Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is planning a busy week to make sure West Ham United return to
winning ways
15.10.2012
Sam Allardyce is hoping for some good fortune this week as his West Ham
United side look to return to action with a Barclays Premier League victory
over Southampton on Saturday. Big Sam is hoping to see his international
stars from around the globe return in one piece, with Andy Carroll, Modibo
Maiga, Mohamed Diame, Guy Demel and Winston Reid all away with their
respective nations. Despite serious crowd trouble at Senegal's match with
the Ivory Coast on Saturday, Demel and Diame are safely on their way back to
east London and will re-join their club-mates, who were put through some
tough double training sessions at Chadwell Heath last week. "The first thing
is looking at the international lads in the hope that they come back and are
not injured," said the manager. "We need to bounce back from a disappointing
result but a very gutsy performance and then get back on the victory trail
at home. "Southampton have not had the best of starts and have had some
difficult games and have been conceding a number of goals and we've got to
try and take advantage of that."
Although West Ham have enjoyed the best start of the three newly-promoted
teams, with eleven points from seven games, an experienced manager like
Allardyce knows one should not read too much into the Barclays Premier
League table at this early stage. A Hammers win at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday, though, would open up a ten-point gap between the Hammers and
their fellow new boys. "From our point of view we'd like to beat them on the
basis that we have both been promoted and we both know how much of a
struggle it is in year one. If you can pick up points from teams of similar
standing to you then you take three points and they don't get any points.
"It's almost a six-pointer this early in the season. If we win, they'd only
have four points and we'd have 14 and that's a massive gap that they'd have
to try and close over the coming games."
The Saints, though, will take heart from last season's npower Championship
campaign, where they remained unbeaten against the Hammers by winning 1-0 at
home a year ago and drawing 1-1 at the Boleyn Ground in February. "They've
had some hard fixtures and they beat us away and then drew with us at Upton
Park so they will be thinking that it is a good chance for them to come and
get some points so we've got to try to stop that."
The last few tickets for Saturday's game are quickly being snapped up and
with seats for the visit of Barclays Premier League champions Manchester
City on 3 November already in high demand, the manager has reiterated the
important part Hammers fans have played in his side's solid start to the
season. "We've played some good football and played one of the big boys and
even though we lost the fans were right behind us until the end. It gives us
a good platform to beat the opposition. It intimidates the opposition and it
is hugely supportive for us. That can help to give us that extra drive to
get the positive result."
*whufc.com will carrying a further update on Ricardo Vaz Te's injury on
Tuesday.
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Stadium decision delayed again
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's anxious wait to find out whether they will be awarded use of the
Olympic Stadium will go on a little longer after it was revealed that a
decision expected this week would not now be made. It had been expected
that a decision as to which of the four bidding parties - West Ham United,
Formula One, Leyton Orient or a football business college - would take
control of the iconic venue would be made this week. However West Ham
United co-owner David Gold revealed tonight that that decision is to be
delayed further. "Sadly the decision on the Olympic Stadium has been
postponed," he said tonight via Twitter. "We must be patient but resolute."
The delay is thought to centre on a dispute as to who will provde the
necessary funding to convert the stadium, which hosted the summer Olympic
and Paralympic games, into a stadium suitable for football. The London
Legacy Development Corporation, with whom responsibilty for the decision
lies are reported to have decided on Monday to delay the decision until such
time as further negotiations have taken place.
The LLDC are keen for West Ham to make a sizeable contribution to the
redevelopment costs, whilst United's board are keen for the Government to
bear the brunt of it. The Corporations Chief Executive Dennis Hone is said
to have claimed that a final decision could be delayed until December. West
Ham are yet to comment on this latest blow to their plans to move to
Stratford. The latest KUMB.com poll on the Olympic Stadium has resulted in
two-thirds of voters backing the Board's plans to move from Upton Park to
Stratford. You may see the current standings here.
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Sam: Saturday's a six-pointer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has stoked up the pressure ahead of Saturday's
Boleyn Ground clash with strugglers Southampton by calling the game "almost
a six-pointer".
West Ham, who have enjoyed a solid start to their 2012/13 campaign take on
last season's Championship runners-up Southampton, who have endured a rather
more difficult start to their season. Having taken only four points from
their opening seven matches, the pressure is on Nigel Adkins' struggling
side to produce the goods and take all three points on Saturday. However
Allardyce is keen to impress upon his squad the importance of the fixture,
despite a full week's preparation yet to come. "From our point of view we'd
like to beat them on the basis that we have both been promoted and we both
know how much of a struggle it is in year one," he told the press this
morning. "It's almost a six-pointer this early in the season. If we win,
they'd only have four points and we'd have 14 - and that's a massive gap
that they'd have to try and close over the coming games. "Southampton have
not had the best of starts and have been conceding a number of goals - and
we've got to try and take advantage of that."
Last season West Ham were forced to play the majority of the corresponding
fixture with only ten men after Southampton striker Billy Sharp feigned
injury in order to get Matt Taylor sent off. The game finished in a 1-1
draw. And although he stopped short of saying it, revenge for that
particular incident may not be too far from Allardyce's mind. "They beat us
away and then drew with us at Upton Park so they will be thinking that it is
a good chance for them to come and get some points," he added. "So we've got
to try to stop that."
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Henderson joins Town
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 15th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United reserve goalkeeper Stephen Henderson has joined Championship
side Ipswich Town on loan. The former Portsmouth goalkeeper moved to West
Ham on a permanent basis in the summer but has struggled to impress in his
pre-season and Cup outings thus far. Ipswich - who have also recently signed
former Hammer Nigel Reo-Coker and summer triallist Bilel Moshni - have taken
the 24-year-old Irish goalkeeper on a short-term basis. Henderson becomes
Town's eighth loan signing of the season and will compete with Scott Loach
and Arran Lee-Barrett for a place in Pau lJewell's starting eleven. West
Ham's third-choice goalkeeper - Swiss stopper Raphael Spiegel - will
deputise for Henderson in his absence.
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The LLDC is set to evaluate the four bids for the Olympic Stadium
Last Updated: October 15, 2012 2:17pm
SSN
Today is a significant day for the future of the Olympic Stadium with a
board meeting of the London Legacy Development Corporation scheduled to take
place.
The four bids to take over the £486m venue in Stratford on a 99-year lease
will be evaluated before Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, makes an
announcement. The bids are from West Ham United, Leyton Orient, Intelligent
Transport Services - who plan to stage a Formula One race at the Olympic
Park - and UCFB (College of Football Business). However there are
suggestions that Johnson may be forced to postpone an announcement due to a
fresh European Commission inquiry into illegal state aid for football.
According to The Times, the Government has received notice of the
investigation, which covers the issue of public financing for stadiums used
by professional clubs and that could complicate any deal with West Ham or
Leyton Orient. Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn admits a football club may
not even win the bid to take over the Stratford venue. He told Sky Sports
News: "That stadium has got to have £200m or thereabouts spent on it to make
it convertible into a fit for football stadium. "Do the legacy people think
it's worthwhile to spend that money? There is a very real chance they are
going to decide not to spend that money and to leave the stadium pretty well
in its existing state. The cynic in me, if I was a bookmaker, makes option
one of a non-football stadium odds-on."
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "Someone has to ensure that the
jobs are created, that local people get a chance to be part of it and that
it continues to be on such a worldwide stage because it is such a phenomenal
facility. "And that's what I think we would like to bring to the stadium
should we have an opportunity to be part of that."
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West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson set to join Ipswich on loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
October 15, 2012 12:45pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Ipswich have agreed a deal to sign West Ham
goalkeeper Stephen Henderson on loan. Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has been
looking to bolster his goalkeeping options and has moved to bring in
Henderson. Scott Loach has been Ipswich's No.1 keeper this season, but
Jewell has brought in Henderson to inject competition for places. Henderson,
who has found himself playing back-up to Jussi Jaaskelainen at Upton Park,
has made two appearance for the Hammers this season in the Capital One Cup
games against Crewe and Wigan. The 24-year-old initially joined West Ham on
loan from Portsmouth last March before making the move permanent in May.
Henderson is the fifth new signing at Ipswich in recent weeks following the
arrivals of Nigel Reo-Coker,DJ Campbell, Richie Wellens and Bilel Mohsni.
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Sam Allardyce looking for West Ham United to bounce back against Southampton
Last Updated: October 15, 2012 2:32pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United's international stars will be
returned to him in one piece, as he looks ahead to a crucial fixture. The
Hammers headed into the international break on the back of a 3-1 home defeat
to Arsenal and will have been stewing on that result for a fortnight by the
time they next take to the field. A visit from Southampton awaits West Ham
on Saturday, and the importance of taking points off a fellow promoted side
has not been lost on Allardyce. "The first thing is looking at the
international lads in the hope that they come back and are not injured," he
told the club's official website. "We need to bounce back from a
disappointing result but a very gutsy performance and then get back on the
victory trail at home. "Southampton have not had the best of starts and have
had some difficult games and have been conceding a number of goals and we've
got to try to take advantage of that." He added: "From our point of view,
we'd like to beat them on the basis that we have both been promoted and we
both know how much of a struggle it is in year one. "If you can pick up
points from teams of similar standing to you then you take three points and
they don't get any points. "It's almost a six-pointer this early in the
season. If we win, they'd only have four points and we'd have 14 and that's
a massive gap that they'd have to try and close over the coming games."
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Is Vaz Te's misfortune, Maiga's Opportunity?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
With the news that Vaz Te is likely to be sidelined for two months with his
shoulder dislocation, it begs the question how Sam Allardyce will rejig the
front three. Yossi Benayoun obviously sees this as his chance to get a first
team run, hence his recent public statements about his determination to take
his opportunity when it comes along. Yossi certainly is one option on the
right flank and I totally agree that he is player that still has much to
bring to the first team. We should certainly be using him more regularly
from the substitutes bench, particularly if we are chasing a game and need
more invention in the final third. Another option, and one that I suspect
Sam Allardyce might tend to favour, is to switch Jarvis to the right flank
and bring Taylor in on the left.
However, I think that my favoured option is to switch jarvis to the right,
but bring Maiga in on the left. I feel that Vaz Te's absence provides the
perfect opportunity to give Maga a run to see exactly what he brings to the
team. The thing with playing a 4-3-3 is that the forwards either side of the
centre forward need to not only bring width, but also be able to come inside
and play as a more conventional striker. Arguably, Maiga is very well
equipped to do that. Allardyce has been very sensible in acclimatizing Maiga
to the PL. He has featured in the Carling Cup games and has been given
rationed PL game time from the bench. When he has appeared, he has done well
and one gets the impression that there is much more to come from him this
season. And Southampton, at home, is a good fixture to give him his start on
the left of the attack. Indeed, Jarvis, Carroll & Maiga looks a front three
with a lot of potential and this could be just the match to test it.
Talking of 4-3-3 formations, it is interesting that West Ham are getting
linked once again with Ajax's Serbian international forward, Miralem
Sulejmani. It will be recalled that Sulejmani was originally linked with the
club back in 2010, but the deal broke down. The move was mooted once again
this summer, although it came to nothing. Yet, it appears that Sam Allardyce
is an admirer and the move could happen this January or next summer. The
added bonus is that he is in the final year of his Ajax contract and he
might be available on very reasonable fee in the January transfer window or
even a Bosman in the summer. He is certainly a player who is very effective
playing in a front three, with his mobility, ability to create and take
chances and a excellent left foot. His possible addition would certainly
strengthen the squad, add crucial extra class in the forward line and give
us fresh options up front. Obviously, nothing will happen until January at
the latest, but it might be a potential deal that is worth keeping an eye
on.
Elsewhere, David Gold announced this evening, via his twitter account, that
the OS tenancy decision has been subject to a further delay. It is likely
that this is due to West Ham and LLDC reaching a deadlock regarding the cost
of restructuring the stadium for football usage. Although there may also be
other sticking points, such as the revenue from the stadium naming rights.
The truth is that PL football is the best option for ensuring a sustainable
future for the OS. The Leyton Orient bid is probably not a serious
contender, hence Hearn revising his position in seeking a ground sharing
arrangement with West Ham. F1 may generate significant revenue and be high
profile, but how often will be be staged? Certainly not with the frequency
of a fixture list of home PL and cup matches during the course of a
season.The college proposal is interesting, but it cannot seriously match PL
football as the main anchor activity for the stadium. Moreover, none of the
other bids can compete with West Ham's ability to help deliver the sporting
and community legacy that underpinned the 2012 Olympics/Paralympics bid and
should determine the post-games usage of the Olympic Park and its
facilities.
It was also reported recently that the EU had intervened in the issue by
raising the issue of 'state aid.' More specifically, there is allegedly a EU
letter received that enquires whether Newham Council's £40m investment is
effectively state aid in assisting West Ham to switch to the OS. If this is
a factor, which is not entirely clear at the moment, then it is up to the
Council's solicitors to argue their case. Presumably this will be that the
investment is to ensure that the community and sporting legacy is delivered
for the residents of the borough, with its collateral economic and
employment gains. Surely this is legitimate under the Council's promotion of
the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the residents of the
borough. Obviously, there is a contrary legal argument, but that is how
these legal issues are settled, via contesting the issues. No doubt Newham
Council have the protection of a QC's opinion that constitutes a legal
defence of why that they are acting properly in making the £40m investment?
Least ways, one would assume so!
Finally, I missed the Arsenal match, due to the fact that I had
ill-advisedly booked a country break long before the fixtures were
published. I actually listened to the game on the radio, something that I
have not done for many a year! No Sky, no broad band and poor mobile phone
coverage in our chosen lodgings. It makes you realise just how much we are
reliant upon 'being connected' and take it for granted. Although I must
admit, after overcoming my initial panic attack, it was quite liberating
.... in short measure! From what I heard on the radio/saw on MoTD, we played
with great spirit and some skill, but our mistakes allied to Arsenal's extra
class in forward positions made the vital difference. But having said that,
if Carroll and Nolan had taken their chances we could still have earnt a
draw. Still it was a good 'benchmark' of how far we have come and where we
need to go! Lets hope it proves to be an important staging post in our PL
learning curve this season.
Hopefully, it will be service resumed this Saturday against Southampton. We
certainly owe them one after that extremely frustrating home draw last
season. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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Sweep the leg! Allardyce in no mood to take it easy on struggling
Southampton
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has ordered his West Ham side to show struggling Southampton
no mercy. Saints have just one win from their first seven Premier League
games and have lost all three away matches - scoring four goals and
conceding 12 - as they prepare to visit Upton Park on Saturday. In contrast,
West Ham, also in their first season back in the top flight, have won three
times and are in eighth place with 11 points. And Big Sam wants his Hammers
to go for the throat at the weekend. He said: "It's almost a six-pointer
this early in the season - If we win, they'd only have four points and we'd
have 14 and that's a massive gap that they'd have to try to close over the
coming games. "Southampton have not had the best of starts, with some
difficult games, and have been conceding a number of goals [Saints' 20 goals
allowed is the highest total in the division]. "We've got to try to take
advantage of that. "Our fans intimidate the opposition and it is hugely
supportive for us. That can help to give us extra drive to get the positive
result. "They beat us away and then drew with us at Upton Park [in the
Championship last season] so they will be thinking that it is a good chance
for them to come and get some points so we've got to try to stop that."
West Ham will be looking for maximum points against Southampton ahead of a
tough run of fixtures. After Saturday, they travel to Wigan, then face
champions Manchester City, Newcastle, Stoke, Spurs, Manchester United,
Chelsea and Liverpool in a seven-game stretch.
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West Ham made to wait for decision over future of the Olympic Stadium
• Sadly the decision has been postponed, tweets David Gold
• Hammers convinced they offer only viable solution
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Monday 15 October 2012 20.13 BST
West Ham United have confirmed that a long-delayed decision over their bid
to move into the Olympic Stadium has been postponed. The board of the London
Legacy Development Corporation met on Monday but was informed that
negotiations with West Ham had yet to reach a definitive conclusion. The
Guardian revealed last week that a conclusion to the long-running saga was
likely to be delayed again amid ongoing discussions over how costs of up to
£160m to convert the stadium into a permanent venue with retractable seats
should be met. West Ham remain convinced they offer the only financially
viable solution and that their offer to rent the stadium will pay off twice
over the length of the tenancy.
