'It's a marathon, not a sprint'
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is keeping calm despite seeing West Ham United edged out by
Everton in a five-goal thriller
21.09.2013
Having taken charge of more than 800 matches in his managerial career, Sam
Allardyce knows now is not the time to panic. The West Ham United boss
watched on in near-disbelief as his side twice lost the lead before going
down to ten men and being edged out 3-2 by Everton in a pulsating Barclays
Premier League fixture. The Hammers went in front after 31 minutes through
Ravel Morrison's maiden top-flight goal, only for Baines to curl his first
outstanding free-kick into the top left-hand corner after a James Collins
foul on Ross Barkley after an hour. James McCarthy's trip on Kevin Nolan
allowed Mark Noble to slot West Ham back into the lead from the penalty spot
on 76 minutes, only for the No16's foul on Barkley to see him sent-off for a
second bookable offence - despite it appearing that he got a foot to the
ball. With the Hammers down to ten men, Kevin Mirallas combined with Belgian
compatriot Romelu Lukaku, who bravely headed in the winner with five minutes
to go. The Boleyn Ground faithful were left equally stunned by the Hammers'
second home defeat in succession, but Big Sam insists time is on his team's
side just five matches into a 38-game 2013/14 season. "It was a gut-wrencher
and leaves you feeling so sorry for the players deep down inside," said the
manager. "Obviously the fans are disappointed too because they've seen a
good performance but seen us lose 3-2. "For me the players have done so much
and created a good game in terms of what we've come to expect at Upton Park,
but then unfortunately Everton don't seem to be our team here. Last year, we
went 1-0 up and I remember Carlton Cole getting sent-off and we ended up
losing 2-1. "The game has hinged on a free-kick that the referee has given
that has not only given them a free-kick that they've scored from, but he's
also sent Mark Noble off. Then, they've scored the winner because we were
down to ten men. It's difficult to take. "I have looked at it again and I
know it's easy for me to say because I've looked at it on the laptop, but
he's taken the ball and he's not played the man until after he's played the
ball. For me, that would then be difficult to take.
"My problem would then be if they don't see it that way, because development
and constructive criticism is a big part of referees getting better and if
they say that's a free-kick and it was the right decision to send him off,
then I would have a problem with that. "I think many decision these days
don't appear to be rectified enough and the responsibility of the referees'
coaches and bosses is to make sure that development is right and clear and
they understand it. Then mistakes get fewer and farther between. That's how
we find players and develop them and coach them into being better players.
"It wouldn't have been a major decision had it been a free-kick and a yellow
card and we still would have said it's not a free-kick in the first place,
but he'd not have been sent-off. Baines then scores a goal, which was great
technique which we could do nothing about, but I don't think we'd have lost
the game."
It had all been a different story before half-time, when West Ham dominated
for long periods against Roberto Martinez's men, not allowing them to settle
into their new patient passing style. As a result, it was no surprise when
Morrison collected Matt Jarvis' pass and fired in a shot that clipped Phil
Jagielka on the way into the net. "Even though Everton had a good part of
the game in the second half, with the players they could introduce from the
bench [in Lukaku and McCarthy] we always knew that could happen. "Jussi has
hardly had a save to make other than the two free-kicks and the header,
which I don't think he could have got to anyway. Other than that, he only
had one save when Mirallas came inside and hit one in the first ten minutes
and Jussi saved it. "It's a great shame with our defensive record and the
way we defended that we actually conceded three goals."
There were positives for the manager to take, with Morrison continuing his
development with an eye-catching, goalscoring performance in central
midfield and debutant Mladen Petric playing a huge role in the move that led
to West Ham's penalty. "Ravel is getting better. He's got to be careful
because I thought he tried to buy a free-kick when he shouldn't have done,
so I'll have a word with him about that. At that stage, he'd been booked as
well, so I'll have to make sure that doesn't happen again. "He's looking
better and better and in the end, you talk about players being ready and
managers not playing young players, but the trouble is that most young
players aren't good enough. When you know Ravel Morrison is good enough then
it's not a hard decision for me to put him in the team. "It's not difficult
for me to stick young ones in when I know he's good enough. I did it many
times at Bolton and at Blackburn Rovers and I'll do it here. They get their
chance and they either step up to the mark or they don't. If they don't, you
either put them back down to develop or you get rid ot them, that's the
bottom line to play in the Premier League. "With Ravel, it's not a difficult
decision as everybody can see. He can only get better with the more
experience that he gets."
Finally, Big Sam has been in the managerial game long enough to know that a
four-game winless run will cause some supporters to get a little restless.
However, the boss is not about to start worrying just yet. "Everybody else
is not scoring goals or having a little wobble. Manchester United lost at
Liverpool, Chelsea have lost two on the trot, Newcastle won two and lost at
home on Saturday. "We would love to have got off to a great start but we
have now made that difficult with our good group of fixtures, especially
losing to Everton. I don't consider it all our fault losing on Saturday, but
we have got to pick ourselves up and make sure we get something at Hull City
and then come back here and try to win the next game to get more points on
the board. "If that doesn't happen, it's a marathon, not a sprint."
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Hammers stunned by late Toffees blast
WHUFC.com
West Ham United saw a 2-1 lead turn into a 3-2 defeat inside the final seven
minutes against Everton
21.09.2013
West Ham United 2-3 Everton
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United twice had the lead wrestled away from them along the way to
a 3-2 defeat to Everton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Ravel Morrison and
Mark Noble were on target for the hosts, but their efforts were cancelled
out by two stunning free-kicks from Leighton Baines. Noble collected a
second booking for the offence which led to the second equaliser just seven
minutes from the end, and the Toffees made use of their extra man two
minutes later when Romelu Lukaku headed home. It was a remarkable turnaround
which left the home crowd stunned as it sent the Hammers to a second home
defeat in succession. Jussi Jaaskelainen was the first of the goalkeepers to
be called into action, diving to his left to push Kevin Mirallas' drilled
shot behind after the Everton wingman cut in from the left hand side to
fashion the opportunity. The first sight of goal for the Hammers came on
eight minutes when Matt Jarvis made a rapid burst of pace to run in behind
Seamus Coleman and advance on the penalty area. Just as it looked as though
a shooting opportunity would arise, Sylvain Distin came across to block his
path to goal. There was plenty of endeavour from both sides in the opening
exchanges, but little in the way of goalscoring chances as West Ham looked
to continue their solid start to the campaign. They were also searching for
their first Barclays Premier League goal since the opening game of the
season, and it duly arrived with 31 minutes on the clock, thanks in part to
a helpful deflection off Everton defender Phil Jagielka.
That will not take any shine off Morrison's debut top flight goal, as he
received the ball just outside the area following good work from Jarvis down
the left and let fly. Tim Howard probably had it covered before Jagielka's
touch, but the home side did not care as the ball flew into the net. Everton
almost hit back immediately when they broke quickly from a corner and all of
a sudden Ross Barkley found himself in on goal. Joey O'Brien got back to
make a tremendous saving tackle to deny the England youngster and allow the
Boleyn Ground crowd to breathe a sigh of relief. The visitors had not been
able to make much headway during the opening period, and they made a change
to their attacking line-up at the break, with both Lukaku and James McCarthy
being introduced from the bench. Seven minutes into the second half they
made their third change as Brian Oviedo entered the fray and the
substitutions had the desired effect as the Toffees upped the pressure. They
were rewarded with an equalising goal on 62 minutes when James Collins was
penalised for a foul on Barkley 25 yards out and Baines stepped up to fire a
pinpoint free-kick into the top left hand corner of Jaaskelainen's net.
Baines very nearly provided the route for a second not long after when he
drove a low cross over from the left which took a nick off Collins and would
have snuck in at the near post had it not been for Jaaskelainen's block.
But West Ham regrouped, and thanks in no small part to the contribution of
debutant sub Mladen Petric, moved back in front 14 minutes from time. Petric
showed great persistence to nick the ball away from Distin on the byline and
knock back for Kevin Nolan, who beat the first challenge and was sent
tumbling by McCarthy's trailing leg. Referee Lee Mason pointed to the spot
and Noble made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Howard the wrong way to
stroke into the bottom right corner. That was not the end of the drama
though, as seven minutes later Noble caught Barkley as he made another
piercing run through the home midfield and having already been booked, was
sent for an early bath. Baines again produced a free-kick from out of the
top drawer, going for the opposite corner this time and giving Jaaskelainen
no chance with his shot which found the net via the upright. Worse was to
follow just two minutes later as the Hammers were dragged out of position by
an Everton attack, which ended with Mirallas crossing for Lukaku to guide a
header home.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; O'Brien, Collins, Reid, Rat; Morrison, Noble,
Nolan (Taylor 80); Diame, Maiga (Petric 63), Jarvis (Vaz Te 72)
Subs: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Collison
Goals: Morrison 31, Noble pen 76
Booked: Morrison, Collins, Noble
Sent off: Noble
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Osman (Oviedo 52),
Barry; Naismith (McCarthy 46), Barkley, Mirallas; Jelavic (Lukaku 46)
Subs: Joel, Heitinga, Deulofeu, Stones
Goals: Baines 62, Baines 83, Lukaku 85
Booked: Barkley
Referee: Lee Mason
Attendance: 34,952
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Under-18s slip to Sunderland defeat
WHUFC.com
A second-half penalty proved sufficient to consign Steve Potts' men to
defeat at the Academy of Light
21.09.2013
West Ham United Under-18s slipped to a slender 1-0 Barclays U18 Premier
League defeat at Sunderland on Saturday, as Martin Smith's second-half
penalty settled the contest. The game's only goal arrived just after the
hour, when Lynden Gooch turned smartly in the box, before being felled by
Amos Nasha.
Smith took charge from the spot, slotting beyond Hammers keeper Sam Howes.
It proved to be the winner, leaving manager Steve Potts to rue a string of
missed chances. He told whufc.com: "It's frustrating. We're left wondering
how we failed to get anything from the game. We had a lot of the play,
managed to create good chances and didn't take them. When it's like that,
you never know, you're always vulnerable. "The penalty gave them more of an
incentive to hold on to a lead and we just couldn't break them down. But
performance wise, there wasn't a lot wrong with it. It's just a case of
whether we could put the ball in the back of the net and unfortunately we
couldn't."
For Potts, defeat at the Academy of Light represented another missed
opportunity for his young charges, after squandering a 3-1 advantage against
Blackburn Rovers last time out. "Last week, we were in a great position,
played some really good stuff and then gave away a couple of sloppy goals,"
he continued. "Minor mistakes cost us a win there and at Sunderland, our
biggest mistake was not being ruthless enough in front of goal. "We had
very good chances to win the game and we didn't take them. The level we're
at now, it boils down to what happens at either end. In between that, I
thought we controlled the game. We were really good with the ball and I
couldn't fault the boys in that regard."
West Ham United U18s: Howes, Knoyle, Page, Nasha, Burke, Harney, Makasi,
Cullen, Brown, Bywater, Parfitt-Williams.
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Pair named in England U18 squad
WHUFC.com
Defenders Kyle Knoyle and Reece Burke have been named in the England U18
squad for the first time
21.09.2013
West Ham United defenders Kyle Knoyle and Reece Burke have been named in the
England U18 squad for the first time. Right-back Knoyle (pictured) and
centre-back Burke have both begun the second year of their scholarships in
impressive form, and have been rewarded with places in Neil Dewsnip's squad
for two friendly internationals with Hungary. The fixtures will be played
behind-closed-doors at St. George's Park on Friday 11 October and Monday 14
October, for invited guests only. The call-ups continue a fine tradition of
West Ham youngsters being included by England at U18 level. Promising
defender Leo Chambers started a 2-0 win over Italy in Mansfield in October
2012, while Joe Cole, Mark Noble, James Tomkins, Dan Potts, George Moncur,
Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo and Jordan Spence have all played for England
U18s previously. A non-competitive age group with no UEFA or FIFA matches
scheduled, the U18s will be coached by Dewsnip, The FA's Technical Lead for
the 17-21s age group and he will be assisted by Dan Micciche, Technical Lead
for 12-16s. They have selected an 18-man squad for the meet-up, which
includes a number of players who were involved with England U17s last season
along with some new faces who will be involved at international level for
the first time. Meanwhile, Hammers schoolboy defenders Reece Oxford and Ben
Sheaf have been named in the first England U16 squad of the new campaign as
the Young Lions prepare for the 2013 Victory Shield. This season England
start with home advantage in the Shield, by hosting Wales at Kidderminster
Harriers' Aggborough Stadium on Friday 4 October at 7.35pm. The Shield
remains an important competition for Swain and all of the England
development team, with a large pool of players selected across the three
games and given a chance to impress.
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Dev Squad 1-0 Stoke - FT
WHUFC.com
Minute-by-minute report of the Development Squad's game against Stoke
21.09.2013
STOKE CITY U21 v DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
BRITANNIA STADIUM
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
Full-time: That's it! Nick Haycock's team have secured a brilliant away
victory courtesy of Moncur's strike after 15 minutes. The Hammers had a host
of good
chances with Lletget, Tombides and Shaw all going close but in the end one
goal was all they needed to leave the Britannia Stadium with three points.
90 mins: Lletget nearly seals it as we move into stoppage time. A powerful
header produces a good save from Bachmann.
89 mins: Another corner, it's taken short to Fanimo before eventually the
ball makes it's way to Tombides who nearly wraps the game up but places his
shot just over.
87 mins: Henderson does well to control a bouncing back pass before calmly
passing the ball back to Ruddock who clears.
85 mins: Stoke are losing their discipline as they make a couple of dirty
challenges the last of which leaves Moncur in pain on the floor. He's ok to
continue and takes the free-kick which finds a leaping Tombides who's header
is tipped over the bar.
83 mins: Yet another corner as Fanimo trots across to take it. His ball in
doesn't clear the first man however and the attack comes to nothing.
81 mins: Turgott nearly gets the goal his performance deserves but his
powerful effort is deflected onto the post behind the goal. The resulting
corner is then easily cleared away.
80 mins: Just ten minutes left for the Hammers to hold out and secure what
would be an excellent away win.
78 mins: Turgott clips the bar but once again he's strayed just to far and
is caught offside. A second goal would be lovely to calm any nerves right
about now.
76 mins: just over ten minutes to go in this one and, touch wood, West Ham
are looking good value for their lead with their goal under little or no
threat in this second half.
74 mins: Fanimo has a shot charged down on the edge of the box and it
ricochets to Alabi who surges forward before finding Rossi who drags his
shot wide after a jinking run.
72 mins: Moncur is booked after he chips the ball into the net after the
linesman flagged for offside, harsh, very harsh.
71 mins: Shea is having no joy against Ruddock today with the imperious
defender too strong and quick for the American.
70 mins: Moncur is working his socks off in midfield as Stoke have a period
of possession before the centre-back lumps it cross field and out of play.
68 mins: Ironic cheers from the home support as the referee awards them a
free-kick, their cheers are short lived however as the free-kick comes to
nothing.
66 mins: Stoke make their first change, replacing Thomas with Rossi.
64 mins: Fanimo is straight into the action, crossing the ball after good
link-up play with Turgott. His cross is cut-out before it reaches the
awaiting Tombides.
63 mins: Sadlier is replaced with Matthias Fanimo who makes his second
appearance of the season after his recent return from injury.
61 mins: Sadlier jinks his way into the box leaving a defender bamboozled on
his back side before chipping it to Moncur who has time to size up a volley
before striking it into the ground and off target.
59 mins: A rare moment of attacking promise sees Thomas fire a shot at goal
but Henderson deals with it.
58 mins: Turgott skins his man once more and stands up a cross to the back
post which is met by Sadlier, the ball rebounds to Turgott but his shot is
blocked.
56 mins: Driver links up well with Turgott as he swings a cross in which is
lacking in any power and easily cleared.
54 mins: Stoke are really struggling to find any rythm going forward at the
moment with over-hit crosses the best they can muster right now.
52 mins: Turgott is again causing problems this time firing in a low cross
across the face of goal which is cleared by a lunging defender.
51 mins: Alabi has the home side's first shot of the second half as he looks
to place an effort beyond Henderson but only succeeds in picking out the
keeper.
49 mins: Another corner for the Hammers and this time Moncur's ball in finds
Potts just a couple of yards from goal but he can only fire his effort
staright at the keeper. That was a glorious chance to make the lead a lot
more comfortable.
48 mins: Moncur whips in another corner but it's easilt cleared by Grant.
47 mins: Potts has slotted into the centre of defence alongside Ruddock with
Shaw occupying the left and Driver on the right.
46 mins: We're underway for the second half as the Hammers look to hold onto
their one goal lead. Dan Potts has also emerged in his kit for the next 45
minutes replacing Chambers in defence.
Half-time: The referee brings an entertaining first half to an end at the
Britannia Stadium with West Ham ahead and looking good so far. George Moncur
netted his third goal in as many games after turning home a cross from the
impressive Blair Turgott who has run his marker ragged. The Hammers should
lead by more having hit the post twice through a Dylan Tombides shot and
then a deflected Frazer Shaw effort. As things stand Nick Haycock will be
delighted with his team's performance and will ask for more of the same
after the interval.
45 mins: Turgott wins a corner, Moncur takes but finds only the gloves of
the keeper who launches a long throw down field but Chambers is there ready
and waiting to deal with the ball.
43 mins: Stoke are resorting to long balls now as they struggle to find any
chink in the West Ham armour.
41 mins: The gloves are off! For Henderson that is, but it looks as though
he'll be able to continue through to half-time after recieving treatment.
40 mins: Henderson is called into action as Shea shoots from a few yards out
but the Irishman is able to smother the ball and collect his parried save.
He has however stayed down with what looks like a hand injury
39 mins: The return of Sebastien Lletget in West Ham's midfield has provided
the side with even more attacking threat and up to this point they are
controlling the game.
37 mins: The standard of the crossing has so far been superb from the
Hammers today with Shaw the latest man to whip in an inviting ball which is
just to high for Sadlier to reach.
36 mins: Turgott nearly nicks the ball as Stoke again play themselves into
trouble, the defender is able to recover though and launches the ball
forward.
35 mins: The game is in full swing as both sides release the shackles and
look to attack at every opportunity.
33 mins: Lletget is denied by a fine save after a header from Sadlier's
delicious cross. Stoke break and the visitors have Henderson to thank as he
keeps out a powerful effort from Waring.
32 mins: Post! Shaw hits an absolute piledriver and it deflects off a
defender and cannons into the post!
30 mins: Ruddock goes down holding his leg and this break in play sees 19
players head to the touchline for a beverage break.
28 mins: A couple of great defensive blocks from first Ruddock and then
Driver preserves the Hammers lead with shots from Shea and Waring
threatening Henderson's goal.
26 mins: The corner is taken short by Moncur who plays a one-two with
Whitehead before crossing but he's unables to pick out a man in claret and
blue.
25 mins: Stoke's youngsters are clearly following the first team as they
seek to play out from defence. A risky strategy and one which is nearly
capitalised upon after a mix-up between defenders sees them concede a
corner.
23 mins: The Hammers are ahead and looking good so far after a shaky start.
Turgott has been particularly impressive and is causing Stoke's full-backs
no end of trouble on the right-hand side.
21 mins: Tombides has another chance but his glancing header from a Moncur
corner is cleared off the line by Wheeler.
20 mins: Tombides nearly makes it 2-0 with a chance which was identical to
the one Moncur finished to put the Hammers in front. The striker however can
only fire his effort at the post and is unable to reach the rebound as Stoke
clear.
17 mins: The referee waves away a penalty appeal from the home side as the
winger takes a tumble after a light shove.
15 mins: GOAL! West Ham are ahead with their first shot on goal! Excellent
work on the wing by Turgott sees him beat two defenders before pulling the
ball back for Moncur to fire home.
14 mins: Turgott wins a free-kick on the halfway line. Driver takes but his
lofted ball is easily cleared away.
12 mins: The home side are starting to hit their stride with some easy on
the eye passing but as yet unable to find a decent final ball.
10 mins: A let-off for the Hammers as Waring prods the ball over Henderson
after a slick team move, but much to his disgust his shot tbounces inches
wide of the post.
