Cole focused on Hammers revival
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Joe Cole has his eyes solely on improving his
side's fortunes
27.11.2013
Joe Cole has reiterated that his focus remains on helping West Ham United
emerge from their difficult start to the campaign. The Hammers take on
Fulham on Saturday, with Cole and his teammates determined to begin a climb
up the Barclays Premier League table. The midfielder has overcome a
hamstring injury sustained in the first month of the campaign to make seven
Barclays Premier League appearances, and is hoping to add to that tally in a
winning effort against the Cottagers. He said: "I was as frustrated as
anyone after Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment is
on getting my head down, working hard and helping the team get out of the
difficult run we're going through at the moment. "As I said in the press at
the weekend, I'm really enjoying being back at West Ham United as it's a
Club that means so much to me. As a squad we've still got a lot to play for
this season and I'm determined to play my part in making sure we achieve the
goals we set ourselves. I'm happy at the Club and the only way I'll be
leaving is if they tell me they don't want me anymore. "The manager has been
great to me since I came back and supported me while I was out with a couple
of frustrating injuries. I now feel fully fit and I'm ready to help him and
the squad whenever I'm needed during a busy schedule in the coming weeks.
"We face a really important game against Fulham at Saturday and I have seen
from training this week how much the lads want to win it. If we can get the
three points that gives us the perfect platform to go into the away game at
Crystal Palace three days later and get a little run going. "I know the fans
will get behind us on Saturday and hopefully we can give them what they all
want to see. They're up there with the best in the land when they're on
song, so it's up to us to give them something cheer about."
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Olympic Stadium work begins
WHUFC.com
The next step in the conversion of West Ham United's new home at the Olympic
Stadium has begun
27.11.2013
West Ham United are celebrating another landmark step en route to the
Olympic Stadium, with preparations underway to facilitate the venue's
magnificent new roof. With the stunning conversion of the iconic arena
moving on apace, the first of 14 floodlight panels were taken down on Monday
evening, a moment captured in the photos below. Construction of the new
roof, twice the size of the original, is set to commence next spring. This
is but one of a series of fundamental changes that are to be implemented
prior to 2016, transforming a world-class athletics arena into a
state-of-the-art, UEFA Category four football Stadium. Vice-Chairman Karren
Brady explained: "The roof is a truly phenomenal design that will enhance
the iconic status of this sporting arena and help to lock in the
world-famous atmosphere that our supporters create when we play at home."
Meanwhile, following last week's visit to the world-renowned venue, Joe Cole
said: "It's a lovely Stadium, with it being an Olympic Stadium that gives it
an extra little bit. It's exciting, it's exciting for the Club and an
exciting start to a new era. "I think the atmosphere is going to be great.
It's not just the Stadium, it's the area around it. All the transport links
and all the things to do in and around here after the game. It's going to be
a great day out for the fans."
Measuring 84 metres at its deepest point, the world's longest cantilevered
roof will cover every single seat, thereby locking in the world-famous
atmosphere that West Ham have long been known to create. Additionally,
floodlights suitable for a football stadium will become a fully integrated
feature of the new roof, incorporating the existing lighting system. The new
floodlights will retain the look of the iconic triangular design made famous
during the 2012 Olympic Games.
While the roof will augment the acoustics and protect spectators from the
elements, the innovative seating solution allows intimate pitch-side views,
as well as the retention of a running track to honour the nation's Olympic
legacy pledge.
Work to construct the 45,000sq metres roof is set to be completed by spring
2015, prior to the fit-out of concessions, toilets, turnstiles and
hospitality areas.
The Olympic Stadium will firstly play host to five 2015 Rugby World Cup
matches, before becoming the Hammers' permanent home the following summer.
In the interim, a bespoke Ticket Office and Club Store are to be
constructed, while the most important items from our current home will make
the short journey with us to help fans, players and staff to settle in as
quickly as possible.
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'We'll keep our heads up'
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga says West Ham United are steeling themselves for two crucial
Premier League outings
27.11.2013
Modibo Maiga expects West Ham United's Barclays Premier League fortunes to
take an upward turn in the next week, with clashes against Fulham and
Crystal Palace coming sharply into focus. The Mali frontman entered the
fray shortly before half-time against Chelsea on Saturday, as he and Mohamed
Diame were tasked with plotting the Hammers' route back into the contest.
While there was to be no revival, Maiga at least proved a handful for the
Blues, twice going close to reducing the hosts' arrears. Saturday's
disappointment aside, Maiga is adamant his team-mates will stay positive in
the lead-up to two key fixtures.
"We'll keep working and keep our heads up. We've got good players and we've
got all that you need [to succeed] here. We'll be OK, it's going to come
next time," he told West Ham TV: "Chelsea was a very tough game,
particularly after the first 20 or so minutes. The penalty came out of
nothing, which gave them a confidence boost. "It wasn't just the penalty,
because when you look at the game as a whole, they were able to play, to
dominate possession. Anyhow, it's happened like that, which is obviously a
great shame for us."
"Even so, we were up against a big club and a great team. We'll get straight
back to work and we'll be alright. There are still plenty of games to come."
Maiga's surprise introduction after just 40 minutes might not, ultimately,
have had the desired effect, but it still prompted a much-improved
second-half display. The No11, however, struggled to glean any satisfaction
from a display that yielded neither points nor goals. The 26-year-old is
still to score this season and went desperately close to opening his
account, as he flashed Guy Demel's 64th-minute centre inches wide of the
post. He continued: "For sure, it was a really good chance. I don't know
why [I've missed]. I thought it was going in, but obviously it's slipped
just wide. That's how it goes sometimes and I'm not going to get too down
about it. There will be other chances and some will go in and some won't.
"When you come on like that, you immediately want to give everything to try
and help the team. I've helped a little bit but that's obviously not proved
enough. "With the two goals before the 40th minute, it was a bit difficult.
We gave our all but we've not got the result on Saturday and at the moment
it's all about results."
No more so than this weekend, when the Hammers entertain 18th-placed Fulham.
Maiga was not about to downplay its significance and insists Sam Allardyce's
men will do all they can to be in tip-top shape for the challenge.
"Absolutely, Fulham's going to be a pivotal match for us," he confirmed.
"For the next two games, we have to gather ourselves and we'll be bang up
for it to win them both. "Particularly, first up against Fulham, which is
going to be crucial for us. We'll be giving everything to get back to
winning ways. We've got a week and we'll prepare right, peacefully and
calmly and hopefully it's going to go well."
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Joe Cole quashes reports that he is set to leave West Ham
Last Updated: November 27, 2013 8:54pm
SSN
Joe Cole says he has no intention of leaving West Ham in January. The former
England midfielder has been linked with a move away from Upton Park after he
was substituted before half-time during the Hammers' 3-0 loss to Chelsea
last Saturday. However, the 32-year-old rubbished claims that he is unhappy
at West Ham, and under boss Sam Allardyce. Cole said: "I was as frustrated
as anyone after Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment
is on getting my head down, working hard and helping the team out of the
difficult run we're going through at the moment. "I'm really enjoying being
back at West Ham as it's a club that means so much to me. "As a squad we've
still got a lot to play for this season and I'm determined to play my part
in making sure we achieve the goals we set ourselves. "I'm happy at the club
and the only way I'll be leaving is if they tell me they don't want me
anymore."
Player Profile
Joe Cole
Appearances 5 (3)
Goals 1
Assists 0
Yellows 1
Reds 0
Cole says West Ham are desperate to atone for the home defeat to Chelsea and
plan on returning to winning ways against Fulham on Saturday. "The manager
has been great to me since I came back and supported me while I was out with
a couple of frustrating injuries," he said. "I now feel fully fit and I'm
ready to help him and the squad whenever I'm needed during a busy schedule
in the coming weeks. "We face a really important game against Fulham on
Saturday and I have seen from training this week how much the lads want to
win it. If we can get the three points that gives us the perfect platform to
go into the away game at Crystal Palace three days later and get a little
run going. "I know the fans will get behind us on Saturday and hopefully we
can give them what they all want to see. They're up there with the best in
the land when they're on song, so it's up to us to give them something cheer
about."
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THE BARRY HEARN INTERVIEW PART 1
By Sean Whetstone 27 Nov 2013 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
On Monday I received an Email from Barry Hearn saying "I read your last
piece on Leyton Orient which frankly I found a bit inaccurate. I think it
would be fun for you and I to get together for a question and answer piece,
so at least the West Ham fans can have the truth from our side."
The article he was referring to was 'the Double Standards of Barry Hearn'
article which can be found HERE
I took Barry up on his offer and on Tuesday afternoon I interviewed him for
75 minutes in his Match Room Sports offices in Brentwood, Essex. There is
too much material for one post so I will cover the interview in a number of
articles covering his Olympic Stadium challenge, the absurd '750 yards from
Leyton Orient' claim and whether he loves Spurs. In this article I will
cover what Barry has to say about his deal to buy Brisbane Road, the money
he made from selling the four corners, the ownership of the stadium and
whether he believes Leyton Orient received state aid.