Their co-owner David Gold tweeted: "Sadly the decision on the Olympic
Stadium has been postponed. We must be patient but resolute." But the LLDC
wants to ensure that West Ham make a meaningful contribution to the
conversion costs and is also adamant the stadium could pay for itself
without football if necessary. The next fortnight is believed to be crucial,
with both sides keen to reach a definitive conclusion, although the LLDC
chief executive, Dennis Hone, has said it could take a couple of months.
Leyton Orient, an ambitious but unlikely scheme to host Formula One races in
the Olympic Park and a football business college are the other bidders for
the £468m stadium, which will have 60,000 capacity in its post-Games
configuration. UK Athletics is guaranteed use of the stadium for 20 days a
year and it will also play host to pop concerts, community days and other
sporting events programmed by an events organiser who will also liaise with
the main tenants.
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Poland v England: Andy Carroll under attack from Zbigniew Boniek ahead of
World Cup qualifier in Warsaw
Andy Carroll was ridiculed upon his arrival here with England on Monday
night by Zbigniew Boniek, the legendary former Juventus striker who is
expected to become the next president of Poland's Football Association.
By Jeremy Wilson11:00PM BST 15 Oct 20121
Telegraph.co.uk
Boniek, who was named by Pele as one of the greatest 100 players of
all-time, mocked Carroll's ungainly playing style and said that his
eight-year-old grandson, Mateo, was more elegant than Liverpool's £35
million record signing. "My grandson Mateo moves better on the pitch than
Andy Carroll," said Boniek. "Mateo is very good at golf and tennis. He has
better co-ordination." England were also greeted with a warning about the
playing surface at Warsaw's spectacular national stadium, which is relaid
before every set of internationals. "There may be situations which are quite
unpredictable," said Waldemar Fornalik, the Poland coach. "The ball can
perhaps bounce unpredictably and the players can be slipping. It is just
something we have to cope with. It is the same for both teams."
The deeper narrative, though, has been one of disharmony within the Polish
FA after Poland's failure to win a match as joint host nation at Euro 2012.
In Friday's 1-0 friendly win against South Africa, there were loud insults
for their outgoing FA president Grzegorz Lato and Fornalik has recently
replaced Franciszek Smuda as the coach.
Although the playing style is now regarded as less expansive, the early
results have been reasonable and Poland have begun their World Cup
qualifying campaign with four points from two matches although Jakub
Blaszczykowski, their captain, is unavailable tonight. The rivalry with
England has captured the public's imagination and all 56,000 tickets were
sold within 24 hours of going on sale.
"This is quite an event this year in Polish football," said Fornalik. "The
Euros were a huge event on a European, if not a global, scale and this match
is similar. Poland versus England has always been of big importance." Poland
have not beaten England since 1973 but Marcin Wasilewski, who will captain
the team tonight, also spoke yesterday of a desire to make up for the
disappointments at Euro 2012. There was also a mildly more diplomatic
assessment of Carroll. "We know he is tall and well built – he does all
right in the air, with the fights," said Wasilewski. "He plays the ball with
his head well. We are all aware of England's high quality."
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BONIEK MOCKS ANDY CARROLL
Express.co.uk
Andy Carroll found himself at the centre of a bizarre attack last night
Tuesday October 16,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
ANDY CARROLL found himself at the centre of a bizarre attack last night as
Poland legend Zbigniew Boniek claimed his eight-year-old grandson was a more
natural footballer than the striker. Carroll was handed extra motivation
should he step off the substitutes' bench tonight as Boniek took a pot-shot
at his playing style. "My grandson Mateo moves better on the pitch than Andy
Carroll. He has better co-ordination," said Boniek, named by Pele as one of
the 125 greatest living footballers. The swipe at Carroll, on loan to West
Ham from Liverpool, came during an interview on Polish TV. Poland captain
Marcin Wasilewski says his players could not be more motivated tonight after
failing to qualify from their group during the European Championship in the
summer. Wasilewski said: "Can this game make up for the Euros? Such a match
is much needed."
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My grandson is more skilful than Carroll, claims Boniek
Former star Boniek says his grandson possesses better technique than the
England striker
SAM WALLACE WARSAW TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2012
The Independent
The famous former Poland international Zbigniew Boniek fired the first shot
ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier against England when he said that his
eight-year-old grandson was a more technically accomplished player than
striker Andy Carroll.
Carroll, 23, is highly unlikely to start the match in Warsaw but asked about
the merits of the Liverpool striker, on loan at West Ham this season, on
Polish television, Boniek was caustic. He said: "My grandson Mateo moves
better on the pitch than Andy Carroll. He has better co-ordination. He is
very good at golf and tennis."
Boniek is currently the favourite to succeed another celebrated Poland
international, Grzegorz Lato, in elections for president of the Polish
football association later this year. Yesterday, the Polish coach Waldemar
Fornalik presented an upbeat message ahead of the game, although his team
are missing captain Jakub Blaszczykowski and striker Artur Sobiech through
injury. The midfielder Eugen Polanski was given leave to return to his
family this week on what the Polish FA said was a private matter. He will be
available to play, they said yesterday.
With Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, Poland's first choice, missing
through injury it is expected that Fornalik, who took over after Euro 2012,
will turn to Przemyslaw Tyton despite the fact the goalkeeper is no longer
the first choice at his club side, PSV Eindhoven
Fornalik said last night that his side believed they could beat England. "A
wise man told me that if you try to draw a game, you lose. If you try to
win, it is possible to win. I've always told my teams we have to go for the
three points. The way we plan this game might be different but the objective
is to win.
"When I took over the position, I was aware of the fact I would have very
little time and that this match was coming up in the calendar. I thought
perhaps this match was going to be an opportunity, this match would give us
a better picture of what we are after the changes we have implemented.
"It is a very important game but it will not determine the final result of
the qualifiers.
"This game is a big event in Polish football. The Euros were a huge event on
a European, if not a global, scale. Poland v England has always been of big
importance and this is how we see this match as well. The two teams are
fighting for the three points. We are aware of the high class of our
opponents but we also know what we are worth."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 16
Monday, October 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th October 2012
Oiling the Mobot
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole has thrown his support behind old friend and double Olympic
champion Mo Farah
14.10.2012
As an aspiring young athlete, Carlton Cole wisely avoided taking on the
small boy from Isleworth and Syon School on the track. While Cole stuck to
the 100m and 200m sprints, Mo Farah won every long-distance race there was
to win at the London Borough of Hounslow athletics championships. Both men
have since been proved to have made the right choice, with Cole going on to
play football for West Ham United and England and Farah famously winning the
5,000m and 10,000m Gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games. "I went to
school in the same Borough as Mo," explained the Hammers No9. "He used to go
to Isleworth and Syon and I went to Lampton and then on to Chiswick School,
so that's how we know each other. "We used to go and do Borough athletics
and that was based at Feltham Athletics Arena so we always used to see each
other. "We have a mutual friend who is a sprinter called Darren Chin, who
doesn't run anymore because he has retired, and that's how we know each
other so well . "Mo is a good friend of mine and I'm just so happy that he
did so well and did his country proud at London 2012."
Cole smiles when he remembers watching his old friend in action at the
Borough athletics events when the two were teenagers, laughing at the sight
of the diminutive Farah streaking away from his rivals. At the same time,
the bigger, stronger Cole was attempting to make his mark as a sprinter -
but with markedly less success! "We were in different events. He was the
endurance guy and I couldn't keep up with him! He used to lap people in the
first three laps and I used to think 'What on Earth is going on?'. "I always
saw that he had a talent and I am so pleased he has done really well. I saw
how hard he worked over the years, so to get the medals that he achieved at
the Olympics was brilliant. "I was a sprinter but I wasn't the fastest. We
had some good athletes come out of my area and it was a really good
experience to be involved in. "I've always been into my athletics, anyway,
so seeing the Olympics was a brilliant spectacle for me and for everyone
involved in West Ham as well because everyone wanted to cheer on Team GB.
"We had the rower Mark Hunter come to visit us last season and everyone
wanted to see him do really well. I know Mark was a bit disappointed not to
get the Gold, but he still took part and got a Silver medal."
Cole and Farah were reunited when the Somalia-born champion held a charity
ball in central London to raise money for his charity foundation. The Mo
Farah Foundation aims to build 50 water wells across Somalia, provide and
distribute food and medical supplies to more than 20,000 people, build eight
canals and provide livestock and farming tools to ten farms by the end of
2012. The Hammers star is backing his old friend to meet those ambitions and
was delighted to lend his support to the cause alongside Olympic heroes
Usain Bolt, Sir Steve Redgrave, Christine Ohuruogu, Colin Jackson and Steve
Cram at the Grosvenor House Hotel. "Basically, Mo has launched a Foundation
to provide a lot of wells and farms in Somalia, where his heritage is from.
"He is doing a brilliant job but he needs help to build enough wells to keep
everyone going over there. "He has done a brilliant job and has got a load
of celebrities to push it through as well, so he doesn't really need my help
with the people he has got behind him! "Seriously, I am always there to
support him in his good deed. It comes from his heart so I'll always be
there for him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nigel's Making Plans ... at Ipswich Town
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Now, no disrespect to Ipswich Town, but I don't imagine Nigel Reo-Coker
imagined he'd end up there after telling Bolton he wouldn't re-sign for them
as he was a Premier League player. "It's the right club at the right time
for me and everything has fallen into place." Yes, two months after the
start of the season.
It would be cruel to laugh. Very cruel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH WEST HAM'S NEXT STAR
Posted on Sunday, 14th October 2012 by Jordan French
Forever West Ham
Hello again people, I hope you enjoyed my last article if you managed to
read it! This time around though I would like to look at the generally good
feel around the club this season and the under 18′s and I am pleased to say
I have had the pleasure of having a Q&A session with our new under 18′s
star Nathan Mavila.
For those of you who are unsure who this young man is here is a brief
insight into the player: He was born in Brixton and as a youngster played
for a team called Afewee Urban along with our other young player Leo
Chambers. The versatile youngster was then scouted in 2007 by Football
League side Wycombe Wanderers where he spent 5 years until moving in the
summer of 2012 to the claret and blue of West Ham United. Since then he has
played 6 times for the under 18′s with 4 starts and 2 subs, most notably in
the 4-0 win over West Brom in which he scored his first Hammers goal. Here
is the interview.
Jordan French (JF) : How are you finding it at the club since your move in
the summer?
Nathan Mavila (NM) : I'm really enjoying it. I thank the players and staff
for helping me settle in.
JF : As a fan, there is a great feel to the club this season overall, is
that the same as a player for the club?
NM : Yeah, there has been a really positive vibe around the training ground.
I think this will be a good season for all ages including the first team.
JF : I've heard the staff like to mix the players up in training a lot,
whats it like showing off your skills to the first team players?
NM : The mix has been really good. And you'd feel really nervous but the
first team players are nice lads towards the younger lot training with them.
JF : We've had a great start this season, 8th in the Premier League, 1st in
the under 21′s and 4th in the under 18′s, the players must be confident to
keep up and improve on this already great season?
NM : Yes, the 1st team are doing really well and the 21′s and 18′s are
doing well too. The under 18′s are hoping to do even better and get in to
the elite group, which consists of teams that came 1st and 2nd in every
group.
JF : What has been the stand out moment for you this season?
NM : So far it has got to be playing really well against West Brom.
JF : Do you have any personal aims or goals for yourself this season?
NM : To score and assist in games as much as I can and also push on to the
development squad.
JF : You can play anywhere down the left side, do you have a favourite
position?
NM : Left midfield
JF : How would you describe yourself as a player?
NM : I think I'm a versatile, athletic, skillful, quick and direct player.
JF : Is there any players or people who have inspired you to play the game?
NM : The people I grew up with and the area I was brought up in were really
into football and they really inspired me to get involved.
JF : Last question, if you could choose one player, past or present, to play
alongside for 90 minutes, who would it be?
NM : It has to be Ashley Cole. He is a hardworking, reliable and consistent
player.
What we see here and going by interviews by many players at the club is the
great feeling around the whole club this season from the training ground, on
the pitch and all the way to the fans at home and away games. But we most
notably see a very promising youngster at our club, a player who is quick
and determined, likes to get forward, has an eye for goal and with the help
of our coaches a player who in my mind will be a first team regular battling
away with Dan Potts and Matt Jarvis for places down the left in the not so
distant future!
Well, isn't it an amazing feeling being a fan of this history packed club
right now? The fans are happy, the players and staff are happy plus in all
levels were playing such good football it's hard to complain about anything
really, it seems that David Gold and David Sullivan have got the ball
rolling to kick start this teams rise to the top like they said would
happen, all i can say is keep it up and please please do not hire Avram
Grant again!
So my fellow fans, it is a few years down the line, we are a team fighting
to get into a European place and some of our first team players have age
catching up on them, "oh dear! What will happen now?" I hear you say, well
have no fear my fellow hammers as our academy have some future stars within
the ranks! I am however unable to name all of them and give a reason why
they will be big players in the future as you would all be reading for so
long the players would have retired by the time you finished, so just click
onto the clubs website and have a look through the academy and development
squad sections and keep an eye on their progress because honestly, who
doesn't get excited at trying to find the next world star from the famous
Academy Of Football? There is a lot of promising players so if anybody has
been keeping an eye on anybody in particular please comment so that others
can look out for them as the youth system doesn't get enough attention in
my eyes.
So onto our under 18′s, they have a good chance at making it into the Elite
group this season which I for one am confident they will, as Nathan pointed
out in the interview the top 2 teams in each group go through to the Elite
group and with us being in 4th, 1 point behind Arsenal in 3rd, 4 points
behind Reading in 2nd and 9 points behind Bolton at the peak it is still
anybody's game, but with this confidence around the club, the staff mixing
the players up in training giving the much needed experience to the raw
talent at our younger levels, I think that will give the boys in claret and
blue the edge over the other teams around them and go for some silverware!
Well a big thank you to Nathan Mavila for taking some time to answer them
questions, you can find him on twitter at @N_Mavila as well as a lot of our
younger players so please follow him and the other players to show your
support to the clubs future stars!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole has thrown his support behind old friend and double Olympic
champion Mo Farah
14.10.2012
As an aspiring young athlete, Carlton Cole wisely avoided taking on the
small boy from Isleworth and Syon School on the track. While Cole stuck to
the 100m and 200m sprints, Mo Farah won every long-distance race there was
to win at the London Borough of Hounslow athletics championships. Both men
have since been proved to have made the right choice, with Cole going on to
play football for West Ham United and England and Farah famously winning the
5,000m and 10,000m Gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games. "I went to
school in the same Borough as Mo," explained the Hammers No9. "He used to go
to Isleworth and Syon and I went to Lampton and then on to Chiswick School,
so that's how we know each other. "We used to go and do Borough athletics
and that was based at Feltham Athletics Arena so we always used to see each
other. "We have a mutual friend who is a sprinter called Darren Chin, who
doesn't run anymore because he has retired, and that's how we know each
other so well . "Mo is a good friend of mine and I'm just so happy that he
did so well and did his country proud at London 2012."
Cole smiles when he remembers watching his old friend in action at the
Borough athletics events when the two were teenagers, laughing at the sight
of the diminutive Farah streaking away from his rivals. At the same time,
the bigger, stronger Cole was attempting to make his mark as a sprinter -
but with markedly less success! "We were in different events. He was the
endurance guy and I couldn't keep up with him! He used to lap people in the
first three laps and I used to think 'What on Earth is going on?'. "I always
saw that he had a talent and I am so pleased he has done really well. I saw
how hard he worked over the years, so to get the medals that he achieved at
the Olympics was brilliant. "I was a sprinter but I wasn't the fastest. We
had some good athletes come out of my area and it was a really good
experience to be involved in. "I've always been into my athletics, anyway,
so seeing the Olympics was a brilliant spectacle for me and for everyone
involved in West Ham as well because everyone wanted to cheer on Team GB.