8 mins: A lovely through ball from Lletget has Turgott sprinting on to the
end of it but just before he can reach the ball the on rushing keeper slides
to gather the ball.
7 mins: The Hammers back four are running towards their own goal following a
ball over the top but Shaw is on hand to clear the danger.
6 mins: Shaw launches a diagonal ball towards Turgott but it's easy pickings
for the Stoke keeper who collects with ease.
4 mins: The right hand side looks like it may prove profitable for the
Hammers today, with the lively Turgott keen to make a good impact.
3 mins: Turgott swings a cross in from the right but Sadlier's control lets
him down and the ball runs out of play.
1 min: We're underway at the Britannia with Stoke kicking us off.
The Development Squad travel north to the Britannia Stadium to take on
Stoke, looking to extend their good start to the Barclay Under-21 Premier
League season. Nick Haycock's side are without frontman Elliot Lee who is
involved with the first team's match at the Boleyn Ground against Everton.
The striker has five goals so far this season and the Under-21s will be
looking to the talented Dylan Tombides to fill the void left by Lee.
A 1-1 draw last time out against Manchester City meant the Hammers had
picked up three wins, a draw and just one defeat from their opening five
fixtures of the campaign. Stephen Henderson starts in goal for the young
Hammers having last featured in the 5-4 victory away at Newcastle where the
team rallied from 3-0 down to secure an amazing win. There is also a return
to Development Squad action following injury for Dan Potts who takes a place
on the bench for today's game.
West Ham United: Henderson, Driver, Shaw, Chambers, Ruddock, Turgott,
Moncur, Tombides, Whitehead, Sadlier.
Subs: Fanimo, Nemrava, Maguire, Potts, Miles.
Stoke: Bachmann, Wheeler, Gomez, Edu, Grant, Keane, Thomas, Ness, Waring,
Alabi, Shea.
Subs: Watkins, Eve, Ward, Heneghan, Rossi.
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West Ham 2 Everton 3
21 September 2013
Last updated at 19:21
By David Ornstein
BBC Sport
Leighton Baines scored two free-kicks as Everton twice came from behind to
win at 10-man West Ham and remain the Premier League's only unbeaten team.
Ravel Morrison put the hosts ahead but Everton brought on Romelu Lukaku at
the break and that helped turn the match. After Baines fired across Jussi
Jaaskelainen to equalise, Mark Noble restored West Ham's lead from the
penalty spot, but was then sent off. Baines curled home his second to level
and Lukaku headed the winner. Everton secured a fine victory over Chelsea
last weekend and rise to fifth with this result, which was a reward for
their superb second-half display. West Ham drop to 14th having still not won
since the opening day, but there were encouraging signs as they ended a
three-match goal drought. The opening half-hour was high in quality but low
in chances - Jaaskelainen reacted well to stop a Kevin Mirallas drive but
that was Everton's only attempt in the first 45 minutes. West Ham pursued
the likes of Jermain Defoe, Loic Remy, Lukaku and Demba Ba during the
summer, and it was easy to see why as Modibo Maiga struggled to make an
impact in the lone striker role. However, they looked more the likely to
break through and did just that when Matt Jarvis surged inside from the left
and found Morrison, whose effort from just outside the area flew in off Phil
Jagielka.
Roberto Martinez signalled his intent at half-time by replacing Steven
Naismith and Nikica Jelavic with Lukaku and James McCarthy, and the response
was instant as Lukaku released Mirallas to round Jaaskelainen, only to see
his low cross scrambled away. A final substitution was enforced on the
Toffees when Leon Osman limped off, but their play continued to improve and
Mirallas narrowly failed to convert a Baines cross following a period of
intense pressure.
With West Ham barely able to escape their own territory, James Collins
fouled Barkley and Baines beat Jaaskelainen with a sublime set-piece.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce decided to meet fire with fire by introducing two
strikers in Mladen Petric and Ricardo Vaz Te, and it paid off when Nolan
drew a foul from McCarthy after superb work from Petric - Noble dispatched
the penalty. But the momentum took a decisive shift after Noble was given a
second booking for a challenge on Everton midfielder Barkley 18 yards out.
This time Baines picked the opposite corner with another stunning free-kick.
With Lukaku causing West Ham no shortage of problems Everton went in search
of a winner, and it arrived when the Belgium international started a move
before finishing it with an emphatic header from Mirallas's centre.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "We knew we were going to be tested, we
knew we had to defend our box well and be strong in dead-ball situations. We
started brightly and should have scored, but then West Ham stopped us from
playing. "They imposed themselves on the game. Last week's result took a bit
of energy out of a few individuals, but the strength in our squad is very
encouraging. "To score three goals with the individual quality Leighton and
Romelu showed is very, very pleasing. "I'm delighted with the attitude and
mentality we have showed in every performance this season. I'm proud at
being unbeaten so far - now we need to work even harder to become better and
make sure we keep improving."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce on Mark Noble's second yellow card for a
tackle on Ross Barkley: "It is always easy to look at the situation on my
laptop afterwards and say Mark played the ball first. Unfortunately for us,
the referee didn't see it that way and, to make things worse, Leighton
Baines has then fired an unstoppable free-kick right into the top corner.
"With our defensive ability, I thought we would see it out at 2-1 but it is
really frustrating for us that, not only was Mark sent off but we were
punished again by them putting ball in the net straight after we went
ahead."
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West Ham Utd 2-3 Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 21st September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's inability to hold a winning position cost them dear this
afternoon as Everton seized all three points at the Boleyn Ground with two
late goals.
Sam Allardyce's side were looking reasonably comfortable at 2-1 with 15
minutes of normal time remaining, before disaster struck. Firstly, Mark
Noble received his marching orders for a second bookable offence - then
Everton struck twice in two minutes to record a second successive Premier
League victory against London opposition.
In stark contrast to their last outing here against Stoke, the Hammers
started brightly and were good value for the 1-0 lead they held at the break
courtesy of Ravel Morrison's first Premier League goal. On the half hour
mark, Matt Jarvis jinked his way down the left wing before darting inside
and passing short to the youngster, whose shot was diverted in the opposite
direction by Phil Jagielka's flailing right foot and into the back of a
prone Tim Howard's net.
The game changed as a result of Roberto Martinez's decision to introduce
James McCarthy - who shackled the previously marauding Ravel Morrison
effectively - and Romalu Lukaku, who tormented West Ham's defence throughout
the second half. That would have been particularly hard to swallow for
Allardyce, for whom the on-loan striker was a key summer transfer target.
Both substitutes played a major part in swinging the game Everton's way, but
it was a desperate lunge from James Collins that proved to be the catalyst
for the visitors' revival. The Welshman lunged in on Ross Barkley as the
youngster was poised to shoot and conceded a free kick on the edge of the
box; an opportunity that Leighton Baines took full advantage of by expertly
guiding the resulting free kick into Jaaskelainen's right hand corner.
Everton, full of confidence having restored parity drove on in search of a
second, yet it was to be West Ham who unexpectedly grabbed the next goal.
Completely against the run of play, United restored their slender advantage
from the penalty spot as Mark Noble, unerringly accurate from 12 yards, made
it 2-1 with just 15 minutes of normal time remaining.
Although it was captain Kevin Noble who won the spot kick when he fell over
substitute McCarthy's trailing leg, all credit goes to debutant Mladen
Petric whose persistence prior to the foul had kept the ball in play.
Determined to make the most of the 70 per cent of possession they'd enjoyed
up to that point in the second period, Everton continued to apply the
pressure. Having failed to clear their lines once or twice, West Ham began
to get decidedly edgy and that slight whiff of panic eventually manifested
itself in a late challenge from Noble on Barkley - again - on the edge of
the box. Again.
Having already been booked, Noble knew he was in trouble and referee Lee
Mason had no hesitation in pulling out a red card - although many inside the
stadium were convinced the midfielder made contact with the ball before
colliding with Barkley. Once Noble departed and the debate had ceased, up
stepped Baines to send the ball into the opposite side of Jaaskelainen's
goal to where he'd placed his first, equally stunning, free kick.
So with just seven minutes remaining the question on everyone's lips was
"could West Ham hold out for a point?" Just a minute later they had their
answer, when sub Lukaku stopped bravely to head home what proved to be both
the winning goal and the first West Ham have conceded from open play this
season. Lukaku's reward for his bravery was a head butt to the face from
marker James Collins and several minutes' medical treatment.
Seven minutes of added-on time ensued but the Hammers never looked like
grabbing a third goal and a share of the spoils, leaving Allardyce and his
troops reflecting on a second successive home defeat. The season may be
young but worrying signs are beginning to emerge - whilst yet again the
Hammers failed to trouble the opposition 'keeper (two shots on target today
took the season total from five games to just eight).
Next weekend, Big Sam takes his squad to newly-promoted Hull City for their
next Premier League clash. Prior to that is the second visit of Cardiff City
already this season for Tuesday night's Capital One Cup clash. Whilst that
game has no impact on the league, it at least offers Allardyce and his squad
- who have now taken just two points from their last four games - the
opportunity for brief respite from the league campaign and the chance to
rebuild some flagging morale.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ricardo Vaz Te remains part of West Ham manager Sam Allardyce's plans
Last Updated: September 21, 2013 11:37am
SSN
Ricardo Vaz Te will not be frozen out at West Ham United, with Sam Allardyce
prepared to consider him for selection. The Portuguese forward handed in a
transfer request late in the summer window in an effort to force through a
move elsewhere. He was, however, to be left frustrated as the deadline came
and went with him still on the books at Upton Park. A lack of first team
opportunities led Vaz Te to look elsewhere, but he must now re-focus on the
battle for starting berths. Allardyce is happy to still have the 26-year-old
involved, with West Ham searching for an attacking spark - with Andy Carroll
injured and Modibo Maiga goalless. The Hammers boss said: "Ricardo has never
had a bad attitude. "What he is is a frustrated footballer. He thinks he
should be playing on a more regular basis. "Opportunities will arise. If he
takes them, he will be in the team."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce frustrated by Mark Noble's dismissal in Everton
defeat
Last Updated: September 21, 2013 6:06pm
SSN
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce felt referee Lee Mason cost his side
against Everton, with Mark Noble's red card the turning point in a 3-2
defeat. The Hammers, who brought to an end their long wait for a Premier
League goal, were undone in the final nine minutes against the Toffees. They
led 2-1 entering the closing stages, but saw Noble collect a second yellow
card for a foul on Ross Barkley and the game suddenly swung in Everton's
favour. Two fantastic free-kicks from Leighton Baines and a powerful header
from Romelu Lukaku ultimately left them empty-handed, but Allardyce believes
it was the performance of the match officials which hit them hardest. "What
we should have done is not get a man sent off, but I'm not too sure that's
Mark Noble's fault more than the referee's."
He told Sky Sports on the decision to dismiss Noble: "He's played the ball
actually. I've just had five or six looks at it before I've come out and I
think the lad has took the chance to go down on the tackle, but you see Mark
Noble plays the ball first and then the lad goes down. "I know it looks like
a free-kick but, from where the referee is, he has got to be absolutely
certain in that area and the fact that it's Mark Noble, because he's going
to get sent off. "I think he made a huge mistake there. Mind you, other
people might see it different. "If you look at the other free-kicks today
that he didn't even give as fouls, in terms of consistency, I thought he was
very inconsistent today - in particular that decision for us. "Because of
Bainesy hitting the first one, he's hit the second one even better and it's
very costly for us today because not only have they scored but he's also got
sent off in a 2-1 position. So, very frustrated for the players, very
disappointed on that decision and we have to pick ourselves up.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he can't blame goalkeeper Jussi
Jääskeläinen for the three goals they conceded at the hands of Everton. "We
kept Everton to the minimum today - as good a side as they are and the money
they have spent over the years, where they finish - we kept them to the bare
minimum of chances and if it wasn't for Bainesy today with two outstanding
free-kicks, I think we might have won the game."
Allardyce added on what his side could have done differently: "What we
should have done is not get a man sent off, but I'm not too sure that's Mark
Noble's fault more than the referee's. "I could say to Mark Noble don't make
the tackle, but it's difficult for me to say that when the lad is out there
playing and thinks he's going to get it and play the ball. "It's a cruel
blow for us today but one we have to take on the chin and bounce back from."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton edge five-goal thriller with West Ham 3-2 at Upton Park
Last Updated: September 21, 2013 7:26pm
SSN
Two brilliant free-kicks from Leighton Baines and a debut goal from Romelu
Lukaku saw Everton to a thrilling 3-2 win at West Ham United. Sam
Allardyce's side, who ended the game with 10 men, thought they had done
enough to secure at least a point as Ravel Morrison and Mark Noble netted
their first Premier League goals since the opening day of the season.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Leighton Baines. Showed his class with two moments of
brilliance which kept Everton in the hunt for three points.
Goal of the match: Both of Baines' efforts are contenders, but his second
just edges it as he bent the ball brilliantly over the wall and in off the
post - with Jussi Jaaskelainen rooted to the spot.
Moment of the match: Mark Noble's dismissal turned the game, with Baines
levelling from the resulting free-kick and Romelu Lukaku grabbing a late
winner.
Talking points: Can West Ham consider themselves unfortunate to have ended
the game empty-handed? Everton are still unbeaten, what can they achieve
this season?
The Hammers had gone more than five hours of top-flight football without
finding the target before edging ahead against the Toffees. They survived an
early scare when Kevin Mirallas forced Jussi Jaaskelainen into a fine
sprawling stop, but broke the deadlock on 31 minutes when Matt Jarvis teed
up Morrison on the edge of the box and his drilled effort took a wicked
deflection off Phil Jagielka to leave Tim Howard wrong-footed. Lukaku came
on for his Everton bow as part of a double change at the interval, and
Roberto Martinez was forced to play his final card within seven minutes of
the re-start as Leon Osman hobbled from the field.
Fresh faces appeared to breathe new life into the visitors and they had been
knocking on the door for some time before hauling themselves level in
spectacular fashion just past the hour mark, with Baines crashing a
trademark 25-yard free-kick into the top corner. It was, however, to be the
hosts who got their noses back in front, with Noble stepping up on 76
minutes to calmly convert from the penalty spot after Kevin Nolan had been
tripped inside the box by James McCarthy. The West Ham midfielder went from
hero to villain in the space of five minutes, though, as he collected a
second yellow card for a foul on Ross Barkley and saw Baines bend another
fabulous free-kick into the back of the net off the inside of the post.
With the Hammers rocking, Everton rammed home their numerical advantage five
minutes from time when Mirallas floated over a cross and Lukaku bravely
powered a header past Jaaskelainen - with a nasty clash of heads suggesting
he may not remember too much about his dramatic clincher. Leighton Baines
scored two goals from free kicks and praised Romelu Lukaku's winning goal in
Everton's 3-2 victory over West Ham.
Options
West Ham - missing attacking options Andy Carroll, Joe Cole and Stewart
Downing to injury - can take comfort from the end of their scoring drought
which had lasted 314 minutes until Morrison fired them ahead after half an
hour. Everton went close after six minutes when Mirallas tested Jaaskelainen
and Steven Naismith was inches away from a second attempt when the ball
sailed past. It was West Ham, though, who showed precision in the 31st
minute as they surged ahead, although a large deflection off Jagielka helped
them to take the lead.
Jarvis, once again proving a handful down the left wing, skillfully threaded
his way infield and teed up Morrison and the former Manchester United
midfielder drilled the ball home. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he
can't blame goalkeeper Jussi Jääskeläinen for the three goals they conceded
at the hands of Everton. Lukaku came on for the second half and his delicate
early touch was taken on by compatriot Mirallas, who raced to the byline and
crossed only for West Ham to recover by getting numbers back.
Naismith had also made way for McCarthy as Martinez attempted to invigorate
his side, but the Hammers were more creative with Jarvis galloping free and
just failing to find Modibo Maiga. Showing vision once more, Lukaku played
Barkley into the area only for the England midfielder to run down a blind
alley.
The initiative had been seized and in the 62nd minute the equaliser arrived,
Baines steering a terrific 20-yard free-kick beyond Jaaskelainen into the
top left corner.
Noble flashed a corner wide of the left post and Baines forced a save from
close range as the match opened up. Noble powered home from the spot after
Nolan had been hacked down by McCarthy, but then he trudged off after
receiving a second yellow from referee Lee Mason and Baines delivered the
equaliser.
The outstanding Lukaku deserved a goal and it duly arrived as he nodded
Everton to victory.
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MATCH REPORT: WEST HAM 2 THE REFEREE 3
By Iain Dale 21 Sep 2013 at 19:24
West Ham Till I Die
If I see a worse referee at Upton Park this season, we'll be in real
trouble. Mr Lee Mason gives his profession a bad name. He had an absolute
stinker today. The only thing he got right was our penalty, but that was so
blatant he couldn't really have done anything else. He gave corners when
they were goal kicks and vice versa. He gave fouls when they weren't and
didn't when they were. And he lost us the game. From my vantage point Mark
Noble's tackle on Ross Barklay was a brilliantly timed one. It wasn't a
foul, and it certainly wasn't a yellow card. Sadly Sun Goals haven't shown
the incident, only the goal, so I will have to wait for MOTD to see if I am
right. *UPDATE: OK, having seen MOTD, I admit it, I was wrong!
The first half was scrappy. Everton had a lot of the possession for the
first ten minutes but we gradually made our mark and began to slot some
passes together. There was no lumping it forward and defensively we were
very sound. Everton played a lot of pretty stuff around the penalty area but
I don't remember them really having a shot in the first half. Morrison took
his goal well, and even though it got a deflection which wrongfooted Tim
Howard, it was well deserved. Ravel Morrison improved with every minute of
the game. In the second half he felt confident enough to do some Joe
Cole-esque flicks. To accommodate Morrison in his favourite position Mo
Diame played out on the right and did really well. I thought Mark Noble had
a great game. At times he orchestrated the midfield like a conductor. He won
the ball tenaciously and drove forward at every opportunity. It was just a
pity that his midfield partner Kevin Nolan contributed very little to the
game. His balls forward were invariably hit too hard.
Defensively we were magnificent. The scoreline will never reflect that, but
Reid and Collins were outstanding. And I thought Joey O'Brien was brilliant,
back in his customary position of right back. The timing of his tackle on an
Everton player when he was through on goal was superlative and is probably
the incident I shall remember most from this game. Razvan Rat didn't do
badly in his first premier league game, although I thought the pace got to
him at times. I felt he hadn't really got much of an understanding with Matt
Jarvis, but did better when Vaz Te switched wings.
And as for Maiga… well, the best that can be said is that he had a shot.
Admittedly it flew over the crossbar, but at least he tried. Maybe I just
can't see what he does, but my Everton supporting friend thought he did well
in the first half. Well, he would, wouldn't he? Mladen Petric didn't set the
pitch on fire, but he did play a major part in winning the penalty, so
that's more than Maiga has achieved in five games.
Jussi Jaaskelainen has now conceded three consecutive goals from free kicks
outside the area. Simply not good enough. He was man of the match last week,
but those statistics will give cause for concern. However, would any
goalkeeper have saved any of those free kicks? I'm not sure.
I think we just have the chalk this one down. For most of the game we played
well. We played some good football. The sending off changed everything.
Onwards.
Afterthought: What did we all think of the new stadium announcer? I thought
he did OK initially, but no one could hear the half-times because he wasn't
close enough to the microphone, and he mispronounced Petric's name, which
was pretty poor. He kept saying Petrick.
Jaaskelainen 5
Reid 8
Collins 8
O'Brien 8
Rat 6
Diame 7
Nolan 5
Noble 8
Morrison 7
Jarvis 7
Maiga 4
Petric 6
Taylor 5
Vaz Te 6
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Tottenham set to sign Ciprian Marica on a free as striker rejects Arsenal
and West Ham interest
21 Sep 2013 23:00
The Mirror
Big-spending Spurs are set to land another striker this week – after
splashing £107million in the transfer window, writes Alan Nixon of the
Sunday People.
