come to a conclusion. Football, of course, doesn't work like that.
Amongst other factors to consider is the fact that Fulham's record away from Craven Cottage is traditionally awful. In fact, I reckon that if our return fixture with them were moved to that park next door to their ground we'd be guaranteed three points. Not to mention a quicker walk from the place where the boat docks.
However, when I look at doing a prediction I always place great store on the relative confidence levels of the team. Which may be why I'm usually wrong. Though the Canaries have undoubtedly improved since the opening day, they would still have preferred to have gone into the break with a win under their belts – especially against the likes of QPR and that other side they played. It's been a stuttering start for them and, though our one voyage away from the Boleyn thus far didn't exactly raise the spirits, it's difficult to see quite so many players having quite so many nightmares all at once. And Swansea was abroad and foreign travel is always tricky.
So I am upbeat about our chances of registering a first away win of the season. Here at the Avram Grant Rest Home for The Bewildered there is an emergency legal fund which is used after every time the place is featured on a "Panorama" documentary. I have, with my usual skill and dexterity, located said fund and will therefore be off to the Honest Ray Winstone Turf Accountancy Emporium to place all £2.50 on a 2-1 win to us.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met: Won 2-1 (FA Cup 3rd Round January 2006). Mullins and Zamora saw us safely through to the next round as the home side omitted Dean Ashton due to injury, honest guv, and in no way as part of some plot to keep him from being cup-tied in advance of a move to the Boleyn.
Referee: Chris Foy. Had a bit of a nightmare in the 4-2 home defeat to Reading last season. Loves refereeing Spurs as he knows all the abusive messages will go to the wrong place.
Danger Man: Robert Snodgrass. Public Enemy No.1 (No Pelican Crossing is safe) picked up a nicely taken equaliser at White Hart Lane the other week and is probably the pick of their strikers.
Daft Fact Of The Week: It is claimed that the Norwich song "On The Ball City" is the world's oldest football song. Dating as it does from the 1890's, before the formation of the club itself, it is probably the only song in the world that contains the word "scrimmage", a word for which the lyricists wisely avoided trying to find a rhyme.
Stat man John: Northcutt's corner
Head to Head
Pld 46; West Ham Utd 17, Norwich 15, Draws 14.
Biggest Win
11th March 1939: Norwich 2-6 West Ham Utd (Carrow Road, Division Two)
Heaviest Defeat
1st January 1988: Norwich 4-1 West Ham Utd (Carrow Road, Division Two)
First Meeting
6th October 1934: Norwich 1-2 West Ham Utd (Newmarket Road, Division Two)
Last Five Meetings
7th January 2006: Norwich 1-2 West Ham Utd (Carrow Road, FA Cup)
8th January 2005: West Ham Utd 1-0 Norwich (Boleyn Ground, FA Cup)
21st February 2004: Norwich 1-1 West Ham Utd (Carrow Road, Division One)
15th October 2003: West Ham Utd 1-1 Norwich (Boleyn Ground, Division One)
11th Match 1995: West Ham Utd 2-2 Norwich (Boleyn Ground, Premier League)
Memorable Match
16th September 1972: West Ham Utd 4-0 Norwich (Boleyn Ground, Division One)
Unbelievably perhaps this was West Ham's ninth game in just 35 days at the beginning of the 1972/73 campaign - any they think they have it hard now! With both teams firmly ensconced in mid-table the game, watched by just over 27,000 people was most notable for Bobby Moore's appearance in midfield - and it was to be a match-winning performance that left the morning's papers asking whether Alf Ramsey should use an aging Mooro in that position for England.
The first two goals - from Brooking and 'Pop' Robson - came from Moore assists. Tommy Taylor put the game beyond any reasonable doubt on the stroke of half time before Robson's grabbed his second and West Ham's fourth with 12 minutes of normal time remaining. West Ham would go on to finsih the season in sixth spot - equalling the club's best ever top-flight finish at that time.
Friendlies
October 1958: Norwich 2-4 West Ham Utd (Keeble 2, Grice, Musgrove)
May 1975: Norwich 1-1 West Ham Utd (Lampard)
July 2002: Norwich 1-3 West Ham Utd (Sinclair, Defoe, J.Cole)
July 2007: Norwich 1-2 West Ham Utd (Ashton, Spector)
It's An Early Bath For You, Mr Cantona...
Mattthew Etherington is the only Hammer to have been sent off against Norwich - that being in the 2003/04 season at Carrow Road.
They Played For Both
Mark Bowen; Robert Green; Albert Foan; John McDowell; Jimmy Neighbour; Graham Paddon; Matthew Rush; Alan Taylor; Steve Walford; Martin Peters; John Gurkin; Fred Kearns; Ted MacDougall.
Bossing It
The former West Ham players who have managed Norwich are John Bond, Ken Brown, Archie Macaulay, and Chris Hughton. Our former manager Glenn Roeder was also (briefly) the Norwich manager and Alan Pardew's assistant manager Peter Grant has also been the boss at Carrow Road.
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Norwich v West Ham preview
Hammers aiming for improved away showing but are without Carroll
Last Updated: September 14, 2012 11:29am
SSN
Chris Hughton will be hoping to pick up his first Premier League win as Norwich boss when West Ham visit Carrow Road on Saturday. In a lunchtime kick-off, live on Sky Sports 2 HD, the Canaries will look to build on their encouraging draws against Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham by picking up all three points against the Hammers.
Live on Sky Sports
Norwich v West Ham
September 15, 2012 12:30pm
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: "I was very impressed against QPR when they were the much better team. If they can play like that in all of their home games they won't go too far wrong." In contrast, although Sam Allardyce's West Ham have won both home games, they were on the receiving end of a thrashing from Swansea in their only Premier League away game of the season. Allardyce will be keen to be more difficult to beat than they were at the Liberty Stadium and he will at least have been encouraged by the response of his players as they beat Fulham 3-0 last time out.
Norwich
Last 6
1-1
2-1
1-1
5-0
0-2
0-0
Hughton will check on the fitness of defender Russell Martin who pulled out of the Scotland squad with an ankle injury sustained against Tottenham two weeks ago. He is back in training and should be available. The Canaries boss will also wait on the recovery of forward Simeon Jackson who had a punishing travel itinerary over the international break with Canada. Jackson played all but four minutes of Canada's two CONCACAF qualifiers home and away against Panama and could be replaced by Steve Morison in attack. Meanwhile, long-term injury victims, midfielder Elliott Bennett and full-back Stephen Whittaker also report good progress but are highly unlikely to feature in this one.
West Ham
Last 6
3-0
2-0
3-0
1-0
1-1
3-1
Allardyce must decide who he should bring in to replace hamstring victim Andy Carroll, with Carlton Cole the clear like-for-like replacement. The 28-year-old forward played a key role in West Ham's promotion back to the top flight, scoring 15 goals for the club and he will be anxious to seize his opportunity in Carroll's absence.
Allardyce: "He is an obvious replacement and we would like Carlton to do how he finished off last season." Record signing Matt Jarvis is also back to full fitness but Allardyce may be reluctant to make significant changes to the team that beat Fulham so impressively.
Opta Facts
Five of the last six league meetings between Norwich and West Ham have ended as draws
West Ham have won none of their last 14 league trips to Carrow Road (W0 D6 L8)
Norwich have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League games
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Sam Allardyce is looking forward to seeing West Ham play against Norwich
Last Updated: September 14, 2012 10:42pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is looking forward to seeing his side return to Premier League action at Norwich City on Saturday. Due to injuries and the international break, Allardyce has seen most of his new-look squad come together for the first time this week and he believes it is a group of players strong enough to enjoy a good campaign. The Hammers have already picked up six points from their opening three games, and Allardyce is hoping to build on that tally at Carrow Road. He said: "I think we could have a relatively good season - it is far too early to tell what combinations will be what and who will perform better. "Everyone who has a place will have to fight very hard to keep their place now with the squad we have got and anyone who gets a place will have to perform very, very well to keep it if they get the chance. "That competition for places is a huge factor in getting the best out of the players on a consistent basis which is what you have to do to get the results you want in this division. "But, like every away game in this league, Norwich will provide a difficult test for us. "It will also be good to see Chris Hughton at his new club, but hopefully I will be the one smiling at the end of the game."
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Karren Brady's football diary – Wenger a shoe-in for fresh deal
By KARREN BRADY
Published: 14th September 2012
The Sun
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
WEST HAM'S Brescia saga continues. Having won hands down both at FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport to ensure we are paid the outstanding transfer fee for Alessandro Diamanti, they failed (again) to make payment within the 14-day deadline which expired last Friday. We have now notified FIFA — and copied in the FA, Premier League and Italian FA — and have requested the case is referred straight to their Disciplinary Committee, who can impose sanctions for non-compliance of a points deduction and/or relegation. The FA are in contact with the Italian FA and I am awaiting their feedback. All I really want is my money, which I've been waiting on for 14 MONTHS. Luckily I've got shareholders who are pumping money in to compensate but if I was a small club I'd probably be bankrupt now as a result of another club's poor financial management. This is why the football creditors rule is so vital.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
THERE is a common belief that footballers are as thick as planks. I remember over-hearing my team playing a name game on the coach and when asked to name an Opera, one said Winfrey! But listening to two of our remarkable West Ham old boys, the knights Geoff Hurst and Trevor Brooking, on the radio it's clearly an injustice.
Both of them speak as lucidly as any politician and had Sir Geoff had his way, the club would already have crossed the line for a move to the Olympic Stadium. I like his sentiment: "It's up the road (from Upton Park), it's better access and it's an absolutely magnificent stadium."
Here, here.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
URGENT club business precludes my attendance at a Premier League get-together that finishes with a visit to the Olympic Park. I finally get to the Park to meet up with some of the other delegates and see one PL attendee carrying an Olympic Park carrier bag. I ask him what souvenirs he has purchased but he seems reluctant to let me know. Finally, I force the bag out of his hand. So far as I am aware, Victoria's Secret underwear was not on sale in the Olympic megastore. Clearly a case of confusion between Wenlock and wedlock as, the last time I saw his wife, she wasn't a 36DD! Who's a naughty boy, then?
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
ACROSS the world, there are Games stadiums that stand as little more than monuments to great deeds. Lord Coe is only too aware of this and I'm currently writing a reminder to him of what West Ham offers to future sport, jobs and people in East London by an historic transfer to the stadium. We've never asked 'What can the stadium do for us?' but 'What can we do for the stadium?' and we don't want something for nothing. We'll pay our way, handsomely... unlike others I could mention!
I can't wait for the process to be over so we can reveal our exciting legacy plan alongside the multi-million pound package we've created.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
DIG into the topsoil of London football and you can be sure you'll discover Hammers roots. A few hours before Frank Lampard, ex-West Ham of course, scores the equaliser for England against Ukraine, no fewer than 1,000 people sign their 0-5 year-olds into the newly launched Junior Hammers membership. Bobby Moore's daughter Roberta and her husband brought their children and niece to become older members, too. Keep it in the family, it's said. We like to think we are the family.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
I'M happy to see Arsenal are confirming that Arsene Wenger is to be offered a new contract. But the Gunners' long-serving manager may not be applauding club chief executive Ivan Gazidis' rather puzzling comment that "he does not look too good in his brogues". It's true the Frenchman sometimes looks like a famished Bloodhound when he's under pressure. That doesn't, however, prove him incapable of leading the club to plenty more trophies and, moreover, by doing it his way. Wenger has made his name on these shores by coaching continental-style football and refusing to be held to ransom. Long may it continue to be so.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
MY club are under strict orders to be shipshape and in Bristol fashion for the 12.45pm kick-off at Norwich. I don't think it's at all funny that the Premier League have just fined us £5,000 for being late back from half-time for our opening match of the season against Aston Villa. I know many will think this is a trivial sum but I don't. It's not the 'keeping 'em waiting' rock star habit we adopted but it was 100 degrees and the players needed a proper cool down. Safety takes time.