"We had the rower Mark Hunter come to visit us last season and everyone
wanted to see him do really well. I know Mark was a bit disappointed not to
get the Gold, but he still took part and got a Silver medal."
Cole and Farah were reunited when the Somalia-born champion held a charity
ball in central London to raise money for his charity foundation. The Mo
Farah Foundation aims to build 50 water wells across Somalia, provide and
distribute food and medical supplies to more than 20,000 people, build eight
canals and provide livestock and farming tools to ten farms by the end of
2012. The Hammers star is backing his old friend to meet those ambitions and
was delighted to lend his support to the cause alongside Olympic heroes
Usain Bolt, Sir Steve Redgrave, Christine Ohuruogu, Colin Jackson and Steve
Cram at the Grosvenor House Hotel. "Basically, Mo has launched a Foundation
to provide a lot of wells and farms in Somalia, where his heritage is from.
"He is doing a brilliant job but he needs help to build enough wells to keep
everyone going over there. "He has done a brilliant job and has got a load
of celebrities to push it through as well, so he doesn't really need my help
with the people he has got behind him! "Seriously, I am always there to
support him in his good deed. It comes from his heart so I'll always be
there for him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nigel's Making Plans ... at Ipswich Town
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Now, no disrespect to Ipswich Town, but I don't imagine Nigel Reo-Coker
imagined he'd end up there after telling Bolton he wouldn't re-sign for them
as he was a Premier League player. "It's the right club at the right time
for me and everything has fallen into place." Yes, two months after the
start of the season.
It would be cruel to laugh. Very cruel.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH WEST HAM'S NEXT STAR
Posted on Sunday, 14th October 2012 by Jordan French
Forever West Ham
Hello again people, I hope you enjoyed my last article if you managed to
read it! This time around though I would like to look at the generally good
feel around the club this season and the under 18′s and I am pleased to say
I have had the pleasure of having a Q&A session with our new under 18′s
star Nathan Mavila.
For those of you who are unsure who this young man is here is a brief
insight into the player: He was born in Brixton and as a youngster played
for a team called Afewee Urban along with our other young player Leo
Chambers. The versatile youngster was then scouted in 2007 by Football
League side Wycombe Wanderers where he spent 5 years until moving in the
summer of 2012 to the claret and blue of West Ham United. Since then he has
played 6 times for the under 18′s with 4 starts and 2 subs, most notably in
the 4-0 win over West Brom in which he scored his first Hammers goal. Here
is the interview.
Jordan French (JF) : How are you finding it at the club since your move in
the summer?
Nathan Mavila (NM) : I'm really enjoying it. I thank the players and staff
for helping me settle in.
JF : As a fan, there is a great feel to the club this season overall, is
that the same as a player for the club?
NM : Yeah, there has been a really positive vibe around the training ground.
I think this will be a good season for all ages including the first team.
JF : I've heard the staff like to mix the players up in training a lot,
whats it like showing off your skills to the first team players?
NM : The mix has been really good. And you'd feel really nervous but the
first team players are nice lads towards the younger lot training with them.
JF : We've had a great start this season, 8th in the Premier League, 1st in
the under 21′s and 4th in the under 18′s, the players must be confident to
keep up and improve on this already great season?
NM : Yes, the 1st team are doing really well and the 21′s and 18′s are
doing well too. The under 18′s are hoping to do even better and get in to
the elite group, which consists of teams that came 1st and 2nd in every
group.
JF : What has been the stand out moment for you this season?
NM : So far it has got to be playing really well against West Brom.
JF : Do you have any personal aims or goals for yourself this season?
NM : To score and assist in games as much as I can and also push on to the
development squad.
JF : You can play anywhere down the left side, do you have a favourite
position?
NM : Left midfield
JF : How would you describe yourself as a player?
NM : I think I'm a versatile, athletic, skillful, quick and direct player.
JF : Is there any players or people who have inspired you to play the game?
NM : The people I grew up with and the area I was brought up in were really
into football and they really inspired me to get involved.
JF : Last question, if you could choose one player, past or present, to play
alongside for 90 minutes, who would it be?
NM : It has to be Ashley Cole. He is a hardworking, reliable and consistent
player.
What we see here and going by interviews by many players at the club is the
great feeling around the whole club this season from the training ground, on
the pitch and all the way to the fans at home and away games. But we most
notably see a very promising youngster at our club, a player who is quick
and determined, likes to get forward, has an eye for goal and with the help
of our coaches a player who in my mind will be a first team regular battling
away with Dan Potts and Matt Jarvis for places down the left in the not so
distant future!
Well, isn't it an amazing feeling being a fan of this history packed club
right now? The fans are happy, the players and staff are happy plus in all
levels were playing such good football it's hard to complain about anything
really, it seems that David Gold and David Sullivan have got the ball
rolling to kick start this teams rise to the top like they said would
happen, all i can say is keep it up and please please do not hire Avram
Grant again!
So my fellow fans, it is a few years down the line, we are a team fighting
to get into a European place and some of our first team players have age
catching up on them, "oh dear! What will happen now?" I hear you say, well
have no fear my fellow hammers as our academy have some future stars within
the ranks! I am however unable to name all of them and give a reason why
they will be big players in the future as you would all be reading for so
long the players would have retired by the time you finished, so just click
onto the clubs website and have a look through the academy and development
squad sections and keep an eye on their progress because honestly, who
doesn't get excited at trying to find the next world star from the famous
Academy Of Football? There is a lot of promising players so if anybody has
been keeping an eye on anybody in particular please comment so that others
can look out for them as the youth system doesn't get enough attention in
my eyes.
So onto our under 18′s, they have a good chance at making it into the Elite
group this season which I for one am confident they will, as Nathan pointed
out in the interview the top 2 teams in each group go through to the Elite
group and with us being in 4th, 1 point behind Arsenal in 3rd, 4 points
behind Reading in 2nd and 9 points behind Bolton at the peak it is still
anybody's game, but with this confidence around the club, the staff mixing
the players up in training giving the much needed experience to the raw
talent at our younger levels, I think that will give the boys in claret and
blue the edge over the other teams around them and go for some silverware!
Well a big thank you to Nathan Mavila for taking some time to answer them
questions, you can find him on twitter at @N_Mavila as well as a lot of our
younger players so please follow him and the other players to show your
support to the clubs future stars!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th October 2012
Macca passing on his expertise
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald and Sam Allardyce are working hard to bring the Academy
youngsters closer to the first team
13.10.2012
There has always been a link between West Ham United's Academy and the first
team. Most will point out the many famous players that have started life in
Academy before making it through to wear the claret and blue of the senior
side. But the link is not just about the players of the past and present. A
new and extremely strong link between Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff
and Academy Director Tony Carr and his staff looks to have the future of the
Academy in good hands. Assistant manager Neil McDonald, who runs
professional ProSoccerSessions for coaches of all levels, gave an in-house
session at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground to Academy coaches
recently. Working alongside the session McDonald was giving to those coaches
on the course, Academy coaches joined in and took part in demonstrations and
exercises based on roles and responsibilities in defence. McDonald said: "I
was asked by Tony [Carr] and Paul [Heffer, assistant Academy Director] to
put on an in-service coaching session for their coaching staff, working
alongside my ProSoccerSessions and this is what I did, mixing the two
together. "It was all about roles and responsibilities in defence, working
in units and then as 11v11 in different formations. I did a PowerPoint
presentation on what I was going to do and how I was going to go about it.
"It went really well, I enjoy doing these sessions anyway but I got great
feedback from the Academy coaches and that can only be good for the club as
a whole."
It was the first time such a session had been held for the Academy coaching
staff by a member of the first-team coaching staff. Carr explained: "We have
obviously watched training sessions for the first team, but this is the
first time a senior first-team coach has given a session and a presentation
like this to the Academy. "It is great - it is important for us and credit
should go to Sam [Allardyce] and Neil for doing this session. It does create
another strong link between bringing the young lads through. "Sam has got
the club back in the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt and is
keen to develop really strong links in all departments, which, as Neil says,
can only bode well for the club. He wants that link and relation from bottom
to top and it is another improvement here at the club, with us all working
together in the right direction."
McDonald will be holding another ProSoccerSession, which the Academy coaches
will be part of, on Wednesday 17 October at the training ground. This time
the theme will be roles and responsibilities in attack. "I was surprised
that the Academy has never had this input before, so it made me feel good,"
added McDonald "Showing them what and how the first-team work and what
things they can take to implement with the Academy players was good and will
hopefully benefit all round."
Neil McDonald's ProSoccerSession, Wednesday 17 October, Chadwell Heath
training ground, 6.30-9pm - for more details and to apply to attend go to
http://www.prosoccersessions.co.uk/index.html
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Prem stars caught up in riots
The Sun
By PHIL FOX
Published: 8 hrs ago
DIDIER DROGBA was attacked by a fan during an African Nations Cup riot last
night. The former Chelsea striker had just scored a penalty for Ivory Coast
when a Senegal supporter charged on to the pitch. Security men stopped the
thug from reaching Drogba - but that only sparked worse trouble. Manchester
City stars Kolo and Yaya Toure, Newcastle's Cheick Tiote and Arsenal star
Gervinho were among the Ivory Coast players left cowering as missiles were
hurled from the stands. But a statement from the Etihad confirmed: "Early
reports suggest the Toure brothers are unharmed." It added: "Disturbances
broke out as Didier Drogba put the Elephants 2-0 up, after what was deemed a
controversial penalty decision. "Fires were started in the stands and
missiles were launched on to the pitch." Drogba's second goal of the night
had made it 2-0 on the night - and 6-2 on aggregate - but celebrations soon
turned to horror. Senegal fans started the mayhem by burning objects in the
stands, causing a haze of smoke over the stadium and forcing the match to be
abandoned with 76 minutes on the clock.
Police herded dozens of Ivory Coast fans into the middle of the pitch - and
cars were finally driven on to help them escape as tear gas was fired at the
Senegal fans. Riot cops then escorted the Ivory Coast team away from the
Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium. Security forces also made sure the Senegal
team - which included Newcastle pair Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, along with
West Ham's Mohamed Diame - were taken safely away from the ground. But as
the rioting continued, there were reports of angry clashes outside, with
bottles being thrown and people being taken away on stretchers. Senegal now
face sanctions from the Confederation of African Football. Sources from
inside the country said: "The match was halted and the Lions of Senegal will
not qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yoss or no, Sam
Published: 8 hrs ago
The Sun
YOSSI BENAYOUN is desperate to play his way into Sam Allardyce's plans at
West Ham. The Israeli has hardly had a look in since returning to Upton Park
on loan from Chelsea in August. Now the midfielder has lost his
international spot after being axed for the World Cup double-header against
Luxembourg. Benayoun, 32, said: "There is an option to extend my loan. "My
ambition is to be here for a full season and to make it a good one. It's
great to be here but there's strength in depth."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM STRIKING GOLD
Express.co.uk
Sunday October 14,2012
By Ricco: On the inside of football
WEST Ham co-owner David Gold will soon find himself turfed out of his Upton
Park directors' box seat by a Ryder Cup hero. Gold, who was transfixed by
the 'Miracle of Medinah', revealed that someone tweeted him asking if he
would invite Francesco Molinari, one of TeamEurope, to a West Ham game
because the Italian was a Hammers fan. "I replied to say he was so welcome I
would even give him my seat," said Gold. "Amazingly, considering their
celebrations, I got a response from Francesco within an hour to say he'd be
honoured to take up my offer!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald and Sam Allardyce are working hard to bring the Academy
youngsters closer to the first team
13.10.2012
There has always been a link between West Ham United's Academy and the first
team. Most will point out the many famous players that have started life in
Academy before making it through to wear the claret and blue of the senior
side. But the link is not just about the players of the past and present. A
new and extremely strong link between Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff
and Academy Director Tony Carr and his staff looks to have the future of the
Academy in good hands. Assistant manager Neil McDonald, who runs
professional ProSoccerSessions for coaches of all levels, gave an in-house
session at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground to Academy coaches
recently. Working alongside the session McDonald was giving to those coaches
on the course, Academy coaches joined in and took part in demonstrations and
exercises based on roles and responsibilities in defence. McDonald said: "I
was asked by Tony [Carr] and Paul [Heffer, assistant Academy Director] to
put on an in-service coaching session for their coaching staff, working
alongside my ProSoccerSessions and this is what I did, mixing the two
together. "It was all about roles and responsibilities in defence, working
in units and then as 11v11 in different formations. I did a PowerPoint
presentation on what I was going to do and how I was going to go about it.
"It went really well, I enjoy doing these sessions anyway but I got great
feedback from the Academy coaches and that can only be good for the club as
a whole."
It was the first time such a session had been held for the Academy coaching
staff by a member of the first-team coaching staff. Carr explained: "We have
obviously watched training sessions for the first team, but this is the
first time a senior first-team coach has given a session and a presentation
like this to the Academy. "It is great - it is important for us and credit
should go to Sam [Allardyce] and Neil for doing this session. It does create
another strong link between bringing the young lads through. "Sam has got
the club back in the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt and is
keen to develop really strong links in all departments, which, as Neil says,
can only bode well for the club. He wants that link and relation from bottom
to top and it is another improvement here at the club, with us all working
together in the right direction."
McDonald will be holding another ProSoccerSession, which the Academy coaches
will be part of, on Wednesday 17 October at the training ground. This time
the theme will be roles and responsibilities in attack. "I was surprised
that the Academy has never had this input before, so it made me feel good,"
added McDonald "Showing them what and how the first-team work and what
things they can take to implement with the Academy players was good and will
hopefully benefit all round."
Neil McDonald's ProSoccerSession, Wednesday 17 October, Chadwell Heath
training ground, 6.30-9pm - for more details and to apply to attend go to
http://www.prosoccersessions.co.uk/index.html
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Prem stars caught up in riots
The Sun
By PHIL FOX
Published: 8 hrs ago
DIDIER DROGBA was attacked by a fan during an African Nations Cup riot last
night. The former Chelsea striker had just scored a penalty for Ivory Coast
when a Senegal supporter charged on to the pitch. Security men stopped the
thug from reaching Drogba - but that only sparked worse trouble. Manchester
City stars Kolo and Yaya Toure, Newcastle's Cheick Tiote and Arsenal star
Gervinho were among the Ivory Coast players left cowering as missiles were
hurled from the stands. But a statement from the Etihad confirmed: "Early
reports suggest the Toure brothers are unharmed." It added: "Disturbances
broke out as Didier Drogba put the Elephants 2-0 up, after what was deemed a
controversial penalty decision. "Fires were started in the stands and
missiles were launched on to the pitch." Drogba's second goal of the night
had made it 2-0 on the night - and 6-2 on aggregate - but celebrations soon
turned to horror. Senegal fans started the mayhem by burning objects in the
stands, causing a haze of smoke over the stadium and forcing the match to be
abandoned with 76 minutes on the clock.