Romanian hitman Ciprian Marica is set to snub Arsenal and West Ham advances
to join Andre Villas-Boas's new-look Tottenham side. Marica, capped 60 times
by Romania, is looking for a £60,000-a-week three-year deal at White Hart
Lane. After blowing the £86m Gareth Bale cash on stars like Brazilian
Paulinho and Spain's Roberto Soldado, Villas-Boas can net the 28-year-old
for free because Marica had his contract with German outfit Schalke
terminated a year early at the end of last season. His club CV is
impressive, playing for Shakhtar Donetsk and Stuttgart in a wandering career
around Europe over the past decade. Spurs boss Villas-Boas, who takes his
club to Cardiff today, wants to move flop Emmanuel Adebayor and young Harry
Kane out of north London, freeing up a slot for Marica. If the deal cannot
be done, Villas-Boas will be under pressure from Daniel Levy to bring
£100,000-a-week outcast Adebayor in from the cold. The £9.3m striker has
been banished to training with the kids at White Hart Lane. Marica, who has
previously captained Romania, has netted 22 goals for his country.
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Mixed feelings for Mladen
WHUFC.com
Hammers debutant disappointed to see lead slip away in dying moments against
Everton
22.09.2013
It was an afternoon of mixed emotions for West Ham United debutant Mladen
Petric on Saturday. The Croatian striker was introduced from the bench with
the score at 1-1, then played his part in the Hammers' second goal before
watching on as Everton turned the game around late on to take the points.
The defeat was tough to take for the ex-Fulham man, although he was happy to
get his first run-out in claret and blue. "It was a really tough loss," he
said. "When you go in front twice you shouldn't give it away."We were a bit
unlucky in the end with the red card and the two goals in the last ten
minutes, so it was disappointing.
"They did pressurise us in the second half and played a lot better than they
did in the first, but I think we did enough to keep them to one goal. "The
positive was that we scored two goals in the game. The first half was very
good from our side, we had a lot of ball possession and scored the goal, so
we will try to move on with that. "I'm very happy to be playing again. It's
been a long break for me, so every day I'm feeling better and better. "I'm
doing intensive training, it's hard but you get used to it - and I want to
get really fit and help the team. "For Tuesday [against Cardiff]. we'll see,
I don't know what the manager has in his mind, but I hope to be involved and
get some time on the pitch. "I hope to score as soon as possible, and the
most important thing is that the team wins."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 22
Saturday, September 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st September 2013
Everton match preview
WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match information ahead of Saturday's match against
Everton
20.09.2013
WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: LEE MASON
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• West Ham United return to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday having secured a
solid away point against Southampton last time out.
• Their opponents are Everton, who are unbeaten from their first four
Barclays Premier League matches of the new season.
• New manager Roberto Martinez secured his first three point-haul as the
Toffees' boss last weekend, as Stephen Naismith's goal proved enough to sink
Chelsea at Goodison Park.
• They had drawn their three previous matches, against Norwich City (2-2),
West Bromwich Albion (0-0) and Cardiff City (0-0).
• Martinez took over from David Moyes this summer following Moyes' departure
to Manchester United. The Scot had spent over eleven years in the Goodison
Park hotseat.
• West Ham are looking to return to winning ways after they bounced back
from defeat to Stoke City in their last home match by securing a 0-0 draw at
Southampton last Sunday.
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 106 times in league matches. Everton
have won 53 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 126 times, with Everton winning 63, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in eleven matches against their hosts, including
the last ten Premier League meetings. Everton have won 18 of the 34 Premier
League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just six.
The most-recent two league games have ended in defeats for the Hammers.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United and Everton have met twice at the FA Cup semi-final stage,
with each club winning through once on their way to lifting the trophy at
Wembley. The Toffees scored a 2-1 victory at Molineux on 18 March 1933, when
Vic Watson's goal was cancelled out by Ted Critchley and James Dunn, before
beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley. The Division Two Hammers gained
their revenge on 16 April 1980, when Frank Lampard and Alan Devonshire
scored in a 2-1 replay victory at Elland Road. West Ham went on to beat
Arsenal 1-0 in the final.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victor over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest victory at the Boleyn Ground came on 26 February 2000,
when the Toffees scored a 4-0 Premier League win. Nick Barmby scored a
hat-trick and American Joe-Max Moore added a fourth.
• Winston Reid scored past Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup when his last-minute header secured New Zealand a 1-1 group-stage
draw with Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
• Mohamed Diame lined up alongside Everton winger Magaye Gueye at the London
2012 Olympic Games, where the pair helped Senegal to reach the
quarter-finals
Team news
West Ham United
• Sam Allardyce is without striker Andy Carroll, who is nursing a foot
problem, while Joe Cole (hamstring) and Stewart Downing (dead leg) are
expected to return to full training at the start of next week. George
McCartney, meanwhile, is back in training after his knee injury.
Everton
• New loan arrival Romelu Lukaku is in line to make his Toffees debut, while
fellow striker Arouna Kona has overcome a knee injury. Darron Gibson is also
fit, but Steven Pienaar could miss out with a hamstring injury.
Last time out
Southampton 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Sunday 15 September 2013
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel (Rat 61), Reid, Collins, O'Brien;
Morrison (Taylor 77), Noble, Nolan; Diame, Maiga (Vaz Te 68), Jarvis
Subs (not used): Adrian, Tomkins, Collison, Lee
Everton 1-0 Chelsea
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 14 September 2013
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jaglelka, Distin, Coleman, Mirallas (Deulofeu 90),
Naismith (Stones 89), Barry, Barkley, Osman, Jelavic (McCarthy 66)
Subs (not used): Joel, Heitinga, Oviedo, Gueye
Goal: Naismith 45
Previous meeting
Everton 2-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Sunday 12 May 2013
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Gibson, Osman (Hibbert
89), Pienaar, Fellaini, Mirallas (Oviedo 90), Anichebe (Jelavic 73)
Subs (not used): Mucha, Heitinga, Barkley, Naismith
Goals: Mirallas 6, 60
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis,
Collison (J.Cole 55), Diame (C.Cole 46), O'Neil (Noble 64), Carroll
Subs (not used): Henderson, Pogetetz, Taylor, Vaz Te
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
12 May 2013 - Everton 2-0 West Ham United
22 December 2012 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
8 November 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 63
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Everton
2012/13 Premier League 6th (63 points)
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Lee Mason.
• Mason started refereeing in 1988 and in 1992 he was added to the North
West Counties Football League assistant referees' list, and progressed to
full referee for that competition four years later.
• He was included on the Football League list of assistant referees in 1998,
and was then added to the Premier League list in 2000.
• In 2002, he was promoted to referee for the Football League and in 2003
became a 'Development Group' referee, before finally reaching the Premier
League list of Select Group referees in 2006.
• His first ever match in the top tier was on 4 February 2006, when
Middlesbrough lost 4-0 at home to Aston Villa.
• Mason was chosen to control the League One Play-Off final between Barnsley
and Swansea on 27 May 2006.
Old boys
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Richard
Wright.
General information
• Tickets for this match will be available on the day of the game. Click
here for ticket prices.
• Supporters who use the Central Line to travel to home matches should be
aware that replacement buses are operating in place of trains between
Bethnal Green and Hainault/Loughton
• Saturday's weather forecast is for a cloudy day in east London with
temperatures around 18C (64F)
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Hammers back laces campaign
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's players donned rainbow laces in training at Chadwell Heath
this week
20.09.2013
West Ham United's first team squad once again showed their support for
inclusion in football by lending their backing to the Stonewall Rainbow
Laces campaign. The players used the laces in their boots in training at
Chadwell Heath this week and posed for a group photo, adding to the support
their have already given Football v Homophobia. Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan
said: "We are all supporting this campaign. As a team, we spoke earlier in
the week about how we wanted to support it in the best way and we decided to
wear the laces in our boots for training. "All the lads are fully supportive
of it and all volunteered to wear the laces in training, to help push the
message that all forms of discrimination should be kicked out of all sports,
not just football. "We were all passionate about supporting it and we hope
that it sends out a message that once again, there is no place for
discrimination in football and all sport."
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West Ham v Everton
KO 15:00
20 September 2013
Last updated at 11:47
By John Roder
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 21 September
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce remains short of attacking options for the
visit of Everton, with Andy Carroll, Mladen Petric, Joe Cole and Stewart
Downing all unavailable. George McCartney and Alou Diarra are sidelined with
knee injuries. Everton loan signing Romelu Lukaku is likely to make his
debut, and fellow striker Arouna Kone has overcome a knee injury. Darron
Gibson is also fit, but Steven Pienaar (hamstring) is a doubt.
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham and Everton both scored twice on the opening day of the season, but
since then fans have been starved of goals. Steven Naismith did score
Everton's winner against Chelsea last weekend, but that has been the only
goal in the last six league matches played by these two sides. Four of the
eight league matches they have played between them have ended goalless. Add
in the facts that the shot-shy Hammers have conceded just once in their four
games and both have kept three clean sheets out of four and you have all the
ingredients for a stalemate that closes this weekend's Match of the Day.
"West Ham will go for it at Upton Park and load the box with players. They
should be able to get Kevin Nolan into the game more as well, which should
help. "I actually think this is a much tougher fixture for Everton than
Chelsea was last week." However, I am always optimistic that whatever match
I am commentating on will be a fantastic 90 minutes; after all, if we could
all predict what is going to happen based on previous form all bookmakers
would be bankrupt. It's actually the sort of scenario where something
unexpected happens, maybe to someone who you don't expect to feature. What
price Everton's longest-serving player Tony Hibbert making his first
appearance of the season and scoring his first competitive goal? Hibbert
made his debut for Everton against West Ham back in 2001, and he has scored
a few own goals against the East London side in recent years. Could this be
the weekend he finally breaks his duck and scores at the right end? Sadly, I
doubt it. Everton will surely give a debut to Romelu Lukaku, who scored 17
Premier League goals on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season.
The Belgium international's signing on loan from Chelsea for the season was
a real coup for manager Roberto Martinez, and the fact that Lukaku will link
up with countryman Kevin Mirallas may well reap instant rewards for the
visitors, who have an excellent record in recent years against West Ham.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Everton are unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions against West
Ham (W7, D4).
The Hammers have only managed one point from their last five home matches
against Everton, who came from behind to win 2-1 last season.
There have been three red cards in the last three Premier League meetings of
these sides.
West Ham
West Ham have failed to win or score in their last three league matches (D2,
L1). They last failed to score in four successive Premier League games in
October 2006.
They have managed only six shots on target so far this season, fewer than
any other side in the Premier League.
However, Sam Allardyce's side have only conceded one league goal (against
Stoke) - the division's joint-best defensive record alongside Tottenham.
The Hammers have attempted fewer passes (938) than any other side this
season and have the worst passing accuracy (72%), according to Opta.
Everton
Everton and Liverpool are the only unbeaten Premier League sides this
season.
The Toffees are one of five Premier League teams, including West Ham, to
have kept three clean sheets in their opening four games.
They are winless in their last 10 Premier League away matches since beating
Newcastle on 2 January (D6, L4).
Everton have attempted (681) and completed (517) more passes in the final
third of the pitch than any other side this season.
Striker Nikica Jelavic has only scored once in his last 26 Premier League
appearances - as a substitute against Manchester City in March.
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West Ham United v Everton
KUMB,.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th September 2013
By: Preview Percy
Despite the fact the Liverpool was its home port, Preview Percy has spurned
the chance to make it a hat-trick of mentions for The Titanic in as many
weeks. Which is a shame really as it's usually the only factually correct
thing in his so-called "previews". Here's his look at this weekend's visit
of Everton.....
Next up we host Everton. Kick off is the god-given time of 3pm on Saturday.
Though the District line is, for once, fully open, TfL have come up with a
new and unusual way of nauseing up your jourey. Basically, there's no
Central Line east of Bethnal Green and replacement buses will whisk you off
to various assorted main line stations en route. As usual check before
leaving.
As the season opens they lie one point and one position above us with six
from their five games played so far. They opened up with a 2-2 draw at
Norwich, which was followed up with a pair of 0-0 draws at home to West Brom
and away to Cardiff before registering their first win of the season last
weekend at home to Chelsea (1-0)
It was all change at Goodison Park during the summer. After spending what
seemed like the last hundred years at the helm, David Moyes took the
eastbound trip up the M62 to take over from Ferguson in Salford. He was
replaced by Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, who the odious Dave Whelan (who
once broke his leg in a cup final but doesn't like to talk about it much)
had been trying to cash in on for a good couple of years. I guess it must be
pleasant for Martinez dealing with Bill Kenwright after having to count his
fingers after every handshake for so long.
Meanwhile, Everton get a fair bit of goodwill from the rest of the country
for being the team on that side of the Mersey that isn't Liverpool. However,
given that the inhabitants of that benighted place aren't exactly noted for
their intelligence (they think Ken Dodd is funny for example), it's come as
a source of much amusement to us here at the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home
For The Bewildered that the fans have been up in arms over the absence of
their Latin motto from the current version of the club crest. Latin? Let's
learn to walk in English before we run eh guys?
As expected Martinez raided the rotting relegated carcass of his former
club. James McCarthy came in for a rather surprising £13m, with a more
realistic £6m going on Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz came in on a free.
Just to prove that they could buy from clubs other than Wigan, Joel Robles
came in for £2m or so from Atletico Madrid – though he did of course spend
last season with Martinez on loan. There were some useful loan signings in
the form of Gareth Barry from Man City, Gerard Dulofeu from Barcelona and,
annoyingly to those of us without strikers, Romelu Lukaku who, bizarrely,
Chelsea keep sending out on loan whilst Torres gets in the first team.
Despite the arrival of Robles, Tim Howard will be twixt the sticks this
weekend. Until recently his suffering from tourettes was the thing that most
people latched onto when talking about him. However, his recent development
of a bizarre beard is getting equal bandwidth these days. Imagine comedian
Andy Parsons sucking a magnet then dipping his head in a bucket of iron
filings. Or one of those strange people who attract bees.
In defence they managed to keep hold of Leighton Baines during the window,
despite some none too subtle hints from former boss Moyes that they'd like
him to join him on the M62. Baines is unlucky to be considered as back up in
the England squad to the overrated Ashley Cole. He's no mean slouch on a
dead ball either son we'll need to be a bit careful with those careless
free-kicks just outside the box. Yes you Mr Noble.
They will just be coming to terms with the departure of Marouane Fellaini
who did end up making that trip up the M62 for a cool £27.5m, a figure that
was allegedly a lot more than the release clause in his contract that
expired in July. Shrewd bit of business that – though Moyes might not agree.
The skipper is Phil Jagielka who still to this day has not been investigated
for his role in trying to get us relegated. His dubious handball in the
Sheffield Hypocrites match against Wigan ensured a very convenient result
that would have seen us go down had we lost at Old Trafford that day.
The youngster getting all the headlines of late has been Ross Barkley.
Barkley came up through the ranks at Goodison and he recently gained his
first full England cap, coming on in the second half of the 4-0 defeat of
Moldova a few weeks ago.
The aforementioned Koune has been missing with a bruised heel for the last
few weeks but is said to be close to a return, as is Darron Gibson, who,
with Carlton Cole, was ludicrously dismissed in the corresponding fixture
last season. Alcaraz, on the other hand, has yet to make his Everton debut
having required a groin op. I thought that it was only us that that sort of
thing happened to.
Well what about us I hear you ask- or at least I would do if someone hadn't
nicked the batteries to my hearing aid. It's the end of an era at the Boleyn
with the departure of Jeremy Nicholas. If anyone connected to Mr Nicholas is
reading this, there's always room for him here at the Avram Grant Olympic
Rest Home for the bewildered. In fact the room in question is that which
belonged to dear old Bill Remfrey. We've left it untouched since he went so
there's a full collection of James Last albums (on vinyl of course) as well
as a signed copy of Whistling Jack Smith's "Kaiser Bill's Batman" so I'm
sure Jeremy would feel quite at home.
Matches this weekend have been targeted by gay rights organisation Stonewall
to promote an anti homophobia message. Bit of a shame then that the whole
campaign is a bit undermined by the whole double entendre "ooer missus"
nature of the "right behind gay footballers" slogan. Stonewall's PR guy
hardly helped matters by claiming that the slogan was "tongue in cheek".
Somewhere Finbarr Saunders is going apoplectic. It's an interesting choice
of campaign as well. Quite how effective giving bootlaces to millionaires
able to tie their own will be I couldn't imagine.
As for stuff on the pitch, getting a point away at Southampton wasn't the
worst result in the world given the lack of available resources. In fact but
for a woefully incorrect offside decision and a dreadful miss from Ginge we
might even have taken all three points. That shouldn't disguise the fact
that we are appallingly understrength at the moment. Apart from the (lack
of) striker situation, the absence of Cole and Downing reduced the options
available to us. Although both are apparently back in training, both are
still doubtful for this weekend.
Andy Carroll was last seen in both Belgium and Holland trying to get his
foot sorted. I'd guess that there won't be much hill-walking as part of his
recovery programe then. His putative replacement, Mladen Petric, is hinted
to be close to taking part at some stage of proceedings, something that
might come as a relief to poor old Maiga who has all the air of someone who
is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Which is a shame as on
a few occasions last season he occasionally showed that he had potential as
an impact sub.
Prediction? Well this match has been a nightmare to forecast in recent
years. We've outplayed them on occasion and lost then there as last season's
debacle when the ref decided we were doing far too well for our own good.
We're probably due a win against them in a match in which we play
dreadfully, but, with them being as relatively goal-shy as us of late (we
share a goal difference of +1) I think honours will end up even. So the
AGORHFTB fund to chip in to make up the shortfall in Jeremy's wages (£2.50)
will be going on a 1-1 draw this time around.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At The Boleyn: Lost 1-2 December 2012. Carlton put us 1-0
up at the interval and all was looking well. Anchebe equalised with a header
– the first such goal we'd conceded all season. Then ref Anthony Taylor gave
Cole a red card for one of the most innocuous challenges you'll ever see.
Everton took full advantage of the extra man with scrambled og giving them
all three points. Taylor sent off Gibson in stoppage time which scarcely
evened things up. Both players successfully appealed against their
dismissals though the apology and refund from Taylor is still in the post I
expect.
Referee: Lee Mason – last seen last season handling the 1-1 home draw with
Sunderland. Can't remember that but I do remember a shocker at home to Moan
U where a series of appalling decisions handed Ferguson's mob the points.
Danger Man: Leighton Baines - unusually I've gone for a defender this week
but his ability to get forward as well as his prowess with the dead ball
could cause problems.
Daft Fact Of The Week: Scouse "comedy" (it says here) writer Carla Lane has
announced for the umpteenth time that she intends to write yet another
sitcom based in Liverpool. The veteran scribe, who in the past, inflicted
the likes of "The Liver Birds" and Bread" on an undeserving country
announced earlier this year that she was thinking of basing the new series
on the West Derby (you're not fooling anyone we know it's in Liverpool) area
in which she spent her childhood. She claimed: "There are so many comedies
but I want to write something new and different" - just thought love but
have you ever tried doing one that's actually, well,
funny?
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Mr Moon has left the building: A message from Jeremy Nicholas
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 20th September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's former match day announcer Jeremy Nicholas has thanked the
readers of KUMB for their messages of goodwill following his resignation.
Nicholas, who had held the post for 16 years announced yesterday that he was
leaving his role at the Club after he was asked to take a 60 per cent wage
cut.
Here's what he had to say: "I wanted to pop in and say thanks for all the
messages from KUMBers. It means a lot. I know I wasn't everyone's cup of
tea, but I'm filling up reading all the lovely comments. "As a professional
speaker, whenever a client tries to cut my fee, I always offer extra
services to try and keep the fee the same, but offering more value. "I
would never regard West Ham as a client, but I tried everything I could to
keep my job, offering to do extra work on a matchday as a host in the
lounges before kick-off, interviews for West Ham TV, write a free column for
the programme etc, but the money wasn't there. "I did some free hosting in
the lounges last season for commercial director Barry Webber. He said they
had great feedback and would have liked to have used me again this season,
but there simply isn't the money. "I very much admire Karren Brady and David
Sullivan for the work they are doing in reducing the debt. I count David
Gold as a personal friend, who I will miss chatting to on a match day. I
helped him with the updated section on his autobiography and he's a lovely
man who we are lucky to have. "Having worked with the Icelandic
administration, I know how close our club came to folding and without the
two Davids our club would have gone to the wall by now. It hurts like hell
that I've lost my job, but I can see the need to cut costs. "Cutting
through the emotion it's worth pointing out that lots of other good people
have lost their jobs recently. The club has to clear a huge debt before we
move to the Olympic Stadium. There are bound to be other casualties along
the way. "I've worked for seven West Ham managers; eight if you count Glenn
Roeder!