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West Ham boss Allardyce keeps on-loan Benayoun guessing
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 23:08, 14 September 2012 | UPDATED: 23:08, 14 September 2012
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce will make a late decision on whether to give loan signing Yossi Benayoun his second West Ham debut at Norwich on Saturday. Benayoun, who joined from Chelsea on transfer deadline day last month, featured in both of Israel's World Cup qualifiers this week but Allardyce is still not sure whether the midfielder is ready to start. He said: 'Yossi has been away with his national side and only had a light training session, so we will assess the squad and make a decision on the starting line-up from there.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, September 15
Friday, September 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th September 2012
Jimmy Andrews 1927-2012
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United winger Jimmy Andrews has passed away at the age of 85
13.09.2012
Everyone at West Ham United was saddened to hear of the passing of former
Hammers winger Jimmy Andrews at the age of 85. Andrews joined West Ham from
Dundee in November 1951 before making 120 first-team appearances for the
club, scoring 22 goals. After leaving for Leyton Orient in 1956, he finished
his playing career with Queens Park Rangers in 1962. An innovative thinker
about the game, Invergordon-born Andrews embarked on a successful coaching
career. As well as working as youth-team coach at Tottenham Hotspur under
manager Bill Nicholson and as Tommy Doherty's first-team coach at Chelsea,
he became a Division One manager at the age of 38 when he took charge of
Queens Park Rangers for a short spell in 1965. Andrews became Cardiff City
manager in 1974, succeeding another ex-Hammer in Frank O'Farrell. He spent
four years in charge of the Bluebirds and had been living in the Welsh
capital prior to his passing. Andrews made his West Ham debut in a thrilling
3-3 Division One draw at the Boleyn Ground on 24 November 1951 and marked
his final appearance by scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Division
Two victory at Plymouth Argyle on 31 March 1956.
Son-in-law Rod Griffiths, who is married to Andrews' daughter Kim, said he
enjoyed many hours listening to Andrews' wonderful memories of his time in
football.
"Jimmy started at Dundee and then joined West Ham at an extremely important
period in the history of the club. It was at this time when the likes of Ted
Fenton, Malcolm Allison and Noel Cantwell were helping to form the Academy
of Football and Jimmy would join them at Cassettari's Cafe to talk about the
game for hours on end. "We were very fortunate that the club invited him
back for a game to celebrate his 83rd birthday in 2010. It was a bitterly
cold day and the game finished 0-0, but he thoroughly enjoyed being back at
the Boleyn Ground. "He was a real thinker about the game and I loved
listening to his stories. After West Ham he became the youngest Division One
manager at QPR. He also worked as first-team coach for Tommy Doherty at
Chelsea and under Bill Nicholson at Tottenham, where he coached the likes of
a young Graeme Souness. "He coached in a paternal manner, even though he was
a real disciplinarian from what some of the old players have told me! As a
family, we just loved being around him and listening to what he had to say."
Jimmy Andrews (far left) talking football at Cassettari's Cafe with Dave
Sexton, Noel Cantwell, Malcolm Allison, John Bond, Frank O'Farrell and
Malcolm Musgrove
O'Farrell played alongside Andrews for four seasons at West Ham before being
reunited with his former team-mate at Cardiff in December 1973, when he took
him on as his assistant manager. "I played with him at West Ham and then we
went our separate ways," said O'Farrell, who is now the oldest-living former
West Ham player following his friend's death. "Eventually, after I left
Manchester United I went down to Cardiff City and he was my assistant for
six months before taking charge when I went to manage Iran. "He was one of
the group that also included Malcolm Allison, John Bond, Noel Cantwell and
Dave Sexton who would spend hours thinking and talking about the game. He
was a natural outside-left with a lovely left foot and I enjoyed playing
alongside him. "I remember the final game we had together at Cardiff. We
beat Crystal Palace, who were managed by Malcolm, and they went down to
Division Three and we stayed up!" Everyone at West Ham United would like to
pass on their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Andrews
at this sad time.
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Big Sam on Norwich City
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce shares his views with the press ahead of Saturday's trip to
Carrow Road
13.09.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping that his West Ham United side can recapture the form
that saw them brush Fulham aside before the international break. Victory
over Norwich City in Saturday's 12.45pm kick-off would give Big Sam's team
their first away win of the season and would mean an outstanding nine points
from a possible 12 to start the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League campaign
Speaking to the press ahead of the trip to Carrow Road, Big Sam spoke about
new Saturday's game, the club's new signings, pre-match handshakes and much
more.
Sam, what is the team news for Saturday following the international break?
SA - "Hopefully all of our international players have returned unscathed. We
are still waiting for Winston Reid to return following his exploits with New
Zealand and as far as we know he is fit and well. Everybody else has come
back raring to go and other than Jack Collison and Andy Carroll we are fully
fit."
Will Yossi Benayoun start the game?
SA - "I couldn't possibly answer that question at this point in time. Yossi
has been away with his national side and only had a light training session
today, so we will assess the squad on Friday and make a decision on the
starting line-up from there."
The worst case scenario regarding Andy Carroll was that he would miss six
weeks. Has that changed?
SA - "We haven't put a specific date for his return. We think it will be the
maximum of six weeks. He is improving well so we will continue day-by-day
and take it from there. We won't put any pressure on him to return by a
certain date, but if there is a possibility we can get him back quicker than
expected we will try to make that happen."
One man who could take advantage of Andy Carroll's absence is Carlton Cole.
How big an opportunity has he now got to show his credentials now?
SA - "He is an obvious replacement and we want Carlton to pick up from where
he left off last season. He scored a hatful of goals last season helping us
to get back into the Barclays Premier League, so we would now like him to
step in and score the goals we need to win in the Premier League. He scored
15 in total last season but five came in the final six games. We hope he can
continue that form, starting on Saturday."
How big a signing is Yossi Benayoun and what can he offer in terms of
experience, having already played at the top level and for West Ham United?
SA - "The last three signings that the Joint-Chairmen gave the go-ahead for
were absolutely brilliant for us. Andy, Yossi and Matt Jarvis are all very
good players and they possess the talent that make us a much better team.
Hopefully, when they get the opportunity, they will show us that talent. We
have Matt, the provider who hit the most crosses in the Premier League while
at Wolves. Yossi has quick feet and a terrific ability to create chances not
just for other players but for himself. Of
course, Andy is a fantastic centre-forward with great talent, physicality
and drive."
Are talks continuing with Mark Noble regarding a new contract?
SA - "Talks have been on-going since the end of last season and I would have
thought they would continue until a conclusion is reached. Hopefully that
conclusion will see him sign a new deal."
Has the fact he hasn't signed a new deal affected his attitude in training?
SA - "No, Mark is Mark. He comes in every day and works hard and he is as
happy as any player, particularly after our 3-0 win over Fulham. Every
player at the club is in a good, positive frame of mind at the moment, so
there is no hangover from him not renewing his current deal."
The transfer window is now shut, but there are a number of free agents still
out there. You have been linked with Anthony Vanden Borre, Mikael Silvestre
and John Mensah, are there any truth in these rumours?
SA - "They have all been training with us but no decision has been made yet
on whether their long-term futures lay with the club. I would have thought a
decision
would have been made on all three by the end of next week."
What are your thoughts on the independent report on the Hillsborough
disaster, which was released this week?
SA - "I think that it is sad to hear that such a thing was covered up for 23
years, but I am absolutely delighted now for the people who suffered that
the truth is finally out. I think the importance of safety in football was
taken on by every single club from there on in. Football grounds now are as
safe as they possibly can be. Unlike a lot of clubs abroad who still have
hooliganism problems, we do not appear to have any within the grounds, so
from that day massive strides have been made to ensure the safety of
supporters."
Norwich City snatched a late draw atTottenham Hotspur last time out. What
are your thoughts ahead of another lunchtime kick-off?
SA - "I was reasonably happy with the lunchtime kick-off because it allows a
manager less time to worry about the game. Our players are OK from that
point too. This is our third consecutive 12.45pm kick-off but the only thing
we are worried about is trying to perform as we did against Fulham.
Hopefully our players can hit the same levels they did last time out but,
like every away game in this league, Norwich will provide a difficult test
for us. It will also be good to see Chris Hughton at his new club, but
hopefully I will be the one smiling at the end of the game."
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Corden's stag visits the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
James Corden and his stag-do were welcomed to the Boleyn Ground for a
kickabout in the week
13.09.2012
James Corden and his star-studded stag-do dropped into the Boleyn Ground for
a special mini-game on the pitch earlier this week. The actor, comedian and
TV presenter is a lifelong Hammers fan, so his best man Ben Winston
approached the club to see if it would be possible for the group to pay a
visit to the Academy of Football as part of his big day and the Hammers were
only too happy to oblige. A group of famous faces including comedians John
Bishop, Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall, Dragons' Den star Peter Jones and
former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp all made their way to east London.
The groom-to-be was totally unaware of the plan and was blindfolded as he
left central London to keep his destination a secret. The first he knew of
his big surprise was when manager Sam Allardyce, who had dropped in after
training, took off the blindfold in the home dressing room to leave Corden
speechless.
After the initial excitement died down, Big Sam gave a quick teamtalk to the
18-strong group before they got changed into special 'Corden's stag-do'
Hammers shirts and made their way out on to the pitch. Unsurprisingly, Mark
Noble, who had also dropped in after training, and former pro Redknapp were
in high demand. A thrilling 8-8 draw was followed by a penalty shoot-out to
split the teams, who all seemed to thoroughly enjoy their run-out on the
hallowed turf. The group posed for a final team photo before changing in the
dressing rooms and heading out for the evening. All at West Ham United would
like to wish James well for his big day and beyond.
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Norwich v West Ham
KO 12:45
13 September 2012
Last updated at 17:49
BBC.co.uk
By Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Carrow Road Date: Saturday, 15 September
Norwich boss Chris Hughton has reported no new injury concerns following the
international break. Centre-back Elliott Bennett remains sidelined by a knee
injury, while full-back Steven Whittaker is still recovering from an ankle
problem.
West Ham are without Andy Carroll because of a hamstring problem, so Carlton
Cole is set to lead the line. The Hammers could give a second debut to
midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who has rejoined the club on loan.
MATCH PREVIEW
The international break came at a bad time for both of these clubs. West
Ham's first-half demolition of Fulham helped to erase memories of their
sorry showing at Swansea while Norwich City fully deserved a share of the
spoils at Spurs. Chris Hughton has quietly but quickly got the Canaries back
on song. A new-look defence was assembled after that opening-day humiliation
at Craven Cottage and now Norwich look more solid, with successive draws
against QPR and Tottenham.
What is lacking are goals. but surely after his heroics at Carrow Road over
the last three seasons it won't be long before Grant Holt is hitting the
target again.
Norwich City's Player of the Year is exactly the sort of striker Sam
Allardyce loves. A goalscorer who's big, brave and puts in a shift for the
team. With loan-signing Andy Carroll injured, Carlton Cole will be asked to
fulfil that role for West Ham. Undervalued in my opinion, it will be
fascinating to see if the Hammers' number nine can rise to the challenge.
Hughton might be relieved that Carroll is missing but Kevin Nolan was
another key cog in his Newcastle team that strolled to promotion in 2010. He
did the same job for West Ham last season and is off and running again this
term, scoring in both of their home league victories. It was away from home
that West Ham were particularly impressive last season, with 13 wins on
their travels to establish a new club record. Success in Norfolk would be
enough to see the Hammers go joint top of the Premier League. Just for a
couple of hours maybe, but long enough to sing a few songs commemorating the
fact.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won their last two games against Norwich, and are unbeaten in
their previous five matches with the Canaries, although that includes three
draws.
Norwich's only Premier League win against the Hammers came on 27 August
1994, when Mark Robins got the only goal at Carrrow Road.
Norwich
The Canaries have won one of their last eight Premier League matches (W1,
D3, L4).
Only the three relegated teams conceded more goals at home than Norwich (30)
last season.
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 league games. That was
the 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on the final day of last season.
West Ham
The Hammers have only lost two of their last 25 competitive fixtures in all
competitions.