I started with the simple question "Are you going to European Union to
complain about State aid for West Ham?"
Barry answered "No! I don't want to do it, I don't want to do it, the only
way I would do it is if I got into a vindictive mode and I'd lost anything
and I had nothing to lose"
I probed further asking "What conditions would you go to the European Union
to complain about state aid?"
"That's a really tough question to answer because I am not sure I can gain
anything, it is tough because I am trying to be truthful. I am using the
threat of Europe as a tactical manoeuvre at the moment but I want to be
taken seriously"
Barry said he talked to European lawyers last week and their advice is he
has a good chance of winning in Brussels.
He also had a meeting with Margaret Hodge Chairman of the powerful House of
Commons Public Accounts Committee last Thursday. He claims Margaret said to
him "We don't want this to go to Europe do we Barry?" This is a new twist as
he appears to be lobbying the House of Commons select committee which
overseas value for money for tax payers to look into our deal.
It is obvious Barry considers the threat of a European investigation as his
ultimate weapon of mass destruction, but like all nuclear weapons it might
be a case mutually assured destruction for many in football.
Providing me more details of how he acquired Brisbane Road stadium which I
still claim could equally to open of claims of state aid he proudly
explained he got 'the deal of the century' when Waltham Forest Council sold
him Brisbane Road Stadium for £350,000 after he threatened to leave the area
because Leyton Orient were losing so much money. Barry added "I couldn't
believe they sold it so cheaply, unbelievable price. I gave them a cheque
the same day."
He confirmed he does pay £1 a year for ground rent but says that is
immaterial as he has a 999 year lease so it is just a pepper corn rent and
claims he effectively owns the freehold of the land. I challenged him on
this to say if he effectively owned the freehold why did he have to go back
to Waltham Forest council to seek a variation in his lease and why did he
give the council a million pounds when he sold the four corners to property
developers in a deal worth £7.5M?
In a classic Barry Hearn answer said "I gave them a million pounds because I
felt guilty, I didn't have to give them anything" but he admitted the
council saw things differently.
He also confirmed his company Match Room Sports purchased the Brisbane Road
stadium for £6m in 2009 and now offers a 20 lease year back to Leyton Orient
with rent reviews every 5 years. He says the whole Brisbane Road area is
zoned for residential planning which could fetch significant value if
redeveloped but claimed he is only interested in getting his £6m back and
any excess profit would be ploughed back into Leyton Orient if he became a
tenant of the Olympic Stadium.
I am grateful to Barry for clearing things up but we disagree on the
difference of how his deal with Waltham Forest, West Ham's deal with the
LLDC or Spurs £41m deal with Haringey which the Guardian covered HERE last
month is any different!
If one is classed as state aid they all should in my opinion and Manchester
City's use of the Ethiad stadium now I come to think about it.
Further from the Barry Hearn interview soon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole rubbishes West Ham transfer talk and sounds warning to Fulham
27 Nov 2013 22:29
The Mirror
Joe Cole claims West Ham are desperate to put their Chelsea misery behind
them – and take out their frustration on Fulham. The struggling Hammers
barely put up a fight last weekend in a 3-0 home defeat by Jose Mourinho's
side. But former England star Cole said: "We face a really important game
against Fulham on Saturday and I have seen from training this week how much
the lads want to win it. "If we can get the three points that gives us the
perfect platform to go into the away game at Crystal Palace three days later
and get a little run going. "I know the fans will get behind us on Saturday
and hopefully we can give them what they all want to see. "They're up there
with the best in the land when they're on song, so it's up to us to give
them something cheer about."
Cole also quashed reports he will leave West Ham in January. The former
England midfielder admitted he was frustrated to be hauled off before
half-time in West Ham's comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday .
But the 32-year-old rubbished suggestions he is unsettled at the Hammers,
and under boss Sam Allardyce. "I was as frustrated as anyone after
Saturday's game with Chelsea but my only focus at the moment is on getting
my head down, working hard and helping the team out of the difficult run
we're going through at the moment," he told West Ham's official club
website. "I'm really enjoying being back at West Ham as it's a club that
means so much to me. "As a squad we've still got a lot to play for this
season and I'm determined to play my part in making sure we achieve the
goals we set ourselves. "I'm happy at the club and the only way I'll be
leaving is if they tell me they don't want me anymore."
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Chelsea Pair Among 20 Man West Ham Striker Shopping List
by The Newshound November 28th, 2013
CaughtOffside.com
West Ham's continued quest to bring in much needed striking reinforcements
has apparently seen Sam Allardyce draw up a 20 man shopping list according
to the Daily Mirror. The East London side have managed just nine goals in 12
Premier League fixtures and with Andy Carroll still out injured there is
certainly a need to bring in a player who can offer the Hammers the much
needed goals they need to steer clear of the drop zone. Among those on the
West Ham radar are Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor and Lyon striker Bafetimbi
Gomis as well as Chelsea's Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku, who may well be a
longer term target as the Belgian is currently on a season long loan spell
at Everton. West Ham come up against relegation threatened Fulham, Crystal
Palace and Sunderland in the next few weeks and Allardyce will have to hope
that the players he currently has in his armoury will be able to collect
some much needed points.
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Wednesday, November 27
Daily WHUFC News - 27th November 2013
Date set for Youth Cup clash
WHUFC.com
The Hammers' Academy side will take on Accrington Stanley in early December
26.11.2013
West Ham United U18s will travel to Accrington Stanley for their FA Youth
Cup third round tie on Tuesday 10 December. The game, which is to be played
at Accrington's Storefirst Stadium, will kick-off at 7pm as Steve Potts'
side look to take their impressive league form into the cup competition.
Accrington have already had to battle through two rounds to get to this
stage of the competition. In the first round they defeated fellow Football
League outfit Carlisle United 3-1, before seeing off non-league Ilkeston
Town by a solitary goal in Round Two. This is the first time in Accrington's
history that they have made the third round of the FA Youth Cup and they
will go into the tie in good form, having not lost in their last five
outings. The Hammers made it to the fourth round last year, defeating
Aldershot Town in Round Three before coming unstuck against Tottenham
Hotspur.
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Noble baffled by Hammers form
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is sure the Hammers' woes will soon ease if they cut out the
errors
26.11.2013
Mark Noble is baffled by West Ham United's current ability to kick
themselves in the teeth after they gave Chelsea a helping hand on their way
to a 3-0 victory on Saturday. For the second game in a row the Hammers
conceded a penalty - the third Barclays Premier League spot-kick they have
given away in 2013/14 - and Noble says the mistakes have to end. West Ham
face Fulham and Crystal Palace in two crucial London derbies over the next
week, with the Hammers desperate to emerge from their recent slump. The
No16, who completed the most passes on either side against the Blues, said:
"I just can't believe the way it's going at the minute. We were holding
Chelsea OK and then we give away another unbelievable goal. "After the way
the things have been going this season, giving penalties away and the
opposition scoring from free-kicks, this was another kick in the nether
regions. "The next two games, against Fulham and Crystal Palace, are vital
for us now and we have to stand up and be counted. They will be tough but
I'm looking forward to them. "It's up to Gaffer what he does [in terms of
formation]. In the second half on Saturday we had more of a focal point and
it seemed to work a bit better but Chelsea were 2-0 up by then and probably
took their foot off the gas a little."
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Lee family unite for Movember
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee, father Rob and brother Olly are all growing facial hair for a
good cause this month
26.11.2013
A famous football family have united in the battle against prostate cancer
by supporting Movember. West Ham United striker Elliot Lee, along with his
father Rob and older brother Olly - both former Hammers themselves - are all
sporting extra facial hair during November to promote a cause close to their
hearts.
Rob, who also played for Charlton Athletic, Newcastle United, Derby County
and England, was inspired to grow a Mo after father Reg had surgery to
combat the disease a year ago. Reg, 72, had his prostate removed and is now
on the road to recovery. The trio got together last Sunday at the family
home in Hornchurch to compare facial hair, as well as highlighting the
important message of prostate cancer. Just 18, Elliot has been able to grow
a moustache from a young age, and admitted his goatee has caused some
amusement in the Lee household. "I've always grown more facial hair than
Olly so there's always a bit of banter going on there," said the forward,
who returned to the Club this week following a loan spell with Colchester
United. "He gets a bit jealous, while dad's looks black and white! "It's a
unique and light-hearted way to promote a great cause - and hopefully raise
money as well. It was a shock to find out about my granddad but it's great
seeing he is fine now. A lot of credit has to go to Movember and Prostate
Cancer UK as well. They do a great job of raising awareness."