I'll always be available if the club needs me and I wish whoever succeeds me
the best of luck. "Finally, if anyone does need an after-dinner
speaker/conference host, please contact me because in the run-up to
Christmas I'm suddenly a lot more available than I expected to be!
"Testimonials, videos, showreels, details of keynote talks etc are all on my
website at www.JeremyNicholas.co.uk."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce impressed with Everton
Last Updated: September 20, 2013 3:14pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been impressed by the strength of
Everton's signings and is sure the visitors will prove extremely difficult
to break down on Saturday at the Boleyn Ground. The Toffees lost midfielder
Marouane Fellaini to Premier League champions Manchester United on transfer
deadline day but they also made busy with their own chequebook before the
window closed. Former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez replaced David Moyes at
Goodison Park and went back to his old club to sign James McCarthy, with
loan deals for Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku also completed before the
window shut.
Those deals followed earlier moves for Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz, Joel
Robles and Gerard Deulofeu with Allardyce, who revealed West Ham had failed
with a bid for Lukaku, left praising Everton's business. "Gareth Barry in
particular is an outstanding acquisition from Manchester City and with
Romelu Lukaku joining their frontline as well he's given them some excellent
options," he said. "They've got a very good variety of players added to the
ones that were already there. "Arouna Kone has been bought in and they've
only really lost Marouane Fellaini so not only is their starting XI strong
but their whole squad is now very strong."
Everton picked up their first league win under Martinez against Chelsea last
week and remain unbeaten after three successive draws preceded the 1-0
victory.
"Our job on Saturday is to make sure we know what we're playing against,"
Allardyce added. "They will try and pass the ball out from the back more
than they did under David Moyes but after that they generally play the same
as they did under David. "They had a fantastic result against Chelsea last
weekend so we're expecting a tough match on Saturday."
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce failed to bring in a number of targets this
summer
Last Updated: September 20, 2013 4:01pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says that he had a number of targets over the
summer but for different reasons they didn't arrive. Allardyce completed the
signing of England striker Andy Carroll from Liverpool for a club record
£15m in June. And it was widely reported that Allardyce was hoping to add at
least one more forward to his squad during the transfer window. Speaking to
the London Evening Standard Allardyce confirmed he did try to bring fresh
faces in. Allardyce said: "Jermain Defoe, Loic Remy, Romelu Lukaku, Demba
Ba, two players from Juventus and Austrian international Marko Arnautovic,
who joined Stoke, were all on our radar at one stage or another but for
varying reasons, none of them came."
One player Allardyce was pleased to capture though was England winger
Stewart Downing from Liverpool. Allardyce added: "Stewart Downing, who had
become available a little earlier, is an outstanding player who will be
invaluable to us. "I emphasise that because there has been some criticism
out there that, instead of signing him, we should have waited for a
striker."
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WHAT EXACTLY IS THE WEST HAM WAY?
By Iain Dale 21 Sep 2013 at 08:28
West Ham Till I Die
By Paul Seeman
The terms 'Tradition' and 'The West Ham Way' have been bandied around an
awful lot over the past few years, particularly since Big Sam took over.
Opinion on him is still split – Tony McDonald's article of 16.9.13 on this
very blog is a good example of this – but one comment that is often made by
West Ham 'commentators' is that, under Big Sam, we look the most solid and
defensively sound as we have ever done.
This has got me reflecting on the quality of teams and players we have had
over the years. As I am in my mid thirties, the earliest team I can remember
is the 'Boys of 86' which I suppose was the first season I really got
interested in football. Most of my fondest memories came in the late 1990s
under Redknapp with the exciting prospects of players such as Ferdinand,
Lampard, Cole et al coming through the academy coupled with excellent buys
like Di Canio and Sinclair. The country was raving about these players!
Surely this was it – keep these players together, add some others, and we
were going to be challenging for the highest European honours….. well, we
all know what happened there! Relegation in 2003 and again in 2011.
But of course this was not the first time we had been graced with a team of
talented players – 1986 with Parkes, Martin, McAvennie and Cottee giving us
our highest league finish ever; the 1970s with Brooking, Bonds and
Devonshire, taking us to 2 FA Cups and defeated European Cup-Winners Cup
final, and before them, the glory years of the 1960s, with domestic,
European and world success in consecutive years.
But on a closer look, teams with those players in during the 1960s and 70s –
with many (if not regular) international players in them – could never put
consistent performances together to maintain challenges over a league
season. While we may be one of the 'elite' 7 or 8 teams never to have
dropped below the second tier of English football, we are also the only one
of that group never to have won the title. We have been consistently
mid-table over the past 50 years, finishing somewhere between 8th and 17th,
with only 3 top six finishes in the top division since 1960. We have also
been relegated on 4 occasions, with close shaves on several others. The
'glory years' of mid-60s to mid-70s saw the side only make 3 top-ten
finishes, and spent the latter half of that decade fighting relegation and
losing – despite Bonds, Brooking and Devonshire.
The only occasions I have seen those sides play has been on video; but from
talking to people who lived through that and watched the side in those days
it seems that there were a number of reasons why we never pushed on and
challenged for titles. The board at those times seem to crop up with bad
decisions – not investing after 1986, appointing Roeder after Redknapp and
often selling our best players! Defensive naivety is another – yes, we had
Moore, Bonds, Martin, Dicks, Ferdinand, but these were perhaps never part of
strong units. Under Redknapp – a period I can comment on from experience –
we were always, as has been the 'West Ham Way', on the offensive, playing
exciting football and looking to get forward. The result was some excellent
results, but also games like the 5-4 against Bradford or the 4-4 draw
against Charlton. At the time it seemed obvious that we needed to tighten
things up a bit, but it wasn't done. Redknapp's later teams on the South
Coast or North London kept that attacking ethos – but they seemed more solid
at the back, too. It seemed that we were so intent on playing 'the West Ham
Way' that we weren't able to tweak and improve it. Other sides, be that the
Liverpool of the 1970s and 80s, or even Arsenal in the 1990s, were able to
combine flowing football with solid defenses and consistency – perhaps
something we never could. We also seemed to get bullied by more physical
teams (notably Allardyce's Bolton side) who managed to stop us playing and
then complained about how awful the opposition were despite the fact they'd
beaten us.
As a result, we have settled for mediocrity providing we were entertained.
So we narrowly beat a team like Bradford at home 5-4? Well, it's West Ham,
isn't it? Knocked out of the cup to a Championship team? Well, we get
bullied by those sort of teams, don't we? Had a great performance against
Man U? Yeah, well we raise our game against the big boys, don't we? Never
mind we haven't beaten Liverpool for decades and also get spanked by Man U
just as often as we nearly get a result.
As a consequence, I think my point is this: we have for too long accepted
(albeit with a fair amount of moaning) that we won't be a top, top side;
that we might get a good cup run if we're lucky; that we in a 'good' year
might challenge for a top 6, but not top 3 or 4, spot. To me, comparing our
history to, for example, Liverpool since the 50s or 60s, or in more recent
years Tottenham, shows a club bereft of serious ambition to capitalise on
one of the best supported clubs in the country, with the financial influence
of the City of London on it's doorstep, and a capacity to produce some of
the most technically gifted footballers our country has seen. Where we have
started to show ambition it has been mismanaged and fallen foul of a global
economic meltdown which – we should not underestimate – almost put our club
out of business or at the very least 'done a Leeds or Portsmouth'.
But where are we now? Are we destined to remain in mid-table mediocrity,
flirting with relegation? I am optimistic. We are still in a challenging
situation financially, but under Gold and Sullivan I believe we have
chairmen who have the best interests of the club at heart, have ambition,
and are willing to put their money where their mouths are – though
admittedly not at the same level as billionaire foreigners. We have a
manager who is not the long-ball servant served by his reputation, but a
manager who is experienced and who has ensured we are tough and resilient.
Of course there have been question marks over the past month – lack of a
plan B, lack of a second striker, only 6 shots on target in 4 games – and if
we suffer a continuing problem with injuries our hopes of a top ten finish
this year might vanish – but you can never see a team with Allardyce at the
helm being relegated, can you? I believe we might have a painful year this
year, but I also believe looking ahead that the future is rosy: a solid
squad with a good mix of youth and experience, with some good youngsters
coming through; a move to the Olympic Stadium which has finally won over the
majority of fans; a debt that is planned to have gone in a few years; but
above all a board who we can trust not to sell our best players or youngest
stars, who have already looked to build on the team year on year, and one
that seems to have something no other West Ham board has had before –
ambition.
So who knows? Perhaps in 10 years' time we can start to write a new history
that our children and grandchildren can be proud of, not of glorious failure
and underachievement, but one of success and silverware.
And we might even play some entertaining football, too…
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West Ham showing their strikers videos of them scoring to try to end goal
drought
20 Sep 2013 22:29
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is ready to show his shot-shy forwards videos of their former
glories in a bid to get them firing again. He has watched in horror as West
Ham failed to score in their past three Premier League games, despite
creating hatfuls of chances. The Hammers have not been helped by the
long-term foot injury to Andy Carroll, which has left only Modibo Maiga –
with just two Premier League goals to his name since joining in July 2012 –
to lead the line. But boss Allardyce has a trick up his sleeve to get the
goals flowing again ahead of Saturday's visit by Everton. He said: "We
always have ideas. We show them videos of the goals they have scored
throughout their career. "For me, if they are a goal-scorer, then we let
them see their goals, to a bit of backing music. Of course, you have to try
to continue to practise the right way, too. "You want them to get one
whichever way they get it, whether it's a stuffy goal, mis-hit, or bounces
in off their knee. It can change the whole confidence of the player and he
goes on from there. "When we had a comfortable 2-0 win against Cardiff [on
opening day] it looked all right, but now we're three games since and we've
missed a few easy chances. "Sometimes when you look across the league, even
the top boys aren't creating that many chances but when they get them they
put them away, that's the difference." Allardyce might turn to Ricardo Vaz
Te in his goals quest, even though the striker handed in a transfer request
in the summer. "He has never had a bad attitude," added Allardyce.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match information ahead of Saturday's match against
Everton
20.09.2013
WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: LEE MASON
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• West Ham United return to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday having secured a
solid away point against Southampton last time out.
• Their opponents are Everton, who are unbeaten from their first four
Barclays Premier League matches of the new season.
• New manager Roberto Martinez secured his first three point-haul as the
Toffees' boss last weekend, as Stephen Naismith's goal proved enough to sink
Chelsea at Goodison Park.
• They had drawn their three previous matches, against Norwich City (2-2),
West Bromwich Albion (0-0) and Cardiff City (0-0).
• Martinez took over from David Moyes this summer following Moyes' departure
to Manchester United. The Scot had spent over eleven years in the Goodison
Park hotseat.
• West Ham are looking to return to winning ways after they bounced back
from defeat to Stoke City in their last home match by securing a 0-0 draw at
Southampton last Sunday.
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 106 times in league matches. Everton
have won 53 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 126 times, with Everton winning 63, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in eleven matches against their hosts, including
the last ten Premier League meetings. Everton have won 18 of the 34 Premier
League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just six.
The most-recent two league games have ended in defeats for the Hammers.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United and Everton have met twice at the FA Cup semi-final stage,
with each club winning through once on their way to lifting the trophy at
Wembley. The Toffees scored a 2-1 victory at Molineux on 18 March 1933, when
Vic Watson's goal was cancelled out by Ted Critchley and James Dunn, before
beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley. The Division Two Hammers gained
their revenge on 16 April 1980, when Frank Lampard and Alan Devonshire
scored in a 2-1 replay victory at Elland Road. West Ham went on to beat
Arsenal 1-0 in the final.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victor over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest victory at the Boleyn Ground came on 26 February 2000,
when the Toffees scored a 4-0 Premier League win. Nick Barmby scored a
hat-trick and American Joe-Max Moore added a fourth.
• Winston Reid scored past Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup when his last-minute header secured New Zealand a 1-1 group-stage
draw with Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
• Mohamed Diame lined up alongside Everton winger Magaye Gueye at the London
2012 Olympic Games, where the pair helped Senegal to reach the
quarter-finals
Team news
West Ham United
• Sam Allardyce is without striker Andy Carroll, who is nursing a foot
problem, while Joe Cole (hamstring) and Stewart Downing (dead leg) are
expected to return to full training at the start of next week. George
McCartney, meanwhile, is back in training after his knee injury.
Everton
• New loan arrival Romelu Lukaku is in line to make his Toffees debut, while
fellow striker Arouna Kona has overcome a knee injury. Darron Gibson is also
fit, but Steven Pienaar could miss out with a hamstring injury.
Last time out
Southampton 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Sunday 15 September 2013
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel (Rat 61), Reid, Collins, O'Brien;
Morrison (Taylor 77), Noble, Nolan; Diame, Maiga (Vaz Te 68), Jarvis
Subs (not used): Adrian, Tomkins, Collison, Lee
Everton 1-0 Chelsea
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 14 September 2013
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jaglelka, Distin, Coleman, Mirallas (Deulofeu 90),
Naismith (Stones 89), Barry, Barkley, Osman, Jelavic (McCarthy 66)
Subs (not used): Joel, Heitinga, Oviedo, Gueye
Goal: Naismith 45
Previous meeting
Everton 2-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Sunday 12 May 2013
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Gibson, Osman (Hibbert
89), Pienaar, Fellaini, Mirallas (Oviedo 90), Anichebe (Jelavic 73)
Subs (not used): Mucha, Heitinga, Barkley, Naismith
Goals: Mirallas 6, 60
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis,
Collison (J.Cole 55), Diame (C.Cole 46), O'Neil (Noble 64), Carroll
Subs (not used): Henderson, Pogetetz, Taylor, Vaz Te
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
12 May 2013 - Everton 2-0 West Ham United
22 December 2012 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
8 November 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 63
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Everton
2012/13 Premier League 6th (63 points)
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Lee Mason.
• Mason started refereeing in 1988 and in 1992 he was added to the North
West Counties Football League assistant referees' list, and progressed to
full referee for that competition four years later.
• He was included on the Football League list of assistant referees in 1998,
and was then added to the Premier League list in 2000.
• In 2002, he was promoted to referee for the Football League and in 2003
became a 'Development Group' referee, before finally reaching the Premier
League list of Select Group referees in 2006.
• His first ever match in the top tier was on 4 February 2006, when
Middlesbrough lost 4-0 at home to Aston Villa.
• Mason was chosen to control the League One Play-Off final between Barnsley
and Swansea on 27 May 2006.
Old boys
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Richard
Wright.
General information
• Tickets for this match will be available on the day of the game. Click
here for ticket prices.
• Supporters who use the Central Line to travel to home matches should be
aware that replacement buses are operating in place of trains between
Bethnal Green and Hainault/Loughton
• Saturday's weather forecast is for a cloudy day in east London with
temperatures around 18C (64F)
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Hammers back laces campaign
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's players donned rainbow laces in training at Chadwell Heath
this week
20.09.2013
West Ham United's first team squad once again showed their support for
inclusion in football by lending their backing to the Stonewall Rainbow
Laces campaign. The players used the laces in their boots in training at
Chadwell Heath this week and posed for a group photo, adding to the support
their have already given Football v Homophobia. Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan
said: "We are all supporting this campaign. As a team, we spoke earlier in
the week about how we wanted to support it in the best way and we decided to
wear the laces in our boots for training. "All the lads are fully supportive
of it and all volunteered to wear the laces in training, to help push the
message that all forms of discrimination should be kicked out of all sports,
not just football. "We were all passionate about supporting it and we hope
that it sends out a message that once again, there is no place for
discrimination in football and all sport."
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West Ham v Everton
KO 15:00
20 September 2013
Last updated at 11:47
By John Roder
Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 21 September
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce remains short of attacking options for the
visit of Everton, with Andy Carroll, Mladen Petric, Joe Cole and Stewart
Downing all unavailable. George McCartney and Alou Diarra are sidelined with
knee injuries. Everton loan signing Romelu Lukaku is likely to make his
debut, and fellow striker Arouna Kone has overcome a knee injury. Darron
Gibson is also fit, but Steven Pienaar (hamstring) is a doubt.
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham and Everton both scored twice on the opening day of the season, but
since then fans have been starved of goals. Steven Naismith did score
Everton's winner against Chelsea last weekend, but that has been the only
goal in the last six league matches played by these two sides. Four of the
eight league matches they have played between them have ended goalless. Add
in the facts that the shot-shy Hammers have conceded just once in their four
games and both have kept three clean sheets out of four and you have all the
ingredients for a stalemate that closes this weekend's Match of the Day.
"West Ham will go for it at Upton Park and load the box with players. They
should be able to get Kevin Nolan into the game more as well, which should
help. "I actually think this is a much tougher fixture for Everton than
Chelsea was last week." However, I am always optimistic that whatever match
I am commentating on will be a fantastic 90 minutes; after all, if we could
all predict what is going to happen based on previous form all bookmakers
would be bankrupt. It's actually the sort of scenario where something
unexpected happens, maybe to someone who you don't expect to feature. What
price Everton's longest-serving player Tony Hibbert making his first
appearance of the season and scoring his first competitive goal? Hibbert
made his debut for Everton against West Ham back in 2001, and he has scored
a few own goals against the East London side in recent years. Could this be
the weekend he finally breaks his duck and scores at the right end? Sadly, I
doubt it. Everton will surely give a debut to Romelu Lukaku, who scored 17
Premier League goals on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season.
The Belgium international's signing on loan from Chelsea for the season was
a real coup for manager Roberto Martinez, and the fact that Lukaku will link
up with countryman Kevin Mirallas may well reap instant rewards for the
visitors, who have an excellent record in recent years against West Ham.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Everton are unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions against West
Ham (W7, D4).
The Hammers have only managed one point from their last five home matches
against Everton, who came from behind to win 2-1 last season.
There have been three red cards in the last three Premier League meetings of
these sides.
West Ham
West Ham have failed to win or score in their last three league matches (D2,
L1). They last failed to score in four successive Premier League games in
October 2006.
They have managed only six shots on target so far this season, fewer than
any other side in the Premier League.
However, Sam Allardyce's side have only conceded one league goal (against
Stoke) - the division's joint-best defensive record alongside Tottenham.
The Hammers have attempted fewer passes (938) than any other side this
season and have the worst passing accuracy (72%), according to Opta.
Everton
Everton and Liverpool are the only unbeaten Premier League sides this
season.
The Toffees are one of five Premier League teams, including West Ham, to
have kept three clean sheets in their opening four games.
They are winless in their last 10 Premier League away matches since beating
Newcastle on 2 January (D6, L4).
Everton have attempted (681) and completed (517) more passes in the final
third of the pitch than any other side this season.
Striker Nikica Jelavic has only scored once in his last 26 Premier League
appearances - as a substitute against Manchester City in March.
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West Ham United v Everton
KUMB,.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th September 2013
By: Preview Percy
Despite the fact the Liverpool was its home port, Preview Percy has spurned
the chance to make it a hat-trick of mentions for The Titanic in as many
weeks. Which is a shame really as it's usually the only factually correct
thing in his so-called "previews". Here's his look at this weekend's visit
of Everton.....
Next up we host Everton. Kick off is the god-given time of 3pm on Saturday.
Though the District line is, for once, fully open, TfL have come up with a
new and unusual way of nauseing up your jourey. Basically, there's no
Central Line east of Bethnal Green and replacement buses will whisk you off
to various assorted main line stations en route. As usual check before
leaving.