Police herded dozens of Ivory Coast fans into the middle of the pitch - and
cars were finally driven on to help them escape as tear gas was fired at the
Senegal fans. Riot cops then escorted the Ivory Coast team away from the
Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium. Security forces also made sure the Senegal
team - which included Newcastle pair Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse, along with
West Ham's Mohamed Diame - were taken safely away from the ground. But as
the rioting continued, there were reports of angry clashes outside, with
bottles being thrown and people being taken away on stretchers. Senegal now
face sanctions from the Confederation of African Football. Sources from
inside the country said: "The match was halted and the Lions of Senegal will
not qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yoss or no, Sam
Published: 8 hrs ago
The Sun
YOSSI BENAYOUN is desperate to play his way into Sam Allardyce's plans at
West Ham. The Israeli has hardly had a look in since returning to Upton Park
on loan from Chelsea in August. Now the midfielder has lost his
international spot after being axed for the World Cup double-header against
Luxembourg. Benayoun, 32, said: "There is an option to extend my loan. "My
ambition is to be here for a full season and to make it a good one. It's
great to be here but there's strength in depth."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM STRIKING GOLD
Express.co.uk
Sunday October 14,2012
By Ricco: On the inside of football
WEST Ham co-owner David Gold will soon find himself turfed out of his Upton
Park directors' box seat by a Ryder Cup hero. Gold, who was transfixed by
the 'Miracle of Medinah', revealed that someone tweeted him asking if he
would invite Francesco Molinari, one of TeamEurope, to a West Ham game
because the Italian was a Hammers fan. "I replied to say he was so welcome I
would even give him my seat," said Gold. "Amazingly, considering their
celebrations, I got a response from Francesco within an hour to say he'd be
honoured to take up my offer!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th October 2012
Internationals in action
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United players young and old will be in action over the
next few days
12.10.2012
A host of West Ham United players are set to take to the international stage
over the next few days. Andy Carroll continued his comeback from injury,
coming on as a second-half substitute in England's 5-0 win against San
Marino at Wembley on Friday night. The Three Lions were looking to bounce
back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with Ukraine and they did just that as
captain Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck both scored twice before Carroll was
introduced. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added a fifth late on. England next play
in Poland on Tuesday night.
Mohamed Diame and Guy Demel are set to face-off in Dakar on Saturday 13
October when Senegal host the Ivory Coast. Demel's Ivorians hold a 4-2
advantage going into the vital CAN 2013 qualifier second leg so Diame's side
have it all to do.
Summer signing Modibo Maiga will also be in CAN 2013 qualifying action as
Mali visit Botswana on Saturday night. A safe passage through to the finals
should be a formality for the striker and his Mali team-mates as they hold a
3-0 advantage going into the second leg.
Winston Reid has landed in New Zealand after recovering from the back spasms
he suffered against Arsenal. The All-White international will miss
Saturday's game in Tahiti but will be in contention for Tuesday's re-match
in Christchurch.
A few West Ham United youngsters have already been in action with Kieran
Sadlier featuring in the pick of the games. The Republic of Ireland Under-19
international started in his side's 5-2 win over Luxembourg.
The forward was unable to get on the scoresheet but proved to be a great
foil for Aston Villa's Mikey Drennan, who bagged a hat-trick. Ireland now
have two more games in their UEFA Under-19 qualifying mini-group - against
Macedonia on Saturday and Germany on Tuesday.
Raphael Spiegel's Switzerland Under-20 side were also in action, securing a
2-2 friendly draw against Poland.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'West Ham will have a very good season'
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United midfielder Marc Keller has high hopes for his old
club this season
12.10.2012
Former West Ham United midfielder Marc Keller was a welcome visitor to the
Boleyn Ground for last Saturday's game with Arsenal. Keller, who made over
40 appearances for the Hammers, is still working within the world of
football as a pundit and as Chairman of French side Racing Club de
Strasbourg. While his main priority at the moment is to ensure that his club
make a return to the top tier of French football, the opportunity to come
back and support the club he spent three years at from 1998 was too good to
turn down. "For me it is very special to come back. I also attended the game
at Newcastle against Manchester United but Upton Park is very special
because I had a very good time here. "During my two years we finished fifth
and ninth. I really enjoyed my time in London and I got to play with a lot
of very good players like Paolo Di Canio and Frank Lampard."
Keller was working for French media company Canal+ at the match and despite
the Hammers eventually falling short, he feels he saw enough from Sam
Allardyce's side to suggest they will have nothing to worry about this
season. Keller was particularly impressed by Hammers' tireless running,
adding that kind of work ethic will stand them in good stead for the rest of
the season. "It was a very good game and I was impressed with the quality of
play from West Ham United against Arsenal, who are a very good team. "They
have worked very hard so far this season and with Andy Carroll up front they
have a very powerful player who can keep the ball and score goals. "There is
a lot of character in the team and I am very optimistic for West Ham United
in this season and the future."
Substitute Theo Walcott came off the bench to score the winning goal after
78 minutes and Keller admitted it will always be hard to compete with the
strength in depth of the teams at the top. "When you see players like Theo
Walcott coming off the bench it demonstrates the great strength of their
squad. "I believe that Arsenal probably deserved to win but have no doubts
that West Ham United will have a very good season in the Barclays Premier
League."
Switching back to his current club, Strasbourg play in the fifth tier of
French football, the Championnat de France, after being excluded from the
Championnat National following financial liquidation. Keller now hopes he
can restore the club to its previous status. "I am now Chairman of
Strasbourg, I bought the club two or three months ago with some friends
because the club has been having some financial difficulties. "We are
currently in the fourth division but we are trying everything to ensure that
in the next few years we return to professional football in France."
After Keller left West Ham United, he joined Blackburn Rovers before
retiring from professional football and returning to Strasbourg as a coach,
where he enjoyed great success. "When I left West Ham United I went back to
Strasbourg as junior manager for five years and during that time we won the
Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue. "Since then the club have had
some financial difficulties so I have now returned and hope to help them
back to Ligue 2."
All at West Ham United wish Marc the best of luck with his new venture.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy staff cycle for Africa
WHUFC.com
A group of West Ham United Academy staff have raised nearly 1,000 pounds for
a charity in Malawi
12.10.2012
A group of West Ham United Academy staff have raised nearly £1,000 for a
charity that provides schools, water, power and other services to people in
the African country of Malawi. Led by Assistant Academy Director Paul
Heffer, whose family sponsor a Malawian child, a group of ten cyclists rode
30 miles up and down Southend seafront to raise funds for the Fisherman's
Rest Community Trust. Academy driver Dennis Lepine, Academy administrator
Trevor Lewin, Under-18s coach Nick Haycock, development co-ordinator Jim
Hampshire, foundation phase goalkeeper coach Billy Lepine, lead foundation
phase coach Danny Searle, assistant Under-10s coach Allan King, Academy kit
manager Tony Falco and assistant youth development phase coach Mark Phillips
and friends hopped into the saddle.
Heffer said: "On speaking to the Trust, we have been told the money that has
been raised will help to fund the building of two new classrooms in a new
infants' school that will save the children a 40-minute walk each way to and
from school every day.
"Two members of the Academy staff are hoping to visit the project at their
own expense next summer to see how things are coming along."
Fisherman's Rest has participated in a number of schemes, providing millions
of litres of fresh water to a neighbouring village. Other local villages
have been assisted with the provision of fresh water.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's Gary O'Neil forced to consider life after football
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil says spending time on the sidelines made him
think about where his future lies once he retires. The 29-year-old missed
eight months of last year after suffering a serious ankle injury. "While I
was injured I started my coaching badges, just in case," he told BBC London
94.9. "It was hard to make myself do it because you are preparing for
something you don't want to happen." The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough
player had to undergo surgery on an osteochondral defect after sustaining
damage to his cartilage in April 2011. He suffered the injury after a tackle
from Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. O'Neil continued: "When you're
a footballer, you say 'I'll stop when I'm 35'. "When you're only 29 you
think you're miles away from stopping. "One minute you're running around
freely and playing in the Premier League and a second later you can't to it
any more. "There was a spell after five months when I was trying to run and
it was too painful. It was that point when I thought I might not get back."
O'Neil says his ankle problem was the most serious injury he has had since
making his debut for Pompey in January 2000. "It was quite painful and I
couldn't walk on it," he said. "But I thought it was bad ligament damage or
I might have cracked it. "I didn't ever think my career might be threatened
by it. "The guy who did the surgery had only done about two before and he's
been operating about 15 or 20 years. "It was a big shock and took me a while
to come to terms with it. "It was really rare. I've been lucky it's all
moved on so well and I've managed to get back out there. "I know a few boys
who have had to retire though injuries. It must be very tough to deal with
not making it back."
Despite starting his coaching badges while out of the first-team picture at
Upton Park, O'Neil also harboured ambitions of playing golf professionally.
He plays off scratch and attempted to qualify for The Open earlier this
summer.
Gary O'Neil career factfile
Portsmouth (trainee-August 2007): 192 appearances, 17 goals
Walsall (loan spell Sept-Oct 03): seven games, no goals
Cardiff City (loan spell Sept-Nov 04): nine games, one goal
Middlesbrough (Aug 07-Jan 2011): 120 games, nine goals
West Ham (Jan 11-present): 31 games, two goals
"I didn't do great," he said. "I played ok but I went to enjoy it and it was
good experience. "Being realistic, I'd go down the coaching role [after
retiring] as I love football. "I'd like to try and help people improve and
stay in the game as long as I can." O'Neil has made two appearances for the
Hammers this season in the League Cup and says he occasionally feels the
effects of the injury. "The ankle still needs some managing so I still have
to stay on top of it with the physios," he said. "When I get a knock on the
ankle it gets sore for a couple of weeks. You panic and think I don't want
to go through all that again. "All the little knocks have repaired
themselves and I've been able to carry on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United target Boubacar Sanogo happy at Energie Cottbus
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: October 12, 2012 5:10pm
SSN
Energie Cottbus striker Boubacar Sanogo is flattered to be linked with a
move to West Ham United, but insists that he is happy at his current club.
The 29-year-old joined the 2. Bundesliga club in the summer after being
released by St Etienne and is the top scorer in the German second division
with five goals so far this season. Sanogo, who has struggled with injuries
over the past two years, is delighted at regaining his confidence and wants
to play for the Ivory Coast at the 2014 World Cup finals. "I thank God for
blessing me, I now have the joy of playing football again and of scoring
goals," he told skysports.com. "I went through a lot over the past two
years, nothing worked for me. It has been difficult. "Now all that is in the
past. Being linked with a move to West Ham or any club is good, but I am
very happy with my club. However, you never know in football. "My ambition
is to be part of the Ivory Coast team and play at the 2014 World Cup finals.
That is my dream. I need to score more goals to get back into the squad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady's football diary
By KARREN BRADY
Published: 8 hrs ago
The Sun
Saturday, October 6
DESPITE the indisputable fact that we are beaten by two goals, I leave Upton
Park fairly happy. Arsenal remain the most creative team in the league and
something to aim for in the longer term. But Sam Allardyce has brought grit,
discipline and strong leadership to West Ham and all of those are evident in
the way we stand up to Arsenal. Not so long ago in such a situation, we'd
have tried to be as good looking as our opponents — and succeeded only in
the sense of a pig's ear alongside a silk purse. A promising evening in
front of the TV cameras... if not the result that the Hammers wanted.
Sunday, October 7
AS a confirmed shoe addict, a fellow Premier League director tells me over
brunch why he thinks that Martin O'Neill is a spoilsport for bemoaning the
modern fashion for coloured boots. Sunderland manager Martin wants players
to go back to the plain old black variety. I'm with Martin on this. White
boots only succeed in making a players feet look the size of canoes and
frankly, if you dare to wear lime green and bright pink — you had better be
world class.
I'm told to shut up. And I'm told Martin has no fashion sense as he 'wears
socks under his sandals'. Never mind the girls... men can be so bitchy!
Monday, October 8
A FRIEND in the Midlands rings to tell me of the looming extinction of
Kettering Town, once the Man U of non-league football. Great names have
managed the seventh-tier club, including Arsenal's George Swindin and Tommy
Lawton, one of England's greatest forwards. Later came Ron Atkinson and, for
a week or two, Paul Gascoigne. This year was the club's 140th and possibly
last birthday. The collapse is sudden and brutal. On Saturday, they could
find just 10 players and a number were in tears after a 7-0 loss at Bashley.
A week ago, their crowd was 34. Kettering are believed to owe £1.2million,
five times John Terry's WEEKLY wage. How revealing of football. How sad.
Tuesday, October 9
WITH the opening of St George's Park centre at Burton, at last the FA have
put the coaches before the horses. The facilities are state of the art at
the £105m football development complex, with equipment from plunge pools to
underwater treadmills. As England captain Steven Gerrard says, there will be
no excuses for international failure now — we have the league, the stadium
and the potential coaching structure fit for world champions. Post-Olympics,
it's time to catch up with brilliantly coached minority sports like rowing
and cycling in winning gold medals and titles.
Wednesday, October 10
LORD SUGAR tells of his meeting with former Villa chairman Sir Doug Ellis at
Tottenham's match with the West Midlands club on Saturday. Ellis, now 88,
says: "I'm very friendly with that secretary of yours." Lord Sugar was
puzzled: "Secretary? What secretary?" Then realisation struck. Doug meant
me! At least in Doug's mind I'm going up in the world of business. First
time I met him, 20 years ago, I told him I was from Birmingham City and he
replied: "The council?"
He obviously thought I was from City Hall and had come to talk about the
Villa Park drainage! But 20 years on I've been promoted to secretary. Who
knows, by the time he's 90 I might be deputy kit man!
Thursday, October 11
A FRIEND at Swansea tells me the players are meeting chairman Huw Jenkins to
express their unease about new manager Michael Laudrup. The players' basic
complaint appears to be that Laudrup isn't Brendan Rodgers. He doesn't
motivate them as well or train them as hard. If true, this reminds me of the
Chelsea revolt against AVB last season. A dressing-room brew of treachery.
I'm told that Jenkins has no plans to sack the Dane who will continue to
manage in the Rodgers style. Liverpool, Rodgers' new club, have six points,
Swansea eight. Just a fact worth pointing out at this stage of the season.
Friday, October 12
WHEN New Zealand heard West Ham defender Winston Reid would be unable to
travel to Papeete for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Tahiti because
of a back injury, their FA insisted he fly out for a fitness test all of
their own. I suppose you might say there's no harm in trying, but a
three-day journey for a medical check-up to confirm an injury seems a trifle
extreme to us. That is even though the Kiwis' need for a strong defender is
explained by their ranking which, to my surprise, is 92nd. They quote the
rule book, stating if he doesn't fly the 24 hours to fail a medical, they'll
invoke the five-day rule. Rules before well-being. Don't you love
international football?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United players young and old will be in action over the
next few days
12.10.2012
A host of West Ham United players are set to take to the international stage
over the next few days. Andy Carroll continued his comeback from injury,
coming on as a second-half substitute in England's 5-0 win against San
Marino at Wembley on Friday night. The Three Lions were looking to bounce
back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with Ukraine and they did just that as
captain Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck both scored twice before Carroll was
introduced. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added a fifth late on. England next play
in Poland on Tuesday night.
Mohamed Diame and Guy Demel are set to face-off in Dakar on Saturday 13
October when Senegal host the Ivory Coast. Demel's Ivorians hold a 4-2
advantage going into the vital CAN 2013 qualifier second leg so Diame's side
have it all to do.
Summer signing Modibo Maiga will also be in CAN 2013 qualifying action as
Mali visit Botswana on Saturday night. A safe passage through to the finals
should be a formality for the striker and his Mali team-mates as they hold a
3-0 advantage going into the second leg.
Winston Reid has landed in New Zealand after recovering from the back spasms
he suffered against Arsenal. The All-White international will miss
Saturday's game in Tahiti but will be in contention for Tuesday's re-match
in Christchurch.
A few West Ham United youngsters have already been in action with Kieran
Sadlier featuring in the pick of the games. The Republic of Ireland Under-19
international started in his side's 5-2 win over Luxembourg.
The forward was unable to get on the scoresheet but proved to be a great
foil for Aston Villa's Mikey Drennan, who bagged a hat-trick. Ireland now
have two more games in their UEFA Under-19 qualifying mini-group - against
Macedonia on Saturday and Germany on Tuesday.