Director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, Mark Bishop, praised the Lee
family for their support for the charity, saying: "It's great that Movember
are supporting the work of Prostate Cancer UK. Footballers sporting
moustaches are now commonplace during the month and supporters up and down
the country will be able to watch their heroes visibly getting behind the
fight to promote men's health issues. "Prostate cancer kills one man every
hour in the UK with one in eight men likely to be diagnosed with the disease
at some point in their lifetime and the disease has affected the Lee family.
It's great they are involved in promoting awareness, and we want to be there
for all men."
With prostate cancer killing one man every hour, Movember aims to put the
spotlight on the disease and encourage men everywhere to wise up and take
action. To register for Prostate Cancer UK's regular football newsletter
packed full of all the latest Men United news and features, visit
ww.prostatecanceruk.org/football If you have concerns about prostate cancer,
please call Prostate Cancer UK's confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or
visit www.prostatecanceruk.org. The helpline is free to landlines, staffed
by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late
opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.
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'We all follow the West Ham'
WHUFC.com
The Lanzarote Hammers are supporting West Ham United from the Canary Islands
26.11.2013
West Ham United are known around the world and have their biggest
international fan bases in places like United States of America, Australia
and across Asia.
In a small, enclosed part of the Puerto del Carmen old town and harbour on
the lovely island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is a homely, welcoming
sports bar called The Inn Place, which is home to the Lanzarote Hammers. The
man behind the Lanzarote Hammers is former London city worker Rob Shard and
his family, who started up their own sports bar when the pub they used to
watch the Hammers in closed down. "My sister and I are both mad Hammers
fans," said Shard. "When we first moved out to Lanzarote, we searched out
for a bar where they showed the West Ham games live. We found a place and it
quickly became our regular local. There we met many fellow West Ham fans
that lived out here too and before long, we all became friends.
"Unfortunately, that bar closed down. However, it wasn't long before we
opened our own bar and all our fellow West Ham friends started coming down
to watch the Hammers at The Inn Place."
Starting up a new business can be difficult in a country with a low economic
climate, but for Rob and his sister Jo, it was made easier having a loyal
group of customers who shared a common interest in football and in
particular, West Ham. "Jo had worked in bars since her arrival on Lanzarote
and realised the fun you could have working a bar here. The atmosphere was
completely different to pubs in the UK. "After working extremely hard for
other people for five years and building a loyal base of holiday makers who
would come back and see her time after time, year after year, she decided
she wanted to own a bar and reap the rewards of all her hard work herself.
"We have many friends who live in Lanzarote who come to the bar to watch
their teams. We get a lot of Everton, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea
friends in particular who always watch their teams games in the bar. "All
these people have brought their friends who are on holiday into the bar on
match days too and these people, combined with holiday makers who would come
in as well, soon led to us having a reputation for showing all the live
football in a great friendly atmosphere. "We get called the West Ham bar in
Lanzarote because of my sister and I primarily but also because of all the
other West Ham fans who live here and come to watch the games in the bar.
"People sometimes come in just to watch my sister go through the agony and
ecstasy of a game. Lets just say that she is very expressive and passionate
about West Ham!"
The pub has now been running successfully for the past seven years, with
supporters from all clubs filling every inch of space of the walls and
ceiling with sporting memorabilia, including framed Hammers merchandise.
"The vast amount of memorabilia in the bar has been given to us by our
customers and friends. When we opened the bar we had a few West Ham shirts
and scarves of our own. "What happens is when a person comes into the bar,
they see the memorabilia we have and say to us about the teams we haven't
got on display and would we like a shirt or scarf? Yes please! "We were
showing the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final between Carlisle and Southampton.
We had a group of Carlisle fans that came in for the game and they left us a
flag that they all signed and a Carlisle shirt. We had loads of pictures
taken with them and all the bars memorabilia. "Another time, a man had a
Liverpool Champions League Final winners picture framed and left it with us
for safe keeping on the proviso that if he ever had a baby boy, he'd like it
back. "We are grateful for all the merchandise that is left with us, but as
Hammers fans, it's nice to be given another Hammers shirt or scarf to show
where our loyalties stand. "All our memorabilia is pretty much an extension
of the bar's customers. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be the bar we are
today."
*Are you an overseas-based West Ham United supporter or supporters' group?
If so, please email programme@westhamunited.co.uk with your details to
arrange an interview.
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West Ham midfielder Mark Noble ready for two vital Premier League games
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 4:38pm
SSN
Mark Noble has called on West Ham United to 'stand up and be counted' ahead
of two 'vital' games in the Premier League. West Ham have won just once in
the league since the opening day of the season and were comfortably beaten
3-0 at home by Chelsea at the weekend. That result left Sam Allardyce's side
outside the relegation zone on goal difference and West Ham's next game is
at home to 18th-placed Fulham. The Hammers then travel to 19th-placed
Crystal Palace and Noble is looking forward to facing two teams who are also
fighting at the wrong end of the table. The midfielder is also waiting to
see if Allardyce continues with the 4-6-0 formation that has been used in
recent weeks after striker Modibo Maiga was brought on as a substitute just
before half-time against Chelsea. "It's up to gaffer what he does, but in
the second half we had more of a focal point and it looked a bit more
balanced," said Noble in the Evening Standard about whether a striker will
start against Fulham. "It seemed to work a bit better but Chelsea were 2-0
up by then and probably took their foot off the gas a little. "I just can't
believe the way it's going at the minute. We were holding Chelsea OK and
then we give away another unbelievable goal. "After the way things have been
going this season, giving penalties away and the opposition scoring from
free-kicks, this was another kick in the nether regions. "The next two
games, against Fulham and Crystal Palace, are vital for us now and we have
to stand up and be counted. They will be tough but I'm looking forward to
them."
West Ham have scored just five goals in six home games this season and
full-back Joey O'Brien acknowledged their form at Upton Park is a worry.
O'Brien told the club's official website: "The home form is a concern for
us, particularly not scoring goals. That's the main issue, and the next two
games are massive. "We find ourselves in a fight and we need six points.
Both ourselves and Fulham are in need of the three points next week and
we'll be doing our best for them."
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Derry eying Moncur deal
Last Updated: November 26, 2013 1:29pm
SSN
Notts County boss Shaun Derry is considering a loan move for West Ham
youngster George Moncur. The 20-year-old midfielder, the son of former
Hammers star John Moncur, has yet to make an appearance for Sam Allardyce's
side this season but enjoyed a successful spell on loan with AFC Wimbledon
last term.
Derry told the Nottingham Post: "George is somebody I played against when I
was at QPR against the West Ham under-21s and he made a big impact on me
that day. "I was in direct combat with him and he's one I wanted to have a
look at. He's a fiery young lad and he's had a good upbringing at West Ham.
"(West Ham coach) Ian Hendon, who everyone knows here at Notts from his
playing days, speaks very highly of him and so does Sam and that's good
enough for me."
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Joe Cole 'ready to quit West Ham' after being subbed before half-time during
Chelsea defeat
27 Nov 2013 03:35
The Mirror
Former England star Joe Cole is reportedly ready to quit West Ham after
being subbed before half-time in the 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea. Sources
told the Sun that Cole felt "humiliated" by being pulled off so early in the
game against his old club on Saturday. The talented midfielder was filmed
heading straight for the changing rooms rather than sit on the bench after
being hooked on 40 minutes by boss Sam Allardyce. Asked after the Chelsea
game why he had subbed Cole, the manager said he had to make a change after
the first two goals went in. Cole's return to the East End outfit - where he
was once a trainee - in January has not gone to plan, with the 32-year-old
starting just 10 league games since then. Despite a relative lack of playing
time this season, the player is expected to attract interest in the January
transfer window.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have TWENTY strikers on transfer shopping list and are making
string of bids
26 Nov 2013 22:31
The Mirror
West Ham have targeted TWENTY strikers in the January transfer window. The
east Londoners hope to have England hitman Andy Carroll, yet to play this
season following a £15m summer move from Liverpool because of a heel injury,
back running soon - maybe even as early as Friday. But they are still
working furiously behind the scenes on more firepower and could even bring
in another TWO frontmen as they bid to shoot themselves out of trouble.
Their ambitious targets include the likes of Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis
and Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor. The Hammers were rejected by the likes of
Chelsea duo Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku during the summer. But bids have gone
in across Europe for a number of strikers - either on loan or as outright
buys - as the club work their way through a list of players they believe can
boost their firepower. While they were turned down by several ambitious
targets during the summer window, there is a belief things could be
different in January with so many stars needing regular first-team action
ahead of the World Cup finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
The Hammers' Academy side will take on Accrington Stanley in early December
26.11.2013
West Ham United U18s will travel to Accrington Stanley for their FA Youth
Cup third round tie on Tuesday 10 December. The game, which is to be played
at Accrington's Storefirst Stadium, will kick-off at 7pm as Steve Potts'
side look to take their impressive league form into the cup competition.