As the season opens they lie one point and one position above us with six
from their five games played so far. They opened up with a 2-2 draw at
Norwich, which was followed up with a pair of 0-0 draws at home to West Brom
and away to Cardiff before registering their first win of the season last
weekend at home to Chelsea (1-0)
It was all change at Goodison Park during the summer. After spending what
seemed like the last hundred years at the helm, David Moyes took the
eastbound trip up the M62 to take over from Ferguson in Salford. He was
replaced by Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, who the odious Dave Whelan (who
once broke his leg in a cup final but doesn't like to talk about it much)
had been trying to cash in on for a good couple of years. I guess it must be
pleasant for Martinez dealing with Bill Kenwright after having to count his
fingers after every handshake for so long.
Meanwhile, Everton get a fair bit of goodwill from the rest of the country
for being the team on that side of the Mersey that isn't Liverpool. However,
given that the inhabitants of that benighted place aren't exactly noted for
their intelligence (they think Ken Dodd is funny for example), it's come as
a source of much amusement to us here at the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home
For The Bewildered that the fans have been up in arms over the absence of
their Latin motto from the current version of the club crest. Latin? Let's
learn to walk in English before we run eh guys?
As expected Martinez raided the rotting relegated carcass of his former
club. James McCarthy came in for a rather surprising £13m, with a more
realistic £6m going on Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz came in on a free.
Just to prove that they could buy from clubs other than Wigan, Joel Robles
came in for £2m or so from Atletico Madrid – though he did of course spend
last season with Martinez on loan. There were some useful loan signings in
the form of Gareth Barry from Man City, Gerard Dulofeu from Barcelona and,
annoyingly to those of us without strikers, Romelu Lukaku who, bizarrely,
Chelsea keep sending out on loan whilst Torres gets in the first team.
Despite the arrival of Robles, Tim Howard will be twixt the sticks this
weekend. Until recently his suffering from tourettes was the thing that most
people latched onto when talking about him. However, his recent development
of a bizarre beard is getting equal bandwidth these days. Imagine comedian
Andy Parsons sucking a magnet then dipping his head in a bucket of iron
filings. Or one of those strange people who attract bees.
In defence they managed to keep hold of Leighton Baines during the window,
despite some none too subtle hints from former boss Moyes that they'd like
him to join him on the M62. Baines is unlucky to be considered as back up in
the England squad to the overrated Ashley Cole. He's no mean slouch on a
dead ball either son we'll need to be a bit careful with those careless
free-kicks just outside the box. Yes you Mr Noble.
They will just be coming to terms with the departure of Marouane Fellaini
who did end up making that trip up the M62 for a cool £27.5m, a figure that
was allegedly a lot more than the release clause in his contract that
expired in July. Shrewd bit of business that – though Moyes might not agree.
The skipper is Phil Jagielka who still to this day has not been investigated
for his role in trying to get us relegated. His dubious handball in the
Sheffield Hypocrites match against Wigan ensured a very convenient result
that would have seen us go down had we lost at Old Trafford that day.
The youngster getting all the headlines of late has been Ross Barkley.
Barkley came up through the ranks at Goodison and he recently gained his
first full England cap, coming on in the second half of the 4-0 defeat of
Moldova a few weeks ago.
The aforementioned Koune has been missing with a bruised heel for the last
few weeks but is said to be close to a return, as is Darron Gibson, who,
with Carlton Cole, was ludicrously dismissed in the corresponding fixture
last season. Alcaraz, on the other hand, has yet to make his Everton debut
having required a groin op. I thought that it was only us that that sort of
thing happened to.
Well what about us I hear you ask- or at least I would do if someone hadn't
nicked the batteries to my hearing aid. It's the end of an era at the Boleyn
with the departure of Jeremy Nicholas. If anyone connected to Mr Nicholas is
reading this, there's always room for him here at the Avram Grant Olympic
Rest Home for the bewildered. In fact the room in question is that which
belonged to dear old Bill Remfrey. We've left it untouched since he went so
there's a full collection of James Last albums (on vinyl of course) as well
as a signed copy of Whistling Jack Smith's "Kaiser Bill's Batman" so I'm
sure Jeremy would feel quite at home.
Matches this weekend have been targeted by gay rights organisation Stonewall
to promote an anti homophobia message. Bit of a shame then that the whole
campaign is a bit undermined by the whole double entendre "ooer missus"
nature of the "right behind gay footballers" slogan. Stonewall's PR guy
hardly helped matters by claiming that the slogan was "tongue in cheek".
Somewhere Finbarr Saunders is going apoplectic. It's an interesting choice
of campaign as well. Quite how effective giving bootlaces to millionaires
able to tie their own will be I couldn't imagine.
As for stuff on the pitch, getting a point away at Southampton wasn't the
worst result in the world given the lack of available resources. In fact but
for a woefully incorrect offside decision and a dreadful miss from Ginge we
might even have taken all three points. That shouldn't disguise the fact
that we are appallingly understrength at the moment. Apart from the (lack
of) striker situation, the absence of Cole and Downing reduced the options
available to us. Although both are apparently back in training, both are
still doubtful for this weekend.
Andy Carroll was last seen in both Belgium and Holland trying to get his
foot sorted. I'd guess that there won't be much hill-walking as part of his
recovery programe then. His putative replacement, Mladen Petric, is hinted
to be close to taking part at some stage of proceedings, something that
might come as a relief to poor old Maiga who has all the air of someone who
is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Which is a shame as on
a few occasions last season he occasionally showed that he had potential as
an impact sub.
Prediction? Well this match has been a nightmare to forecast in recent
years. We've outplayed them on occasion and lost then there as last season's
debacle when the ref decided we were doing far too well for our own good.
We're probably due a win against them in a match in which we play
dreadfully, but, with them being as relatively goal-shy as us of late (we
share a goal difference of +1) I think honours will end up even. So the
AGORHFTB fund to chip in to make up the shortfall in Jeremy's wages (£2.50)
will be going on a 1-1 draw this time around.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At The Boleyn: Lost 1-2 December 2012. Carlton put us 1-0
up at the interval and all was looking well. Anchebe equalised with a header
– the first such goal we'd conceded all season. Then ref Anthony Taylor gave
Cole a red card for one of the most innocuous challenges you'll ever see.
Everton took full advantage of the extra man with scrambled og giving them
all three points. Taylor sent off Gibson in stoppage time which scarcely
evened things up. Both players successfully appealed against their
dismissals though the apology and refund from Taylor is still in the post I
expect.
Referee: Lee Mason – last seen last season handling the 1-1 home draw with
Sunderland. Can't remember that but I do remember a shocker at home to Moan
U where a series of appalling decisions handed Ferguson's mob the points.
Danger Man: Leighton Baines - unusually I've gone for a defender this week
but his ability to get forward as well as his prowess with the dead ball
could cause problems.
Daft Fact Of The Week: Scouse "comedy" (it says here) writer Carla Lane has
announced for the umpteenth time that she intends to write yet another
sitcom based in Liverpool. The veteran scribe, who in the past, inflicted
the likes of "The Liver Birds" and Bread" on an undeserving country
announced earlier this year that she was thinking of basing the new series
on the West Derby (you're not fooling anyone we know it's in Liverpool) area
in which she spent her childhood. She claimed: "There are so many comedies
but I want to write something new and different" - just thought love but
have you ever tried doing one that's actually, well,
funny?
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Mr Moon has left the building: A message from Jeremy Nicholas
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 20th September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's former match day announcer Jeremy Nicholas has thanked the
readers of KUMB for their messages of goodwill following his resignation.
Nicholas, who had held the post for 16 years announced yesterday that he was
leaving his role at the Club after he was asked to take a 60 per cent wage
cut.
Here's what he had to say: "I wanted to pop in and say thanks for all the
messages from KUMBers. It means a lot. I know I wasn't everyone's cup of
tea, but I'm filling up reading all the lovely comments. "As a professional
speaker, whenever a client tries to cut my fee, I always offer extra
services to try and keep the fee the same, but offering more value. "I
would never regard West Ham as a client, but I tried everything I could to
keep my job, offering to do extra work on a matchday as a host in the
lounges before kick-off, interviews for West Ham TV, write a free column for
the programme etc, but the money wasn't there. "I did some free hosting in
the lounges last season for commercial director Barry Webber. He said they
had great feedback and would have liked to have used me again this season,
but there simply isn't the money. "I very much admire Karren Brady and David
Sullivan for the work they are doing in reducing the debt. I count David
Gold as a personal friend, who I will miss chatting to on a match day. I
helped him with the updated section on his autobiography and he's a lovely
man who we are lucky to have. "Having worked with the Icelandic
administration, I know how close our club came to folding and without the
two Davids our club would have gone to the wall by now. It hurts like hell
that I've lost my job, but I can see the need to cut costs. "Cutting
through the emotion it's worth pointing out that lots of other good people
have lost their jobs recently. The club has to clear a huge debt before we
move to the Olympic Stadium. There are bound to be other casualties along
the way. "I've worked for seven West Ham managers; eight if you count Glenn
Roeder!
I'll always be available if the club needs me and I wish whoever succeeds me
the best of luck. "Finally, if anyone does need an after-dinner
speaker/conference host, please contact me because in the run-up to
Christmas I'm suddenly a lot more available than I expected to be!
"Testimonials, videos, showreels, details of keynote talks etc are all on my
website at www.JeremyNicholas.co.uk."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce impressed with Everton
Last Updated: September 20, 2013 3:14pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been impressed by the strength of
Everton's signings and is sure the visitors will prove extremely difficult
to break down on Saturday at the Boleyn Ground. The Toffees lost midfielder
Marouane Fellaini to Premier League champions Manchester United on transfer
deadline day but they also made busy with their own chequebook before the
window closed. Former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez replaced David Moyes at
Goodison Park and went back to his old club to sign James McCarthy, with
loan deals for Gareth Barry and Romelu Lukaku also completed before the
window shut.
Those deals followed earlier moves for Arouna Kone, Antolin Alcaraz, Joel
Robles and Gerard Deulofeu with Allardyce, who revealed West Ham had failed
with a bid for Lukaku, left praising Everton's business. "Gareth Barry in
particular is an outstanding acquisition from Manchester City and with
Romelu Lukaku joining their frontline as well he's given them some excellent
options," he said. "They've got a very good variety of players added to the
ones that were already there. "Arouna Kone has been bought in and they've
only really lost Marouane Fellaini so not only is their starting XI strong
but their whole squad is now very strong."
Everton picked up their first league win under Martinez against Chelsea last
week and remain unbeaten after three successive draws preceded the 1-0
victory.
"Our job on Saturday is to make sure we know what we're playing against,"
Allardyce added. "They will try and pass the ball out from the back more
than they did under David Moyes but after that they generally play the same
as they did under David. "They had a fantastic result against Chelsea last
weekend so we're expecting a tough match on Saturday."
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce failed to bring in a number of targets this
summer
Last Updated: September 20, 2013 4:01pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says that he had a number of targets over the
summer but for different reasons they didn't arrive. Allardyce completed the
signing of England striker Andy Carroll from Liverpool for a club record
£15m in June. And it was widely reported that Allardyce was hoping to add at
least one more forward to his squad during the transfer window. Speaking to
the London Evening Standard Allardyce confirmed he did try to bring fresh
faces in. Allardyce said: "Jermain Defoe, Loic Remy, Romelu Lukaku, Demba
Ba, two players from Juventus and Austrian international Marko Arnautovic,
who joined Stoke, were all on our radar at one stage or another but for
varying reasons, none of them came."
One player Allardyce was pleased to capture though was England winger
Stewart Downing from Liverpool. Allardyce added: "Stewart Downing, who had
become available a little earlier, is an outstanding player who will be
invaluable to us. "I emphasise that because there has been some criticism
out there that, instead of signing him, we should have waited for a
striker."
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WHAT EXACTLY IS THE WEST HAM WAY?
By Iain Dale 21 Sep 2013 at 08:28
West Ham Till I Die
By Paul Seeman
The terms 'Tradition' and 'The West Ham Way' have been bandied around an
awful lot over the past few years, particularly since Big Sam took over.
Opinion on him is still split – Tony McDonald's article of 16.9.13 on this
very blog is a good example of this – but one comment that is often made by
West Ham 'commentators' is that, under Big Sam, we look the most solid and
defensively sound as we have ever done.
This has got me reflecting on the quality of teams and players we have had
over the years. As I am in my mid thirties, the earliest team I can remember
is the 'Boys of 86' which I suppose was the first season I really got
interested in football. Most of my fondest memories came in the late 1990s
under Redknapp with the exciting prospects of players such as Ferdinand,
Lampard, Cole et al coming through the academy coupled with excellent buys
like Di Canio and Sinclair. The country was raving about these players!
Surely this was it – keep these players together, add some others, and we
were going to be challenging for the highest European honours….. well, we
all know what happened there! Relegation in 2003 and again in 2011.
But of course this was not the first time we had been graced with a team of
talented players – 1986 with Parkes, Martin, McAvennie and Cottee giving us
our highest league finish ever; the 1970s with Brooking, Bonds and
Devonshire, taking us to 2 FA Cups and defeated European Cup-Winners Cup
final, and before them, the glory years of the 1960s, with domestic,
European and world success in consecutive years.
But on a closer look, teams with those players in during the 1960s and 70s –
with many (if not regular) international players in them – could never put
consistent performances together to maintain challenges over a league
season. While we may be one of the 'elite' 7 or 8 teams never to have
dropped below the second tier of English football, we are also the only one
of that group never to have won the title. We have been consistently
mid-table over the past 50 years, finishing somewhere between 8th and 17th,
with only 3 top six finishes in the top division since 1960. We have also
been relegated on 4 occasions, with close shaves on several others. The
'glory years' of mid-60s to mid-70s saw the side only make 3 top-ten
finishes, and spent the latter half of that decade fighting relegation and
losing – despite Bonds, Brooking and Devonshire.
The only occasions I have seen those sides play has been on video; but from
talking to people who lived through that and watched the side in those days
it seems that there were a number of reasons why we never pushed on and
challenged for titles. The board at those times seem to crop up with bad
decisions – not investing after 1986, appointing Roeder after Redknapp and
often selling our best players! Defensive naivety is another – yes, we had
Moore, Bonds, Martin, Dicks, Ferdinand, but these were perhaps never part of
strong units. Under Redknapp – a period I can comment on from experience –
we were always, as has been the 'West Ham Way', on the offensive, playing
exciting football and looking to get forward. The result was some excellent
results, but also games like the 5-4 against Bradford or the 4-4 draw
against Charlton. At the time it seemed obvious that we needed to tighten
things up a bit, but it wasn't done. Redknapp's later teams on the South
Coast or North London kept that attacking ethos – but they seemed more solid
at the back, too. It seemed that we were so intent on playing 'the West Ham
Way' that we weren't able to tweak and improve it. Other sides, be that the
Liverpool of the 1970s and 80s, or even Arsenal in the 1990s, were able to
combine flowing football with solid defenses and consistency – perhaps
something we never could. We also seemed to get bullied by more physical
teams (notably Allardyce's Bolton side) who managed to stop us playing and
then complained about how awful the opposition were despite the fact they'd
beaten us.
As a result, we have settled for mediocrity providing we were entertained.
So we narrowly beat a team like Bradford at home 5-4? Well, it's West Ham,
isn't it? Knocked out of the cup to a Championship team? Well, we get
bullied by those sort of teams, don't we? Had a great performance against
Man U? Yeah, well we raise our game against the big boys, don't we? Never
mind we haven't beaten Liverpool for decades and also get spanked by Man U
just as often as we nearly get a result.
As a consequence, I think my point is this: we have for too long accepted
(albeit with a fair amount of moaning) that we won't be a top, top side;
that we might get a good cup run if we're lucky; that we in a 'good' year
might challenge for a top 6, but not top 3 or 4, spot. To me, comparing our
history to, for example, Liverpool since the 50s or 60s, or in more recent
years Tottenham, shows a club bereft of serious ambition to capitalise on
one of the best supported clubs in the country, with the financial influence
of the City of London on it's doorstep, and a capacity to produce some of
the most technically gifted footballers our country has seen. Where we have
started to show ambition it has been mismanaged and fallen foul of a global
economic meltdown which – we should not underestimate – almost put our club
out of business or at the very least 'done a Leeds or Portsmouth'.
But where are we now? Are we destined to remain in mid-table mediocrity,
flirting with relegation? I am optimistic. We are still in a challenging
situation financially, but under Gold and Sullivan I believe we have
chairmen who have the best interests of the club at heart, have ambition,
and are willing to put their money where their mouths are – though
admittedly not at the same level as billionaire foreigners. We have a
manager who is not the long-ball servant served by his reputation, but a
manager who is experienced and who has ensured we are tough and resilient.
Of course there have been question marks over the past month – lack of a
plan B, lack of a second striker, only 6 shots on target in 4 games – and if
we suffer a continuing problem with injuries our hopes of a top ten finish
this year might vanish – but you can never see a team with Allardyce at the
helm being relegated, can you? I believe we might have a painful year this
year, but I also believe looking ahead that the future is rosy: a solid
squad with a good mix of youth and experience, with some good youngsters
coming through; a move to the Olympic Stadium which has finally won over the
majority of fans; a debt that is planned to have gone in a few years; but
above all a board who we can trust not to sell our best players or youngest
stars, who have already looked to build on the team year on year, and one
that seems to have something no other West Ham board has had before –
ambition.
So who knows? Perhaps in 10 years' time we can start to write a new history
that our children and grandchildren can be proud of, not of glorious failure
and underachievement, but one of success and silverware.
And we might even play some entertaining football, too…
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham showing their strikers videos of them scoring to try to end goal
drought
20 Sep 2013 22:29
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is ready to show his shot-shy forwards videos of their former
glories in a bid to get them firing again. He has watched in horror as West
Ham failed to score in their past three Premier League games, despite
creating hatfuls of chances. The Hammers have not been helped by the
long-term foot injury to Andy Carroll, which has left only Modibo Maiga –
with just two Premier League goals to his name since joining in July 2012 –
to lead the line. But boss Allardyce has a trick up his sleeve to get the
goals flowing again ahead of Saturday's visit by Everton. He said: "We
always have ideas. We show them videos of the goals they have scored
throughout their career. "For me, if they are a goal-scorer, then we let
them see their goals, to a bit of backing music. Of course, you have to try
to continue to practise the right way, too. "You want them to get one
whichever way they get it, whether it's a stuffy goal, mis-hit, or bounces
in off their knee. It can change the whole confidence of the player and he
goes on from there. "When we had a comfortable 2-0 win against Cardiff [on
opening day] it looked all right, but now we're three games since and we've
missed a few easy chances. "Sometimes when you look across the league, even
the top boys aren't creating that many chances but when they get them they
put them away, that's the difference." Allardyce might turn to Ricardo Vaz
Te in his goals quest, even though the striker handed in a transfer request
in the summer. "He has never had a bad attitude," added Allardyce.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, September 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th September 2013
West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have responded to the decision to not grant permission for a
judicial review
19.09.2013
West Ham United welcome the decision to not grant permission for a judicial
review into the LLDC's process that awarded the Club the opportunity to make
the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016. Although the application for a
judicial review would not have had any impact on West Ham United's move to
the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always believed the process
was robust, fair and transparent. The Club and other key stakeholders in the
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can now focus fully on progressing their
groundbreaking plans to create a stunning venue of which the whole country
can be proud, alongside a long-lasting and tangible Olympic legacy with a
real community club at its core. West Ham United will continue its
consultation with supporters to ensure the Hammers' new home is the pride of
east London and the envy of the rest of the footballing world.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League
match against Everton
19.09.2013
Sam Allardyce was in good spirits ahead of Saturday's home Barclays Premier
League clash against Everton, as he fielded questions regarding the
challenge that faces his side at the Boleyn Ground. A third clean sheet in
four league games against Southampton last weekend has had the manager
singing the team's defensive praises, but going forward things have been a
little different. After the opening day 2-0 home win over Cardiff City, West
Ham United have failed to find the net in three league matches and Big Sam
is hopeful the team will return to goal scoring form on Saturday afternoon.
Sam, It's been three games since you last scored in the league so is that a
concern for you?