They have recorded clean sheets in five of their previous seven league and
cup matches.
Kevin Nolan netted against Fulham after 54 seconds in their last game. It
was West Ham's quickest top-flight goal since 2005, when Marlon Harewood
struck against
Manchester United after 52 seconds.
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The Julian Dicks Column: Justice at last
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th September 2012
By: Julian Dicks
It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian will be sharing his thoughts with us on a regular
basis via his KUMB column, the latest of which begins with his reaction to
yesterday's publication of the Hillsborough report...
As a former Liverpool player, I was delighted by the findings of the
Hillsborough report this week. What happened there was an absolute disgrace
and I hope that prosecutions follow for those responsible. Someone needs to
be held accountable whether that be the police, the media or everyone who
was involved.
I moved from West Ham to Liverpool just four years after the tragedy
occured; I still remember watching it unfold live on TV. What they did to
those families for 23 years - several of whom I met during my year at the
club - was terrible. I just hope the people responsible are finally brought
to justice themselves.
I didn't even watch the England games this week - I don't really watch too
much international football - but you'd expect them to beat Moldova. And
although a draw against Ukraine wasn't the worst result in the world, you
would expect them to be beating teams like that.
Roy Hodgson is a good manager with lots of experience even though Harry
Redknapp was the people's choice for the job. Roy's a safety-first manager
as was shown by the European Championships but that's not necessarily a bad
thing.
As far as watching live football is concerned, I tend not to watch too much
Premier League football these days as I find it to be a bit of a circus. I
prefer instead to watch more non-league football where it's a bit more real
with not so much diving and falling over!
These days I often go to watch Braintree Town, who are managed by [former
West Ham United and England winger] Alan Devonshire, whose assistant is my
old team-mate Keith Rowland. I've also popped down to watch Chelmsford City
and Southend from time to time.
Towards the end of my playing career I spent a brief spell in non-league
football at Canvey Island, playing 15 games for them. We beat Wigan 1-0 in
the FA Cup before losing to Burnley and I enjoyed my time there. Jeff King
(the manager) put a lot of money into the club but it was unsustainable as
they just didn't have the crowds, which was a shame.
Back in 1996, Julian was a popular choice for England's left back spot in
the European Championships. However he never made the 22-man squad - or a
single full international appearance - after a disagreement with England's
assistant manager John Gorman.
Glenn Hoddle's number two later denied that a conversation between the two
ever took place - something that Julian is happy to set the record straight
on...
At West Ham, Harry Redknapp used to take us on a break every summer and I
met John Gorman during an end-of-season tour in Spain. We were all drinking
in a bar and John and I bumped into each other. We were having a chat and he
told me that I'd never play for England unless I grew my hair - and I told
him to f*ck off.
It was ridiculous. I mean, Ian Wright had a shaved head! I won't name names
but they were happy to pick alcoholics and wife-beaters - but not me,
despite the public wanting me to play, because of my hair.
I never spoke to Glenn Hoddle at the time - I think he was still upset after
the John Spencer incident [the year before] - but I'd never have played for
him even if they had picked me afterwards; I was more interested in my dogs
at that time anyway. I don't know why he [Gorman] denied that that
conversation took place, but it definitely did.
I played for England under 21s five or six times, including a tournament in
Toulon and also three times for England B whilst I was at West Ham. Don't
get me wrong, of course I wanted to play for my country - everyone does,
whether you're English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish or whatever. But it just
wasn't to be.
Julian Dicks was talking to Graeme Howlett.
* Julian is currently available to coach both junior and senior football
teams. For more details, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JULIAN3DICKS.
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Changing the board game
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th September 2012
By: Jason Eves
We say 'hello' to yet another new member of our team of writers as Jason
Eves explains why all Hammers supporters should be feeling positive in the
wake of the recent transfer window...
The dust has long since settled since the takeover of our beloved football
club at the beginning of 2010 - a takeover announced as a 'homecoming' from
our new owners David Sullivan and David Gold. But once the welcoming parade
had ended for these two Eastenders, things slowly started going downhill in
terms of public relations.
An event that will last long in the memory of many Hammers was David
Sullivan's tirade and outburst in regards to 'every player is for sale
except for Scott Parker'. Although his rant can be justified in hindsight
for some of the gutless displays we turned out in that doomed season,
blasting the team did no favours to a camp with low morale.
Growing pains were always going to a part of the parcel as the board were
getting use to their new surroundings. Mistakes were made and we washed our
hands of the square pegs that were occupying the hotseat and bid farewell to
bloated wages on the payroll.
But since relegation, as well as there being a shake-up in the playing and
coaching staff, the board shuffled their pack too with Sullivan's
no-nonsense rants being swapped for the smoother, more optimistic tones of
business partner David Gold. I believe having Gold as the boards' mouthpiece
and spokesperson is the best choice for West Ham.
Not only does he answer to the media and press, he can also reach the fans
on a personal level via Twitter (although some fans may be left disgruntled
that he can only answer their queries in no more than 140-characters). It
goes to show how far social media has come and how it can be utilised in the
right hands.
The eccentrically-dressed Sullivan, however, has taken a backseat response
to the Twitter phenomenon, but passes on all transfer gossip and news to his
son Jack Sullivan.
It's a statement of intent from our chairmen that they are willing to be as
transparent as possible with the fans and to build bridges with the Hammers
faithful along with repairing frayed relationships that may have occurred in
the past.
One chairman who I have seen adopt this same strategy is QPR chairman Tony
Fernandes who famously made his announcement that he made a bid for West Ham
- as well as slating the board - through his Twitter account (unfortunately
I couldn't find a screencap but a report of the incident can be found here).
I'm sure we all casted envious eyes at QPR's lavish spending over the last
few years, signing some exciting players that will grace Loftus Road this
season. But I have renewed optimism with the board, they are keen to stress
the importance of financial stability and restraint. And a year of paying
Premier League wages in the Championship was always going to be a risk worth
taking as we retained the nucleus of our team. Fortunately that gamble paid
off, albeit through the skin of our teeth in the play-offs.
I'm glad Sullivan and Gold adopted that approach rather than having the
heart of the team ripped out. They allowed Big Sam to work his magic with a
plethora of established players joining our ranks. We also managed the
hindrance of the utterly ridiculous lawsuit from our old friends Sheffield
United that Sullivan admits is still yet to be paid off, which I'm sure has
impacted upon our transfer kitty for the current season.
Despite that, the board have still managed to dig deep and also bring in
some impressive signings, ranging from the savvy dealings in the free
transfer market to the marquee signings of Andy Carroll and club record
transfer Matt Jarvis, with both signings being met by widespread appraisal
from the Hammers faithful and the media alike. The chairmen have been more
than kind and allowed Allardyce to bring in his old guard of Kevin Nolan,
Jussi Jaaskelainen and Matt Taylor, which could well have been the catalyst
for Andy Carroll to switch from Merseyside to life in East London.
I feel as though the board have come on leaps and bounds since they claimed
a majority share of the club, prising us from the fingers of the Icelandic
investment bank Straumur. We've come along some bumpy trails and lessons
have been learnt, with some being more severe than others. But we have only
bounced back stronger and more hungry than ever for success.
Gold and Sullivan are as keen as ever to match the ambitions of the
supporters and build towards the future. Whether it be at Upton Park or the
Olympic Stadium, with a decision set to be made on the tenancy by October.
I personally think us moving to the Olympic Stadium can only be beneficial
for the club. It would provide us with an adequate springboard to propel
ourselves to the next level. Along with the increased TV rights deal set for
next season, it could provide a warchest for Allardyce to add to our ranks
and improve our facilities - such as our fabled Academy.
Only time will tell on our season butthe early signs are encouraging. Let's
just get behind the team, the gaffer and especially our board and turn the
page on their past misdemeanors. I think they have more than made up for it
and have breathed fresh optimism into this previously wounded beast.
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Sam Allardyce backing Carlton Cole in absence of Andy Carroll for West Ham
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 13, 2012 6:04pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping Carlton Cole can rediscover his
goalscoring touch while loanee Andy Carroll recovers from the hamstring
injury he suffered on his Hammers debut. Carroll, 23, was signed on a
season-long loan from Liverpooltowards the end of the transfer window and
made an instant impact on his debut against Fulham. The day was ruined for
the England striker when he was forced off with little over an hour gone
after suffering a hamstring injury that could see him miss up to six weeks.
Allardyce is likely to turn to Cole to replace the former Newcastle striker
when he takes his side to Norwich on Saturday, live on Sky Sports HD2, and
wants the 28-year-old to show a lethal touch in front of goal. He said: "He
is an obvious replacement and we would like Carlton to do how he finished
off last season. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and helped us get back
into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him to step in and start
scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last season. "We hope he
can hit the goalscoring trail when he gets the opportunity on Saturday." If
Cole is selected in the starting XI at Carrow Road it will be his 150th
start for West Ham and he will be hoping to establish himself in the side
before Carroll returns from injury.
Carroll return
With the club still yet to put a definitive time-frame on his hamstring
injury Allardyce is hoping he could welcome Carroll back earlier than
expected. "We have got no time on it really," added Allardyce. "It will be a
maximum of six weeks but he is improving well so we continue day-by-day and
look at every day and see what type of improvement we have got and go from
there. "If there is a possibility we can get him back quicker we will be
trying our best." The loan signing of Carroll was one of the marquee deals
of the transfer window and the arrival of the England international, coupled
with other new arrivals, has left Allardyce delighted with the some of the
options he now has at his disposal. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and
helped us get back into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him
to step in and start scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last
season" "The last three signings that the co-chairmen okayed were brilliant
for us," he said. "I think Matt Jarvis, Andy Carroll and Yossi (Benayoun)
are all of great talent in their own positions and all of a different talent
that makes us a much better team and a much better squad. "Hopefully when
they get the opportunity to play they will show those talents from the very
first opportunity they get. "We have got Matt Jarvis who is the provider of
more crosses than anyone else in the Premier League during his time at
Wolves. "We've got Yossi Benayoun with his quick feet and his ability to
beat players in and around the final third - and we have got Andy Carroll
who plays up front and in his own right is a fantastic centre-forward
through his sheer talent, determination and his size. "Those three players
will make our side look good for the rest of this season."
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Hammers look at trio
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 13, 2012 5:13pm
SSN
West Ham have taken John Mensah, Anthony Vanden Borre and Mikael Silvestre
on trial as Sam Allardyce considers adding to his squad. All three players
are available on free transfers and looking for new clubs. Former Manchester
United and Arsenal defender Silvestre is available on a free transfer after
leaving Werder Bremen in the summer. Vanden Borre has been without a club
since his departure from Genk and Mensah has been linked with several clubs
after exiting Lyon at the end of last season. Allardyce is thought to be
keen to bolster his defensive options and is casting an eye over the trio
before deciding whether or not to pursue his interest in them. "They have
been training with us but there is no decision on whether we will be
pursuing their services or not at this moment in time," said Allardyce.
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Three Trialists Arrive, as Carlton Cole is Urged to Excel and There Are High
Hopes of a New Deal for Mark Noble!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
As was widely reported, West Ham are currently looking at free agent options
to provide further cover in defensive positions. To this end, they have
taken three very experienced defenders on trial in order to assess their
suitability as late additons to the squad. The three trialists in question
are ex-Man Utd and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre, Anthony Vanden Borre
and John Mensah. Silvestre is presently available on a free transfer after
leaving Werder Bremen in the summer, ex-Pompey defender Vanden Borre after
leaving Belgium side, Genk and John Mensah, similarly exiting Lyon.
No decisionshave yet been taken on any of the trio, as Sam Allardyce
assesses their fitness and form and their ability to supplement the squad to
provide further experienced cover and competition for places at the back.
Obviously one cannot pre-judge the trials, but if they are in 'good nick'
physically, and have enough left in the tank of top level players, then any
of the three would provide excellent cover across our back line. Arguably,
the squad still needs some added depth in defence and one or more of these
experienced free agents could provide a solution.