Raphael Spiegel's Switzerland Under-20 side were also in action, securing a
2-2 friendly draw against Poland.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'West Ham will have a very good season'
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United midfielder Marc Keller has high hopes for his old
club this season
12.10.2012
Former West Ham United midfielder Marc Keller was a welcome visitor to the
Boleyn Ground for last Saturday's game with Arsenal. Keller, who made over
40 appearances for the Hammers, is still working within the world of
football as a pundit and as Chairman of French side Racing Club de
Strasbourg. While his main priority at the moment is to ensure that his club
make a return to the top tier of French football, the opportunity to come
back and support the club he spent three years at from 1998 was too good to
turn down. "For me it is very special to come back. I also attended the game
at Newcastle against Manchester United but Upton Park is very special
because I had a very good time here. "During my two years we finished fifth
and ninth. I really enjoyed my time in London and I got to play with a lot
of very good players like Paolo Di Canio and Frank Lampard."
Keller was working for French media company Canal+ at the match and despite
the Hammers eventually falling short, he feels he saw enough from Sam
Allardyce's side to suggest they will have nothing to worry about this
season. Keller was particularly impressed by Hammers' tireless running,
adding that kind of work ethic will stand them in good stead for the rest of
the season. "It was a very good game and I was impressed with the quality of
play from West Ham United against Arsenal, who are a very good team. "They
have worked very hard so far this season and with Andy Carroll up front they
have a very powerful player who can keep the ball and score goals. "There is
a lot of character in the team and I am very optimistic for West Ham United
in this season and the future."
Substitute Theo Walcott came off the bench to score the winning goal after
78 minutes and Keller admitted it will always be hard to compete with the
strength in depth of the teams at the top. "When you see players like Theo
Walcott coming off the bench it demonstrates the great strength of their
squad. "I believe that Arsenal probably deserved to win but have no doubts
that West Ham United will have a very good season in the Barclays Premier
League."
Switching back to his current club, Strasbourg play in the fifth tier of
French football, the Championnat de France, after being excluded from the
Championnat National following financial liquidation. Keller now hopes he
can restore the club to its previous status. "I am now Chairman of
Strasbourg, I bought the club two or three months ago with some friends
because the club has been having some financial difficulties. "We are
currently in the fourth division but we are trying everything to ensure that
in the next few years we return to professional football in France."
After Keller left West Ham United, he joined Blackburn Rovers before
retiring from professional football and returning to Strasbourg as a coach,
where he enjoyed great success. "When I left West Ham United I went back to
Strasbourg as junior manager for five years and during that time we won the
Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue. "Since then the club have had
some financial difficulties so I have now returned and hope to help them
back to Ligue 2."
All at West Ham United wish Marc the best of luck with his new venture.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy staff cycle for Africa
WHUFC.com
A group of West Ham United Academy staff have raised nearly 1,000 pounds for
a charity in Malawi
12.10.2012
A group of West Ham United Academy staff have raised nearly £1,000 for a
charity that provides schools, water, power and other services to people in
the African country of Malawi. Led by Assistant Academy Director Paul
Heffer, whose family sponsor a Malawian child, a group of ten cyclists rode
30 miles up and down Southend seafront to raise funds for the Fisherman's
Rest Community Trust. Academy driver Dennis Lepine, Academy administrator
Trevor Lewin, Under-18s coach Nick Haycock, development co-ordinator Jim
Hampshire, foundation phase goalkeeper coach Billy Lepine, lead foundation
phase coach Danny Searle, assistant Under-10s coach Allan King, Academy kit
manager Tony Falco and assistant youth development phase coach Mark Phillips
and friends hopped into the saddle.
Heffer said: "On speaking to the Trust, we have been told the money that has
been raised will help to fund the building of two new classrooms in a new
infants' school that will save the children a 40-minute walk each way to and
from school every day.
"Two members of the Academy staff are hoping to visit the project at their
own expense next summer to see how things are coming along."
Fisherman's Rest has participated in a number of schemes, providing millions
of litres of fresh water to a neighbouring village. Other local villages
have been assisted with the provision of fresh water.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United's Gary O'Neil forced to consider life after football
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Gary O'Neil says spending time on the sidelines made him
think about where his future lies once he retires. The 29-year-old missed
eight months of last year after suffering a serious ankle injury. "While I
was injured I started my coaching badges, just in case," he told BBC London
94.9. "It was hard to make myself do it because you are preparing for
something you don't want to happen." The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough
player had to undergo surgery on an osteochondral defect after sustaining
damage to his cartilage in April 2011. He suffered the injury after a tackle
from Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. O'Neil continued: "When you're
a footballer, you say 'I'll stop when I'm 35'. "When you're only 29 you
think you're miles away from stopping. "One minute you're running around
freely and playing in the Premier League and a second later you can't to it
any more. "There was a spell after five months when I was trying to run and
it was too painful. It was that point when I thought I might not get back."
O'Neil says his ankle problem was the most serious injury he has had since
making his debut for Pompey in January 2000. "It was quite painful and I
couldn't walk on it," he said. "But I thought it was bad ligament damage or
I might have cracked it. "I didn't ever think my career might be threatened
by it. "The guy who did the surgery had only done about two before and he's
been operating about 15 or 20 years. "It was a big shock and took me a while
to come to terms with it. "It was really rare. I've been lucky it's all
moved on so well and I've managed to get back out there. "I know a few boys
who have had to retire though injuries. It must be very tough to deal with
not making it back."
Despite starting his coaching badges while out of the first-team picture at
Upton Park, O'Neil also harboured ambitions of playing golf professionally.
He plays off scratch and attempted to qualify for The Open earlier this
summer.
Gary O'Neil career factfile
Portsmouth (trainee-August 2007): 192 appearances, 17 goals
Walsall (loan spell Sept-Oct 03): seven games, no goals
Cardiff City (loan spell Sept-Nov 04): nine games, one goal
Middlesbrough (Aug 07-Jan 2011): 120 games, nine goals
West Ham (Jan 11-present): 31 games, two goals
"I didn't do great," he said. "I played ok but I went to enjoy it and it was
good experience. "Being realistic, I'd go down the coaching role [after
retiring] as I love football. "I'd like to try and help people improve and
stay in the game as long as I can." O'Neil has made two appearances for the
Hammers this season in the League Cup and says he occasionally feels the
effects of the injury. "The ankle still needs some managing so I still have
to stay on top of it with the physios," he said. "When I get a knock on the
ankle it gets sore for a couple of weeks. You panic and think I don't want
to go through all that again. "All the little knocks have repaired
themselves and I've been able to carry on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United target Boubacar Sanogo happy at Energie Cottbus
By Giscard Gourizro. Last Updated: October 12, 2012 5:10pm
SSN
Energie Cottbus striker Boubacar Sanogo is flattered to be linked with a
move to West Ham United, but insists that he is happy at his current club.
The 29-year-old joined the 2. Bundesliga club in the summer after being
released by St Etienne and is the top scorer in the German second division
with five goals so far this season. Sanogo, who has struggled with injuries
over the past two years, is delighted at regaining his confidence and wants
to play for the Ivory Coast at the 2014 World Cup finals. "I thank God for
blessing me, I now have the joy of playing football again and of scoring
goals," he told skysports.com. "I went through a lot over the past two
years, nothing worked for me. It has been difficult. "Now all that is in the
past. Being linked with a move to West Ham or any club is good, but I am
very happy with my club. However, you never know in football. "My ambition
is to be part of the Ivory Coast team and play at the 2014 World Cup finals.
That is my dream. I need to score more goals to get back into the squad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady's football diary
By KARREN BRADY
Published: 8 hrs ago
The Sun
Saturday, October 6
DESPITE the indisputable fact that we are beaten by two goals, I leave Upton
Park fairly happy. Arsenal remain the most creative team in the league and
something to aim for in the longer term. But Sam Allardyce has brought grit,
discipline and strong leadership to West Ham and all of those are evident in
the way we stand up to Arsenal. Not so long ago in such a situation, we'd
have tried to be as good looking as our opponents — and succeeded only in
the sense of a pig's ear alongside a silk purse. A promising evening in
front of the TV cameras... if not the result that the Hammers wanted.
Sunday, October 7
AS a confirmed shoe addict, a fellow Premier League director tells me over
brunch why he thinks that Martin O'Neill is a spoilsport for bemoaning the
modern fashion for coloured boots. Sunderland manager Martin wants players
to go back to the plain old black variety. I'm with Martin on this. White
boots only succeed in making a players feet look the size of canoes and
frankly, if you dare to wear lime green and bright pink — you had better be
world class.
I'm told to shut up. And I'm told Martin has no fashion sense as he 'wears
socks under his sandals'. Never mind the girls... men can be so bitchy!
Monday, October 8
A FRIEND in the Midlands rings to tell me of the looming extinction of
Kettering Town, once the Man U of non-league football. Great names have
managed the seventh-tier club, including Arsenal's George Swindin and Tommy
Lawton, one of England's greatest forwards. Later came Ron Atkinson and, for
a week or two, Paul Gascoigne. This year was the club's 140th and possibly
last birthday. The collapse is sudden and brutal. On Saturday, they could
find just 10 players and a number were in tears after a 7-0 loss at Bashley.
A week ago, their crowd was 34. Kettering are believed to owe £1.2million,
five times John Terry's WEEKLY wage. How revealing of football. How sad.
Tuesday, October 9
WITH the opening of St George's Park centre at Burton, at last the FA have
put the coaches before the horses. The facilities are state of the art at
the £105m football development complex, with equipment from plunge pools to
underwater treadmills. As England captain Steven Gerrard says, there will be
no excuses for international failure now — we have the league, the stadium
and the potential coaching structure fit for world champions. Post-Olympics,
it's time to catch up with brilliantly coached minority sports like rowing
and cycling in winning gold medals and titles.
Wednesday, October 10
LORD SUGAR tells of his meeting with former Villa chairman Sir Doug Ellis at
Tottenham's match with the West Midlands club on Saturday. Ellis, now 88,
says: "I'm very friendly with that secretary of yours." Lord Sugar was
puzzled: "Secretary? What secretary?" Then realisation struck. Doug meant
me! At least in Doug's mind I'm going up in the world of business. First
time I met him, 20 years ago, I told him I was from Birmingham City and he
replied: "The council?"
He obviously thought I was from City Hall and had come to talk about the
Villa Park drainage! But 20 years on I've been promoted to secretary. Who
knows, by the time he's 90 I might be deputy kit man!
Thursday, October 11
A FRIEND at Swansea tells me the players are meeting chairman Huw Jenkins to
express their unease about new manager Michael Laudrup. The players' basic
complaint appears to be that Laudrup isn't Brendan Rodgers. He doesn't
motivate them as well or train them as hard. If true, this reminds me of the
Chelsea revolt against AVB last season. A dressing-room brew of treachery.
I'm told that Jenkins has no plans to sack the Dane who will continue to
manage in the Rodgers style. Liverpool, Rodgers' new club, have six points,
Swansea eight. Just a fact worth pointing out at this stage of the season.
Friday, October 12
WHEN New Zealand heard West Ham defender Winston Reid would be unable to
travel to Papeete for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Tahiti because
of a back injury, their FA insisted he fly out for a fitness test all of
their own. I suppose you might say there's no harm in trying, but a
three-day journey for a medical check-up to confirm an injury seems a trifle
extreme to us. That is even though the Kiwis' need for a strong defender is
explained by their ranking which, to my surprise, is 92nd. They quote the
rule book, stating if he doesn't fly the 24 hours to fail a medical, they'll
invoke the five-day rule. Rules before well-being. Don't you love
international football?
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, October 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th October 2012
Gary feeling good
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil is feeling fighting fit and enjoying West Ham United's return to
the Barclays Premier League
11.10.2012
Gary O'Neil believes the combination of a quality squad and some fine form
will see West Ham United through the tough challenges of the next few months
of the Barclays Premier League. Midfielder O'Neil says that while the side
were disappointed to lose against Arsenal last weekend - only their second
home league defeat in 2012 - a foundation is forming that the players and
manager Sam Allardyce want to build on. After the next two tricky-looking
fixtures against Southampton and Wigan Athletic are completed, the Hammers
enter an unenviable run of games that include both Manchester teams,
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, but O'Neil feels the squad should
hold no fear. "We have made a good start and want to get better as the
season goes on," O'Neil said "We have had good results in first few weeks
and started to build the foundations of what we want to achieve. "In the
last week, we had the great win away at Queens Park Rangers and then against
Arsenal, we came out and made a great start to the game, but ultimately came
away disappointed after losing to what is a very good Arsenal side. But we
have to look to build on what we have done well so far in the next few weeks
again."
While there may be some tough fixtures ahead, O'Neil is confident there is
enough quality and spirit in the squad to ensure West Ham United continue to
head in the right direction. "There is a really good vibe around the place.
The lads have done fantastically so far this season. We have had a decent
start and coming up from the Championship is hard, so getting a good
beginning to the campaign is important. "Yes, we have tough games coming up
but the form we have been in and the squad we have, we are all looking
forward to the challenges ahead and believe we are capable of meeting them."
Spirit is in good supply at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground as
O'Neil and his other team-mates who have not gone away on international duty
this week have been put through their paces with daily double training
sessions. As well as hard work, though, there has been plenty of banter as
the team trained in the autumn sunshine. Those kind of light-hearted
moments were incredibly important for O'Neil on as he recovered from the
serious ankle injury he suffered against Aston Villa back in April 2011.
That injury saw O'Neil miss the rest of the 2010/11 season and much of last
season, but the midfielder battled through and returned four months sooner
than expected to play a key role in the Hammers' successful promotion
campaign. Although the initial prognosis was not good, the former England
Under-21 international stayed positive in his belief that he would play
again. He credits the surgeon who performed his operation and with Hammers'
caring medical and sports science staff for his quick recovery. "I have said
that it was a shock when we all realised how serious and how bad it was. It
was frightening and I took a while to come to terms with it. But I never
accepted that I wouldn't play again and always had in my mind that I would
play again. "I am really lucky. Everyone here - the staff, medical and
sports science staff - have been great and I have managed to get back out
there. The surgeon did a fantastic job and here I am back playing and
enjoying being in this squad. "It was hard being away from the rest of the
team for most of that time. It was all about the long-term goal, though, and
I knew I had to train on my own and work hard. So when I came back four
months early to play against Derby - which was quicker than we expected - it
was all worth it. "But yes it was hard. The lads were doing a fantastic job
trying to get us promoted and one of the
best things about getting back is not just playing but being part of the
team properly again."
During the endless hours and days spent in the Chadwell Heath recovery
rooms, O'Neil says he built up a firm bond with the medical staff at West
Ham.
"Even to this day I spend a lot of time with them still! I think you get
used to it. The ankle will need some managing here and there, but they have
all been fantastic here. "Also, sports science and medicine has moved on so
much I think that if I suffered this injury 20 years ago, I would not have
been able to come back. "The gaffer is big on sports science and the role it
plays in football and it has certainly played its part with me recovering
from this injury."
Such was the injury that O'Neil had to think - albeit temporarily - about
what else he could do should the worst happen. Coaching was the realistic
choice but there were dreams of being a professional golfer, with O'Neil
well-known at West Ham for his skills on the green. "I did look at coaching.
It wouldn't be the same as playing, but I would like to play a part in
helping young footballers come through, so I had to look at my badges and
all of that to be prepared. "If I had a choice? It would be golf - I did try
and qualify for the Open in the summer, but didn't do as well as I would
have liked, but I did it for the experience and enjoyment. But being
realistic, it would be coaching. "Luckily I am still playing and those
thoughts can hopefully wait a while yet. I am enjoying being part of this
team and hope to be playing my part this season as we look to do as well as
we can."
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Wayne eyes promotion push
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne believes this season can
be a successful one
11.10.2012
While West Ham United's first team find themselves back in the Barclays
Premier League, the Ladies side have just missed out on promotion from the
FA Women's Premier League Southern Division in the past few years. During
the summer, the squad was strengthened with the addition of 29-year-old
goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne, who returned to West Ham United Ladies for the
second spell of her career. "When I left two years ago, I always said that
West Ham will always be in my heart and having the chance to come back, I
couldn't say 'No'" said former England Under-20 international. "Every team I
have been at, I have enjoyed my time for many different reasons. However,
there is something you cannot explain about West Ham, it's like a family."