SA: "Yes there's no doubt about it, we've been creating chances but our
quality of finishing has not been good enough. Opportunities have arisen for
us and although we took them very well against Cardiff we've been unable to
take them in the other games and we've ended up drawing two and losing one
because of that. "On the defensive side we've been very good, conceding only
one goal in four Barclays Premier League games provides a great platform to
build on. When you're in possession and you get to the creative side of your
game you've got to take the opportunity when it arises to score a goal and
then that gives you the chance to secure three points. When you score it
obviously relieves the pressure from the defence and at the moment that's a
concern, but hopefully it won't be the case against Everton on Saturday."
Are you expecting a different Everton side now that Roberto Martinez is in
charge?
SA: "The players are more or less the same with a few very good additions to
the squad. Gareth Barry in particular is an outstanding acquisition from
Manchester City and with Romelu Lukaku joining their frontline as well he's
given them some excellent options. They've got a very good variety of
players added to the ones that were already there. "Arouna Kone has been
bought in and they've only really lost Marouane Fellaini so not only is
their starting eleven strong but their whole squad is now very strong. Our
job on Saturday is to make sure we know what we're playing against, they
will try and pass the ball out from the back more than they did under David
Moyes but after that they generally play the same as they did under David.
"They try to exploit the wings with the wide players cutting inside and the
full-backs bombing forward. They try to get into the final third and put you
under pressure with balls into the box for the likes of Nikica Jelavic and
Lukaku to get on the end of. They had a fantastic result against Chelsea
last weekend so we're expecting a tough match on Saturday."
During the transfer window was Lukaku one of the players you tried to sign?
SA: "He was one of our targets, I think we chased him all summer to be
honest. On the final day of the window we unfortunately missed out and
Everton snapped him up. We were told that he was heading back to West Brom
but for whatever reason he ended up going to Everton and we didn't manage to
clinch the deal."
What's the latest news on Andy Carroll's injury?
SA: "Andy's doing fine. He's recovering well now and we've set out a
programme for his recovery which will hopefully not be as long as last time.
We can't put a length of time on how long he'll be out for. We just have to
see how he progresses on a week by week basis. He'll go to Europe for some
one to one treatment which we've identified for him and which will hopefully
speed up his recovery."
Is there any danger that Andy might not play again this year?
SA: "I don't think we can say that at this moment in time. It's a week by
week assessment now guided by the specialists who are in charge of his
recovery."
How is Mladen Petric progressing?
SA: "He's training every day and trying to overcome the fatigue that he's
feeling from the pre-season work that he's doing at the moment. His training
is a lot more physically intense than it would generally be at this time of
the year, which leaves him a little fatigued. "We're finding that his
recovery is becoming quicker and quicker. He's now into the football side as
well as the physical side of the training programme and is coming along very
nicely. "He's enjoying being back at a football club and around a group of
players he can interact with rather than be on his own running around a park
somewhere, or going in a gym like he did before he joined us. We expect him
to make an appearance at some stage during the Cardiff match as he's
progressing well."
Tuesday night will be your 100th game in charge of West Ham. Looking back,
how do you assess your time here?
SA: "I've had a great time. There have been little or no hiccups and our
progress has been exceptional during the time I've been here. I've worked as
hard with the staff as I have with the players to instil a winning mentality
and also make sure we look after ourselves as a squad as we're all in this
together.
"From the backroom staff to the first-team players we've worked hard to
create a great team spirit which will stand us in good stead for the
challenges we face. Overall our progress has been very good and whilst we
targeted tenth place last year, deep down many of us probably thought we
wouldn't have achieved it but we did and now we have to build on that. "For
me it's been very enjoyable and the time has flown by and I hope we can move
on together and better what we achieved last season."
What's the current situation involving Carlton Cole?
SA: "He's training with us at the moment and hopefully when Carlton gets fit
enough to be part of the squad then we'll talk to him about the contract
situation. We still have one place available in our squad, with 24 players
currently named, so we still have one place left for somebody. "We have
George McCartney back training with us, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing are
very close to re-joining the team and after the Everton match they will
probably be back in full training. If Carlton proves that he can be the
player we all know he's capable of being then hopefully he'll join us as
well."
How much has Andy Carroll's absence affected your tactics?
SA: "We always assess the team we're playing against and then we decide on a
style of play which we hope will expose them. We've always exposed
everybody's weaknesses and created chances but our failure has come in
scoring those chances. Unfortunately against Southampton our best chance
fell to James Collins but we had many other chances before that, including
the goal which got ruled out. "People will tell you that it was offside but
when you look at the replay but he wasn't more than an inch offside and 99
times out of 100 the assistant referee wouldn't put his flag up. Kevin Nolan
produced an exquisite finish and that's what we're looking for on a more
consistent basis and unfortunately they ruled it out. "Had we gone in front
it gives us a great chance to go on and win the game. We don't know whether
we would have won the game from there but it gives you that chance and
that's what I'm looking for from the game on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble unfazed by Toffees test
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is determined to get back to winning ways against Everton on
Saturday
19.09.2013
Mark Noble is looking forward to pitting his wits against the likes of
Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley when West Ham United take on Everton on
Saturday. The Toffees added to their midfield talent towards the end of the
transfer window by bringing in Barry from Manchester City and James McCarthy
from Wigan Athletic. They have made an unbeaten start to the campaign and
defeated Chelsea last time out, but Noble insists they will not relish a
trip to east London. "We're looking forward to Everton, it's going to be a
good game," he told West Ham TV. "They're a top side and have just beaten
Chelsea so their confidence is going to be up. West Ham is a tough place to
come and we need to make it that again. "It's the same every week, every
team in the Premier League has top midfield players. It's the best league in
the world and that's why the best players want to play there. "So I don't
worry about it at all, I just enjoy the challenge really. They're playing
differently now under Martinez, who plays similarly to how they did at
Wigan. "We've done our homework on Everton, we know how they play and we're
looking forward to the game."
The Hammers will be looking to get back on track in E13, having suffered a
rare defeat on their own patch to Stoke City in their last home match. "It's
a good chance for us to get back to winning ways at home," Noble added. "Our
last home game wasn't the best and we know we need to put in a good
performance, coming off a good away point at Southampton. "We like playing
at home in front of our fans and hopefully we can get the three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leyton Orient lose Olympic Stadium tenancy review bid
BBC.co.uk
Leyton Orient have lost their bid to win a judicial review into the decision
to grant West Ham the tenancy of the Olympic Stadium. The club argued the
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) was wrong to award sole use to
the Hammers and wanted to share the venue. Orient said the club felt "a real
sense of injustice" at the decision. But at the High Court, Mr Justice Lewis
said the LLDC was entitled to make the decision which was not "irrational".
'Deeply disappointing'
Leyton Orient had argued they did not want to "disrupt or delay" West Ham's
move. The club said they would now have to "look to the House of Lords" to
find a solution. "Our real concern is the lack of transparency that has been
shown throughout the process by a public body," a club spokesperson said.
"It is deeply disappointing that both the Court and the LLDC have made
decisions based only on financial considerations, when the purpose of the
stadium's legacy was regeneration of the area with a community focus."
Earlier, Adam Lewis QC, representing the club, said: "Leyton Orient does not
suggest that it would be viable as a sole occupant of the stadium. "Nor does
it seek by these proceedings to prevent, disrupt or delay West Ham's move to
the stadium.
'Best deal'
"Rather, Leyton Orient wishes to be allowed back into the procurement
competition... and to be awarded a concession to use the stadium jointly
with West Ham." But lawyers for the corporation said the case was
"unarguable" and "lacked merit". Leyton Orient also claimed their bid for a
ground-share was not considered properly. The LLDC turned that down on cost
grounds, BBC London sports news correspondent Adrian Warner reported. In a
statement the LLDC said: "We welcome the ruling and are pleased that Mr
Justice Lewis agrees that we ran a fair, open and transparent competition to
appoint concessionaires for the stadium. "We believe the agreement we have
with West Ham United Football Club and UK Athletics will deliver a fantastic
sporting and community legacy in east London and represents the best deal
for the taxpayer."
West Ham were named as the preferred bidders to take over the Olympic
Stadium in December. However Orient chairman Barry Hearn has argued the
process was flawed. Mr Hearn has also claimed West Ham moving into the
Olympic Stadium - which is about two miles and one Tube stop away from
Orient's Brisbane Road ground - would affect attendances at Orient games. He
has long argued the effect could be so severe it could put the club,
currently top of League One with seven wins from seven games, out of
business. West Ham, who are expected to move into their new home from August
2016, welcomed the High Court's decision. In a statement they said:
"Although the application for a judicial review would not have had any
impact on West Ham United's move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the
club have always believed the process was robust, fair and transparent."
West Ham said they could now focus on plans to develop the new venue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
End of the road for Hearn
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th September 2013
By: Staff Writer
Leyton Orient's appeal for a judicial review into the decision to award use
of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham United has been rejected by the High
Court this afternoon. Lawyers acting on behalf of Barry Hearn and the League
One club argued that the London Legacy Development Corporation were wrong to
award sole tenancy to West Ham United when they made their historic decision
in December 2012. However their appeal was rejected this afternoon with the
decision announced shortly before 3pm, an hour or so after it had been
expected. The Hammers responded to the news with a brief statement posted on
whufc.com.
"West Ham United welcome the decision not to grant permission for a judicial
review into the LLDC's process that awarded the Club the opportunity to make
the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016," it read. "Although the application
for a judicial review would not have had any impact on West Ham United's
move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always believed the
process was robust, fair and transparent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham match day announcer Jeremy Nicholas resigns
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th September 2013
By: Staff Writer
Jeremy Nicholas - who has been the Club's match day announcer for 16 years -
has tendered his resignation after being ordered to take a 60 per cent pay
cut.
Nicholas, who started at West Ham back in 1997 - the same year as KUMB.com
first went online - announced via his website today that he was leaving the
Club after his position was made untenable. "With great sadness, I have
resigned as the stadium announcer at West Ham United after sixteen seasons
on the microphone," he said. "The club asked me to take a 60 per cent cut in
my wages, to less than half of last season's salary. "While I would do
anything to help the team I love, this just wouldn't work for my family and
me at this time. "My wife has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and has been
off-work and housebound for the past eighteen months. I have had to stop my
freelance work as a BBC TV reporter, to stay at home and look after her.
"While it was a tough decision for me to resign from West Ham, I had to put
my family first. Without the TV work my main sources of income are now as a
conference host and an after-dinner speaker. "By committing myself to West
Ham for the lower fee, I would have effectively been making a loss on being
the announcer; because of the twenty days it ruled me out of speaking work."
West Ham are yet to comment on the matter but are understood to be preparing
a statement. Whilst a replacement for Nicholas is yet to be found, the Club
have confirmed to KUMB that they are looking at a number of options ahead of
this weekend's visit fo Everton.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM UNITED ANNOUNCER STATEMENT
http://jeremynicholas.co.uk/dt_portfolio/all-about-jeremy/
With great sadness, I have resigned as the stadium announcer at West Ham
United after sixteen seasons on the microphone. The club asked me to take a
60% cut in my wages, to less than half of last season's salary. It's part of
a review of all match days costs, to cut the club's debt. While I would do
anything to help the team I love, this just wouldn't work for my family and
me at this time. My wife has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and has been
off-work and housebound for the past eighteen months. I have had to stop my
freelance work as a BBC TV reporter, to stay at home and look after her.
While it was a tough decision for me to resign from West Ham, I had to put
my family first. Without the TV work my main sources of income are now as a
conference host and an after-dinner speaker. By committing myself to West
Ham for the lower fee, I would have effectively been making a loss on being
the announcer; because of the twenty days it ruled me out of speaking work.
I understand the decision and realise that we, and I will always think of
the club as 'we', must be struggling with the debt. To put it into
perspective, I have earned less in my sixteen seasons at West Ham, than many
premier league footballers earn in a week. I will always be available to the
club in the future if they need me, but I felt now was the time to step
down. I'd like to thank all the lovely people I've worked with at the club
over the past sixteen years. We are in safe hands with David Gold, David
Sullivan and Karren Brady who have saved our club from financial disaster.
They have had to make some tough decisions. I just wish I hadn't been one of
them.
Most of all I'd like to thank the West Ham fans, who are second to none. If
any West Ham fans have need of a corporate host, media trainer or
after-dinner speaker, now is the time to ask, because the next few months
are going to be tough.
Come on You Irons!
Jeremy Nicholas
Writer and Broadcaster
jem@jeremynicholas.co.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leyton Orient fail in bid to challenge West Ham's Olympic Stadium tenancy
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 5:03pm
SSN
Leyton Orient have failed with a new legal bid to challenge the Olympic
Stadium tenancy. Orient's lawyers argued in the High Court in London that
the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) tenancy agreement with West
Ham was "entirely flawed". The League One club called for a judicial review
because they were "never properly considered as a co-tenant with Premier
League side West Ham". However, the LLDC argued that some of Orient's points
were "wholly illogical", their case was "devoid of merit" and their Decision
Letter clearly explained the process. Following the hearing, which lasted
over two hours, Mr Justice Lewis refused Orient's application for a judicial
review. Orient previously failed in a written application in April to get a
judicial review. West Ham issued a statement on their website welcoming the
news. It read: "West Ham United welcome the decision to not grant permission
for a judicial review into the LLDC's process that awarded the club the
opportunity to make the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016. "Although the
application for a judicial review would not have had any impact on West Ham
United's move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always
believed the process was robust, fair and transparent. "The club and other
key stakeholders in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can now focus fully on
progressing their ground-breaking plans to create a stunning venue of which
the whole country can be proud, alongside a long-lasting and tangible
Olympic legacy with a real community club at its core.
"West Ham United will continue its consultation with supporters to ensure
the Hammers' new home is the pride of east London and the envy of the rest
of the footballing world."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce reveals he tried to sign Romelu Lukaku this
summer
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: September 19,
2013 4:53pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he tried to sign Romelu Lukaku "all
summer" as the forward prepares to visit Upton Park with Everton. The
Hammers have failed to score in the Premier League since their 2-0 opening
day win over Cardiff and club-record signing Andy Carroll remains sidelined
with a heel problem. Lukaku was brought in by Everton boss Roberto Martinez
on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan from Chelsea after impressing
in a similar spell at West Brom last year. And ahead of their meeting at the
weekend, Allardyce admitted a deal for the Belgium international escaped
from his clutches following a summer-long pursuit. "I chased him all summer
to be honest," said Allardyce. "But when it became the final day of the
deadline we missed out and Everton managed to secure his position. "We were
more or less told he was going back to West Brom. We tried, but didn't
manage to clinch it."
Meanwhile, Allardyce has revealed Mladen Petric is edging closer to making
his debut for the club after recently arriving on a free transfer. Petric
has been pencilled in to face Cardiff in the Capital One Cup next week as
the former Fulham man works on his fitness after missing pre-season
following his exit from Craven Cottage. "Mladen Petric is training every day
and trying to overcome the every day fatigue. He is going through a
pre-season and that leaves you tired," he said. "We're then waiting to find
his recovery is quicker and he's into the football as well as the physical
side. He's enjoying being back with a group of players he can mingle with
rather than being stuck in a park or gym. "We're hoping he can make an
appearance in or around for the Cardiff game [on Tuesday night]."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce wants cutting edge at West Ham
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 12:43pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce accepts that his West Ham side have to improve in the final
third if they are to establish a platform for the rest of the season. The
Hammers drew 0-0 at Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, which means
they have not scored in three league games since the opening-day 2-0 win
against Cardiff City. "We're concerned that we haven't scored for a while.
It's not that we're not creating chances, but our quality of finishing has
to improve. We've ended up drawing two and losing one because of that,"
Allardyce told a press conference on Thursday, ahead of the visit of Everton
to Upton Park on Saturday.
"Only conceding one in four games is a great platform but we have to take
our opportunity to score when it comes. "Everton's players are more or less
the same and Roberto has made some very good additions. Barry is an
outstanding signing. "When you look at the squad as a whole, it is very
strong indeed. We expect them to maybe play out of the back a little more.
"But in general, they play the same after that. They try to get into the
final third and get good quality balls into the box. "They had a fantastic
result against Chelsea and we expect a very tough game on Saturday."
Carroll recovering
Allardyce was forced to make-do-and-mend for the visit to St Mary's last
weekend, and there would appear to be little respite on the injury front
this week.
"Andy Carroll is recovering well now. We have a programme set out for his
recovery and it won't be as long as last time," he said. "Let's see where it
is week on week. He will take some time away to have some one-on-one stuff
and hopefully that will speed it up. "We'll expect him (Petric) to be able
to make an appearance against Cardiff. He's coming along fine." "Petric is
training every day and trying to overcome the fatigue he's feeling. He's
going through pre-season work, which is more intense physically than general
training. "His recovery is getting quicker and he's coming along. He's
enjoying being back in with a group. We'll expect him to be able to make an
appearance against Cardiff (in the Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday). He's
coming along fine. "George McCartney is back training with us and we're very
close to Joe Cole and Stewart Downing being back too, probably after this
match."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jordan Spence happy to extend his current deal at Sheffield Wednesday
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 4:09pm
SSN
Jordan Spence would be happy to extend his current loan spell at Sheffield
Wednesday. The former England Under-21 international defender, who has
played the full 90 minutes in the Owls' last two matches since arriving for
an initial month from West Ham, is grateful to be playing first-team
football. "I've enjoyed it very much so far, the boys here are a really good
bunch and they've made it as easy as it can be to come to a different city
and quickly settle in," Spence said.
"I jumped at the chance to come up here because I'm at an age now where I
need to be playing regularly - I want to go out and show how good a
footballer I am. "The only way to do that is on a stage where you play week
in, week out and while I'll always look for West Ham's results - I've been
there since I was 15 - I'm at Sheffield Wednesday at this moment in time and
hopefully I can make them a better football team. "I've not thought too much
about beyond my original loan spell. I'm just focussing on the games ahead,
but if I was given the chance of staying longer, I'd be happy to do so. "If
you play well in this game everything else looks after itself and that's
what I'm looking to do. "I want to play in the Premier League. Every
footballer does. You want to play at the highest level, but in order to
achieve that I need to play more first-team football and prove myself."
Spence is expected to resume in manager Dave Jones' starting line-up at
Birmingham on Saturday when the Owls will be chasing their first league win
of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHERE WILL THE NEXT HOMEGROWN STAR COME FROM?
By ExWHUemployee 19 Sep 2013 at 20:00
West Ham Till I Die
During recent seasons we have seen a lack of players break into the team
from the youth set up. Many have questioned the reasons behind this. The
academy was awarded level 1 status and of course still has the legend of
Tony Carr working behind the scenes to attract and nurture the best talents
although sadly and tragically no longer supported by the talent spotter
extraordinaire Jimmy Hampson. So why is it that we haven't really seen any
youth player establish themselves in the squad in recent years? The last two
squad players to establish themselves from our youth team are Tomkins and
Collison, although the later only joined the youth team aged 17, when
Cambridge United's youth team were abolished due to their financial
difficulties.
People have put it down to Big Sam's reluctance to play young players, a
feeling that was especially noticeable when Robert Hall was allowed to
leave. During the previous season, when questioned, David Gold on his
twitter account stated that Hall was the biggest talent we had at the club.
So why did he leave? I was very reliably informed that after his loan spell
at Birmingham, Robert had developed an overly confident approach to his
football and had insisted on a significantly high wage package for a player
who had figured once in the premier league for us and had made demands for
promises of first team involvement. It was felt he had the wrong attitude to
make it at our level and that it was best that he did leave.
It would be fair to say that he hasn't exactly started his Bolton career all
guns blazing. In fact when you look at the youth players who have all left
under Sam's management: Sears, Hines, Stanislas, and Stech, for example,
none of them have gone on to great things, or even semi good things! I
believe if they are good enough then Sam will play them as has been proven
by Ravel Morrison's introduction to the side this year.
Questions have been asked whether there is any top English talent out there.
You only have to look at the last England squad and see how few have come
directly from the big clubs youth academies, most have been bought from
other much smaller clubs. Some examples are Joe Hart-Shrewsbury Town, Chris
Smalling-Maidstone United, Phil Jagielka-Sheffield United, Leighton
Baines-Wigan, Kyle Walker-Sheffield United, and Ashley Young-Watford. So
perhaps English talent really isn't out there?