Elsewhere, Sam Allardyce has played down reports of an early return to first
team action for Andy Carroll. He has admitted that Carroll has made good
progress in recovering from a hamstring tear, but he will not be rushed back
prematurely. The prognosis remains a potential six week absence, whether he
returns earlier than that will depend upon careful monitoring of his rate of
recovery. As I stated recently, there are dangers inherent in rushing such a
key player back and this approach is both very wise and very welcome!
Allardyce has also laid down the challenge to Carlton Cole to come in to the
squad and perform to the level that everyone knows he is capable. Allardyce
is looking for Cole to respond in the right way and carry over the good form
that he showed last season.
Allardyce has also commented that he is hopefully of the club agreeing a new
contract with star midfielder, Mark Noble. Although stressing that contract
negotiations was not his area, he anticipated that a new deal will be struck
with Noble, providing his demands were not too excessive. Personally, I
think that Mark Noble's famous dedication to the club will see a new deal
struck, but the club need to meet him half way and appropriately reward such
a loyal and key player in our set up. Noble was outstanding last season and,
so far this campaign, he has exhibited a new maturity and been very
influential in the good start that we have made. Lets hope that the club 'go
the extra mile' to sign Noble up, if not then a Jauary exit could be on the
cards and no one wants to see that happen.
Finally, so the truth finally emerges over Hillsborough. There was a
conscious policy by Police Authorities to put the blame on the victims, the
fans, for the tragedy. It was always obvious that the Police lost control of
the situation and abdicated their responsibility by opening the gates. That
is the chief reason for the tragedy, not the conduct of fans, who just
behaved as people do in those type of crowd situations. The official
admission of Police wrong doing and a cover up is long overdue. Action must
now be taken to secure full justice for the victims and their families and
presumably (but don't count on it!) that will lead to criminal charges for
those responsible? And as for The Sun newspaper, can they do enough to
retract and publicly apologise for the disgraceful headlines and copy that
they published following the event?
SJ. Chandos.
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He can be goal king Cole
Published: 13th September 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has challenged Carlton Cole to hit the goal trail in the
absence of the crocked Andy Carroll. West Ham signed Carroll on a
season-long loan from Liverpool last month but the striker was injured in
his first game. Carroll is not expected to be back for another month and
Hammers boss Allardyce wants Cole to take over the responsibilities up
front. He said: "He is an obvious replacement and we would like Carlton to
do how he finished off last season. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and
helped us get back into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him
to step in and start scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last
season. "We hope he can hit the goalscoring trail when he gets the
opportunity on Saturday.Cole is selected for the trip to Norwich, it will be
his 150th start for West Ham and he will be hoping to establish himself in
the side before Carroll returns from injury. With the club still yet to put
a definitive time-frame on his hamstring injury, Allardyce is hoping he
could welcome Carroll back earlier than expected. He added: "We have got no
time on it really. It will be a maximum of six weeks but he is improving
well so we continue day-by-day and look at every day and see what type of
improvement we have got and go from there. "If there is a possibility we can
get him back quicker we will be trying our best."
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Nail it down: Big Sam urges Noble to end pay row and stay a Hammer
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has warned Mark Noble the grass is not always Greener away
from Upton Park. England keeper Robert Green walked away from West Ham on a
free transfer in the summer after failing to agree a new deal - and is now
set for the substitutes bench at QPR. Former Hammers trainee Noble has
already rejected one offer to re-sign and is now into the final year of his
contract. And Allardyce urged his midfielder not to be too greedy and
continue his career at his local club. "I hope it doesn't get to that
situation with Mark Noble and it is something that can be resolved so that
he stays as a West Ham player," he said. "Talks have been ongoing since the
end of the season and they are continuing to try to negotiate a new
contract. The only reason he won't be here is if he asks for too much. "We
had a long, arduous contract negotiation with Robert Green that started on
our pre-season tour to Switzerland all the way through to the very end of
the last game at Wembley and couldn't strike a deal. "I hope it doesn't get
to that."
Andy Carroll is out of Saturday's trip to Norwich with the hamstring injury
he suffered on his debut but Allardyce refused to give a date for his
return. "We've set no time on it," he said. "We think it will be the maximum
of six weeks. He is improving well."
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Carroll's not on song yet: Allardyce refuses to confirm comeback date of
injured striker
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has refused to give a return date for injured Andy Carroll.
The England striker tore a hamstring on his West Ham debut last month and
the Upton Park club feared he could be out for six weeks. A report this
morning said the on-loan Liverpool star will be back for next week's home
match with Sunderland. Carroll is definitely out for Saturday's visit to
Carrow Road but Allardyce said: "We have got no time on it really. We think
it will be the maximum of six weeks. He is improving well. "We continue day
by day and see what type of improvement we have got and not put any pressure
on what time he will or won't be back." Allardyce said free agents Mikael
Sylvestre, John Mensah and Anthony Van Borren will continue to train with
the Hammers until next week before he makes a decision on their futures.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United winger Jimmy Andrews has passed away at the age of 85
13.09.2012
Everyone at West Ham United was saddened to hear of the passing of former
Hammers winger Jimmy Andrews at the age of 85. Andrews joined West Ham from
Dundee in November 1951 before making 120 first-team appearances for the
club, scoring 22 goals. After leaving for Leyton Orient in 1956, he finished
his playing career with Queens Park Rangers in 1962. An innovative thinker
about the game, Invergordon-born Andrews embarked on a successful coaching
career. As well as working as youth-team coach at Tottenham Hotspur under
manager Bill Nicholson and as Tommy Doherty's first-team coach at Chelsea,
he became a Division One manager at the age of 38 when he took charge of
Queens Park Rangers for a short spell in 1965. Andrews became Cardiff City
manager in 1974, succeeding another ex-Hammer in Frank O'Farrell. He spent
four years in charge of the Bluebirds and had been living in the Welsh
capital prior to his passing. Andrews made his West Ham debut in a thrilling
3-3 Division One draw at the Boleyn Ground on 24 November 1951 and marked
his final appearance by scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Division
Two victory at Plymouth Argyle on 31 March 1956.
Son-in-law Rod Griffiths, who is married to Andrews' daughter Kim, said he
enjoyed many hours listening to Andrews' wonderful memories of his time in
football.
"Jimmy started at Dundee and then joined West Ham at an extremely important
period in the history of the club. It was at this time when the likes of Ted
Fenton, Malcolm Allison and Noel Cantwell were helping to form the Academy
of Football and Jimmy would join them at Cassettari's Cafe to talk about the
game for hours on end. "We were very fortunate that the club invited him
back for a game to celebrate his 83rd birthday in 2010. It was a bitterly
cold day and the game finished 0-0, but he thoroughly enjoyed being back at
the Boleyn Ground. "He was a real thinker about the game and I loved
listening to his stories. After West Ham he became the youngest Division One
manager at QPR. He also worked as first-team coach for Tommy Doherty at
Chelsea and under Bill Nicholson at Tottenham, where he coached the likes of
a young Graeme Souness. "He coached in a paternal manner, even though he was
a real disciplinarian from what some of the old players have told me! As a
family, we just loved being around him and listening to what he had to say."
Jimmy Andrews (far left) talking football at Cassettari's Cafe with Dave
Sexton, Noel Cantwell, Malcolm Allison, John Bond, Frank O'Farrell and
Malcolm Musgrove
O'Farrell played alongside Andrews for four seasons at West Ham before being
reunited with his former team-mate at Cardiff in December 1973, when he took
him on as his assistant manager. "I played with him at West Ham and then we
went our separate ways," said O'Farrell, who is now the oldest-living former
West Ham player following his friend's death. "Eventually, after I left
Manchester United I went down to Cardiff City and he was my assistant for
six months before taking charge when I went to manage Iran. "He was one of
the group that also included Malcolm Allison, John Bond, Noel Cantwell and
Dave Sexton who would spend hours thinking and talking about the game. He
was a natural outside-left with a lovely left foot and I enjoyed playing
alongside him. "I remember the final game we had together at Cardiff. We
beat Crystal Palace, who were managed by Malcolm, and they went down to
Division Three and we stayed up!" Everyone at West Ham United would like to
pass on their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Andrews
at this sad time.
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Big Sam on Norwich City
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce shares his views with the press ahead of Saturday's trip to
Carrow Road
13.09.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping that his West Ham United side can recapture the form
that saw them brush Fulham aside before the international break. Victory
over Norwich City in Saturday's 12.45pm kick-off would give Big Sam's team
their first away win of the season and would mean an outstanding nine points
from a possible 12 to start the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League campaign
Speaking to the press ahead of the trip to Carrow Road, Big Sam spoke about
new Saturday's game, the club's new signings, pre-match handshakes and much
more.
Sam, what is the team news for Saturday following the international break?
SA - "Hopefully all of our international players have returned unscathed. We
are still waiting for Winston Reid to return following his exploits with New
Zealand and as far as we know he is fit and well. Everybody else has come
back raring to go and other than Jack Collison and Andy Carroll we are fully
fit."
Will Yossi Benayoun start the game?
SA - "I couldn't possibly answer that question at this point in time. Yossi
has been away with his national side and only had a light training session
today, so we will assess the squad on Friday and make a decision on the
starting line-up from there."
The worst case scenario regarding Andy Carroll was that he would miss six
weeks. Has that changed?
SA - "We haven't put a specific date for his return. We think it will be the
maximum of six weeks. He is improving well so we will continue day-by-day
and take it from there. We won't put any pressure on him to return by a
certain date, but if there is a possibility we can get him back quicker than
expected we will try to make that happen."
One man who could take advantage of Andy Carroll's absence is Carlton Cole.
How big an opportunity has he now got to show his credentials now?
SA - "He is an obvious replacement and we want Carlton to pick up from where
he left off last season. He scored a hatful of goals last season helping us
to get back into the Barclays Premier League, so we would now like him to
step in and score the goals we need to win in the Premier League. He scored
15 in total last season but five came in the final six games. We hope he can
continue that form, starting on Saturday."
How big a signing is Yossi Benayoun and what can he offer in terms of
experience, having already played at the top level and for West Ham United?
SA - "The last three signings that the Joint-Chairmen gave the go-ahead for
were absolutely brilliant for us. Andy, Yossi and Matt Jarvis are all very
good players and they possess the talent that make us a much better team.
Hopefully, when they get the opportunity, they will show us that talent. We
have Matt, the provider who hit the most crosses in the Premier League while
at Wolves. Yossi has quick feet and a terrific ability to create chances not
just for other players but for himself. Of
course, Andy is a fantastic centre-forward with great talent, physicality
and drive."
Are talks continuing with Mark Noble regarding a new contract?
SA - "Talks have been on-going since the end of last season and I would have
thought they would continue until a conclusion is reached. Hopefully that
conclusion will see him sign a new deal."
Has the fact he hasn't signed a new deal affected his attitude in training?
SA - "No, Mark is Mark. He comes in every day and works hard and he is as
happy as any player, particularly after our 3-0 win over Fulham. Every
player at the club is in a good, positive frame of mind at the moment, so
there is no hangover from him not renewing his current deal."
The transfer window is now shut, but there are a number of free agents still
out there. You have been linked with Anthony Vanden Borre, Mikael Silvestre
and John Mensah, are there any truth in these rumours?
SA - "They have all been training with us but no decision has been made yet
on whether their long-term futures lay with the club. I would have thought a
decision
would have been made on all three by the end of next week."
What are your thoughts on the independent report on the Hillsborough
disaster, which was released this week?
SA - "I think that it is sad to hear that such a thing was covered up for 23
years, but I am absolutely delighted now for the people who suffered that
the truth is finally out. I think the importance of safety in football was
taken on by every single club from there on in. Football grounds now are as
safe as they possibly can be. Unlike a lot of clubs abroad who still have
hooliganism problems, we do not appear to have any within the grounds, so
from that day massive strides have been made to ensure the safety of
supporters."
Norwich City snatched a late draw atTottenham Hotspur last time out. What
are your thoughts ahead of another lunchtime kick-off?