Wayne has played for a host of top women's football teams throughout her
career, starting with a full scholarship with Arsenal before moves to
Bristol Academy, Charlton Athletic and Gillingham. The current interest and
funding in women's football continues to prevent West Ham's players turning
professional, but Wayne is hoping that situation may change. "I currently
work as a warehouse supervisor six days a week, as well as studying for an
AAT level two certificate in accounting, so fitting everything in is very
time consuming. I had the privilege of training full-time when I was at
Arsenal but feel that I was a little too young to fully appreciate it.
Playing full-time again would be a dream come true."
Since returning to West Ham, Wayne has been full of compliments for the
Hammers coaching staff, believing that the management team of Julia Setford,
Paul Blanchflower and Kate De Costa could make the difference in the search
for promotion. "They are by far the best coaching team from previous
experience. My former team-mate Julia has taken to management like a duck to
water. She is fair and passionate but hard when she needs to be. Kate and
Paul were not there last time I was at West Ham and I feel that they could
be the difference."
Wayne also reserved a special mention for goalkeeping coach Julian Roberts.
"I work mainly with Julian who is a fantastic coach. He tests me every
session, even if I do have to wind him up to make him shoot harder. He
listens to the things that I feel I need to work on and he will always go
the extra mile to help."
The Hammers have started the season brightly, with two wins from their
opening three games giving them a stable base in their hunt for promotion.
"I think a lot of the credit needs to go to our team defensively. We have
had a lot of changes and everyone has adapted well. We have a fairly young
defence so we know that the hard work they are doing in training is paying
off in games and this will increase their confidence".
"There are a few new faces but the core of the team is still the same so I
feel that I have settled in well, they know the way I work as much as I know
them. Over the last few years we have been pipped to the post [for
promotion] so getting as many points on the board as soon as possible
settles the nerves and allows us to play the way we want to."
"I think that the good part about our squad is that we have a mixture of
youth and experienced players, but all the girls have great banter. When we
are struggling we have some great players like Jess Barling, Lindsey Morgan
or Becky Merritt who try and lift the team, but I think that every player in
our squad plays their part in their own little ways."
"Personally, I didn't come back to West Ham to come second or third again, I
want to win the league and go up. I think we have some quality players and
great coaching staff so anything else other than promotion is not an option.
We have always been in and around there at the end of the season, so with
the additions we have made, along with the youth that we have, I think this
could be a very successful season for West Ham Ladies."
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Clark denies Morrison rift
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 11th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Birmingham manager Lee Clark has rubbished rumours suggesting that he wanted
to send Ravel Morrison back to West Ham. The 19-year-old midfielder is
currently on loan with the Blues for the season having made just one
substitute appearance for West Ham since moving to east London from
Manchester United in January of this year. Earlier in the week, reports
suggesting that Clark wanted rid of the teenager emerged - reports that,
according to both Morrison and the City boss, are wide of the mark. Speaking
to deny that he wanted to out Morrison, Clark told the Birmingham Mail: "I
have had a good chat with Ravel this week and he knows where he wants to be
and he knows how he's got to get there. "We brought him in because he's a
talented young man but there's more than talent that gets you in the team.
Ravel understands that and he's going to be working extremely hard over the
coming weeks to get that sorted."
Morrison - who claimed on Tuesday that he was "having a good time at BCFC" -
has not appeared for Birmingham's first team since the opening day of the
season.
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The Julian Dicks Column: 11th October
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 11th October 2012
By: Julian Dicks
It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian shares his thoughts with the readers of Knees up
Mother Brown on a regular basis via his weekly column, the latest of which
begins a review of last weekend's defeat against Arsenal...
Arsenal
We all knew Arsenal was going to be a tough game and that everybody would
have to be at their best to beat them. For 75 minutes West Ham did well and
although the lost in the end, I think 3-1 flattered the Gunners a bit.
West Ham started off well, but over the 90 minutes Arsenal passed them off
the park. They miss Robin Van Persie but they've still got some exceptional
players there. Still, Kevin Nolan had a couple of good chances and you'd
expect him to put those away. You can't really knock him for missing them
because he's the club's top scorer, but it could have been a better result
for West Ham.
You have to put your chances away. You can look back over every single game
and say, "If we'd have put that in we'd have won four or five-nil!" - but
when you're playing teams like Arsenal you have to take your chances,
because you know they're going to score goals and that you're going to be
under pressure for periods of the game.
Although West Ham could perhaps have settled for a point I don't think it
was naive to push on for a winner. They were at home and it's not in the
players' nature to sit back and say "yeah, we'll take a draw here". In the
13 years I played football I never thought like that and I don't think the
majority of footballers think like that.
Regardless of who you're playing you want to go out and get three points -
and I thought West Ham might have gone on and won the game.
Wenger-baiting
The amount of abuse I used to get as a player meant it was water off a
duck's back - and it'll be the same for Arsene Wenger because he's a
seasoned manager. But I always thought if I was getting abuse I must have
been a threat to their team, which meant I was doing something right. It's
not nice, but you know it's going to happen.
At the end of the day, black players used to get racially abused so they're
not going to stop with the likes of Arsene Wenger or Alex Ferguson. It's
part of the game. Yes, it's wrong - but you're never going to stop it.
Six pointers
It's imperative now that West Ham pick up maximum points in their next two
games - and I'd expect them to beat both Southampton and Wigan. The Saints
are going through a rough time and Wigan aren't the best of sides. When you
look at the teams we've got to play after that you wonder where the points
are coming from; it's going to be very tough.
However West Ham have started off well and with that team and Sam as manager
I would imagine they think they can go out and beat most teams. When you
play teams like Man City and Man United of course it's going to be tough.
There are points there they can pick up - but you really want six points
from the Southampton and Wigan games.
Mentally the players shouldn't need geeing up for the tough run of fixtures
that lie ahead because if they can't get motivated for those games, they
shouldn't be playing football. I don't think Sam will have to do that for
any player against any team in the Premier League.
In terms of approaching those games, it's a difficult one. You either sit
back and try and take the pressure - and you know against your Chelseas and
Manchester Citys you're going to be under the cosh for most of the game,
that they're going to get chances and they're going to score - or you can
take the game to them, playing a 4312 or whatever.
However if you sit back you're inviting pressure - just as Sunderland did at
Upton Park a few weeks ago. Unfortunately if you do that against the best
sides, like your Man Citys and Chelseas, it's going to be tough just to sit
back and soak it up.
Step up to the plate
Ravel Morrison is a great talent, according to people like Alex Ferguson.
But whilst you need a bit of arrogance and confidence in football you can't
step over the line - especially with the people who are employing you.
If he keeps doing it, teams and clubs aren't going to continue to take a
chance on him. He's still young and he's got a great future in the game but
if he doesn't sort it out people will say "we're not going to bother" - and
he'll end up not playing football at all. He's 19 now so he's an adult; he's
not a kid any more.
Ravel has got everything going for him, he's paid well and he's a very good
player. Sometimes you have to take a look at yourself and ask, "hang on a
minute, what am I doing?" We all make mistakes in life - I've made plenty! -
but when you get booted out of Man Utd and then West Ham after only a few
months there's obviously something amiss.
I don't believe the money the players earn these days has anything to do
with their behaviour though. Some people gamble and get in trouble that way
but this is about Ravel being disruptive, so money doesn't come into it
unless he thinks he's got enough now and can do what he wants. Still, he'll
have to knuckle down at some point.
The danger is that we'll still be saying this when he's 23 or 24 - by which
time it could be too late. If you're lucky, your career lasts until you're
32, 33 - but then it's over. He has a long life ahead of him, so it's time
to settle down and let his football do the talking.
Patience, Paolo
Paolo Di Canio was an exceptional footballer. Unfortunately I didn't play
much with him but we got on really well - even though we had our spats.
Not so long ago I spent 45 minutes with him in his office before a Swindon
game. I came out knackered; he's so enthusiastic and animated and kicks
every ball! He's a nice bloke to be around because everything is great.
What's he's done at Swindon so far is exceptional and you have to take your
hat off to his Chairman as it's Paolo's first management job and he's gone
in and done absolutely fantastically well.
Being physical with your players though - as Paolo has been - wouldn't work
for me as a manager - and if any manager of mine slapped me round the head
I'd punch them back! There's a way to get through to your players and that's
not it. But they all look up to him at Swindon and rightly so, because he's
an exceptional footballer and he's done a fantastic job as a manager.
He has been linked with the vacancies at Blackburn and Bolton but I think
it's a little bit too early for him. At the end of the day only Paolo will
know if that's the case - and with his ego, they're probably not big enough
clubs for him! But he's done a fantastic job and he deserves everything he
gets; who knows - he could go to either and set the world alight.
Looking back: my toughest opponents
Mick Harford was a really nice bloke - but very tough. I was at Birmingham
with Mick when I was a young player and he could look after himself. I
remember playing against him after he'd moved to Luton and he cracked my eye
socket in four places. I don't think he did it on purpose but I remember
saying, "look at my eye" - and he just said, "Oh, I didn't mean that!"
That's the way he was.
Another who wasn't necessarily tough but exceptionally strong was Mark
Hughes. If you kicked him he wouldn't whinge or moan but get up, get on with
it and give you a whack back during the game sometimes!
For me, the toughest opponents I faced were players who were fast - players
like Franz Carr, Ruel Fox and Tony Daley - just because they were a lot
quicker than me! They always gave me a tough time. I often struggled against
those sorts of players - if they were quicker than you and had half a brain
they'd knock it past you and go.
The way to deal with those players was to put them in the stand within the
first five minutes. If you did, then they wouldn't fancy it for the rest of
the game - but if you went in and you missed them, then you knew you were in
for a tough game!
One player I came across many times was Roy Keane. He could look after
himself but he was a very good player as well - you don't play for or
captain Manchester United for that long if you're not a good player. They
had some fantastic players when we used to play against them - your
Beckhams, Scholes and Cantonas. It was an exceptional side, especially if
you had a midfield player like Roy Keane pulling all the strings.
Don't get me wrong, he put some bad, bad tackles in like the one on Alf-Inge
Haaland. That doesn't make you hard, that's the coward's way. But he was a
good player.
I also played against Dennis Wise and Vinnie Jones many times and we used to
kick sh*t out of each other, but we'd still meet up in the bar after and
have a drink and a chat. Then the next time comes around and in the first
five minutes we'd be off again. But that was it; we weren't enemies, we'd
kick sh*t out of each other on the pitch but after the game we'd have a chat
and a laugh - and that was it.
Julian Dicks was talking to Graeme Howlett.
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West Ham have confirmed they still want to become tenants of the Olympic
Stadium
Last Updated: October 11, 2012 7:13am
SSN
West Ham United have confirmed they are still fully committed to become
tenants of the Olympic Stadium. The applications to take over the Olympic
Stadium restarted last year after legal challenges from both Tottenham and
neighbours Leyton Orient prevented West Ham from buying the stadium in
conjunction with Newham Council in 2011. Nevertheless, despite their failure
to buy the stadium - the Hammers want to become main tenants at the
Stratford site for the start of the 2014-15 season. However, reports claim
the Premier League club are at loggerheads with the London Legacy
Development Corporation (LLDC) over changes to the stadium including
retractable seating which would cost around £160million - but West Ham
remain positive. In a statement, West Ham said: "It is now 20 months since
West Ham United were initially named as the preferred bidder to occupy the
Olympic Stadium post-Games. We are obviously disappointed, that three bids
later, a decision has yet to be reached. "We do however remain fully
committed to becoming the catalyst to galvanise the Olympic Park by bringing
people, jobs and a robust and sustainable commercial offer that guarantees a
return to the taxpayer of the money already invested."
LLDC chief executive Dennis Hone has indicated that should a decision not be
reached by the next board meeting later this month, then the matter could be
pushed back towards the end of the year. "If we can't come to a conclusion,
in the scheme of things if it slips another month or two I would rather get
the right solution. Yes, the stadium is tricky, but it's tricky because we
want to get it right," he said. "I would hate to bung someone in there and
see it fall apart in five years. If it takes a couple of extra months to get
there, then so be it. We have had discussions with all of the bidders. "The
difficulty is that we are balancing the adaptations we have to make to the
stadium against the proposals that have come in and the benefits - financial
and otherwise - that those proposals bring. If it was a knockout [verdict]
it would be an easy decision, but it's not."
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Gary O'Neil confident West Ham can build on positive start to season
Last Updated: October 11, 2012 10:50pm
SSN
West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil says there is a 'good vibe' around
the camp following an encouraging start to the Premier League campaign. The
Hammers have collected 11 points from their opening seven fixtures to occupy
a position in the top half of the table, although Sam Allardyce has always
said that he expects the games to become increasingly difficult during a
testing autumn and winter schedule. O'Neil nevertheless believes there is
enough quality in the squad, and a suitably strong spirit, to keep West Ham
on the right track. He told the club's official website: "We have made a
good start and want to get better as the season goes on. We have had good
results in the first few weeks and started to build the foundations of what
we want to achieve. "In the last week, we had the great win away at Queens
Park Rangers and then against Arsenal, we came out and made a great start to
the game, but ultimately came away disappointed after losing to what is a
very good Arsenal side. But we have to look to build on what we have done
well so far in the next few weeks again."
O'Neil added: "There is a really good vibe around the place. The lads have
done fantastically so far this season. We have had a decent start and coming
up from the Championship is hard, so getting a good beginning to the
campaign is important. "Yes, we have tough games coming up but the form we
have been in and the squad we have, we are all looking forward to the
challenges ahead and believe we are capable of meeting them."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Gary O'Neil is feeling fighting fit and enjoying West Ham United's return to
the Barclays Premier League
11.10.2012
Gary O'Neil believes the combination of a quality squad and some fine form
will see West Ham United through the tough challenges of the next few months
of the Barclays Premier League. Midfielder O'Neil says that while the side
were disappointed to lose against Arsenal last weekend - only their second
home league defeat in 2012 - a foundation is forming that the players and
manager Sam Allardyce want to build on. After the next two tricky-looking
fixtures against Southampton and Wigan Athletic are completed, the Hammers
enter an unenviable run of games that include both Manchester teams,
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, but O'Neil feels the squad should
hold no fear. "We have made a good start and want to get better as the
season goes on," O'Neil said "We have had good results in first few weeks
and started to build the foundations of what we want to achieve. "In the
last week, we had the great win away at Queens Park Rangers and then against
Arsenal, we came out and made a great start to the game, but ultimately came
away disappointed after losing to what is a very good Arsenal side. But we
have to look to build on what we have done well so far in the next few weeks
again."
While there may be some tough fixtures ahead, O'Neil is confident there is
enough quality and spirit in the squad to ensure West Ham United continue to
head in the right direction. "There is a really good vibe around the place.
The lads have done fantastically so far this season. We have had a decent
start and coming up from the Championship is hard, so getting a good
beginning to the campaign is important. "Yes, we have tough games coming up
but the form we have been in and the squad we have, we are all looking
forward to the challenges ahead and believe we are capable of meeting them."
Spirit is in good supply at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground as
O'Neil and his other team-mates who have not gone away on international duty
this week have been put through their paces with daily double training
sessions. As well as hard work, though, there has been plenty of banter as
the team trained in the autumn sunshine. Those kind of light-hearted
moments were incredibly important for O'Neil on as he recovered from the
serious ankle injury he suffered against Aston Villa back in April 2011.
That injury saw O'Neil miss the rest of the 2010/11 season and much of last
season, but the midfielder battled through and returned four months sooner
than expected to play a key role in the Hammers' successful promotion
campaign. Although the initial prognosis was not good, the former England
Under-21 international stayed positive in his belief that he would play
again. He credits the surgeon who performed his operation and with Hammers'
caring medical and sports science staff for his quick recovery. "I have said
that it was a shock when we all realised how serious and how bad it was. It
was frightening and I took a while to come to terms with it. But I never
accepted that I wouldn't play again and always had in my mind that I would
play again. "I am really lucky. Everyone here - the staff, medical and
sports science staff - have been great and I have managed to get back out
there. The surgeon did a fantastic job and here I am back playing and
enjoying being in this squad. "It was hard being away from the rest of the
team for most of that time. It was all about the long-term goal, though, and
I knew I had to train on my own and work hard. So when I came back four
months early to play against Derby - which was quicker than we expected - it
was all worth it. "But yes it was hard. The lads were doing a fantastic job
trying to get us promoted and one of the
best things about getting back is not just playing but being part of the
team properly again."