Accrington have already had to battle through two rounds to get to this
stage of the competition. In the first round they defeated fellow Football
League outfit Carlisle United 3-1, before seeing off non-league Ilkeston
Town by a solitary goal in Round Two. This is the first time in Accrington's
history that they have made the third round of the FA Youth Cup and they
will go into the tie in good form, having not lost in their last five
outings. The Hammers made it to the fourth round last year, defeating
Aldershot Town in Round Three before coming unstuck against Tottenham
Hotspur.
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Noble baffled by Hammers form
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble is sure the Hammers' woes will soon ease if they cut out the
errors
26.11.2013
Mark Noble is baffled by West Ham United's current ability to kick
themselves in the teeth after they gave Chelsea a helping hand on their way
to a 3-0 victory on Saturday. For the second game in a row the Hammers
conceded a penalty - the third Barclays Premier League spot-kick they have
given away in 2013/14 - and Noble says the mistakes have to end. West Ham
face Fulham and Crystal Palace in two crucial London derbies over the next
week, with the Hammers desperate to emerge from their recent slump. The
No16, who completed the most passes on either side against the Blues, said:
"I just can't believe the way it's going at the minute. We were holding
Chelsea OK and then we give away another unbelievable goal. "After the way
the things have been going this season, giving penalties away and the
opposition scoring from free-kicks, this was another kick in the nether
regions. "The next two games, against Fulham and Crystal Palace, are vital
for us now and we have to stand up and be counted. They will be tough but
I'm looking forward to them. "It's up to Gaffer what he does [in terms of
formation]. In the second half on Saturday we had more of a focal point and
it seemed to work a bit better but Chelsea were 2-0 up by then and probably
took their foot off the gas a little."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee family unite for Movember
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee, father Rob and brother Olly are all growing facial hair for a
good cause this month
26.11.2013
A famous football family have united in the battle against prostate cancer
by supporting Movember. West Ham United striker Elliot Lee, along with his
father Rob and older brother Olly - both former Hammers themselves - are all
sporting extra facial hair during November to promote a cause close to their
hearts.
Rob, who also played for Charlton Athletic, Newcastle United, Derby County
and England, was inspired to grow a Mo after father Reg had surgery to
combat the disease a year ago. Reg, 72, had his prostate removed and is now
on the road to recovery. The trio got together last Sunday at the family
home in Hornchurch to compare facial hair, as well as highlighting the
important message of prostate cancer. Just 18, Elliot has been able to grow
a moustache from a young age, and admitted his goatee has caused some
amusement in the Lee household. "I've always grown more facial hair than
Olly so there's always a bit of banter going on there," said the forward,
who returned to the Club this week following a loan spell with Colchester
United. "He gets a bit jealous, while dad's looks black and white! "It's a
unique and light-hearted way to promote a great cause - and hopefully raise
money as well. It was a shock to find out about my granddad but it's great
seeing he is fine now. A lot of credit has to go to Movember and Prostate
Cancer UK as well. They do a great job of raising awareness."
Director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, Mark Bishop, praised the Lee
family for their support for the charity, saying: "It's great that Movember
are supporting the work of Prostate Cancer UK. Footballers sporting
moustaches are now commonplace during the month and supporters up and down
the country will be able to watch their heroes visibly getting behind the
fight to promote men's health issues. "Prostate cancer kills one man every
hour in the UK with one in eight men likely to be diagnosed with the disease
at some point in their lifetime and the disease has affected the Lee family.
It's great they are involved in promoting awareness, and we want to be there
for all men."
With prostate cancer killing one man every hour, Movember aims to put the
spotlight on the disease and encourage men everywhere to wise up and take
action. To register for Prostate Cancer UK's regular football newsletter
packed full of all the latest Men United news and features, visit
ww.prostatecanceruk.org/football If you have concerns about prostate cancer,
please call Prostate Cancer UK's confidential Helpline on 0800 074 8383 or
visit www.prostatecanceruk.org. The helpline is free to landlines, staffed
by specialist nurses, and open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday with late
opening until 8pm on Wednesdays.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We all follow the West Ham'
WHUFC.com
The Lanzarote Hammers are supporting West Ham United from the Canary Islands
26.11.2013
West Ham United are known around the world and have their biggest
international fan bases in places like United States of America, Australia
and across Asia.
In a small, enclosed part of the Puerto del Carmen old town and harbour on
the lovely island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands is a homely, welcoming
sports bar called The Inn Place, which is home to the Lanzarote Hammers. The
man behind the Lanzarote Hammers is former London city worker Rob Shard and
his family, who started up their own sports bar when the pub they used to
watch the Hammers in closed down. "My sister and I are both mad Hammers
fans," said Shard. "When we first moved out to Lanzarote, we searched out
for a bar where they showed the West Ham games live. We found a place and it
quickly became our regular local. There we met many fellow West Ham fans
that lived out here too and before long, we all became friends.
"Unfortunately, that bar closed down. However, it wasn't long before we
opened our own bar and all our fellow West Ham friends started coming down
to watch the Hammers at The Inn Place."
Starting up a new business can be difficult in a country with a low economic
climate, but for Rob and his sister Jo, it was made easier having a loyal
group of customers who shared a common interest in football and in
particular, West Ham. "Jo had worked in bars since her arrival on Lanzarote
and realised the fun you could have working a bar here. The atmosphere was
completely different to pubs in the UK. "After working extremely hard for
other people for five years and building a loyal base of holiday makers who
would come back and see her time after time, year after year, she decided
she wanted to own a bar and reap the rewards of all her hard work herself.
"We have many friends who live in Lanzarote who come to the bar to watch
their teams. We get a lot of Everton, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea
friends in particular who always watch their teams games in the bar. "All
these people have brought their friends who are on holiday into the bar on
match days too and these people, combined with holiday makers who would come
in as well, soon led to us having a reputation for showing all the live
football in a great friendly atmosphere. "We get called the West Ham bar in
Lanzarote because of my sister and I primarily but also because of all the
other West Ham fans who live here and come to watch the games in the bar.
"People sometimes come in just to watch my sister go through the agony and
ecstasy of a game. Lets just say that she is very expressive and passionate
about West Ham!"
The pub has now been running successfully for the past seven years, with
supporters from all clubs filling every inch of space of the walls and
ceiling with sporting memorabilia, including framed Hammers merchandise.
"The vast amount of memorabilia in the bar has been given to us by our
customers and friends. When we opened the bar we had a few West Ham shirts
and scarves of our own. "What happens is when a person comes into the bar,
they see the memorabilia we have and say to us about the teams we haven't
got on display and would we like a shirt or scarf? Yes please! "We were
showing the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final between Carlisle and Southampton.
We had a group of Carlisle fans that came in for the game and they left us a
flag that they all signed and a Carlisle shirt. We had loads of pictures
taken with them and all the bars memorabilia. "Another time, a man had a
Liverpool Champions League Final winners picture framed and left it with us
for safe keeping on the proviso that if he ever had a baby boy, he'd like it
back. "We are grateful for all the merchandise that is left with us, but as
Hammers fans, it's nice to be given another Hammers shirt or scarf to show
where our loyalties stand. "All our memorabilia is pretty much an extension
of the bar's customers. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be the bar we are
today."
*Are you an overseas-based West Ham United supporter or supporters' group?
If so, please email programme@westhamunited.co.uk with your details to
arrange an interview.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble ready for two vital Premier League games
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 4:38pm
SSN
Mark Noble has called on West Ham United to 'stand up and be counted' ahead
of two 'vital' games in the Premier League. West Ham have won just once in
the league since the opening day of the season and were comfortably beaten
3-0 at home by Chelsea at the weekend. That result left Sam Allardyce's side
outside the relegation zone on goal difference and West Ham's next game is
at home to 18th-placed Fulham. The Hammers then travel to 19th-placed
Crystal Palace and Noble is looking forward to facing two teams who are also
fighting at the wrong end of the table. The midfielder is also waiting to
see if Allardyce continues with the 4-6-0 formation that has been used in
recent weeks after striker Modibo Maiga was brought on as a substitute just
before half-time against Chelsea. "It's up to gaffer what he does, but in
the second half we had more of a focal point and it looked a bit more
balanced," said Noble in the Evening Standard about whether a striker will
start against Fulham. "It seemed to work a bit better but Chelsea were 2-0
up by then and probably took their foot off the gas a little. "I just can't
believe the way it's going at the minute. We were holding Chelsea OK and
then we give away another unbelievable goal. "After the way things have been
going this season, giving penalties away and the opposition scoring from
free-kicks, this was another kick in the nether regions. "The next two
games, against Fulham and Crystal Palace, are vital for us now and we have
to stand up and be counted. They will be tough but I'm looking forward to
them."