SA - "I was reasonably happy with the lunchtime kick-off because it allows a
manager less time to worry about the game. Our players are OK from that
point too. This is our third consecutive 12.45pm kick-off but the only thing
we are worried about is trying to perform as we did against Fulham.
Hopefully our players can hit the same levels they did last time out but,
like every away game in this league, Norwich will provide a difficult test
for us. It will also be good to see Chris Hughton at his new club, but
hopefully I will be the one smiling at the end of the game."
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Corden's stag visits the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
James Corden and his stag-do were welcomed to the Boleyn Ground for a
kickabout in the week
13.09.2012
James Corden and his star-studded stag-do dropped into the Boleyn Ground for
a special mini-game on the pitch earlier this week. The actor, comedian and
TV presenter is a lifelong Hammers fan, so his best man Ben Winston
approached the club to see if it would be possible for the group to pay a
visit to the Academy of Football as part of his big day and the Hammers were
only too happy to oblige. A group of famous faces including comedians John
Bishop, Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall, Dragons' Den star Peter Jones and
former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp all made their way to east London.
The groom-to-be was totally unaware of the plan and was blindfolded as he
left central London to keep his destination a secret. The first he knew of
his big surprise was when manager Sam Allardyce, who had dropped in after
training, took off the blindfold in the home dressing room to leave Corden
speechless.
After the initial excitement died down, Big Sam gave a quick teamtalk to the
18-strong group before they got changed into special 'Corden's stag-do'
Hammers shirts and made their way out on to the pitch. Unsurprisingly, Mark
Noble, who had also dropped in after training, and former pro Redknapp were
in high demand. A thrilling 8-8 draw was followed by a penalty shoot-out to
split the teams, who all seemed to thoroughly enjoy their run-out on the
hallowed turf. The group posed for a final team photo before changing in the
dressing rooms and heading out for the evening. All at West Ham United would
like to wish James well for his big day and beyond.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Norwich v West Ham
KO 12:45
13 September 2012
Last updated at 17:49
BBC.co.uk
By Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Carrow Road Date: Saturday, 15 September
Norwich boss Chris Hughton has reported no new injury concerns following the
international break. Centre-back Elliott Bennett remains sidelined by a knee
injury, while full-back Steven Whittaker is still recovering from an ankle
problem.
West Ham are without Andy Carroll because of a hamstring problem, so Carlton
Cole is set to lead the line. The Hammers could give a second debut to
midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who has rejoined the club on loan.
MATCH PREVIEW
The international break came at a bad time for both of these clubs. West
Ham's first-half demolition of Fulham helped to erase memories of their
sorry showing at Swansea while Norwich City fully deserved a share of the
spoils at Spurs. Chris Hughton has quietly but quickly got the Canaries back
on song. A new-look defence was assembled after that opening-day humiliation
at Craven Cottage and now Norwich look more solid, with successive draws
against QPR and Tottenham.
What is lacking are goals. but surely after his heroics at Carrow Road over
the last three seasons it won't be long before Grant Holt is hitting the
target again.
Norwich City's Player of the Year is exactly the sort of striker Sam
Allardyce loves. A goalscorer who's big, brave and puts in a shift for the
team. With loan-signing Andy Carroll injured, Carlton Cole will be asked to
fulfil that role for West Ham. Undervalued in my opinion, it will be
fascinating to see if the Hammers' number nine can rise to the challenge.
Hughton might be relieved that Carroll is missing but Kevin Nolan was
another key cog in his Newcastle team that strolled to promotion in 2010. He
did the same job for West Ham last season and is off and running again this
term, scoring in both of their home league victories. It was away from home
that West Ham were particularly impressive last season, with 13 wins on
their travels to establish a new club record. Success in Norfolk would be
enough to see the Hammers go joint top of the Premier League. Just for a
couple of hours maybe, but long enough to sing a few songs commemorating the
fact.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won their last two games against Norwich, and are unbeaten in
their previous five matches with the Canaries, although that includes three
draws.
Norwich's only Premier League win against the Hammers came on 27 August
1994, when Mark Robins got the only goal at Carrrow Road.
Norwich
The Canaries have won one of their last eight Premier League matches (W1,
D3, L4).
Only the three relegated teams conceded more goals at home than Norwich (30)
last season.
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 league games. That was
the 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on the final day of last season.
West Ham
The Hammers have only lost two of their last 25 competitive fixtures in all
competitions.
They have recorded clean sheets in five of their previous seven league and
cup matches.
Kevin Nolan netted against Fulham after 54 seconds in their last game. It
was West Ham's quickest top-flight goal since 2005, when Marlon Harewood
struck against
Manchester United after 52 seconds.
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The Julian Dicks Column: Justice at last
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th September 2012
By: Julian Dicks
It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian will be sharing his thoughts with us on a regular
basis via his KUMB column, the latest of which begins with his reaction to
yesterday's publication of the Hillsborough report...
As a former Liverpool player, I was delighted by the findings of the
Hillsborough report this week. What happened there was an absolute disgrace
and I hope that prosecutions follow for those responsible. Someone needs to
be held accountable whether that be the police, the media or everyone who
was involved.
I moved from West Ham to Liverpool just four years after the tragedy
occured; I still remember watching it unfold live on TV. What they did to
those families for 23 years - several of whom I met during my year at the
club - was terrible. I just hope the people responsible are finally brought
to justice themselves.
I didn't even watch the England games this week - I don't really watch too
much international football - but you'd expect them to beat Moldova. And
although a draw against Ukraine wasn't the worst result in the world, you
would expect them to be beating teams like that.
Roy Hodgson is a good manager with lots of experience even though Harry
Redknapp was the people's choice for the job. Roy's a safety-first manager
as was shown by the European Championships but that's not necessarily a bad
thing.
As far as watching live football is concerned, I tend not to watch too much
Premier League football these days as I find it to be a bit of a circus. I
prefer instead to watch more non-league football where it's a bit more real
with not so much diving and falling over!
These days I often go to watch Braintree Town, who are managed by [former
West Ham United and England winger] Alan Devonshire, whose assistant is my
old team-mate Keith Rowland. I've also popped down to watch Chelmsford City
and Southend from time to time.
Towards the end of my playing career I spent a brief spell in non-league
football at Canvey Island, playing 15 games for them. We beat Wigan 1-0 in
the FA Cup before losing to Burnley and I enjoyed my time there. Jeff King
(the manager) put a lot of money into the club but it was unsustainable as
they just didn't have the crowds, which was a shame.
Back in 1996, Julian was a popular choice for England's left back spot in
the European Championships. However he never made the 22-man squad - or a
single full international appearance - after a disagreement with England's
assistant manager John Gorman.
Glenn Hoddle's number two later denied that a conversation between the two
ever took place - something that Julian is happy to set the record straight
on...
At West Ham, Harry Redknapp used to take us on a break every summer and I
met John Gorman during an end-of-season tour in Spain. We were all drinking
in a bar and John and I bumped into each other. We were having a chat and he
told me that I'd never play for England unless I grew my hair - and I told
him to f*ck off.
It was ridiculous. I mean, Ian Wright had a shaved head! I won't name names
but they were happy to pick alcoholics and wife-beaters - but not me,
despite the public wanting me to play, because of my hair.
I never spoke to Glenn Hoddle at the time - I think he was still upset after
the John Spencer incident [the year before] - but I'd never have played for
him even if they had picked me afterwards; I was more interested in my dogs
at that time anyway. I don't know why he [Gorman] denied that that
conversation took place, but it definitely did.
I played for England under 21s five or six times, including a tournament in
Toulon and also three times for England B whilst I was at West Ham. Don't
get me wrong, of course I wanted to play for my country - everyone does,
whether you're English, Welsh, Scottish, Irish or whatever. But it just
wasn't to be.
Julian Dicks was talking to Graeme Howlett.
* Julian is currently available to coach both junior and senior football
teams. For more details, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JULIAN3DICKS.
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Changing the board game
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th September 2012
By: Jason Eves
We say 'hello' to yet another new member of our team of writers as Jason
Eves explains why all Hammers supporters should be feeling positive in the
wake of the recent transfer window...
The dust has long since settled since the takeover of our beloved football
club at the beginning of 2010 - a takeover announced as a 'homecoming' from
our new owners David Sullivan and David Gold. But once the welcoming parade
had ended for these two Eastenders, things slowly started going downhill in
terms of public relations.
An event that will last long in the memory of many Hammers was David
Sullivan's tirade and outburst in regards to 'every player is for sale
except for Scott Parker'. Although his rant can be justified in hindsight
for some of the gutless displays we turned out in that doomed season,
blasting the team did no favours to a camp with low morale.
Growing pains were always going to a part of the parcel as the board were
getting use to their new surroundings. Mistakes were made and we washed our
hands of the square pegs that were occupying the hotseat and bid farewell to
bloated wages on the payroll.
But since relegation, as well as there being a shake-up in the playing and
coaching staff, the board shuffled their pack too with Sullivan's
no-nonsense rants being swapped for the smoother, more optimistic tones of
business partner David Gold. I believe having Gold as the boards' mouthpiece
and spokesperson is the best choice for West Ham.
Not only does he answer to the media and press, he can also reach the fans
on a personal level via Twitter (although some fans may be left disgruntled
that he can only answer their queries in no more than 140-characters). It
goes to show how far social media has come and how it can be utilised in the
right hands.
The eccentrically-dressed Sullivan, however, has taken a backseat response
to the Twitter phenomenon, but passes on all transfer gossip and news to his
son Jack Sullivan.
It's a statement of intent from our chairmen that they are willing to be as
transparent as possible with the fans and to build bridges with the Hammers
faithful along with repairing frayed relationships that may have occurred in
the past.
One chairman who I have seen adopt this same strategy is QPR chairman Tony
Fernandes who famously made his announcement that he made a bid for West Ham
- as well as slating the board - through his Twitter account (unfortunately
I couldn't find a screencap but a report of the incident can be found here).
I'm sure we all casted envious eyes at QPR's lavish spending over the last
few years, signing some exciting players that will grace Loftus Road this
season. But I have renewed optimism with the board, they are keen to stress
the importance of financial stability and restraint. And a year of paying
Premier League wages in the Championship was always going to be a risk worth
taking as we retained the nucleus of our team. Fortunately that gamble paid
off, albeit through the skin of our teeth in the play-offs.
I'm glad Sullivan and Gold adopted that approach rather than having the
heart of the team ripped out. They allowed Big Sam to work his magic with a
plethora of established players joining our ranks. We also managed the
hindrance of the utterly ridiculous lawsuit from our old friends Sheffield
United that Sullivan admits is still yet to be paid off, which I'm sure has
impacted upon our transfer kitty for the current season.
Despite that, the board have still managed to dig deep and also bring in
some impressive signings, ranging from the savvy dealings in the free
transfer market to the marquee signings of Andy Carroll and club record
transfer Matt Jarvis, with both signings being met by widespread appraisal
from the Hammers faithful and the media alike. The chairmen have been more
than kind and allowed Allardyce to bring in his old guard of Kevin Nolan,
Jussi Jaaskelainen and Matt Taylor, which could well have been the catalyst
for Andy Carroll to switch from Merseyside to life in East London.
I feel as though the board have come on leaps and bounds since they claimed
a majority share of the club, prising us from the fingers of the Icelandic
investment bank Straumur. We've come along some bumpy trails and lessons
have been learnt, with some being more severe than others. But we have only
bounced back stronger and more hungry than ever for success.
Gold and Sullivan are as keen as ever to match the ambitions of the
supporters and build towards the future. Whether it be at Upton Park or the
Olympic Stadium, with a decision set to be made on the tenancy by October.
I personally think us moving to the Olympic Stadium can only be beneficial
for the club. It would provide us with an adequate springboard to propel
ourselves to the next level. Along with the increased TV rights deal set for
next season, it could provide a warchest for Allardyce to add to our ranks
and improve our facilities - such as our fabled Academy.