During the endless hours and days spent in the Chadwell Heath recovery
rooms, O'Neil says he built up a firm bond with the medical staff at West
Ham.
"Even to this day I spend a lot of time with them still! I think you get
used to it. The ankle will need some managing here and there, but they have
all been fantastic here. "Also, sports science and medicine has moved on so
much I think that if I suffered this injury 20 years ago, I would not have
been able to come back. "The gaffer is big on sports science and the role it
plays in football and it has certainly played its part with me recovering
from this injury."
Such was the injury that O'Neil had to think - albeit temporarily - about
what else he could do should the worst happen. Coaching was the realistic
choice but there were dreams of being a professional golfer, with O'Neil
well-known at West Ham for his skills on the green. "I did look at coaching.
It wouldn't be the same as playing, but I would like to play a part in
helping young footballers come through, so I had to look at my badges and
all of that to be prepared. "If I had a choice? It would be golf - I did try
and qualify for the Open in the summer, but didn't do as well as I would
have liked, but I did it for the experience and enjoyment. But being
realistic, it would be coaching. "Luckily I am still playing and those
thoughts can hopefully wait a while yet. I am enjoying being part of this
team and hope to be playing my part this season as we look to do as well as
we can."
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Wayne eyes promotion push
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne believes this season can
be a successful one
11.10.2012
While West Ham United's first team find themselves back in the Barclays
Premier League, the Ladies side have just missed out on promotion from the
FA Women's Premier League Southern Division in the past few years. During
the summer, the squad was strengthened with the addition of 29-year-old
goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne, who returned to West Ham United Ladies for the
second spell of her career. "When I left two years ago, I always said that
West Ham will always be in my heart and having the chance to come back, I
couldn't say 'No'" said former England Under-20 international. "Every team I
have been at, I have enjoyed my time for many different reasons. However,
there is something you cannot explain about West Ham, it's like a family."
Wayne has played for a host of top women's football teams throughout her
career, starting with a full scholarship with Arsenal before moves to
Bristol Academy, Charlton Athletic and Gillingham. The current interest and
funding in women's football continues to prevent West Ham's players turning
professional, but Wayne is hoping that situation may change. "I currently
work as a warehouse supervisor six days a week, as well as studying for an
AAT level two certificate in accounting, so fitting everything in is very
time consuming. I had the privilege of training full-time when I was at
Arsenal but feel that I was a little too young to fully appreciate it.
Playing full-time again would be a dream come true."
Since returning to West Ham, Wayne has been full of compliments for the
Hammers coaching staff, believing that the management team of Julia Setford,
Paul Blanchflower and Kate De Costa could make the difference in the search
for promotion. "They are by far the best coaching team from previous
experience. My former team-mate Julia has taken to management like a duck to
water. She is fair and passionate but hard when she needs to be. Kate and
Paul were not there last time I was at West Ham and I feel that they could
be the difference."
Wayne also reserved a special mention for goalkeeping coach Julian Roberts.
"I work mainly with Julian who is a fantastic coach. He tests me every
session, even if I do have to wind him up to make him shoot harder. He
listens to the things that I feel I need to work on and he will always go
the extra mile to help."
The Hammers have started the season brightly, with two wins from their
opening three games giving them a stable base in their hunt for promotion.
"I think a lot of the credit needs to go to our team defensively. We have
had a lot of changes and everyone has adapted well. We have a fairly young
defence so we know that the hard work they are doing in training is paying
off in games and this will increase their confidence".
"There are a few new faces but the core of the team is still the same so I
feel that I have settled in well, they know the way I work as much as I know
them. Over the last few years we have been pipped to the post [for
promotion] so getting as many points on the board as soon as possible
settles the nerves and allows us to play the way we want to."
"I think that the good part about our squad is that we have a mixture of
youth and experienced players, but all the girls have great banter. When we
are struggling we have some great players like Jess Barling, Lindsey Morgan
or Becky Merritt who try and lift the team, but I think that every player in
our squad plays their part in their own little ways."
"Personally, I didn't come back to West Ham to come second or third again, I
want to win the league and go up. I think we have some quality players and
great coaching staff so anything else other than promotion is not an option.
We have always been in and around there at the end of the season, so with
the additions we have made, along with the youth that we have, I think this
could be a very successful season for West Ham Ladies."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clark denies Morrison rift
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 11th October 2012
By: Staff Writer
Birmingham manager Lee Clark has rubbished rumours suggesting that he wanted
to send Ravel Morrison back to West Ham. The 19-year-old midfielder is
currently on loan with the Blues for the season having made just one
substitute appearance for West Ham since moving to east London from
Manchester United in January of this year. Earlier in the week, reports
suggesting that Clark wanted rid of the teenager emerged - reports that,
according to both Morrison and the City boss, are wide of the mark. Speaking
to deny that he wanted to out Morrison, Clark told the Birmingham Mail: "I
have had a good chat with Ravel this week and he knows where he wants to be
and he knows how he's got to get there. "We brought him in because he's a
talented young man but there's more than talent that gets you in the team.
Ravel understands that and he's going to be working extremely hard over the
coming weeks to get that sorted."
Morrison - who claimed on Tuesday that he was "having a good time at BCFC" -
has not appeared for Birmingham's first team since the opening day of the
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Julian Dicks Column: 11th October
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 11th October 2012
By: Julian Dicks
It's with great pleasure that we welcome West Ham United FC legend Julian
Dicks to KUMB.com. Julian shares his thoughts with the readers of Knees up
Mother Brown on a regular basis via his weekly column, the latest of which
begins a review of last weekend's defeat against Arsenal...
Arsenal
We all knew Arsenal was going to be a tough game and that everybody would
have to be at their best to beat them. For 75 minutes West Ham did well and
although the lost in the end, I think 3-1 flattered the Gunners a bit.
West Ham started off well, but over the 90 minutes Arsenal passed them off
the park. They miss Robin Van Persie but they've still got some exceptional
players there. Still, Kevin Nolan had a couple of good chances and you'd
expect him to put those away. You can't really knock him for missing them
because he's the club's top scorer, but it could have been a better result
for West Ham.
You have to put your chances away. You can look back over every single game
and say, "If we'd have put that in we'd have won four or five-nil!" - but
when you're playing teams like Arsenal you have to take your chances,
because you know they're going to score goals and that you're going to be
under pressure for periods of the game.
Although West Ham could perhaps have settled for a point I don't think it
was naive to push on for a winner. They were at home and it's not in the
players' nature to sit back and say "yeah, we'll take a draw here". In the
13 years I played football I never thought like that and I don't think the
majority of footballers think like that.
Regardless of who you're playing you want to go out and get three points -
and I thought West Ham might have gone on and won the game.
Wenger-baiting
The amount of abuse I used to get as a player meant it was water off a
duck's back - and it'll be the same for Arsene Wenger because he's a
seasoned manager. But I always thought if I was getting abuse I must have
been a threat to their team, which meant I was doing something right. It's
not nice, but you know it's going to happen.
At the end of the day, black players used to get racially abused so they're
not going to stop with the likes of Arsene Wenger or Alex Ferguson. It's
part of the game. Yes, it's wrong - but you're never going to stop it.
Six pointers
It's imperative now that West Ham pick up maximum points in their next two
games - and I'd expect them to beat both Southampton and Wigan. The Saints
are going through a rough time and Wigan aren't the best of sides. When you
look at the teams we've got to play after that you wonder where the points
are coming from; it's going to be very tough.
However West Ham have started off well and with that team and Sam as manager
I would imagine they think they can go out and beat most teams. When you
play teams like Man City and Man United of course it's going to be tough.
There are points there they can pick up - but you really want six points
from the Southampton and Wigan games.
Mentally the players shouldn't need geeing up for the tough run of fixtures
that lie ahead because if they can't get motivated for those games, they
shouldn't be playing football. I don't think Sam will have to do that for
any player against any team in the Premier League.
In terms of approaching those games, it's a difficult one. You either sit
back and try and take the pressure - and you know against your Chelseas and
Manchester Citys you're going to be under the cosh for most of the game,
that they're going to get chances and they're going to score - or you can
take the game to them, playing a 4312 or whatever.
However if you sit back you're inviting pressure - just as Sunderland did at
Upton Park a few weeks ago. Unfortunately if you do that against the best
sides, like your Man Citys and Chelseas, it's going to be tough just to sit
back and soak it up.
Step up to the plate
Ravel Morrison is a great talent, according to people like Alex Ferguson.
But whilst you need a bit of arrogance and confidence in football you can't
step over the line - especially with the people who are employing you.
If he keeps doing it, teams and clubs aren't going to continue to take a
chance on him. He's still young and he's got a great future in the game but
if he doesn't sort it out people will say "we're not going to bother" - and
he'll end up not playing football at all. He's 19 now so he's an adult; he's
not a kid any more.
Ravel has got everything going for him, he's paid well and he's a very good
player. Sometimes you have to take a look at yourself and ask, "hang on a
minute, what am I doing?" We all make mistakes in life - I've made plenty! -
but when you get booted out of Man Utd and then West Ham after only a few
months there's obviously something amiss.
I don't believe the money the players earn these days has anything to do
with their behaviour though. Some people gamble and get in trouble that way
but this is about Ravel being disruptive, so money doesn't come into it
unless he thinks he's got enough now and can do what he wants. Still, he'll
have to knuckle down at some point.
The danger is that we'll still be saying this when he's 23 or 24 - by which
time it could be too late. If you're lucky, your career lasts until you're
32, 33 - but then it's over. He has a long life ahead of him, so it's time
to settle down and let his football do the talking.
Patience, Paolo
Paolo Di Canio was an exceptional footballer. Unfortunately I didn't play
much with him but we got on really well - even though we had our spats.
Not so long ago I spent 45 minutes with him in his office before a Swindon
game. I came out knackered; he's so enthusiastic and animated and kicks
every ball! He's a nice bloke to be around because everything is great.
What's he's done at Swindon so far is exceptional and you have to take your
hat off to his Chairman as it's Paolo's first management job and he's gone
in and done absolutely fantastically well.
Being physical with your players though - as Paolo has been - wouldn't work
for me as a manager - and if any manager of mine slapped me round the head
I'd punch them back! There's a way to get through to your players and that's
not it. But they all look up to him at Swindon and rightly so, because he's
an exceptional footballer and he's done a fantastic job as a manager.
He has been linked with the vacancies at Blackburn and Bolton but I think
it's a little bit too early for him. At the end of the day only Paolo will
know if that's the case - and with his ego, they're probably not big enough
clubs for him! But he's done a fantastic job and he deserves everything he
gets; who knows - he could go to either and set the world alight.
Looking back: my toughest opponents
Mick Harford was a really nice bloke - but very tough. I was at Birmingham
with Mick when I was a young player and he could look after himself. I
remember playing against him after he'd moved to Luton and he cracked my eye
socket in four places. I don't think he did it on purpose but I remember
saying, "look at my eye" - and he just said, "Oh, I didn't mean that!"
That's the way he was.
Another who wasn't necessarily tough but exceptionally strong was Mark
Hughes. If you kicked him he wouldn't whinge or moan but get up, get on with
it and give you a whack back during the game sometimes!
For me, the toughest opponents I faced were players who were fast - players
like Franz Carr, Ruel Fox and Tony Daley - just because they were a lot
quicker than me! They always gave me a tough time. I often struggled against
those sorts of players - if they were quicker than you and had half a brain
they'd knock it past you and go.
The way to deal with those players was to put them in the stand within the
first five minutes. If you did, then they wouldn't fancy it for the rest of
the game - but if you went in and you missed them, then you knew you were in
for a tough game!
One player I came across many times was Roy Keane. He could look after
himself but he was a very good player as well - you don't play for or
captain Manchester United for that long if you're not a good player. They
had some fantastic players when we used to play against them - your
Beckhams, Scholes and Cantonas. It was an exceptional side, especially if
you had a midfield player like Roy Keane pulling all the strings.
Don't get me wrong, he put some bad, bad tackles in like the one on Alf-Inge
Haaland. That doesn't make you hard, that's the coward's way. But he was a
good player.
I also played against Dennis Wise and Vinnie Jones many times and we used to
kick sh*t out of each other, but we'd still meet up in the bar after and
have a drink and a chat. Then the next time comes around and in the first
five minutes we'd be off again. But that was it; we weren't enemies, we'd
kick sh*t out of each other on the pitch but after the game we'd have a chat
and a laugh - and that was it.
Julian Dicks was talking to Graeme Howlett.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have confirmed they still want to become tenants of the Olympic
Stadium
Last Updated: October 11, 2012 7:13am
SSN
West Ham United have confirmed they are still fully committed to become
tenants of the Olympic Stadium. The applications to take over the Olympic
Stadium restarted last year after legal challenges from both Tottenham and
neighbours Leyton Orient prevented West Ham from buying the stadium in
conjunction with Newham Council in 2011. Nevertheless, despite their failure
to buy the stadium - the Hammers want to become main tenants at the
Stratford site for the start of the 2014-15 season. However, reports claim
the Premier League club are at loggerheads with the London Legacy
Development Corporation (LLDC) over changes to the stadium including
retractable seating which would cost around £160million - but West Ham
remain positive. In a statement, West Ham said: "It is now 20 months since
West Ham United were initially named as the preferred bidder to occupy the
Olympic Stadium post-Games. We are obviously disappointed, that three bids
later, a decision has yet to be reached. "We do however remain fully
committed to becoming the catalyst to galvanise the Olympic Park by bringing
people, jobs and a robust and sustainable commercial offer that guarantees a
return to the taxpayer of the money already invested."
LLDC chief executive Dennis Hone has indicated that should a decision not be
reached by the next board meeting later this month, then the matter could be
pushed back towards the end of the year. "If we can't come to a conclusion,
in the scheme of things if it slips another month or two I would rather get
the right solution. Yes, the stadium is tricky, but it's tricky because we
want to get it right," he said. "I would hate to bung someone in there and
see it fall apart in five years. If it takes a couple of extra months to get
there, then so be it. We have had discussions with all of the bidders. "The
difficulty is that we are balancing the adaptations we have to make to the
stadium against the proposals that have come in and the benefits - financial
and otherwise - that those proposals bring. If it was a knockout [verdict]
it would be an easy decision, but it's not."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary O'Neil confident West Ham can build on positive start to season
Last Updated: October 11, 2012 10:50pm
SSN
West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil says there is a 'good vibe' around
the camp following an encouraging start to the Premier League campaign. The
Hammers have collected 11 points from their opening seven fixtures to occupy
a position in the top half of the table, although Sam Allardyce has always
said that he expects the games to become increasingly difficult during a
testing autumn and winter schedule. O'Neil nevertheless believes there is
enough quality in the squad, and a suitably strong spirit, to keep West Ham
on the right track. He told the club's official website: "We have made a
good start and want to get better as the season goes on. We have had good
results in the first few weeks and started to build the foundations of what
we want to achieve. "In the last week, we had the great win away at Queens
Park Rangers and then against Arsenal, we came out and made a great start to
the game, but ultimately came away disappointed after losing to what is a
very good Arsenal side. But we have to look to build on what we have done
well so far in the next few weeks again."