West Ham have scored just five goals in six home games this season and
full-back Joey O'Brien acknowledged their form at Upton Park is a worry.
O'Brien told the club's official website: "The home form is a concern for
us, particularly not scoring goals. That's the main issue, and the next two
games are massive. "We find ourselves in a fight and we need six points.
Both ourselves and Fulham are in need of the three points next week and
we'll be doing our best for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Derry eying Moncur deal
Last Updated: November 26, 2013 1:29pm
SSN
Notts County boss Shaun Derry is considering a loan move for West Ham
youngster George Moncur. The 20-year-old midfielder, the son of former
Hammers star John Moncur, has yet to make an appearance for Sam Allardyce's
side this season but enjoyed a successful spell on loan with AFC Wimbledon
last term.
Derry told the Nottingham Post: "George is somebody I played against when I
was at QPR against the West Ham under-21s and he made a big impact on me
that day. "I was in direct combat with him and he's one I wanted to have a
look at. He's a fiery young lad and he's had a good upbringing at West Ham.
"(West Ham coach) Ian Hendon, who everyone knows here at Notts from his
playing days, speaks very highly of him and so does Sam and that's good
enough for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole 'ready to quit West Ham' after being subbed before half-time during
Chelsea defeat
27 Nov 2013 03:35
The Mirror
Former England star Joe Cole is reportedly ready to quit West Ham after
being subbed before half-time in the 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea. Sources
told the Sun that Cole felt "humiliated" by being pulled off so early in the
game against his old club on Saturday. The talented midfielder was filmed
heading straight for the changing rooms rather than sit on the bench after
being hooked on 40 minutes by boss Sam Allardyce. Asked after the Chelsea
game why he had subbed Cole, the manager said he had to make a change after
the first two goals went in. Cole's return to the East End outfit - where he
was once a trainee - in January has not gone to plan, with the 32-year-old
starting just 10 league games since then. Despite a relative lack of playing
time this season, the player is expected to attract interest in the January
transfer window.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham have TWENTY strikers on transfer shopping list and are making
string of bids
26 Nov 2013 22:31
The Mirror
West Ham have targeted TWENTY strikers in the January transfer window. The
east Londoners hope to have England hitman Andy Carroll, yet to play this
season following a £15m summer move from Liverpool because of a heel injury,
back running soon - maybe even as early as Friday. But they are still
working furiously behind the scenes on more firepower and could even bring
in another TWO frontmen as they bid to shoot themselves out of trouble.
Their ambitious targets include the likes of Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis
and Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor. The Hammers were rejected by the likes of
Chelsea duo Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku during the summer. But bids have gone
in across Europe for a number of strikers - either on loan or as outright
buys - as the club work their way through a list of players they believe can
boost their firepower. While they were turned down by several ambitious
targets during the summer window, there is a belief things could be
different in January with so many stars needing regular first-team action
ahead of the World Cup finals.
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Tuesday, November 26
Daily WHUFC News - 26th November 2013
Loanee round-up
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts and Paul McCallum were in action for their loan clubs in Sky Bet
League Two at the weekend
25.11.2013
Paul McCallum, Dan Potts and Jordan Spence were all in Sky Bet Football
League action for their loan clubs this weekend. All three played the full
90 minutes but were unable to prevent their respective clubs from slipping
to defeats. Potts, who was making his debut for Portsmouth after joining on
a one-month loan deal, played at left-back throughout and he saw his team
surrender a one goal lead as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Scunthorpe
at Fratton Park. Tom Craddock had given the south coast side the lead after
36 minutes but a double from Tom Syers, one either side of half-time, won it
for the visitors. McCallum was also on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat despite
getting on the scoresheet himself. The big striker opened the scoring with a
superb right-footed half-volley from just inside the box as he gave the
Gulls the lead. Kai Naismith pulled one back three minutes before half-time
before consigning McCallum and Torquay to defeat with 16 minutes left.
Spence's Milton Keynes Dones, meanwhile, were edged out 3-2 by Bradford City
in League One. Patrick Bamford and Shaun Williams were on target for the
Dons, but Nakhi Wells, former Hammer Kyel Reid and Jason Kennedy scored to
win it for Bradford. Spence has extended his loan with Karl Robinson's side
until January 4, but McCallum will now return to the Boleyn Ground having
scored three goals in six games for the Gulls.
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'It's the story of our season'
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien says basic errors are hurting West Ham United at present
25.11.2013
Joey O'Brien says West Ham United are taking collective responsibility for
their current poor run of form. Sam Allardyce's men fell to a 3-0 defeat to
Chelsea on Saturday, the visitors taking the lead by seizing upon a Guy
Demel error which led to Jussi Jaaskelainen giving away a penalty. It was
the second spot-kick conceded by the Hammers in as many Barclays Premier
League games, and O'Brien feels too many mistakes are being made at crucial
times throughout the team - including on his own part. "The penalty on
Saturday was a massive moment and probably the story of the season for us,
with individual errors costing us," he said. "We've made a few of them - I
made one at Hull to give away a penalty there, Guy's a top player and will
come back from it. "Chelsea are a smashing team with some good players, but
I'm more concerned with how we're doing. We're confident we can turn it
around. We have some top players and proved that last year. "Hopefully that
little bit of luck will go our way and kick-start our season."
Having lost just four Barclays Premier League home games over the course of
last season, the Hammers have now matched that total already this term by
losing four of their opening six fixtures at the Boleyn Ground. The No17 is
well aware of the importance of next week's home clash with Fulham as the
Hammers look to put that right, both against the Cottagers and on the road
at Crystal Palace next Tuesday evening. He added: "The home form is a
concern for us, particularly not scoring goals. That's the main issue, and
the next two games are massive. "We find ourselves in a fight and we need
six points. Both ourselves and Fulham are in need of the three points next
week and we'll be doing our best for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing laments Hammers' generosity
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing felt the Hammers had themselves to blame for getting Chelsea
started on Saturday
25.11.2013
Stewart Downing felt West Ham United only had themselves to blame as they
slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. The Hammers were giving as
good as they got until they conceded a needless penalty to their visitors 21
minutes in. Frank Lampard converted from the spot and Chelsea never looked
back from there, soon doubling their advantage through Oscar before Lampard
sealed the points late on. The defeat left the Hammers without a home win in
the Barclays Premier League since the opening day of the season and Downing
knows an improvement is necessary. "We gave Chelsea a goal start, and I
thought it was quite even up until then," he said. "They got the penalty,
Lampard rarely misses and from then on it was hard for us because they keep
the ball and have players who can hurt you."
Downing does not point the finger at a lack of chance creation for the
Hammers' current woes, more their deficiencies in taking those opportunities
at present.
"We've played ever so well in a lot of games but the problem is that we've
missed chances at important times," he added. "With the crosses we put in, I
remember Kevin Nolan got on the end of one and got it back for a half-chance
for Joe Cole, so even though we're not playing with a striker, we're still
getting people into the box. "It's people's jobs to make the runs, we don't
all sit behind the ball and cross to nobody. "We've got Fulham and Palace in
the next two games - two big games and we need the points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Phillips proud of U18s run
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Mark Phillips saw West Ham United U18s go nine games
unbeaten by defeating leaders Fulham
25.11.2013
West Ham United U18s assistant manager Mark Phillips hailed the Hammers
following Saturday's 3-1 win over Barclays U18 Premier League leaders
Fulham.
After playing out a goalless first half at Little Heath on Saturday, striker
Jordan Brown and captain Kieran Bywater put the Hammers on track to victory.
George Williams halved the deficit from the penalty spot after a foul by
Hammers defender Jamie Harney. It was to be West Ham's day though when the
Hammers won a penalty of their own, which was coolly dispatched by Bywater
for his second of the game and his 13th goal in 15 games. Phillips was
naturally delighted as West Ham extended their unbeaten run to nine league
matches. "I don't want to be quoting clichés but I thought it was a game of
two halves," said Phillips. "In the first half, Fulham were on top but we
were definitely the better team in the second half. "We prepared for Fulham
the same way that we prepared for the Tottenham and Aston Villa games
because they are both up there in the top three with Fulham and we have
beaten both of them. "We obviously gave them respect for where they are in
the league, but made sure that we didn't over-respect them because we are
confident in what our team can do. I got a good feeling from training all
week and we went out and showed just how good we are."
Despite the result, Phillips believes that it was nowhere near a perfect
performance from the Hammers, but that the game came down to which team look
their chances in front of goal. "I wouldn't say it was a perfect game
because in the first half, Fulham were the better team. Steve Potts and I
identified a few things at half-time where we could negate their attack and
then it was about us taking our chances, which we did."