Only time will tell on our season butthe early signs are encouraging. Let's
just get behind the team, the gaffer and especially our board and turn the
page on their past misdemeanors. I think they have more than made up for it
and have breathed fresh optimism into this previously wounded beast.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce backing Carlton Cole in absence of Andy Carroll for West Ham
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 13, 2012 6:04pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping Carlton Cole can rediscover his
goalscoring touch while loanee Andy Carroll recovers from the hamstring
injury he suffered on his Hammers debut. Carroll, 23, was signed on a
season-long loan from Liverpooltowards the end of the transfer window and
made an instant impact on his debut against Fulham. The day was ruined for
the England striker when he was forced off with little over an hour gone
after suffering a hamstring injury that could see him miss up to six weeks.
Allardyce is likely to turn to Cole to replace the former Newcastle striker
when he takes his side to Norwich on Saturday, live on Sky Sports HD2, and
wants the 28-year-old to show a lethal touch in front of goal. He said: "He
is an obvious replacement and we would like Carlton to do how he finished
off last season. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and helped us get back
into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him to step in and start
scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last season. "We hope he
can hit the goalscoring trail when he gets the opportunity on Saturday." If
Cole is selected in the starting XI at Carrow Road it will be his 150th
start for West Ham and he will be hoping to establish himself in the side
before Carroll returns from injury.
Carroll return
With the club still yet to put a definitive time-frame on his hamstring
injury Allardyce is hoping he could welcome Carroll back earlier than
expected. "We have got no time on it really," added Allardyce. "It will be a
maximum of six weeks but he is improving well so we continue day-by-day and
look at every day and see what type of improvement we have got and go from
there. "If there is a possibility we can get him back quicker we will be
trying our best." The loan signing of Carroll was one of the marquee deals
of the transfer window and the arrival of the England international, coupled
with other new arrivals, has left Allardyce delighted with the some of the
options he now has at his disposal. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and
helped us get back into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him
to step in and start scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last
season" "The last three signings that the co-chairmen okayed were brilliant
for us," he said. "I think Matt Jarvis, Andy Carroll and Yossi (Benayoun)
are all of great talent in their own positions and all of a different talent
that makes us a much better team and a much better squad. "Hopefully when
they get the opportunity to play they will show those talents from the very
first opportunity they get. "We have got Matt Jarvis who is the provider of
more crosses than anyone else in the Premier League during his time at
Wolves. "We've got Yossi Benayoun with his quick feet and his ability to
beat players in and around the final third - and we have got Andy Carroll
who plays up front and in his own right is a fantastic centre-forward
through his sheer talent, determination and his size. "Those three players
will make our side look good for the rest of this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers look at trio
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
September 13, 2012 5:13pm
SSN
West Ham have taken John Mensah, Anthony Vanden Borre and Mikael Silvestre
on trial as Sam Allardyce considers adding to his squad. All three players
are available on free transfers and looking for new clubs. Former Manchester
United and Arsenal defender Silvestre is available on a free transfer after
leaving Werder Bremen in the summer. Vanden Borre has been without a club
since his departure from Genk and Mensah has been linked with several clubs
after exiting Lyon at the end of last season. Allardyce is thought to be
keen to bolster his defensive options and is casting an eye over the trio
before deciding whether or not to pursue his interest in them. "They have
been training with us but there is no decision on whether we will be
pursuing their services or not at this moment in time," said Allardyce.
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Three Trialists Arrive, as Carlton Cole is Urged to Excel and There Are High
Hopes of a New Deal for Mark Noble!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
As was widely reported, West Ham are currently looking at free agent options
to provide further cover in defensive positions. To this end, they have
taken three very experienced defenders on trial in order to assess their
suitability as late additons to the squad. The three trialists in question
are ex-Man Utd and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre, Anthony Vanden Borre
and John Mensah. Silvestre is presently available on a free transfer after
leaving Werder Bremen in the summer, ex-Pompey defender Vanden Borre after
leaving Belgium side, Genk and John Mensah, similarly exiting Lyon.
No decisionshave yet been taken on any of the trio, as Sam Allardyce
assesses their fitness and form and their ability to supplement the squad to
provide further experienced cover and competition for places at the back.
Obviously one cannot pre-judge the trials, but if they are in 'good nick'
physically, and have enough left in the tank of top level players, then any
of the three would provide excellent cover across our back line. Arguably,
the squad still needs some added depth in defence and one or more of these
experienced free agents could provide a solution.
Elsewhere, Sam Allardyce has played down reports of an early return to first
team action for Andy Carroll. He has admitted that Carroll has made good
progress in recovering from a hamstring tear, but he will not be rushed back
prematurely. The prognosis remains a potential six week absence, whether he
returns earlier than that will depend upon careful monitoring of his rate of
recovery. As I stated recently, there are dangers inherent in rushing such a
key player back and this approach is both very wise and very welcome!
Allardyce has also laid down the challenge to Carlton Cole to come in to the
squad and perform to the level that everyone knows he is capable. Allardyce
is looking for Cole to respond in the right way and carry over the good form
that he showed last season.
Allardyce has also commented that he is hopefully of the club agreeing a new
contract with star midfielder, Mark Noble. Although stressing that contract
negotiations was not his area, he anticipated that a new deal will be struck
with Noble, providing his demands were not too excessive. Personally, I
think that Mark Noble's famous dedication to the club will see a new deal
struck, but the club need to meet him half way and appropriately reward such
a loyal and key player in our set up. Noble was outstanding last season and,
so far this campaign, he has exhibited a new maturity and been very
influential in the good start that we have made. Lets hope that the club 'go
the extra mile' to sign Noble up, if not then a Jauary exit could be on the
cards and no one wants to see that happen.
Finally, so the truth finally emerges over Hillsborough. There was a
conscious policy by Police Authorities to put the blame on the victims, the
fans, for the tragedy. It was always obvious that the Police lost control of
the situation and abdicated their responsibility by opening the gates. That
is the chief reason for the tragedy, not the conduct of fans, who just
behaved as people do in those type of crowd situations. The official
admission of Police wrong doing and a cover up is long overdue. Action must
now be taken to secure full justice for the victims and their families and
presumably (but don't count on it!) that will lead to criminal charges for
those responsible? And as for The Sun newspaper, can they do enough to
retract and publicly apologise for the disgraceful headlines and copy that
they published following the event?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
He can be goal king Cole
Published: 13th September 2012
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE has challenged Carlton Cole to hit the goal trail in the
absence of the crocked Andy Carroll. West Ham signed Carroll on a
season-long loan from Liverpool last month but the striker was injured in
his first game. Carroll is not expected to be back for another month and
Hammers boss Allardyce wants Cole to take over the responsibilities up
front. He said: "He is an obvious replacement and we would like Carlton to
do how he finished off last season. "He scored a hatful of goals for us and
helped us get back into this lucrative Premier League so we would like him
to step in and start scoring the goals he did towards the back-end of last
season. "We hope he can hit the goalscoring trail when he gets the
opportunity on Saturday.Cole is selected for the trip to Norwich, it will be
his 150th start for West Ham and he will be hoping to establish himself in
the side before Carroll returns from injury. With the club still yet to put
a definitive time-frame on his hamstring injury, Allardyce is hoping he
could welcome Carroll back earlier than expected. He added: "We have got no
time on it really. It will be a maximum of six weeks but he is improving
well so we continue day-by-day and look at every day and see what type of
improvement we have got and go from there. "If there is a possibility we can
get him back quicker we will be trying our best."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nail it down: Big Sam urges Noble to end pay row and stay a Hammer
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has warned Mark Noble the grass is not always Greener away
from Upton Park. England keeper Robert Green walked away from West Ham on a
free transfer in the summer after failing to agree a new deal - and is now
set for the substitutes bench at QPR. Former Hammers trainee Noble has
already rejected one offer to re-sign and is now into the final year of his
contract. And Allardyce urged his midfielder not to be too greedy and
continue his career at his local club. "I hope it doesn't get to that
situation with Mark Noble and it is something that can be resolved so that
he stays as a West Ham player," he said. "Talks have been ongoing since the
end of the season and they are continuing to try to negotiate a new
contract. The only reason he won't be here is if he asks for too much. "We
had a long, arduous contract negotiation with Robert Green that started on
our pre-season tour to Switzerland all the way through to the very end of
the last game at Wembley and couldn't strike a deal. "I hope it doesn't get
to that."
Andy Carroll is out of Saturday's trip to Norwich with the hamstring injury
he suffered on his debut but Allardyce refused to give a date for his
return. "We've set no time on it," he said. "We think it will be the maximum
of six weeks. He is improving well."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll's not on song yet: Allardyce refuses to confirm comeback date of
injured striker
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has refused to give a return date for injured Andy Carroll.
The England striker tore a hamstring on his West Ham debut last month and
the Upton Park club feared he could be out for six weeks. A report this
morning said the on-loan Liverpool star will be back for next week's home
match with Sunderland. Carroll is definitely out for Saturday's visit to
Carrow Road but Allardyce said: "We have got no time on it really. We think
it will be the maximum of six weeks. He is improving well. "We continue day
by day and see what type of improvement we have got and not put any pressure
on what time he will or won't be back." Allardyce said free agents Mikael
Sylvestre, John Mensah and Anthony Van Borren will continue to train with
the Hammers until next week before he makes a decision on their futures.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th September 2012
Cole eyeing Norwich goal
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is eager to mark his 150th Hammers start with a win and a goal
at Carrow Road
11.09.2012
Carlton Cole is looking to mark his 150th start in a West Ham United shirt
with victory at Norwich City on Saturday. With Andy Carroll set to miss the
Barclays Premier League trip to Carrow Road with a hamstring injury, the No9
is expected to be drafted back into the starting line-up by manager Sam
Allardyce. Cole, who received a rapturous ovation when he replaced Carroll
in the 3-0 home win over Fulham last time out, is determined to mark his
latest milestone with a third victory in four league games to start the new
season. "We've obviously had a little break and those of us not involved
with our national teams have been in training and have also had a couple of
days off to unwind and get focused for the big week we have got ahead of
us," he explained. "The manager has been on us this week to get fit and make
sure we're at the top of our game for the trip to Norwich. "I know we did
well in our last game and the boys want to crack on again, but sometimes you
need that mental break to sit back and re-assess what you have done "We know
what we have got to do. Our last away game wasn't very good at Swansea City
so this week we're focusing on how we're going to prevent Norwich from being
a threat and also how we're going to be a threat to them and try to score
goals."
While many strikers would feel threatened by the arrival of an international
forward, Cole is experienced enough and wise enough to know that Carroll's
presence can only benefit the club he has served for the past six seasons.
The top scorer in each of the previous four seasons took to social
networking website twitter to welcome the new No8 to the Boleyn Ground and
is relishing the challenge of fighting for his place with his fellow England
international. "Every year, you have to have people challenging for places
because it is healthy for the club. I'm a guy who believes in that and you
could get complacent if you know you are going to play week-in, week-out.
"It's better to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like Andy
Carroll because he is one of the best target men around in the Premier
League and it's just going to reinvigorate me to be a better player."
Another new face who Cole was happy to see was midfielder Yossi Benayoun,
who he previously lined up alongside in a claret and blue shirt during the
unforgettable 'Great Escape' season of 2006/07. "Yossi is a brilliant
character and a great player as well - we all know that. He has finally come
home and he's back where I believe he belongs. I played for a season with
him before he went off to Liverpool but he was really influential around the
players and the team. "I was sad to see him leave so now he's back, I'm
really happy."
Alongside Matt Jarvis, Matt Taylor, Mark Noble and Ricardo Vaz Te, Benayoun
is just another creative player who Cole cannot wait to start working with
on the pitch. Any striker thrives on great service and the No9 believes that
quintet will provide plenty of inviting crosses and through balls for him to
feed off. "It's looking tasty! We've got a lot of players who can go forward
and fit in. Vaz has started the season really well and has got three assists
already and he'll get his goals too because once he starts scoring he won't
stop. "Everything is looking fruitful in and around the club and I'm very
happy to be involved."
One thing Cole has been missing so far this season is a goal. Having
finished the previous four campaigns as the club's top scorer and netted a
vital strike in the npower Championship Play-Off final win at Wembley, the
popular frontman wants to find the net again as soon as possible - if only
to silence captain Kevin Nolan!