There have been some players from our academy who have featured in the past.
George Moncur was one of the most highly rated players a year or so ago and
who is very much in the mode of his father, although he hasn't featured as
much as he would have liked. Seb Lletget is another skillful midfielder,
from the USA, who impressed massively in the Colchester pre-season game but
unfortunately didn't quite have the same impact in the other games, although
someone who I do believe will make it in the game soon. We have seen Dan
Potts who has impressed in a few games now and perhaps in the long term will
establish himself as the clubs first choice left back. Leo Chambers featured
against Cheltenham and had it not been for the outstanding display of Ravel
Morrison I think more would have been said about his solid debut. Leo is a
centre back who has been converted to a right back (Glen Johnson did
similar) who has pace and an excellent work rate who we may see again in the
next round.
I do think that a few of these players need another loan spell at a
championship club, perhaps before they are ready because this has had many
positive impacts in the past with players such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank
Lampard, Glen Johnson, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Mark Noble have
all benefited massively from such deals in the past.
Those of you who follow me on twitter will know that I have a keen interest
in the youth academy and that I have tweeted about players from it and
written about them in my other column. I will now share some of the players
who I believe are worth keeping an eye out for with the hope that some of
them break into the first team in a few years.
Rio in loan action
One of the most highly rated players in our academy is Sam Howes, a player
who the club are very keen to protect and keep admirers away from. Sam, who
is a 15 year old goalkeeper, has already played for West Ham under 18s and
England under 16s. Despite our great academy it is very rare that top
goalkeepers come along but in this case the club believe they have a hugely
talented keeper on the books. He has regularly played above his age group
and is currently regularly doing so. He had originally been with Crystal
Palace youth team and has currently been with us for the last 5 years. He
has the potential to go all the way and of course, as a goalkeeper time is
certainly on his side. I have met him a couple of times and he is a good lad
who is dedicated and had a wise head on his shoulders. The only downside is
that he is a Chelsea fan!
Another player with a chance is Joe Powell. Some people would have probably
heard of Joe's older brother Jack who was in our academy for 10 years, and
was offered a pro deal but ended up being released at the end of last
season. Jack had trials with Charlton, Scunthorpe and one other lower league
club which didn't amount to anything. His luck turned when Chelsea, who he
had scored a great goal against for us, offered him a trial and he featured
in a number of their academy games and preseason matches, Well Joe is even
more highly rated than Jack. He has been a real star for the under 15s. It
was said that Joe and Jack's dad was unhappy with how Jack was treated and
he was going to potentially move Joe to another club with the likes of
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Norwich said to be interested. A move to Chelsea
was looking on the cards at one point, he hasn't featured for us this year
either, so I hope that we have been able to persuade him to stay.
Another youngster worth keeping an eye out for is Matt Carter - a
15-year-old central midfielder who has attracted attention from some of the
big Premier League clubs. He has a very good engine and last season broke
the SPARQ (Speed Power Agility Reaction Quickness) record for Premier League
under 15s. As is shown by his success in the SPARQ tests he has a lot to
offer physically and is also very technically gifted. Of course we will not
see him this year but he is worth tracking in the under 18s games.
Kieran Bywater, no relation to Stephen, is another player who has played
above his age for the development squad. He has captained many of the youth
teams and is looking to make the break through to the first team within the
next few years having turned 18 on Saturday 7th September 2013. Kieran who
is from Cambridgeshire has a great attitude and will make it in the game. I
hope he makes his mark with us, but we shall see.
Jordan Brown was recently signed from the Arsenal academy, as he felt he had
more chance of making it at West Ham than at our North London rivals. He is
an England under 16 forward who was regularly scoring for Arsenal and he has
carried this on with us. He is someone I have personally seen play a couple
of times before joining us and he really has an eye for a goal. Another
England Under 16 international who we have in our ranks is Josh Cullen who
is an exciting midfielder. Other who have a lot of potential are Lewis Page
a defender, Kyle Knoyle a right back and Alex Pike.
On my twitter account this week I have been talking about Gabriel Fernando
being on a six week trial with the club. He is a young South American
midfielder who was at Manchester City's academy before deciding his future
lay elsewhere. Manchester United had been close to signing him but he has
chosen to trial for us and by looking at his twitter profile he appears to
be close mates with Ravel Morrison. In a 0-0 friendly against Spurs at Rush
Green on Monday, Gabriel was said to have played ok and hit the bar with a
chip. He arrives with good positive reviews from his time at City so
hopefully if he signs he is another that could be pushing for the first
team.
I hope that at least two of these players will go on to play for the first
team at some point and maybe the academy will have a resurgence again. No
pressure then!
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LEYTON ORIENT'S JUDICIAL REVIEW EXPLAINED
By Sean Whetstone 19 Sep 2013 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Today Barry Hearn and Leyton Orient will be returning to the High Court to
seek a Judicial Review of the LLDC tender process for the Olympic stadium.
It is the second time that Orient have been involved in judicial review
proceedings in relation to the Olympic Stadium. Their first legal challenge
in 2011 initiated a series of events which ultimately led to the process
being abandoned, and a new tender process commencing. The new judicial
review application is a claim relating to that new bid process. In April
this year Leyton Orient submitted a written application for a judicial
review to the high court into the bid process but was rejected. This time
Barry hopes a oral hearing debating the issues surrounding the Stadium will
allow the review to be granted
The Background to the challenge
All bidders were required to consent to 'teaming' when submitting their bids
as the LLDC planned to team as many bidders as the event calendars would
allow. The purpose of this requirement was to ensure maximum use of the
stadium and return to the tax payer.
West Ham agreed to this teaming clause in their bid.
Leyton Orient claim that the LLDC's decision has left West Ham as the only
potential tenant and should of considered teaming with Leyton Orient.
What is a Judicial Review?
A Judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the
lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body.
In other words, judicial reviews are a challenge to the way in which a
decision has been made, rather than the rights and wrongs of the conclusion
reached.
It is not concerned with the conclusions of that process and whether those
were 'right', as long as the right procedures have been followed. The court
will not substitute what it thinks is the 'correct' decision.
This may mean that the public body will be able to make the same decision
again, so long as it does so in a lawful way.
So the judge could make the LLDC review its decision process again but it
cannot force the LLDC to make West Ham and Leyton Orient share the stadium.
I have no problem with Leyton Orient as a club and even less problem with
the Leyton Orient fans who support their local team through thick and thin
but I do have a problem with Barry Hearn. He is like a bad loser who refuses
to give in gracefully. I also think it is insulting to suggest Orient fans
will switch alliances to West Ham just because we move into the Olympic
stadium.
My own personal view is this latest attempt for a judicial review will also
be rejected as was the case with the written submission in April but I am
sure that is not the last we have heard of Barry.
In what appears to be separate orchestrated campaign, a group of Leyton
Orient fans have launched their own bid to prevent West Ham moving into the
Olympic Stadium.
The supporters make the claim the move breaks league rules blocking one club
moving too close to another. They have contacted football clubs up and down
the country in an attempt to get as many supporters as possible behind a
campaign.
They have created an online petition which has been signed by over 500
people.
Their Group leader, Mat Roper, an Orient fan for 35 years, says: "We want to
highlight how unfair this whole affair is"
I understand that Matt Roper is the brother of Daniel Roper who is the
official Leyton Orient club mascot but I am sure that is just a coincidence.
4pm UPDATE
Leyton Orient lose right to Judicial review.
At the High Court, Mr Justice Lewis said the LLDC was entitled to make the
decision which was not "irrational".
LLDC statement said: "We welcome the ruling and are pleased that Mr Justice
Lewis agrees that we ran a fair, open and transparent competition to appoint
concessionaires for the stadium.We believe the agreement we have with West
Ham United Football Club and UK Athletics will deliver a fantastic sporting
and community legacy in east London and represents the best deal for the
taxpayer."
WHUFC.com Statement said "West Ham United welcome the decision to not grant
permission for a judicial review into the LLDC's process that awarded the
Club the opportunity to make the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016.Although
the application for a judicial review would not have had any impact on West
Ham United's move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always
believed the process was robust, fair and transparent. The Club and other
key stakeholders in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can now focus fully on
progressing their groundbreaking plans to create a stunning venue of which
the whole country can be proud, alongside a long-lasting and tangible
Olympic legacy with a real community club at its core."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole must prove fitness before landing West Ham deal
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 10:07pm
SSN
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce remains keen on re-signing Carlton Cole,
but says the striker must first prove his fitness. The 29-year-old, who saw
his previous contract at Upton Park expire at the end of last season, has
spent time training with the Hammers. Allardyce has expressed a desire to
bring the England international back on board, as he remains light in the
striking department. Attempts to bring the likes of Romelu Lukaku and
Nicklas Bendtner into the club failed on transfer deadline day, meaning free
agents are now the only available option. Cole is, however, not yet fit
enough to join the West Ham ranks and will not be offered terms until he is
ready to compete for a starting berth. Allardyce said in the Daily Star:
"He's training with us at the moment and hopefully when Carlton gets fit
enough to be part of the squad then we'll talk to him about the contract
situation. "We still have one place available in our squad, with 24 players
currently named, so we still have one place left for somebody. "We have
George McCartney back training with us, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing are
very close to re-joining the team and after the Everton match they will
probably be back in full training. "If Carlton proves that he can be the
player we all know he's capable of being, then hopefully he'll join us as
well."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have responded to the decision to not grant permission for a
judicial review
19.09.2013
West Ham United welcome the decision to not grant permission for a judicial
review into the LLDC's process that awarded the Club the opportunity to make
the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016. Although the application for a
judicial review would not have had any impact on West Ham United's move to
the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always believed the process
was robust, fair and transparent. The Club and other key stakeholders in the
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can now focus fully on progressing their
groundbreaking plans to create a stunning venue of which the whole country
can be proud, alongside a long-lasting and tangible Olympic legacy with a
real community club at its core. West Ham United will continue its
consultation with supporters to ensure the Hammers' new home is the pride of
east London and the envy of the rest of the footballing world.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League
match against Everton
19.09.2013
Sam Allardyce was in good spirits ahead of Saturday's home Barclays Premier
League clash against Everton, as he fielded questions regarding the
challenge that faces his side at the Boleyn Ground. A third clean sheet in
four league games against Southampton last weekend has had the manager
singing the team's defensive praises, but going forward things have been a
little different. After the opening day 2-0 home win over Cardiff City, West
Ham United have failed to find the net in three league matches and Big Sam
is hopeful the team will return to goal scoring form on Saturday afternoon.
Sam, It's been three games since you last scored in the league so is that a
concern for you?
SA: "Yes there's no doubt about it, we've been creating chances but our
quality of finishing has not been good enough. Opportunities have arisen for
us and although we took them very well against Cardiff we've been unable to
take them in the other games and we've ended up drawing two and losing one
because of that. "On the defensive side we've been very good, conceding only
one goal in four Barclays Premier League games provides a great platform to
build on. When you're in possession and you get to the creative side of your
game you've got to take the opportunity when it arises to score a goal and
then that gives you the chance to secure three points. When you score it
obviously relieves the pressure from the defence and at the moment that's a
concern, but hopefully it won't be the case against Everton on Saturday."
Are you expecting a different Everton side now that Roberto Martinez is in
charge?
SA: "The players are more or less the same with a few very good additions to
the squad. Gareth Barry in particular is an outstanding acquisition from
Manchester City and with Romelu Lukaku joining their frontline as well he's
given them some excellent options. They've got a very good variety of
players added to the ones that were already there. "Arouna Kone has been
bought in and they've only really lost Marouane Fellaini so not only is
their starting eleven strong but their whole squad is now very strong. Our
job on Saturday is to make sure we know what we're playing against, they
will try and pass the ball out from the back more than they did under David
Moyes but after that they generally play the same as they did under David.
"They try to exploit the wings with the wide players cutting inside and the
full-backs bombing forward. They try to get into the final third and put you
under pressure with balls into the box for the likes of Nikica Jelavic and
Lukaku to get on the end of. They had a fantastic result against Chelsea
last weekend so we're expecting a tough match on Saturday."
During the transfer window was Lukaku one of the players you tried to sign?
SA: "He was one of our targets, I think we chased him all summer to be
honest. On the final day of the window we unfortunately missed out and
Everton snapped him up. We were told that he was heading back to West Brom
but for whatever reason he ended up going to Everton and we didn't manage to
clinch the deal."
What's the latest news on Andy Carroll's injury?
SA: "Andy's doing fine. He's recovering well now and we've set out a
programme for his recovery which will hopefully not be as long as last time.
We can't put a length of time on how long he'll be out for. We just have to
see how he progresses on a week by week basis. He'll go to Europe for some
one to one treatment which we've identified for him and which will hopefully
speed up his recovery."
Is there any danger that Andy might not play again this year?
SA: "I don't think we can say that at this moment in time. It's a week by
week assessment now guided by the specialists who are in charge of his
recovery."
How is Mladen Petric progressing?
SA: "He's training every day and trying to overcome the fatigue that he's
feeling from the pre-season work that he's doing at the moment. His training
is a lot more physically intense than it would generally be at this time of
the year, which leaves him a little fatigued. "We're finding that his
recovery is becoming quicker and quicker. He's now into the football side as
well as the physical side of the training programme and is coming along very
nicely. "He's enjoying being back at a football club and around a group of
players he can interact with rather than be on his own running around a park
somewhere, or going in a gym like he did before he joined us. We expect him
to make an appearance at some stage during the Cardiff match as he's
progressing well."
Tuesday night will be your 100th game in charge of West Ham. Looking back,
how do you assess your time here?
SA: "I've had a great time. There have been little or no hiccups and our
progress has been exceptional during the time I've been here. I've worked as
hard with the staff as I have with the players to instil a winning mentality
and also make sure we look after ourselves as a squad as we're all in this
together.
"From the backroom staff to the first-team players we've worked hard to
create a great team spirit which will stand us in good stead for the
challenges we face. Overall our progress has been very good and whilst we
targeted tenth place last year, deep down many of us probably thought we
wouldn't have achieved it but we did and now we have to build on that. "For
me it's been very enjoyable and the time has flown by and I hope we can move
on together and better what we achieved last season."
What's the current situation involving Carlton Cole?
SA: "He's training with us at the moment and hopefully when Carlton gets fit
enough to be part of the squad then we'll talk to him about the contract
situation. We still have one place available in our squad, with 24 players
currently named, so we still have one place left for somebody. "We have
George McCartney back training with us, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing are
very close to re-joining the team and after the Everton match they will
probably be back in full training. If Carlton proves that he can be the
player we all know he's capable of being then hopefully he'll join us as
well."
How much has Andy Carroll's absence affected your tactics?
SA: "We always assess the team we're playing against and then we decide on a
style of play which we hope will expose them. We've always exposed
everybody's weaknesses and created chances but our failure has come in
scoring those chances. Unfortunately against Southampton our best chance
fell to James Collins but we had many other chances before that, including
the goal which got ruled out. "People will tell you that it was offside but
when you look at the replay but he wasn't more than an inch offside and 99
times out of 100 the assistant referee wouldn't put his flag up. Kevin Nolan
produced an exquisite finish and that's what we're looking for on a more
consistent basis and unfortunately they ruled it out. "Had we gone in front
it gives us a great chance to go on and win the game. We don't know whether
we would have won the game from there but it gives you that chance and
that's what I'm looking for from the game on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble unfazed by Toffees test
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is determined to get back to winning ways against Everton on
Saturday
19.09.2013
Mark Noble is looking forward to pitting his wits against the likes of
Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley when West Ham United take on Everton on
Saturday. The Toffees added to their midfield talent towards the end of the
transfer window by bringing in Barry from Manchester City and James McCarthy
from Wigan Athletic. They have made an unbeaten start to the campaign and
defeated Chelsea last time out, but Noble insists they will not relish a
trip to east London. "We're looking forward to Everton, it's going to be a
good game," he told West Ham TV. "They're a top side and have just beaten
Chelsea so their confidence is going to be up. West Ham is a tough place to
come and we need to make it that again. "It's the same every week, every
team in the Premier League has top midfield players. It's the best league in
the world and that's why the best players want to play there. "So I don't
worry about it at all, I just enjoy the challenge really. They're playing
differently now under Martinez, who plays similarly to how they did at
Wigan. "We've done our homework on Everton, we know how they play and we're
looking forward to the game."
The Hammers will be looking to get back on track in E13, having suffered a
rare defeat on their own patch to Stoke City in their last home match. "It's
a good chance for us to get back to winning ways at home," Noble added. "Our
last home game wasn't the best and we know we need to put in a good
performance, coming off a good away point at Southampton. "We like playing
at home in front of our fans and hopefully we can get the three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leyton Orient lose Olympic Stadium tenancy review bid
BBC.co.uk
Leyton Orient have lost their bid to win a judicial review into the decision
to grant West Ham the tenancy of the Olympic Stadium. The club argued the
London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) was wrong to award sole use to
the Hammers and wanted to share the venue. Orient said the club felt "a real
sense of injustice" at the decision. But at the High Court, Mr Justice Lewis
said the LLDC was entitled to make the decision which was not "irrational".
'Deeply disappointing'
Leyton Orient had argued they did not want to "disrupt or delay" West Ham's
move. The club said they would now have to "look to the House of Lords" to
find a solution. "Our real concern is the lack of transparency that has been
shown throughout the process by a public body," a club spokesperson said.
"It is deeply disappointing that both the Court and the LLDC have made
decisions based only on financial considerations, when the purpose of the
stadium's legacy was regeneration of the area with a community focus."
Earlier, Adam Lewis QC, representing the club, said: "Leyton Orient does not
suggest that it would be viable as a sole occupant of the stadium. "Nor does
it seek by these proceedings to prevent, disrupt or delay West Ham's move to
the stadium.
'Best deal'
"Rather, Leyton Orient wishes to be allowed back into the procurement
competition... and to be awarded a concession to use the stadium jointly
with West Ham." But lawyers for the corporation said the case was
"unarguable" and "lacked merit". Leyton Orient also claimed their bid for a
ground-share was not considered properly. The LLDC turned that down on cost
grounds, BBC London sports news correspondent Adrian Warner reported. In a
statement the LLDC said: "We welcome the ruling and are pleased that Mr
Justice Lewis agrees that we ran a fair, open and transparent competition to
appoint concessionaires for the stadium. "We believe the agreement we have
with West Ham United Football Club and UK Athletics will deliver a fantastic
sporting and community legacy in east London and represents the best deal
for the taxpayer."
West Ham were named as the preferred bidders to take over the Olympic
Stadium in December. However Orient chairman Barry Hearn has argued the
process was flawed. Mr Hearn has also claimed West Ham moving into the
Olympic Stadium - which is about two miles and one Tube stop away from
Orient's Brisbane Road ground - would affect attendances at Orient games. He
has long argued the effect could be so severe it could put the club,
currently top of League One with seven wins from seven games, out of
business. West Ham, who are expected to move into their new home from August
2016, welcomed the High Court's decision. In a statement they said:
"Although the application for a judicial review would not have had any
impact on West Ham United's move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the
club have always believed the process was robust, fair and transparent."
West Ham said they could now focus on plans to develop the new venue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
End of the road for Hearn
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th September 2013
By: Staff Writer
Leyton Orient's appeal for a judicial review into the decision to award use
of the Olympic Stadium to West Ham United has been rejected by the High
Court this afternoon. Lawyers acting on behalf of Barry Hearn and the League
One club argued that the London Legacy Development Corporation were wrong to
award sole tenancy to West Ham United when they made their historic decision
in December 2012. However their appeal was rejected this afternoon with the
decision announced shortly before 3pm, an hour or so after it had been
expected. The Hammers responded to the news with a brief statement posted on
whufc.com.
"West Ham United welcome the decision not to grant permission for a judicial
review into the LLDC's process that awarded the Club the opportunity to make
the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016," it read. "Although the application
for a judicial review would not have had any impact on West Ham United's
move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always believed the
process was robust, fair and transparent."
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West Ham match day announcer Jeremy Nicholas resigns
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th September 2013
By: Staff Writer
Jeremy Nicholas - who has been the Club's match day announcer for 16 years -
has tendered his resignation after being ordered to take a 60 per cent pay
cut.