The game saw both sides being awarded controversial penalties, with Phillips
claiming Harney had been wrongly penalised for Fulham's spot-kick. "I didn't
think either was a penalty to be perfectly honest. For their penalty, I just
thought Jamie won the header, slightly aggressively, but he had to be to win
the header." The win stretches the Hammers' unbeaten run to nine games ahead
of home games with Arsenal and Leicester City to round out the pre-Christmas
league fixture list. West Ham will also travel to Accrington Stanley in the
FA Youth Cup third round before the festive season. "Hopefully the run can
continue till sometime in May!" Phillips continued. "The more we play and
pick up results, winning becomes a habit and we start expecting to beat
teams, no matter who we are playing against. "I thought that when we beat
Tottenham and Aston Villa. There is a good vibe around the Academy at the
moment. Togetherness is one of the main attributes that this team has got.
They are very close both on and off the pitch. Steve has got the team in a
very good place at the moment. "The results haven't always shown what the
performances have deserved. For example, we drew 1-1 with Southampton here
at Little Heath earlier in the season and we should have won that and drew
with Newcastle when they had ten men so we should have won that too.
Overall, we have played quite well this season."
This season is the first that Potts, Phillips and Academy director Tony Carr
MBE have worked together with the U18s. The trio have proved to be a
successful combination so far. "It's been very good working with both Steve
and Tony this season. Tony's experience is unquestionable and second to
none. He has been doing youth football for years and knows everything about
it. "I've recently come up from the U16s to be Steve's assistant so you then
have my enthusiasm. Steve is the cool head that tops it off and makes sure
we work well together."
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It's a bit Chile!
WHUFC.com
British Ambassador to Chile Jon Benjamin is following the West Ham Way in
South America
25.11.2013
West Ham United supporters can famously be found all over the world. One,
British Ambassador to Chile Jon Benjamin, has been supporting the Hammers
from postings on five different continents! After graduating with a degree
in Languages (German and Swedish) and International Relations, the
50-year-old joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1986. Since then
Benjamin, whose four-year stay in Santiago will end in March 2014, has
worked in Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, the United States and Chile during
his 27-year career in the diplomatic service. During his time in South
America, he has made some fantastic friends, including one of the 33 Chilean
miners freed after 69 days trapped underground and former West Ham defender
Javier Margas! The Ambassador began by explaining that claret and blue has
long run through the veins of the Benjamin family - Jewish immigrants who
settled in the East End.
You can follow Jon Benjamin on twitter @JonBenjamin19 "My Mum was born in
Mile End and my Dad in Stepney," he said. "Their house took a direct hit in
the Blitz and they had to move out to near Windsor. In fact, the whole
street he lived in - Skidmore Street - was so badly damaged that it doesn't
even exist anymore. "My Dad sadly passed away last year, aged 93. When I was
back in the UK a few months before, we took him on a very happy day trip to
all his old haunts in the East End, standing where we were pretty sure
Skidmore Street used to be - that will stay with me forever."
Benjamin's late father took him to the Boleyn Ground for the first time in
1974, at the age of eleven, for a 'thrilling' 4-3 win over Everton. Having
seen Clyde Best, Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking in the flesh, he was
hooked. "From the age of 16 onwards, I went to every home game and, for two
seasons, every away game, including getting up at 4am to travel to places
like Sunderland - before I went to university. Ever since, whenever I'm
posted back in London for a couple of years, I get a Season Ticket again."
Benjamin, who names Alan Devonshire as his favourite all-time Hammer, has
attended some memorable matches down the years, enjoying the rollercoaster
of emotions that come with being a West Ham fan, "I always remember that
great Alf Garnett quote: 'Supporting West Ham is like life itself: there's
the odd moment of joy down the years, but most of it is bloody misery!'.
"But I do have some terrific memories of games I was at - the 1980 FA Cup
final against Arsenal where we won 1-0 against the odds; the Championship
Play-Off final in Cardiff against Preston where the seven minutes of
added-time almost finished me off!; that incredible 1-1 draw at home to
Manchester United [in May 1995] which prevented them winning the title. "Of
course, I don't like dwelling on defeats but I do remember seeing us lose
4-1 at home to Dinamo Tbilisi in 1981 in the European Cup Winners' Cup -
probably the most complete footballing performance I've ever seen. "Many
years later, in 1996, I got to visit Dinamo Tbilisi's home stadium in the
Republic of Georgia to see England win a World Cup qualifier, in which Teddy
Sheringham and Les Ferdinand scored, so revenge of a sort!"
Georgia is just one of the dozens of countries Benjamin has visited during a
career he planned to follow even as a child. "I never really wanted to do
anything else. When I was six, I wrote in that typical first primary school
essay 'What I want to be when I grow up' that I wanted to be an ambassador,
even though I spelt it all wrong. Well, it just took another 40 years to get
that title! "It's been a great and very varied ride, each posting highly
memorable in its own right, with a couple of postings back in London in
between, including three years as head of the Foreign Office's human rights
department which included some unforgettable trips, above all a week in
North Korea in 2004."
Since arriving in Chile, Benjamin has collected some 'fantastic memories',
met his partner Carolina and celebrated the birth of son Louis. "I've
travelling all over, including to remote and amazing Easter Island and spent
the night in the lighthouse on Cape Horn island. "My first full year here,
2010, was the most eventful: there was the world's fifth-largest earthquake
in February, where I thought my house was about to collapse and then, of
course, the famous rescue of the 33 trapped miners, one of whom has become a
very good friend since. "But, much more importantly than all that, in Chile
I've finally, aged 50, started a family. Louis, now just over one, is
naturally a big Hammers fan of the future. He's already seen a few games
live here on Chilean TV, though he did fall sound asleep during the West Ham
v Stoke game."
Father and son settle down in front of the television to watch live matches
and highlights whenever possible, while Benjamin himself has also gained an
affiliation with the Chilean national team. "I have seen a few World Cup
qualifiers in a great atmosphere in the national stadium. Chile will be in
the World Cup next year, which is fantastic for the team and for the
country." Benjamin plans to return to the Boleyn Ground early next year,
when he hopes to see a fit-again Andy Carroll banging in the goals. Whether
he is overseas or at the Boleyn Ground, West Ham are never far from his
thoughts. "Through thick and thin, I will always be a Hammer and, of course,
my little son, Louis, will, I hope, take the torch and hand it on in due
course to more generations of the Benjamin family down the years!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble ready for two vital Premier League games
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 4:38pm
SSN
Mark Noble has called on West Ham United to 'stand up and be counted' ahead
of two 'vital' games in the Premier League. West Ham have won just once in
the league since the opening day of the season and were comfortably beaten
3-0 at home by Chelsea at the weekend. That result left Sam Allardyce's side
outside the relegation zone on goal difference and West Ham's next game is
at home to 18th-placed Fulham. The Hammers then travel to 19th-placed
Crystal Palace and Noble is looking forward to facing two teams who are also
fighting at the wrong end of the table. The midfielder is also waiting to
see if Allardyce continues with the 4-6-0 formation that has been used in
recent weeks after striker Modibo Maiga was brought on as a substitute just
before half-time against Chelsea. "It's up to gaffer what he does, but in
the second half we had more of a focal point and it looked a bit more
balanced," said Noble in the Evening Standard about whether a striker will
start against Fulham. "It seemed to work a bit better but Chelsea were 2-0
up by then and probably took their foot off the gas a little. "I just can't
believe the way it's going at the minute. We were holding Chelsea OK and
then we give away another unbelievable goal. "After the way things have been
going this season, giving penalties away and the opposition scoring from
free-kicks, this was another kick in the nether regions. "The next two
games, against Fulham and Crystal Palace, are vital for us now and we have
to stand up and be counted. They will be tough but I'm looking forward to
them."
West Ham have scored just five goals in six home games this season and
full-back Joey O'Brien acknowledged their form at Upton Park is a worry.
O'Brien told the club's official website: "The home form is a concern for
us, particularly not scoring goals. That's the main issue, and the next two
games are massive. "We find ourselves in a fight and we need six points.
Both ourselves and Fulham are in need of the three points next week and
we'll be doing our best for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Alladyce says West Ham fans entitled to boo team
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 7:45am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he understands why he and the team were
jeered off on Saturday. The Hammers were beaten 3-0 at home to London rivals
Chelsea, and were booed off at half-time and full-time by the home support.
The Hammers have two wins all season - on the opening day against Cardiff
and, memorably, at Tottenham. The defeat by Chelsea was their fourth at home
this season - the same number as the whole of last season and Allardyce
admits he understands the increasing frustration in the stands and puts
recent performances down to 'fear' in the team. "If they (the supporters)
don't see the sort of determination and passion and desire they think they
should get they show their disapproval," Allardyce said. "I thought the
players tried as hard as they can, but they're playing with a bit of fear at
the minute. And that makes them look like they're not playing with the
passion that is normally seen."