"I've been having banter with Nobby in the changing room already and he's
already on me! Last year, we were bouncing off each other saying 'I've got
more goals than you, so what are you going to do about it?' "We just spur
each other on with a bit of banter and every time I get the chance to play,
whether it be with another striker or up front on my own, hopefully I'll get
the chance to score and keep up with Nobby. "He's a goal poacher and it's
great for the club to have everyone pitching in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole welcomes competition
Hammers striker ready to challenge Carroll for first-team place
Last Updated: September 12, 2012 2:39pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is adamant that Andy Carroll's arrival at the
club will have a positive impact on his own progress. Cole made way for
Carroll, who has signed a season-long loan deal with the Hammers, in the 3-0
victory over Fulham last time out. Although Carroll is now facing up to six
weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, Britain's most expensive
footballer will likely be the first-choice frontman when he returns. But
Cole believes the fact he will now have to fight for playing time means he
will improve as a player. "Every year, you have to have people challenging
for places because it is healthy for the club," Cole told West Ham's
official website.
Complacent
"I'm a guy who believes in that and you could get complacent if you know you
are going to play week in, week out. "It's better to always be on your toes
and I welcome a challenge like Andy Carroll because he is one of the best
target men around in the Premier League and it's just going to reinvigorate
me to be a better player." Cole also welcomed the return of Yossi Benayoun
after the midfielder returned to Upton Park on a loan deal from Chelsea. He
added: "Yossi is a brilliant character and a great player as well - we all
know that. "He has finally come home and he's back where I believe he
belongs. I played for a season with him before he went off to Liverpool but
he was really influential around the players and the team. "I was sad to see
him leave so now he's back, I'm really happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Is it a Miracle Return for Carroll, But a Longer Road to Full Fitness for
Collison?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
It has been reported that Andy Carroll is responding so well to treatment
that he could be available for selection in time for Sunderland match.
Apparently, the medical and physio staff are amazed at the progress that he
has made recovering from such a serious hamstring tear. I hesitate to say
this, but I hope that he is not rushed back to quickly, only to aggrevate
the hamstring. I am hesitant because the club as top medical and physio
provision and, logic says that, they will not allow Carroll to return until
he is 100% recovered. I always recall the way that we rushed Julian Dicks
back from an injury and he subsequently sustained a far worse injury that
hampered his career and brought it to a pre-maturely end. (Although some
accounts maintain that the surgery that Dicks received was actually the
major determining factor in that!).
Of course, the ideal scenerio would be that Carlton Cole rises to the
challenge against Norwich City and gives Sam Allardyce a selection headache!
The probability is that Carroll is our No. 1 centre forward and will play if
he is fit. However, fair is fair, if Cole performs well then he is entitled
to a reasonable expectation that he will retain his place against
Sunderland. If Carroll is fit, at least a strong Cole performance will give
Allardyce the option of starting our star loan signing on the bench, giving
him 15-20 minutes and effectively ease him back in to the team. But that is
the beauty of having depth in strength and competition for places, it
promotes competition for places and, hopefully, raises performance across
the board.
It is certainly very positive that Carlton Cole has welcomed Andy Carroll to
the club and the competition for places that it will bring. There is of
course another factor relating to Cole, in the recent interview with Iain,
he discussed the need to manage his knee condition. The fact that the club
tend to give him 70-75 minutes on a Saturday, if he is expected to play in
midweek. With Carroll's availability that management regime becomes a whole
lot easier, with a reduced need to keep pushing the limits of his playing
time. Essentially, Cole can respond to competition from Carroll in one of
two ways, he can lose confidence and go in to his shell, playing wise, or it
can spur him on to better levels of performance. I hope that we have the
latter response from him, rather than the former!
As for Carroll, his early return is very posiive because it means that he
will not lose the match fitness that would have arose from a six-week injury
lay-off. And that is very positive for all concerned.
More positive news for the club and its fans, can also be found in reports
that Matt Javis is likely to return to face Norwich City and Jack Collison
is close to physical fitness. I was really disappointed that Jarvis was not
fit for the Fulham game, because obviously the Carroll-Jarvis link up is one
that every fans is looking forward to seeing. I really rate Jarvis and I
think that his pace, skill and accuracy, in delivering the ball in from the
flanks, will add a whole new dimension to the squad. While, Jack Collison is
a real talent, whose progress has been impeded by that freak knee injury
that he suffered up at Wigan a two or three seasons back. With Jack Collison
I worry if the injury is likely to have a sustained impact upon his
availability, but I have no such worries on about his ability. Towards the
end of last season, it really started to come back together for Collison, as
he put in some fine performances in the run-in to our promotion campaign.
Indeed, in those final matches he looked like the Jack Collison of old,
particularly in the resounding two legged play-off semi-final victory over
Cardiff City.
Hopefully he will get fit and return to that sort of form. However, while he
may achieve physical fitness soon, the fact is that he has missed the whole
of pre-season and as a consequence is nowhere near match fit. So, it is
likely that the front end of the season will spent building up his match
fitness with the Development Squad and easing his way back in to first team
contention. If a player misses pre-season he tends to ends up playing
catch-up and this necessitates a process of building it up fitness during
the course of the subsequent season. So, it is likely that we will need to
show a bit more patience where Collison's return to first action is
concerned. However, he is worth it because Collison is a key member of the
squad. Again, one can only hope that the form of Diame, Noble, Diarra and
Nolan affords us the luxury of not rushing him back too early.
Finally, we apparently gave a successful pre-season trial to a 19 year old
French forward named, Abiola Badirou. During his trial period, Badirou made
two substiututes appearances for the Development Squad and impressed
sufficiently to earn a contract. He has previously played for French 2nd
tier side, FC Tours, and although seemingly a free agent there were
complications relating to the signing. These complications relate to his
amateur status at FC Tours and the subsequent registration paperwork. The
relevant paperwork was eventually submitted, but the club are awaiting FIFA
confirmation that he now a Hammers player? They must be keen to bring
Badirou to the club, as it appears that if FiFA's response is negative then
plan B is that he continues training at club and a deferred deal is pushed
through in January.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole ready to fight for his place
The Sun
Published: 12th September 2012
CARTON COLE is relishing the prospect of challenging Andy Carroll for his
West Ham place. Cole was dropped for the Hammers' 3-0 win over Fulham
following Carroll's loan move from Liverpool. But the England striker picked
up a hamstring injury against the Cottagers and will be sidelined for up to
six weeks — opening the door for Cole to return at Norwich on Saturday. The
Hammers hitman said: "Every year, you have to have people challenging for
places because it is healthy for the club. "I'm a guy who believes in that
and you could get complacent if you know you are going to play week in, week
out. "It's better to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like
Andy. He is one of the best target men around in the Premier League and it's
just going to reinvigorate me to be a better player."
Cole also welcomed the return of Yossi Benayoun, who has joined on loan from
Chelsea. He added: "Yossi is a brilliant character and a great player as
well — we all know that. "He has finally come home and he's back where I
believe he belongs. "I played for a season with him before he went off to
Liverpool but he was really influential around the players and the team. "I
was sad to see him leave so now he's back, I'm really happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Borre draw: Belgium international fighting to win a West Ham deal
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is looking at Belgian international Anthony
vanden Borre as he checks out THREE free agents. The 24-year-old arrived in
London on Wednesday in a bid to win a deal with the Hammers after leaving
Genk in his homeland in the summer. Vanden Borre, who had a spell at
Portsmouth a couple of years ago, can play at right-back or on the right
wing. But despite an impressive CV also including spells at Anderlecht and
Fiorentina, he was unable to find a club in the summer window so is free to
sign even though the deadline has passed. Allardyce is also looking at
out-of-work defenders John Mensah and Mikael Silvestre.
Former Sunderland centre-half Mensah was released by Lyon this summer.
Manchester United and Arsenal old boy Silvestre, who has spent two seasons
at Germany's Werder Bremen, hopes to prove he can still play in the Premier
League at 35. Allardyce, who had the knack of finding life in old dogs
during his days as boss, will run the rule over the trio in the next few
days. He is looking to pad out his squad for the coming months of Premier
League action with bargains after spending heavily on star signings Andy
Carroll and Matt Jarvis in August.
* CARLTON COLE reckons the signing of Andy Carroll will make him a better
player. The West Ham No 9 is set to make his 150th start for the club at
Norwich on Saturday with the on-loan striker out with a hamstring injury.
And Cole, the club's top scorer in the last four seasons, said: "It's better
to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like Andy Carroll. "He
is one of the best target men around in the Premier League and it's just
going to reinvigorate me to be a better player.
"Every year, you have to have people challenging for places because it is
healthy for the club. I'm a guy who believes in that and you could get
complacent if you know you are going to play week-in, week-out."
Cole added the return of his former team-mate Yossi Benayoun will add more
creativity to Sam Allardyce's side. "It's looking tasty!" he said. "We've
got a lot of players who can go forward and fit in. "Everything is looking
fruitful in and around the club and I'm very happy to be involved."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: Carroll set to make return next week after remarkable recovery
from hamstring injury
By MATT LAWTON
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 12 September 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 12 September 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll is in line for a shock return to action next week after
stunning West Ham's medical staff with his response to treatment on his
injured hamstring.
Manager Sam Allardyce feared his new on-loan striker would be sidelined for
up to six weeks after suffering the setback on his impressive debut against
Fulham 12 days ago. But Carroll is staging a remarkable recovery and West
Ham's encounter with Sunderland at Upton Park on Saturday week has now been
pencilled in as a possible comeback date. It would be a huge boost to
Allardyce, after England's most expensive footballer made such a positive
impact against Fulham. Carroll had a hand in all three of West Ham's goals
in a 3-0 home victory against their London rivals. The news will also be
welcomed by England manager Roy Hodgson, who planned to start Carroll with
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney against Moldova and Ukraine, but was forced
to change his plans when both players were injured while playing for their
clubs. Carroll impressed Hodgson during the summer at Euro 2012, scoring a
magnificent header to open the scoring in a 3-2 victory over Sweden in the
second group game in Kiev, and the boss will now be looking to recall the
23-year-old for next month's World Cup qualifying doubleheader against San
Marino and Poland. Hodgson is aware that he will need additional firepower
against the dangerous Poles, having seen England struggle to find the net
against Ukraine at Wembley until Frank Lampard's late penalty, and he will
be cheered by the news from West Ham, who signed the £35million striker on
loan from Liverpool with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is eager to mark his 150th Hammers start with a win and a goal
at Carrow Road
11.09.2012
Carlton Cole is looking to mark his 150th start in a West Ham United shirt
with victory at Norwich City on Saturday. With Andy Carroll set to miss the
Barclays Premier League trip to Carrow Road with a hamstring injury, the No9
is expected to be drafted back into the starting line-up by manager Sam
Allardyce. Cole, who received a rapturous ovation when he replaced Carroll
in the 3-0 home win over Fulham last time out, is determined to mark his
latest milestone with a third victory in four league games to start the new
season. "We've obviously had a little break and those of us not involved
with our national teams have been in training and have also had a couple of
days off to unwind and get focused for the big week we have got ahead of
us," he explained. "The manager has been on us this week to get fit and make
sure we're at the top of our game for the trip to Norwich. "I know we did
well in our last game and the boys want to crack on again, but sometimes you
need that mental break to sit back and re-assess what you have done "We know
what we have got to do. Our last away game wasn't very good at Swansea City
so this week we're focusing on how we're going to prevent Norwich from being
a threat and also how we're going to be a threat to them and try to score
goals."
While many strikers would feel threatened by the arrival of an international
forward, Cole is experienced enough and wise enough to know that Carroll's
presence can only benefit the club he has served for the past six seasons.
The top scorer in each of the previous four seasons took to social
networking website twitter to welcome the new No8 to the Boleyn Ground and
is relishing the challenge of fighting for his place with his fellow England
international. "Every year, you have to have people challenging for places
because it is healthy for the club. I'm a guy who believes in that and you
could get complacent if you know you are going to play week-in, week-out.