Nicholas, who started at West Ham back in 1997 - the same year as KUMB.com
first went online - announced via his website today that he was leaving the
Club after his position was made untenable. "With great sadness, I have
resigned as the stadium announcer at West Ham United after sixteen seasons
on the microphone," he said. "The club asked me to take a 60 per cent cut in
my wages, to less than half of last season's salary. "While I would do
anything to help the team I love, this just wouldn't work for my family and
me at this time. "My wife has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and has been
off-work and housebound for the past eighteen months. I have had to stop my
freelance work as a BBC TV reporter, to stay at home and look after her.
"While it was a tough decision for me to resign from West Ham, I had to put
my family first. Without the TV work my main sources of income are now as a
conference host and an after-dinner speaker. "By committing myself to West
Ham for the lower fee, I would have effectively been making a loss on being
the announcer; because of the twenty days it ruled me out of speaking work."
West Ham are yet to comment on the matter but are understood to be preparing
a statement. Whilst a replacement for Nicholas is yet to be found, the Club
have confirmed to KUMB that they are looking at a number of options ahead of
this weekend's visit fo Everton.
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WEST HAM UNITED ANNOUNCER STATEMENT
http://jeremynicholas.co.uk/dt_portfolio/all-about-jeremy/
With great sadness, I have resigned as the stadium announcer at West Ham
United after sixteen seasons on the microphone. The club asked me to take a
60% cut in my wages, to less than half of last season's salary. It's part of
a review of all match days costs, to cut the club's debt. While I would do
anything to help the team I love, this just wouldn't work for my family and
me at this time. My wife has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and has been
off-work and housebound for the past eighteen months. I have had to stop my
freelance work as a BBC TV reporter, to stay at home and look after her.
While it was a tough decision for me to resign from West Ham, I had to put
my family first. Without the TV work my main sources of income are now as a
conference host and an after-dinner speaker. By committing myself to West
Ham for the lower fee, I would have effectively been making a loss on being
the announcer; because of the twenty days it ruled me out of speaking work.
I understand the decision and realise that we, and I will always think of
the club as 'we', must be struggling with the debt. To put it into
perspective, I have earned less in my sixteen seasons at West Ham, than many
premier league footballers earn in a week. I will always be available to the
club in the future if they need me, but I felt now was the time to step
down. I'd like to thank all the lovely people I've worked with at the club
over the past sixteen years. We are in safe hands with David Gold, David
Sullivan and Karren Brady who have saved our club from financial disaster.
They have had to make some tough decisions. I just wish I hadn't been one of
them.
Most of all I'd like to thank the West Ham fans, who are second to none. If
any West Ham fans have need of a corporate host, media trainer or
after-dinner speaker, now is the time to ask, because the next few months
are going to be tough.
Come on You Irons!
Jeremy Nicholas
Writer and Broadcaster
jem@jeremynicholas.co.uk
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Leyton Orient fail in bid to challenge West Ham's Olympic Stadium tenancy
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 5:03pm
SSN
Leyton Orient have failed with a new legal bid to challenge the Olympic
Stadium tenancy. Orient's lawyers argued in the High Court in London that
the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) tenancy agreement with West
Ham was "entirely flawed". The League One club called for a judicial review
because they were "never properly considered as a co-tenant with Premier
League side West Ham". However, the LLDC argued that some of Orient's points
were "wholly illogical", their case was "devoid of merit" and their Decision
Letter clearly explained the process. Following the hearing, which lasted
over two hours, Mr Justice Lewis refused Orient's application for a judicial
review. Orient previously failed in a written application in April to get a
judicial review. West Ham issued a statement on their website welcoming the
news. It read: "West Ham United welcome the decision to not grant permission
for a judicial review into the LLDC's process that awarded the club the
opportunity to make the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016. "Although the
application for a judicial review would not have had any impact on West Ham
United's move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always
believed the process was robust, fair and transparent. "The club and other
key stakeholders in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can now focus fully on
progressing their ground-breaking plans to create a stunning venue of which
the whole country can be proud, alongside a long-lasting and tangible
Olympic legacy with a real community club at its core.
"West Ham United will continue its consultation with supporters to ensure
the Hammers' new home is the pride of east London and the envy of the rest
of the footballing world."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce reveals he tried to sign Romelu Lukaku this
summer
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: September 19,
2013 4:53pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he tried to sign Romelu Lukaku "all
summer" as the forward prepares to visit Upton Park with Everton. The
Hammers have failed to score in the Premier League since their 2-0 opening
day win over Cardiff and club-record signing Andy Carroll remains sidelined
with a heel problem. Lukaku was brought in by Everton boss Roberto Martinez
on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan from Chelsea after impressing
in a similar spell at West Brom last year. And ahead of their meeting at the
weekend, Allardyce admitted a deal for the Belgium international escaped
from his clutches following a summer-long pursuit. "I chased him all summer
to be honest," said Allardyce. "But when it became the final day of the
deadline we missed out and Everton managed to secure his position. "We were
more or less told he was going back to West Brom. We tried, but didn't
manage to clinch it."
Meanwhile, Allardyce has revealed Mladen Petric is edging closer to making
his debut for the club after recently arriving on a free transfer. Petric
has been pencilled in to face Cardiff in the Capital One Cup next week as
the former Fulham man works on his fitness after missing pre-season
following his exit from Craven Cottage. "Mladen Petric is training every day
and trying to overcome the every day fatigue. He is going through a
pre-season and that leaves you tired," he said. "We're then waiting to find
his recovery is quicker and he's into the football as well as the physical
side. He's enjoying being back with a group of players he can mingle with
rather than being stuck in a park or gym. "We're hoping he can make an
appearance in or around for the Cardiff game [on Tuesday night]."
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Sam Allardyce wants cutting edge at West Ham
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 12:43pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce accepts that his West Ham side have to improve in the final
third if they are to establish a platform for the rest of the season. The
Hammers drew 0-0 at Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, which means
they have not scored in three league games since the opening-day 2-0 win
against Cardiff City. "We're concerned that we haven't scored for a while.
It's not that we're not creating chances, but our quality of finishing has
to improve. We've ended up drawing two and losing one because of that,"
Allardyce told a press conference on Thursday, ahead of the visit of Everton
to Upton Park on Saturday.
"Only conceding one in four games is a great platform but we have to take
our opportunity to score when it comes. "Everton's players are more or less
the same and Roberto has made some very good additions. Barry is an
outstanding signing. "When you look at the squad as a whole, it is very
strong indeed. We expect them to maybe play out of the back a little more.
"But in general, they play the same after that. They try to get into the
final third and get good quality balls into the box. "They had a fantastic
result against Chelsea and we expect a very tough game on Saturday."
Carroll recovering
Allardyce was forced to make-do-and-mend for the visit to St Mary's last
weekend, and there would appear to be little respite on the injury front
this week.
"Andy Carroll is recovering well now. We have a programme set out for his
recovery and it won't be as long as last time," he said. "Let's see where it
is week on week. He will take some time away to have some one-on-one stuff
and hopefully that will speed it up. "We'll expect him (Petric) to be able
to make an appearance against Cardiff. He's coming along fine." "Petric is
training every day and trying to overcome the fatigue he's feeling. He's
going through pre-season work, which is more intense physically than general
training. "His recovery is getting quicker and he's coming along. He's
enjoying being back in with a group. We'll expect him to be able to make an
appearance against Cardiff (in the Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday). He's
coming along fine. "George McCartney is back training with us and we're very
close to Joe Cole and Stewart Downing being back too, probably after this
match."
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Jordan Spence happy to extend his current deal at Sheffield Wednesday
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 4:09pm
SSN
Jordan Spence would be happy to extend his current loan spell at Sheffield
Wednesday. The former England Under-21 international defender, who has
played the full 90 minutes in the Owls' last two matches since arriving for
an initial month from West Ham, is grateful to be playing first-team
football. "I've enjoyed it very much so far, the boys here are a really good
bunch and they've made it as easy as it can be to come to a different city
and quickly settle in," Spence said.
"I jumped at the chance to come up here because I'm at an age now where I
need to be playing regularly - I want to go out and show how good a
footballer I am. "The only way to do that is on a stage where you play week
in, week out and while I'll always look for West Ham's results - I've been
there since I was 15 - I'm at Sheffield Wednesday at this moment in time and
hopefully I can make them a better football team. "I've not thought too much
about beyond my original loan spell. I'm just focussing on the games ahead,
but if I was given the chance of staying longer, I'd be happy to do so. "If
you play well in this game everything else looks after itself and that's
what I'm looking to do. "I want to play in the Premier League. Every
footballer does. You want to play at the highest level, but in order to
achieve that I need to play more first-team football and prove myself."
Spence is expected to resume in manager Dave Jones' starting line-up at
Birmingham on Saturday when the Owls will be chasing their first league win
of the season.
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WHERE WILL THE NEXT HOMEGROWN STAR COME FROM?
By ExWHUemployee 19 Sep 2013 at 20:00
West Ham Till I Die
During recent seasons we have seen a lack of players break into the team
from the youth set up. Many have questioned the reasons behind this. The
academy was awarded level 1 status and of course still has the legend of
Tony Carr working behind the scenes to attract and nurture the best talents
although sadly and tragically no longer supported by the talent spotter
extraordinaire Jimmy Hampson. So why is it that we haven't really seen any
youth player establish themselves in the squad in recent years? The last two
squad players to establish themselves from our youth team are Tomkins and
Collison, although the later only joined the youth team aged 17, when
Cambridge United's youth team were abolished due to their financial
difficulties.
People have put it down to Big Sam's reluctance to play young players, a
feeling that was especially noticeable when Robert Hall was allowed to
leave. During the previous season, when questioned, David Gold on his
twitter account stated that Hall was the biggest talent we had at the club.
So why did he leave? I was very reliably informed that after his loan spell
at Birmingham, Robert had developed an overly confident approach to his
football and had insisted on a significantly high wage package for a player
who had figured once in the premier league for us and had made demands for
promises of first team involvement. It was felt he had the wrong attitude to
make it at our level and that it was best that he did leave.
It would be fair to say that he hasn't exactly started his Bolton career all
guns blazing. In fact when you look at the youth players who have all left
under Sam's management: Sears, Hines, Stanislas, and Stech, for example,
none of them have gone on to great things, or even semi good things! I
believe if they are good enough then Sam will play them as has been proven
by Ravel Morrison's introduction to the side this year.
Questions have been asked whether there is any top English talent out there.
You only have to look at the last England squad and see how few have come
directly from the big clubs youth academies, most have been bought from
other much smaller clubs. Some examples are Joe Hart-Shrewsbury Town, Chris
Smalling-Maidstone United, Phil Jagielka-Sheffield United, Leighton
Baines-Wigan, Kyle Walker-Sheffield United, and Ashley Young-Watford. So
perhaps English talent really isn't out there?
There have been some players from our academy who have featured in the past.
George Moncur was one of the most highly rated players a year or so ago and
who is very much in the mode of his father, although he hasn't featured as
much as he would have liked. Seb Lletget is another skillful midfielder,
from the USA, who impressed massively in the Colchester pre-season game but
unfortunately didn't quite have the same impact in the other games, although
someone who I do believe will make it in the game soon. We have seen Dan
Potts who has impressed in a few games now and perhaps in the long term will
establish himself as the clubs first choice left back. Leo Chambers featured
against Cheltenham and had it not been for the outstanding display of Ravel
Morrison I think more would have been said about his solid debut. Leo is a
centre back who has been converted to a right back (Glen Johnson did
similar) who has pace and an excellent work rate who we may see again in the
next round.
I do think that a few of these players need another loan spell at a
championship club, perhaps before they are ready because this has had many
positive impacts in the past with players such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank
Lampard, Glen Johnson, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Mark Noble have
all benefited massively from such deals in the past.
Those of you who follow me on twitter will know that I have a keen interest
in the youth academy and that I have tweeted about players from it and
written about them in my other column. I will now share some of the players
who I believe are worth keeping an eye out for with the hope that some of
them break into the first team in a few years.
Rio in loan action
One of the most highly rated players in our academy is Sam Howes, a player
who the club are very keen to protect and keep admirers away from. Sam, who
is a 15 year old goalkeeper, has already played for West Ham under 18s and
England under 16s. Despite our great academy it is very rare that top
goalkeepers come along but in this case the club believe they have a hugely
talented keeper on the books. He has regularly played above his age group
and is currently regularly doing so. He had originally been with Crystal
Palace youth team and has currently been with us for the last 5 years. He
has the potential to go all the way and of course, as a goalkeeper time is
certainly on his side. I have met him a couple of times and he is a good lad
who is dedicated and had a wise head on his shoulders. The only downside is
that he is a Chelsea fan!
Another player with a chance is Joe Powell. Some people would have probably
heard of Joe's older brother Jack who was in our academy for 10 years, and
was offered a pro deal but ended up being released at the end of last
season. Jack had trials with Charlton, Scunthorpe and one other lower league
club which didn't amount to anything. His luck turned when Chelsea, who he
had scored a great goal against for us, offered him a trial and he featured
in a number of their academy games and preseason matches, Well Joe is even
more highly rated than Jack. He has been a real star for the under 15s. It
was said that Joe and Jack's dad was unhappy with how Jack was treated and
he was going to potentially move Joe to another club with the likes of
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Norwich said to be interested. A move to Chelsea
was looking on the cards at one point, he hasn't featured for us this year
either, so I hope that we have been able to persuade him to stay.
Another youngster worth keeping an eye out for is Matt Carter - a
15-year-old central midfielder who has attracted attention from some of the
big Premier League clubs. He has a very good engine and last season broke
the SPARQ (Speed Power Agility Reaction Quickness) record for Premier League
under 15s. As is shown by his success in the SPARQ tests he has a lot to
offer physically and is also very technically gifted. Of course we will not
see him this year but he is worth tracking in the under 18s games.
Kieran Bywater, no relation to Stephen, is another player who has played
above his age for the development squad. He has captained many of the youth
teams and is looking to make the break through to the first team within the
next few years having turned 18 on Saturday 7th September 2013. Kieran who
is from Cambridgeshire has a great attitude and will make it in the game. I
hope he makes his mark with us, but we shall see.
Jordan Brown was recently signed from the Arsenal academy, as he felt he had
more chance of making it at West Ham than at our North London rivals. He is
an England under 16 forward who was regularly scoring for Arsenal and he has
carried this on with us. He is someone I have personally seen play a couple
of times before joining us and he really has an eye for a goal. Another
England Under 16 international who we have in our ranks is Josh Cullen who
is an exciting midfielder. Other who have a lot of potential are Lewis Page
a defender, Kyle Knoyle a right back and Alex Pike.
On my twitter account this week I have been talking about Gabriel Fernando
being on a six week trial with the club. He is a young South American
midfielder who was at Manchester City's academy before deciding his future
lay elsewhere. Manchester United had been close to signing him but he has
chosen to trial for us and by looking at his twitter profile he appears to
be close mates with Ravel Morrison. In a 0-0 friendly against Spurs at Rush
Green on Monday, Gabriel was said to have played ok and hit the bar with a
chip. He arrives with good positive reviews from his time at City so
hopefully if he signs he is another that could be pushing for the first
team.
I hope that at least two of these players will go on to play for the first
team at some point and maybe the academy will have a resurgence again. No
pressure then!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LEYTON ORIENT'S JUDICIAL REVIEW EXPLAINED
By Sean Whetstone 19 Sep 2013 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Today Barry Hearn and Leyton Orient will be returning to the High Court to
seek a Judicial Review of the LLDC tender process for the Olympic stadium.
It is the second time that Orient have been involved in judicial review
proceedings in relation to the Olympic Stadium. Their first legal challenge
in 2011 initiated a series of events which ultimately led to the process
being abandoned, and a new tender process commencing. The new judicial
review application is a claim relating to that new bid process. In April
this year Leyton Orient submitted a written application for a judicial
review to the high court into the bid process but was rejected. This time
Barry hopes a oral hearing debating the issues surrounding the Stadium will
allow the review to be granted
The Background to the challenge
All bidders were required to consent to 'teaming' when submitting their bids
as the LLDC planned to team as many bidders as the event calendars would
allow. The purpose of this requirement was to ensure maximum use of the
stadium and return to the tax payer.
West Ham agreed to this teaming clause in their bid.
Leyton Orient claim that the LLDC's decision has left West Ham as the only
potential tenant and should of considered teaming with Leyton Orient.
What is a Judicial Review?
A Judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the
lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body.
In other words, judicial reviews are a challenge to the way in which a
decision has been made, rather than the rights and wrongs of the conclusion
reached.
It is not concerned with the conclusions of that process and whether those
were 'right', as long as the right procedures have been followed. The court
will not substitute what it thinks is the 'correct' decision.
This may mean that the public body will be able to make the same decision
again, so long as it does so in a lawful way.
So the judge could make the LLDC review its decision process again but it
cannot force the LLDC to make West Ham and Leyton Orient share the stadium.
I have no problem with Leyton Orient as a club and even less problem with
the Leyton Orient fans who support their local team through thick and thin
but I do have a problem with Barry Hearn. He is like a bad loser who refuses
to give in gracefully. I also think it is insulting to suggest Orient fans
will switch alliances to West Ham just because we move into the Olympic
stadium.
My own personal view is this latest attempt for a judicial review will also
be rejected as was the case with the written submission in April but I am
sure that is not the last we have heard of Barry.
In what appears to be separate orchestrated campaign, a group of Leyton
Orient fans have launched their own bid to prevent West Ham moving into the
Olympic Stadium.
The supporters make the claim the move breaks league rules blocking one club
moving too close to another. They have contacted football clubs up and down
the country in an attempt to get as many supporters as possible behind a
campaign.
They have created an online petition which has been signed by over 500
people.
Their Group leader, Mat Roper, an Orient fan for 35 years, says: "We want to
highlight how unfair this whole affair is"
I understand that Matt Roper is the brother of Daniel Roper who is the
official Leyton Orient club mascot but I am sure that is just a coincidence.
4pm UPDATE
Leyton Orient lose right to Judicial review.
At the High Court, Mr Justice Lewis said the LLDC was entitled to make the
decision which was not "irrational".
LLDC statement said: "We welcome the ruling and are pleased that Mr Justice
Lewis agrees that we ran a fair, open and transparent competition to appoint
concessionaires for the stadium.We believe the agreement we have with West
Ham United Football Club and UK Athletics will deliver a fantastic sporting
and community legacy in east London and represents the best deal for the
taxpayer."
WHUFC.com Statement said "West Ham United welcome the decision to not grant
permission for a judicial review into the LLDC's process that awarded the
Club the opportunity to make the Olympic Stadium its home in 2016.Although
the application for a judicial review would not have had any impact on West
Ham United's move to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Club have always
believed the process was robust, fair and transparent. The Club and other
key stakeholders in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can now focus fully on
progressing their groundbreaking plans to create a stunning venue of which
the whole country can be proud, alongside a long-lasting and tangible
Olympic legacy with a real community club at its core."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole must prove fitness before landing West Ham deal
Last Updated: September 19, 2013 10:07pm
SSN
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce remains keen on re-signing Carlton Cole,
but says the striker must first prove his fitness. The 29-year-old, who saw
his previous contract at Upton Park expire at the end of last season, has
spent time training with the Hammers. Allardyce has expressed a desire to
bring the England international back on board, as he remains light in the
striking department. Attempts to bring the likes of Romelu Lukaku and
Nicklas Bendtner into the club failed on transfer deadline day, meaning free
agents are now the only available option. Cole is, however, not yet fit
enough to join the West Ham ranks and will not be offered terms until he is
ready to compete for a starting berth. Allardyce said in the Daily Star:
"He's training with us at the moment and hopefully when Carlton gets fit
enough to be part of the squad then we'll talk to him about the contract
situation. "We still have one place available in our squad, with 24 players
currently named, so we still have one place left for somebody. "We have
George McCartney back training with us, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing are
very close to re-joining the team and after the Everton match they will
probably be back in full training. "If Carlton proves that he can be the
player we all know he's capable of being, then hopefully he'll join us as
well."
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