West Ham have two more derbies coming up, and Allardyce says they need to
turn things around quickly. "When people say there's a pressure game at the
top - Manchester United versus Arsenal or Chelsea versus Manchester United
or Manchester City - it's not as big a pressure as when you're in the bottom
three or four," Allardyce added. "It's much greater pressure because it's
all about 'relegation this', 'relegation threatened that', all the money you
lose. "That becomes a constant flea in the players' ear. They've got to
dismiss all that, keep a clear mind, keep a clear head and focus on playing
how they know they can play. "It's my job to pick the players up and remind
them about previous performances we've had home and away this year, make
sure we get to that level and stop those fears creeping in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence extends Dons stay
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 6:09pm
SSN
MK Dons have extended the loan spell of West Ham defender Jordan Spence
until January 4, 2014. Spence, 23, whose initial month-long stay with the
Sky Bet League One club ended after their 3-2 home defeat to Bradford on
Saturday, has played every minute of every game since joining Karl
Robinson's side.
The former England Under-21 international will now be available for the
Dons' league fixtures against Colchester, on Tuesday night, Coventry,
Wolves, Port Vale, Crawley, Brentford and finally Colchester and Crewe in
the new year. Spence will also be eligible for Dons' FA Cup second-round tie
against Dover Athletic next month. Robinson said: "First of all we're
thankful to West Ham United and their manager Sam Allardyce for allowing us
to keep him until the new year. "He's done wonderfully well since signing
for us and we're very fortunate to have him until January. He is a typical
MK Dons centre-back and they are hard to find. "This now gives us
consistency in the back four and it's important over the forthcoming weeks
and months while Antony Kay is out, that he'll be there to fill that void."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SHAM SHOULD LOOK IN THE MIRROR
By Tony McDonald 25 Nov 2013 at 15:10
West Ham Till I Die
IF Sam Allardyce really wants to know the answer to West Ham's current
problems, he need only look in the mirror.
Instead of publicly blaming his players for failing to take chances (sorry,
did I miss something in the Chelsea game?), he must shoulder full
responsibility for the mess we are now in.
I know I sound like a broken record and, in truth, I might as well just cut
and paste my last two pieces (from Sept and Oct) up here and be done with
it. The all-our-eggs-in-one-basket approach to the ludicrous signing of an
injury-prone forward for vast sums that must make us the laughing stock of
football; the failure to sign another striker in the summer and then wasting
another £5m of the non-scoring Downing; the embarrassment of recalling
Carlton Cole (and, worse, not even playing him) . . . I stand by every word.
Nothing has changed since my last gripes about Allardyce, except relegation
is becoming a more realistic and worrying prospect with each passing game.
Depression deepens.
When Carlton Cole looked at the team-sheet at Norwich and saw he wasn't
starting against a poor team who had been smashed 7-0 at Manchester City the
previous weekend, I wonder if he contemplated collecting his boots and
selling them on eBay. He might as well give up.
Yeah, yeah, yeah . . . "we'd be mid-table now and chasing a European place
if only Carroll had been available," the sadly delusional pro-Allardyce
brigade will try and argue. Give over.
His unavailability should have come as a shock to no-one. As I keep banging
on, Carroll has a record of injuries worthy of a walk-on part in Casualty.
He was injured when we handed over that £17.5m gift to Liverpool, so to
lavish most of his summer budget on the big man was a very risky and
miscalculated gamble by BS that could yet have dire consequences.
Still, in accordance with modern speak, we can at least take the 'positives'
from this diabolical, shameful situation: Big Sham is another step closer to
the exit door and, for me, that glorious day cannot come quick enough if
West Ham United is ever to go forward as a club again.
BS swears by his stats, so here's one for him to ponder: Our first shot on
goal v Chelsea was recorded in the 93rd minute.
And another for him to mull over: The day after the Chelsea fiasco, Cardiff
City had 14 shots against Manchester United and were rewarded for their
enterprise with a 2-2 draw against the reigning champions. Allardyce should
have looked at that performance and the ambitious tactics employed by
Cardiff's ex-manager Malky MacKay and been squirming with embarrassment.
It's not rocket science, is it? You play a forward (or two), go at the other
team, put them under a bit of pressure and, hey presto, you bag yourself two
goals.
Chelsea are not in the form of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. They
are a team who, until last Saturday night, had been underperforming, winning
just one of their previous five away league games and were very fortunate
not to have lost their last home match to West Brom.
Yet compare Malky Mackay's refreshing attitude to Allardyce's 'game plan'
for the Chelsea match.
*Start the game with NO strikers.
*See your team go 0-2 down.
*Make two substitutions in the 39th minute and put on a (useless) striker.
This man's a tactical genius!
It must have been John Terry's easiest game since he was playing for Senrab
on Wanstead Flats.
Of course, it's not results against top teams that will determine the fate
of clubs scrapping at the wrong end of the table. It's what we do against
fellow strugglers which matters most. In this respect, the 3-1 defeat at
Norwich (having taken the lead) was even more criminal and, ultimately, may
prove much more costly.
The forthcoming 'P45 Derby' with Martin Jol's faltering Fulham and the
'Neckbrace Derby' against Crystal Palace could have a huge bearing on West
Ham's season and the future of the manager himself. (Christ, the bloke at
Sky who had the bright idea of showing the Palace game live next Tuesday
should be shot, or forced to buy a season ticket at either Selhurst Park or
Upton Park. He must be some kind of a masochist, especially now that the
other anti-football merchant Tony Pulis has been inflicted on those poor
people of South London. Still, the good news is Pulis is no longer a
candidate to replace BS.)
It remains to be seen if the team will respond in the right manner but
reading critical quotes in the media from their beleaguered manager is not
normally conducive to a rallying effort in the face of adversity. To "waste
chances", as BS puts it, you first have to create them. And how the manager
sets his team up inevitably affects their ability to create or otherwise. I
shouldn't think Joe Cole, for one, was over the moon about being yanked off
before half-time, having been marooned on the right where he was never going
to be at his most effective. Jack Collison was also humiliated in front of
his home fans.
I fear, too, that Ravel Morrison, by far and away our best future prospect,
will quickly reach the conclusion (if he hasn't already) that he will never
fulfil his obvious talent playing for a manager as negative as BS. How
Mourinho and the Chelsea players must have relished seeing Morrison asked to
play a role alien to him – backtracking and desperately trying to pick up
advancing Chelsea runners, when he should have been running with the ball
towards their goal.
In the last couple of days there is a growing change of mood among even BS's
biggest disciples. More and more sheep are removing their heads from the
sand and waking up to reality. About time.
It's one thing getting criticised by fans but if Allardyce loses the
dressing room, then he will become a dead man walking.
So who would we replace him with? There are options out there: Di Matteo (a
mate of Zola's, so it's doubtful that he would want to work for our board);
Hoddle (England's best coach, tactically clued up and puts out attacking
sides, but is prone to paranoia and not popular with the media); Di Canio
(fruitcake), Holloway (another fruitcake and his teams can't defend),
McLeish (no thanks), Curbs (no thanks), Coleman (just signed a new deal with
Wales).
Whoever it is, the appointment should not be based on a quick fix, but one
that will restore the club's ethos and best traditions for playing
entertaining, attacking football, while at the same time laying a structured
foundation for the future. As at Barca and Arsenal and most other clubs, all
the club's teams beneath the first team should all be playing in
fundamentally the same basic style, whilst allowing for tweaks to formations
depending on the opponents and circumstances. How else can you expect
continuity and progression of young players through the ranks? West Ham's
academy teams don't hoof the ball.
Alan Devonshire has proved himself over many years in non-league football,
so he would have to be a strong candidate. No experience above the
Conference? So what.
Perhaps give him a go alongside a younger coach – Julian Dicks? – as his
assistant. This way, Dicksy could seamlessly succeed Dev as No.1 when the
time is right. And how about Alvin Martin as defensive coach and Tony Cottee
to work specifically with the strikers?
These men have been there and done it for West Ham; they understand the
history of the club and what it stands for (or used to). They know what most
supporters expect for their heard-earned money.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham should not get rid of Big Sam yet, but his next three games are
crucial
25 Nov 2013 09:22
The Mirror
Resident Hammer Dan Silver is none too pleased with Allardyce, who could
face the chop if this gets much worse
There's no shame in losing to Jose Mourinho's star-studded Chelsea side , of
course. Even at home. But there was plenty of shame to be had from West
Ham's performance during their 3-0 defeat on Saturday. Actually, it was
worse than that: it was embarrassing. Chelsea's performance was calm, cool
and clinical, yes. But I've also rarely seen a team have to work less for a
3-0 win away from home. Sam Allardyce bemoaned individual errors and poor
finishing for the Hammers' latest home hammering. And, yes, Guy Demel's
disastrous back pass that led to the visitors' opening penalty was
compounded by a miserable miss from Modibo Maiga in the second half that
could have halved the deficit to 2-1.