"It's better to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like Andy
Carroll because he is one of the best target men around in the Premier
League and it's just going to reinvigorate me to be a better player."
Another new face who Cole was happy to see was midfielder Yossi Benayoun,
who he previously lined up alongside in a claret and blue shirt during the
unforgettable 'Great Escape' season of 2006/07. "Yossi is a brilliant
character and a great player as well - we all know that. He has finally come
home and he's back where I believe he belongs. I played for a season with
him before he went off to Liverpool but he was really influential around the
players and the team. "I was sad to see him leave so now he's back, I'm
really happy."
Alongside Matt Jarvis, Matt Taylor, Mark Noble and Ricardo Vaz Te, Benayoun
is just another creative player who Cole cannot wait to start working with
on the pitch. Any striker thrives on great service and the No9 believes that
quintet will provide plenty of inviting crosses and through balls for him to
feed off. "It's looking tasty! We've got a lot of players who can go forward
and fit in. Vaz has started the season really well and has got three assists
already and he'll get his goals too because once he starts scoring he won't
stop. "Everything is looking fruitful in and around the club and I'm very
happy to be involved."
One thing Cole has been missing so far this season is a goal. Having
finished the previous four campaigns as the club's top scorer and netted a
vital strike in the npower Championship Play-Off final win at Wembley, the
popular frontman wants to find the net again as soon as possible - if only
to silence captain Kevin Nolan!
"I've been having banter with Nobby in the changing room already and he's
already on me! Last year, we were bouncing off each other saying 'I've got
more goals than you, so what are you going to do about it?' "We just spur
each other on with a bit of banter and every time I get the chance to play,
whether it be with another striker or up front on my own, hopefully I'll get
the chance to score and keep up with Nobby. "He's a goal poacher and it's
great for the club to have everyone pitching in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole welcomes competition
Hammers striker ready to challenge Carroll for first-team place
Last Updated: September 12, 2012 2:39pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is adamant that Andy Carroll's arrival at the
club will have a positive impact on his own progress. Cole made way for
Carroll, who has signed a season-long loan deal with the Hammers, in the 3-0
victory over Fulham last time out. Although Carroll is now facing up to six
weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, Britain's most expensive
footballer will likely be the first-choice frontman when he returns. But
Cole believes the fact he will now have to fight for playing time means he
will improve as a player. "Every year, you have to have people challenging
for places because it is healthy for the club," Cole told West Ham's
official website.
Complacent
"I'm a guy who believes in that and you could get complacent if you know you
are going to play week in, week out. "It's better to always be on your toes
and I welcome a challenge like Andy Carroll because he is one of the best
target men around in the Premier League and it's just going to reinvigorate
me to be a better player." Cole also welcomed the return of Yossi Benayoun
after the midfielder returned to Upton Park on a loan deal from Chelsea. He
added: "Yossi is a brilliant character and a great player as well - we all
know that. "He has finally come home and he's back where I believe he
belongs. I played for a season with him before he went off to Liverpool but
he was really influential around the players and the team. "I was sad to see
him leave so now he's back, I'm really happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Is it a Miracle Return for Carroll, But a Longer Road to Full Fitness for
Collison?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
It has been reported that Andy Carroll is responding so well to treatment
that he could be available for selection in time for Sunderland match.
Apparently, the medical and physio staff are amazed at the progress that he
has made recovering from such a serious hamstring tear. I hesitate to say
this, but I hope that he is not rushed back to quickly, only to aggrevate
the hamstring. I am hesitant because the club as top medical and physio
provision and, logic says that, they will not allow Carroll to return until
he is 100% recovered. I always recall the way that we rushed Julian Dicks
back from an injury and he subsequently sustained a far worse injury that
hampered his career and brought it to a pre-maturely end. (Although some
accounts maintain that the surgery that Dicks received was actually the
major determining factor in that!).
Of course, the ideal scenerio would be that Carlton Cole rises to the
challenge against Norwich City and gives Sam Allardyce a selection headache!
The probability is that Carroll is our No. 1 centre forward and will play if
he is fit. However, fair is fair, if Cole performs well then he is entitled
to a reasonable expectation that he will retain his place against
Sunderland. If Carroll is fit, at least a strong Cole performance will give
Allardyce the option of starting our star loan signing on the bench, giving
him 15-20 minutes and effectively ease him back in to the team. But that is
the beauty of having depth in strength and competition for places, it
promotes competition for places and, hopefully, raises performance across
the board.
It is certainly very positive that Carlton Cole has welcomed Andy Carroll to
the club and the competition for places that it will bring. There is of
course another factor relating to Cole, in the recent interview with Iain,
he discussed the need to manage his knee condition. The fact that the club
tend to give him 70-75 minutes on a Saturday, if he is expected to play in
midweek. With Carroll's availability that management regime becomes a whole
lot easier, with a reduced need to keep pushing the limits of his playing
time. Essentially, Cole can respond to competition from Carroll in one of
two ways, he can lose confidence and go in to his shell, playing wise, or it
can spur him on to better levels of performance. I hope that we have the
latter response from him, rather than the former!
As for Carroll, his early return is very posiive because it means that he
will not lose the match fitness that would have arose from a six-week injury
lay-off. And that is very positive for all concerned.
More positive news for the club and its fans, can also be found in reports
that Matt Javis is likely to return to face Norwich City and Jack Collison
is close to physical fitness. I was really disappointed that Jarvis was not
fit for the Fulham game, because obviously the Carroll-Jarvis link up is one
that every fans is looking forward to seeing. I really rate Jarvis and I
think that his pace, skill and accuracy, in delivering the ball in from the
flanks, will add a whole new dimension to the squad. While, Jack Collison is
a real talent, whose progress has been impeded by that freak knee injury
that he suffered up at Wigan a two or three seasons back. With Jack Collison
I worry if the injury is likely to have a sustained impact upon his
availability, but I have no such worries on about his ability. Towards the
end of last season, it really started to come back together for Collison, as
he put in some fine performances in the run-in to our promotion campaign.
Indeed, in those final matches he looked like the Jack Collison of old,
particularly in the resounding two legged play-off semi-final victory over
Cardiff City.
Hopefully he will get fit and return to that sort of form. However, while he
may achieve physical fitness soon, the fact is that he has missed the whole
of pre-season and as a consequence is nowhere near match fit. So, it is
likely that the front end of the season will spent building up his match
fitness with the Development Squad and easing his way back in to first team
contention. If a player misses pre-season he tends to ends up playing
catch-up and this necessitates a process of building it up fitness during
the course of the subsequent season. So, it is likely that we will need to
show a bit more patience where Collison's return to first action is
concerned. However, he is worth it because Collison is a key member of the
squad. Again, one can only hope that the form of Diame, Noble, Diarra and
Nolan affords us the luxury of not rushing him back too early.
Finally, we apparently gave a successful pre-season trial to a 19 year old
French forward named, Abiola Badirou. During his trial period, Badirou made
two substiututes appearances for the Development Squad and impressed
sufficiently to earn a contract. He has previously played for French 2nd
tier side, FC Tours, and although seemingly a free agent there were
complications relating to the signing. These complications relate to his
amateur status at FC Tours and the subsequent registration paperwork. The
relevant paperwork was eventually submitted, but the club are awaiting FIFA
confirmation that he now a Hammers player? They must be keen to bring
Badirou to the club, as it appears that if FiFA's response is negative then
plan B is that he continues training at club and a deferred deal is pushed
through in January.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole ready to fight for his place
The Sun
Published: 12th September 2012
CARTON COLE is relishing the prospect of challenging Andy Carroll for his
West Ham place. Cole was dropped for the Hammers' 3-0 win over Fulham
following Carroll's loan move from Liverpool. But the England striker picked
up a hamstring injury against the Cottagers and will be sidelined for up to
six weeks — opening the door for Cole to return at Norwich on Saturday. The
Hammers hitman said: "Every year, you have to have people challenging for
places because it is healthy for the club. "I'm a guy who believes in that
and you could get complacent if you know you are going to play week in, week
out. "It's better to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like
Andy. He is one of the best target men around in the Premier League and it's
just going to reinvigorate me to be a better player."
Cole also welcomed the return of Yossi Benayoun, who has joined on loan from
Chelsea. He added: "Yossi is a brilliant character and a great player as
well — we all know that. "He has finally come home and he's back where I
believe he belongs. "I played for a season with him before he went off to
Liverpool but he was really influential around the players and the team. "I
was sad to see him leave so now he's back, I'm really happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Borre draw: Belgium international fighting to win a West Ham deal
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is looking at Belgian international Anthony
vanden Borre as he checks out THREE free agents. The 24-year-old arrived in
London on Wednesday in a bid to win a deal with the Hammers after leaving
Genk in his homeland in the summer. Vanden Borre, who had a spell at
Portsmouth a couple of years ago, can play at right-back or on the right
wing. But despite an impressive CV also including spells at Anderlecht and
Fiorentina, he was unable to find a club in the summer window so is free to
sign even though the deadline has passed. Allardyce is also looking at
out-of-work defenders John Mensah and Mikael Silvestre.
Former Sunderland centre-half Mensah was released by Lyon this summer.
Manchester United and Arsenal old boy Silvestre, who has spent two seasons
at Germany's Werder Bremen, hopes to prove he can still play in the Premier
League at 35. Allardyce, who had the knack of finding life in old dogs
during his days as boss, will run the rule over the trio in the next few
days. He is looking to pad out his squad for the coming months of Premier
League action with bargains after spending heavily on star signings Andy
Carroll and Matt Jarvis in August.
* CARLTON COLE reckons the signing of Andy Carroll will make him a better
player. The West Ham No 9 is set to make his 150th start for the club at
Norwich on Saturday with the on-loan striker out with a hamstring injury.
And Cole, the club's top scorer in the last four seasons, said: "It's better
to always be on your toes and I welcome a challenge like Andy Carroll. "He
is one of the best target men around in the Premier League and it's just
going to reinvigorate me to be a better player.
"Every year, you have to have people challenging for places because it is
healthy for the club. I'm a guy who believes in that and you could get
complacent if you know you are going to play week-in, week-out."
Cole added the return of his former team-mate Yossi Benayoun will add more
creativity to Sam Allardyce's side. "It's looking tasty!" he said. "We've
got a lot of players who can go forward and fit in. "Everything is looking
fruitful in and around the club and I'm very happy to be involved."
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EXCLUSIVE: Carroll set to make return next week after remarkable recovery
from hamstring injury
By MATT LAWTON
PUBLISHED: 22:45, 12 September 2012 | UPDATED: 22:45, 12 September 2012
Daily Mail
Andy Carroll is in line for a shock return to action next week after
stunning West Ham's medical staff with his response to treatment on his
injured hamstring.
Manager Sam Allardyce feared his new on-loan striker would be sidelined for
up to six weeks after suffering the setback on his impressive debut against
Fulham 12 days ago. But Carroll is staging a remarkable recovery and West
Ham's encounter with Sunderland at Upton Park on Saturday week has now been
pencilled in as a possible comeback date. It would be a huge boost to
Allardyce, after England's most expensive footballer made such a positive
impact against Fulham. Carroll had a hand in all three of West Ham's goals
in a 3-0 home victory against their London rivals. The news will also be
welcomed by England manager Roy Hodgson, who planned to start Carroll with
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney against Moldova and Ukraine, but was forced
to change his plans when both players were injured while playing for their
clubs. Carroll impressed Hodgson during the summer at Euro 2012, scoring a
magnificent header to open the scoring in a 3-2 victory over Sweden in the
second group game in Kiev, and the boss will now be looking to recall the
23-year-old for next month's World Cup qualifying doubleheader against San
Marino and Poland. Hodgson is aware that he will need additional firepower
against the dangerous Poles, having seen England struggle to find the net
against Ukraine at Wembley until Frank Lampard's late penalty, and he will
be cheered by the news from West Ham, who signed the £35million striker on
loan from Liverpool with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
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