O'Neil added: "There is a really good vibe around the place. The lads have
done fantastically so far this season. We have had a decent start and coming
up from the Championship is hard, so getting a good beginning to the
campaign is important. "Yes, we have tough games coming up but the form we
have been in and the squad we have, we are all looking forward to the
challenges ahead and believe we are capable of meeting them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th October 2012
Noble feeling good
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is looking ahead to the coming weeks with optimism after a fine
start to the season
10.10.2012
Mark Noble believes his impressive performances on the pitch are as a result
of him being more settled off it. The reigning Hammer of the Year has
received a host of glowing write-ups for his tireless efforts this season
and was named Man of the Match for West Ham United's recent away win at
Queens Park Rangers. His fine form has coincided with the announcement that
he has signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers, with Noble
believing the benefits are there for all to see. "I think I would put my
form down to hard work and believing in myself," Noble said. "I have also
signed a new contract which has allowed me to get my head down and focus on
playing football."
Despite being touted for a first senior call-up, the former England Uner-21
captain narrowly missed out on selection this time. Therefore, the
international break has given the West Ham No16 an opportunity to put in
some hard yards at Chadwell Heath as preparation begins for the visit of
fellow newly-promoted side Southampton on 20 October. "We are looking for a
win against Southampton in two weeks and there is no reason why we can't get
that because our home form has been very good this season. "If Southampton
come to Upton Park and we play anywhere near the same way we did against
Arsenal then we will be a hard team to beat."
Although Noble's focus is firmly set on what lies ahead, he admits there is
still a slight sense of frustration that West Ham United did not get more
from their weekend fixture with Arsenal. The Hammers took the lead through
Momo Diame, before Arsenal hit back with three goals to hand the Hammers'
only their second home league defeat of 2012. "When it was 1-1, Momo Diame
was on the attack and we were in a really good position but unfortunately
for us they broke quickly and made it 2-1. "Nobby [Kevin Nolan] went close a
few times and with a little more luck he could have had a hat-trick. Andy
[Carroll] also had a good chance from a corner but it just wasn't to be. "At
the end of the day we still played well and we are still on a good run. We
have a good points total for where we are in the season and we are looking
forward to the next game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble puts good form down to new West Ham deal
Last Updated: October 10, 2012 10:57am
SSN
Mark Noble reckons a settled future is the reason for his recent good form.
The West Ham midfielder recently signed a long-term deal with the club he
joined as a trainee in the summer of 2003. Noble has been ever-present in
this season's Premier League and turned in arguably his best performance at
QPR a week his contract issues were resolved. He told the club website: "I
think I would put my form down to hard work and believing in myself. "I have
also signed a new contract which has allowed me to get my head down and
focus on playing football." Victory at Loftus Road was followed by a home
defeat to Arsenal, but Noble took plenty of encouragement even from that
game. He said: "At the end of the day we still played well and we are still
on a good run. We have 11 points - a good total for where we are in the
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Decision over whether West Ham can move to Olympic Stadium could be put back
Last Updated: October 10, 2012 8:38pm
SSN
A decision over whether West Ham can move into the Olympic Stadium could be
delayed, it has been revealed. The Hammers want to become main tenants at
the Stratford site for the start of the 2014/2015 season. However, the
Premier League club reportedly remain at loggerheads with the London Legacy
Development Corporation (LLDC) over changes which would need to be made to
the stadium such as retractable seating - and crucially who would fund them
at a cost of around £160million. LLDC chief executive Dennis Hone told the
Guardian's website: "If we can't come to a conclusion, in the scheme of
things if it slips another month or two I would rather get the right
solution. "Yes, the stadium is tricky, but it's tricky because we want to
get it right. "I would hate to bung someone in there and see it fall apart
in five years. If it takes a couple of extra months to get there, then so be
it."
Other bids are under consideration, including one from nearby football club
Leyton Orient, a football business college as well as a gro up wanting to
host a Formula One race at the Olympic Park. But West Ham are hopeful a
conclusion to the bidding process can soon be reached. A club statement
read: "It is now 20 months since West Ham United were initially named as the
preferred bidder to occupy the Olympic Stadium post- Games. We are obviously
disappointed, that three bids later, a decision has yet to be reached. "We
do however remain fully committed to becoming the catalyst to galvanise the
Olympic Park by bringing people, jobs and a robust and sustainable
commercial offer that guarantees a return to the taxpayer of the money
already invested."
Discussions
The £486m Olympic Stadium has already been earmarked for 20 athletics
meetings, which include the World Championships in 2017, and will also be
available for community use, with Newham Council contributing some
£40million in a loan towards the redevelopment project. Hone added: "We have
had discussions with all of the bidders. The difficulty is that we are
balancing the adaptations we have to make to the stadium against the
proposals that have come in and the benefits - financial and otherwise -
that those proposals bring. "If it was a knockout [verdict] it would be an
easy decision, but it's not."
The bidding process to take over the Olympic Stadium had to be restarted
last year after legal challenges from both Tottenham and Orient to West
Ham's proposed tenancy.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers fear D-day delay
The SUn
Published: 10th October 2012
WEST HAM may have to suffer another delay before finding out if they can
move into the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers are keen to become the main
tenants at Stratford in time for the start of the 2014-15 season. But it is
understood a decision could be pushed back to December if no agreement is
reached at next week's London Legacy Development Corporation board meeting.
The process, which had to be restarted after a previous attempt to award a
long-term lease to West Ham collapsed after legal challenges from Tottenham
and Leyton Orient, has already had its deadline extended once. And West Ham
are understood to be concerned about the impact of any further delay amid
fears they would struggle to make the move, which would cost around
£160million, in the next two years. An announcement was due to be made by
the end of this month. But that deadline may now be put back with the club
still embroiled in talks with the LLDC, which is chaired by London Mayor
Boris Johnson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reformed Ravel? Morrison "understands" how he must change says Brum boss
The Mirror
Bad-boy starlet who's been moved on by Man United and loaned out by West Ham
hears some home truths from Lee Clark about his flagging career
Birmingham manager Lee Clark has ordered bad-boy Ravel Morrison to knuckle
down after showdown talks. Morrison, who is on a season-long loan from West
Ham, has failed to appear in Clark's last three match-day squads and has not
started a game for Blues since the first match of the Championship campaign
in August. The midfielder - offloaded to the Hammers by Manchester United in
January after Sir Alex Ferguson ran out of patience - last appeared for
Birmingham as a substitute at Watford on August 25.
Morrison is understood to have frustrated Clark with his attitude and poor
effort levels in training. But, with the Hammers in no rush to take the
19-year-old back before the end of the loan agreement, Blues look set to be
stuck with him until the summer. Clark said: "I have had a good chat with
Ravel this week, and he knows where he wants to be and he knows how he's got
to get there. "We brought him in because he's a talented young man, but
there's more than talent that gets you in the team. "Ravel understands that,
and he's going to be working extremely hard over the coming weeks to get
that sorted."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
League Two Chesterfield snap-up former Portugal star Boa Morte
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:36, 10 October 2012 | UPDATED: 19:36, 10 October 2012
Daily Mail
Former Fulham, Arsenal and West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte has signed for
Chesterfield. The 35-year-old, who played 28 times for Portugal, has agreed
to join the Spireites initially until January and, as long as international
clearance is received in time, he may make his debut against Dagenham &
Redbridge at the Proact Stadium this Saturday. Boa Morte opened talks with
Chesterfield following a chance meeting in London with former Fulham
team-mate Mark Crossley, who is assistant to the Derbyshire club's
caretaker-manager Tommy Wright. He said: 'He asked me if I'd fancy coming up
to Chesterfield and it went from there. 'The most important thing for me now
is to play football and get going again. I'll be here until the end of
January but that doesn't mean that I won't stay until the end of the
season.' Wright added: 'To have a player of Luis' quality coming to
Chesterfield is a fantastic coup for us. It's great that a player of his
ability wants to play football. 'The financial aspect of the deal was no
worry - he just wanted to come and play.' Boa Morte has made more than 300
appearances in English football over a 15-year period having arrived at
Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon in June 1997 as one of Arsene Wenger's first
signings.
He won the double with the Gunners in 1998 and after a brief spell with
Southampton moved to Fulham before spending four-and-a-half years at West
Ham before leaving by mutual consent in August 2011. Boa Morte has been
training recently with Fulham following brief spells with South African club
Orlando Pirates and MLS outfit Toronto FC.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is looking ahead to the coming weeks with optimism after a fine
start to the season
10.10.2012
Mark Noble believes his impressive performances on the pitch are as a result
of him being more settled off it. The reigning Hammer of the Year has
received a host of glowing write-ups for his tireless efforts this season
and was named Man of the Match for West Ham United's recent away win at
Queens Park Rangers. His fine form has coincided with the announcement that
he has signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers, with Noble
believing the benefits are there for all to see. "I think I would put my
form down to hard work and believing in myself," Noble said. "I have also
signed a new contract which has allowed me to get my head down and focus on
playing football."
Despite being touted for a first senior call-up, the former England Uner-21
captain narrowly missed out on selection this time. Therefore, the
international break has given the West Ham No16 an opportunity to put in
some hard yards at Chadwell Heath as preparation begins for the visit of
fellow newly-promoted side Southampton on 20 October. "We are looking for a
win against Southampton in two weeks and there is no reason why we can't get
that because our home form has been very good this season. "If Southampton
come to Upton Park and we play anywhere near the same way we did against
Arsenal then we will be a hard team to beat."
Although Noble's focus is firmly set on what lies ahead, he admits there is
still a slight sense of frustration that West Ham United did not get more
from their weekend fixture with Arsenal. The Hammers took the lead through
Momo Diame, before Arsenal hit back with three goals to hand the Hammers'
only their second home league defeat of 2012. "When it was 1-1, Momo Diame
was on the attack and we were in a really good position but unfortunately
for us they broke quickly and made it 2-1. "Nobby [Kevin Nolan] went close a
few times and with a little more luck he could have had a hat-trick. Andy
[Carroll] also had a good chance from a corner but it just wasn't to be. "At
the end of the day we still played well and we are still on a good run. We
have a good points total for where we are in the season and we are looking
forward to the next game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble puts good form down to new West Ham deal
Last Updated: October 10, 2012 10:57am
SSN
Mark Noble reckons a settled future is the reason for his recent good form.
The West Ham midfielder recently signed a long-term deal with the club he
joined as a trainee in the summer of 2003. Noble has been ever-present in
this season's Premier League and turned in arguably his best performance at
QPR a week his contract issues were resolved. He told the club website: "I
think I would put my form down to hard work and believing in myself. "I have
also signed a new contract which has allowed me to get my head down and
focus on playing football." Victory at Loftus Road was followed by a home
defeat to Arsenal, but Noble took plenty of encouragement even from that
game. He said: "At the end of the day we still played well and we are still
on a good run. We have 11 points - a good total for where we are in the
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Decision over whether West Ham can move to Olympic Stadium could be put back
Last Updated: October 10, 2012 8:38pm
SSN
A decision over whether West Ham can move into the Olympic Stadium could be
delayed, it has been revealed. The Hammers want to become main tenants at
the Stratford site for the start of the 2014/2015 season. However, the
Premier League club reportedly remain at loggerheads with the London Legacy
Development Corporation (LLDC) over changes which would need to be made to
the stadium such as retractable seating - and crucially who would fund them
at a cost of around £160million. LLDC chief executive Dennis Hone told the
Guardian's website: "If we can't come to a conclusion, in the scheme of
things if it slips another month or two I would rather get the right
solution. "Yes, the stadium is tricky, but it's tricky because we want to
get it right. "I would hate to bung someone in there and see it fall apart
in five years. If it takes a couple of extra months to get there, then so be
it."
Other bids are under consideration, including one from nearby football club
Leyton Orient, a football business college as well as a gro up wanting to
host a Formula One race at the Olympic Park. But West Ham are hopeful a
conclusion to the bidding process can soon be reached. A club statement
read: "It is now 20 months since West Ham United were initially named as the
preferred bidder to occupy the Olympic Stadium post- Games. We are obviously
disappointed, that three bids later, a decision has yet to be reached. "We
do however remain fully committed to becoming the catalyst to galvanise the
Olympic Park by bringing people, jobs and a robust and sustainable
commercial offer that guarantees a return to the taxpayer of the money
already invested."
Discussions
The £486m Olympic Stadium has already been earmarked for 20 athletics
meetings, which include the World Championships in 2017, and will also be
available for community use, with Newham Council contributing some
£40million in a loan towards the redevelopment project. Hone added: "We have
had discussions with all of the bidders. The difficulty is that we are
balancing the adaptations we have to make to the stadium against the
proposals that have come in and the benefits - financial and otherwise -
that those proposals bring. "If it was a knockout [verdict] it would be an
easy decision, but it's not."
The bidding process to take over the Olympic Stadium had to be restarted
last year after legal challenges from both Tottenham and Orient to West
Ham's proposed tenancy.
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Hammers fear D-day delay
The SUn
Published: 10th October 2012
WEST HAM may have to suffer another delay before finding out if they can
move into the Olympic Stadium. The Hammers are keen to become the main
tenants at Stratford in time for the start of the 2014-15 season. But it is
understood a decision could be pushed back to December if no agreement is
reached at next week's London Legacy Development Corporation board meeting.
The process, which had to be restarted after a previous attempt to award a
long-term lease to West Ham collapsed after legal challenges from Tottenham
and Leyton Orient, has already had its deadline extended once. And West Ham
are understood to be concerned about the impact of any further delay amid
fears they would struggle to make the move, which would cost around
£160million, in the next two years. An announcement was due to be made by
the end of this month. But that deadline may now be put back with the club
still embroiled in talks with the LLDC, which is chaired by London Mayor
Boris Johnson.
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Reformed Ravel? Morrison "understands" how he must change says Brum boss
The Mirror
Bad-boy starlet who's been moved on by Man United and loaned out by West Ham
hears some home truths from Lee Clark about his flagging career
Birmingham manager Lee Clark has ordered bad-boy Ravel Morrison to knuckle
down after showdown talks. Morrison, who is on a season-long loan from West
Ham, has failed to appear in Clark's last three match-day squads and has not
started a game for Blues since the first match of the Championship campaign
in August. The midfielder - offloaded to the Hammers by Manchester United in
January after Sir Alex Ferguson ran out of patience - last appeared for
Birmingham as a substitute at Watford on August 25.
Morrison is understood to have frustrated Clark with his attitude and poor
effort levels in training. But, with the Hammers in no rush to take the
19-year-old back before the end of the loan agreement, Blues look set to be
stuck with him until the summer. Clark said: "I have had a good chat with
Ravel this week, and he knows where he wants to be and he knows how he's got
to get there. "We brought him in because he's a talented young man, but
there's more than talent that gets you in the team. "Ravel understands that,
and he's going to be working extremely hard over the coming weeks to get
that sorted."
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League Two Chesterfield snap-up former Portugal star Boa Morte
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 19:36, 10 October 2012 | UPDATED: 19:36, 10 October 2012
Daily Mail
Former Fulham, Arsenal and West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte has signed for
Chesterfield. The 35-year-old, who played 28 times for Portugal, has agreed
to join the Spireites initially until January and, as long as international
clearance is received in time, he may make his debut against Dagenham &
Redbridge at the Proact Stadium this Saturday. Boa Morte opened talks with
Chesterfield following a chance meeting in London with former Fulham
team-mate Mark Crossley, who is assistant to the Derbyshire club's
caretaker-manager Tommy Wright. He said: 'He asked me if I'd fancy coming up
to Chesterfield and it went from there. 'The most important thing for me now
is to play football and get going again. I'll be here until the end of
January but that doesn't mean that I won't stay until the end of the
season.' Wright added: 'To have a player of Luis' quality coming to
Chesterfield is a fantastic coup for us. It's great that a player of his
ability wants to play football. 'The financial aspect of the deal was no
worry - he just wanted to come and play.' Boa Morte has made more than 300
appearances in English football over a 15-year period having arrived at
Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon in June 1997 as one of Arsene Wenger's first
signings.
He won the double with the Gunners in 1998 and after a brief spell with
Southampton moved to Fulham before spending four-and-a-half years at West
Ham before leaving by mutual consent in August 2011. Boa Morte has been
training recently with Fulham following brief spells with South African club
Orlando Pirates and MLS outfit Toronto FC.
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