But the problems at Upton Park run far deeper than scapegoats, and it's time
the manager looked a little closer to home. Way back before the season had
even started in August I wrote that the manager's reliance on Andy Carroll's
fitness could be the difference between West Ham finishing 8th and 18th, and
was told on Twitter that I didn't know what I was talking about. Then,
following a fruitless transfer deadline day in which West Ham failed to
secure a striker on loan to cover for the crocked Carroll, I wrote another
piece criticising the rank mismanagement at the club.
Again, I was slammed on social media. Carroll would be back within weeks, I
was told in no uncertain terms. One Twitter user memorably told me that
youngster Elliot Lee would score the goals West Ham needed. He's just
returned from a League One loan spell at Colchester (Lee, that is, not the
Tweeter).
And so, with almost a third of the season gone, West Ham find themselves out
of the relegation zone on goal difference alone, having won just two games
from what many considered to be an opening fixture list that bordered on the
generous.
Big Sam, as he's affectionately known, has never enjoyed the West Ham fans'
affection. The respect he rightfully accrued for securing promotion to the
Premier League at the first attempt and keeping the side there last season
has been gradually eroded by workmanlike performances that must be endured
rather than enjoyed.
Sam's self-aggrandisement has grated, too. He revelled in the 3-0 win at
White Hart Lane , proclaiming his own tactical acumen and preparation in
producing a striker-less formation that bamboozled Andre Villas-Boas.
His obdurate decision to turn a surprise tactic into a predictable one
resulted in subsequent defeats to Manchester City and Norwich and two
goalless draws with Swansea and Aston Villa before Saturday's reverse to
Chelsea.
The striker-less formation returned two goals in five games. You wouldn't
have needed Nostradamus levels of foresight to see that coming, but the
results are now apparently the fault of the players' performances rather
than the manager's strategy.
Allardyce will point to his lack of options up front, of course, but as
manager he has to take a significant share of the blame for this. His
insistence on signing Stewart Downing in the summer to supply the crosses
for Carroll was a classic case of putting all your eggs in one basket. Now
West Ham don't even have a basket.
Whispers around Upton Park suggest members of the board wanted to spend the
Downing cash on Juventus hitman Fabio Quagliarella but eventually decided to
back their manager instead. Cynics might suggest they were merely giving
Allardyce enough rope to hang himself should the need arise.
And now many West Ham fans have come to the conclusion it has. Calls for
Allardyce's head are being taken up across the internet, with everything
from his negative tactics to his obdurate faith in woefully out of form
captain Kevin Nolan being used as sticks to beat him with.
For many, the very public humiliation of Joe Cole and Jack Collison - both
hauled off during the 40th minute of the Chelsea defeat rather than at
half-time, has proved the final straw.
There's no question that relegation would be a disaster for West Ham -
something reinforced by the photo op of builders starting work on the club's
new Olympic Stadium home staged last week. And despite David Sullivan and
David Gold's reputation for not firing managers, they've already dismissed
two since their arrival at Upton Park four years ago.
I would be astonished if they sacked Sam, though, Especially given that
three of West Ham's next four fixtures are against fellow strugglers Fulham,
Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
Changing managers mid-season is by no means a sure way of changing fortunes.
For every Southampton - and there must be many chairmen casting envious
glances at the way Mauricio Pochettino has turned that club around - there
are many more Readings and Hulls that remind us that the tactic is very much
a gamble.
Yes, a new manager might well shake things up ahead of those crucial
six-pointers but equally he could further disrupt a dressing room filled by
many of Sam's signings.
Then there's the question of who West Ham could bring in. As Crystal Palace
have found, there aren't many top managers around Europe enthralled with the
prospect of a Premier League relegation scrap.
Former Hammers hero Paolo Di Canio is out of work , of course, but surely
that would be a step too far even for owners as much in love of a futile
populist gesture as Sullivan and Gold.
Talking of which, only fans with amnesia would sanction an audacious move
for Harry Redknapp ahead of a transfer window.
Even if by default, Sam Allardyce deserves his chance to rectify his recent
shortcomings and salvage West Ham's season, securing much-needed points to
provide a platform from which he can sign his way out of trouble in January.
Fail to get anything out of those upcoming fixtures, however, and it could
well be a different story.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Allardyce defends substitution of Cole
By Rob Virtue on November 25, 2013 1:21 AM
Wharf.co.uk
Sam Allardyce defended his decision to take off Joe Cole during the
first-half of the side's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. The former
England international, along with Jack Collison, was substituted on 40
minutes after the second goal went in and stormed off straight to the
dressing room. When asked about the decision to take Cole off, Big Sam said
"the change was needed". "I can't help the team playing like that, and since
the two goals went in I had to change something," he said. "Somebody has to
come off. You look at the team and see who we're going to bring off and how
we're going to play. "Are we going to bring a lot more energy, a bit more
pace with Maiga and Diame? But if (Cole's) frustrated, then the next time he
plays, he's going to play so well that I am not going to substitute him, and
that's up to him."
Allardyce said Jose Mourinho's game plan was spot on, but he was
disappointed with how his team performed on the day. "I think we allowed
them to be good after the goal," said the West Ham manager. "In all
fairness, Jose's blocked the midfield with a bit more than he normally does,
and they haven't had the best two results of late. "When we saw Ramires,
Lampard and Mikel in midfield, you know they've come here to be a bit more
defensive, but it was our defensive frailties that broke first, not there's.
"Gifting them the penalty gave them a massive lift, and we couldn't really
get out of our own half."
A Frank Lampard brace and a goal from Oscar ensured a classy Chelsea side
ran riot against a struggling West Ham at Upton Park in the late kick-off on
Saturday. The first goal of the game came from the penalty spot, after right
back Guy Demel's lacklustre back-pass towards veteran shot stopper Jussi
Jaaskelainen was pounced on by Oscar, who was bought down by the former
Finnish international. Lampard dispatched the spot kick in a comfortable
fashion to end his 10 league game goal drought. Thirteen minutes later,
Chelsea doubled their lead, as a quick interchange of passing between man of
the match, Eden Hazard and Oscar, saw the Brazilian international burst
towards the Hammers backline, and his shot trickled past Jaaskelainen. With
no real threat from West Ham, who are now winless in their last five Premier
League games and have only scored two goals since then, Chelsea put the game
to bed in the 83rd minute when the Hammers defence failed to properly clear
Branislav Ivanovic driven cross, which fell to Lampard who has now scored
five goals in his last five appearances against his old side.
West Ham next have a 'relegation six pointer double' when they play host to
Fulham next Saturday, before a midweek game away at Crystal Palace.
Jack Pinnock
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Storm clouds gather over Allardyce
Posted by Peter Thorne
ESPN
Should he fail to pick up some results in the next few weeks, Sam
Allardyce's West Ham future could turn very grim. The forums on the
unofficial blog sites are not the place for a faint-hearted West Ham
supporter currently. The vitriolic abuse for Sam Allardyce -- always
bubbling below the surface since his appointment -- has emerged with a
vengeance, as most knew it would if results started to go against him.
Allardyce was never a popular appointment, and the type of football favoured
by the ex-Bolton boss has never found favour with the Claret and Blue
faithful brought up -- many by memory alone -- on Academy football, the
legendary triumvirate and the glowing legacy of the Greenwood and Lyall
years. The bemused Allardyce, like many who aren't supporters of the east
London side, questioned the validity of this supposed legacy and asked --
not unreasonably, it has to be said -- what success it had brought the club
since the mid-80's. Unfortunately, driving a coach and four through the
myths and legends of your new club is not really a good starting point for
any boss and Allardyce has been walking on thin ice ever since.
In 21st Century football though, results are all and while Allardyce eked
out dull draws away from home and smothered opposing sides at home, then
fans were prepared to -- if not exactly bite their tongue -- at least wear a
rictus smile. Once the wheel turned though, everyone knew the Dudley-born
ex-central defender, with his brusque and obdurate manner that sometimes
appears to border on the arrogant, would struggle to align himself with the
cockney and Essex based fan base. Dudley may only be in the West Midlands,
but this is a North v South argument that has been waiting to explode for
the past two years.
Inevitably, once the rumbling starts then whispered rumours and internet
scaremongering become cast-iron facts. At the weekend, when I was
questioning if all the blame for the situation that forces the Hammers to
play without a striker can be laid at the door of the manager, I was told
quite categorically that the West Ham board had wanted to sign Juventus
forward Fabio Quagliarella, but had been persuaded to back Allardyce who
wanted to spend the money on winger Stewart Downing instead. I have no idea
if that is the case -- I'd read Juventus decided not to release the player
and Quagliarella wouldn't have wanted West Ham anyway, but who is to know
the truth in the land of liniment and horse oils?
What is without doubt now, though, is that someone who knows someone who
knows David Gold's sister-in-law, is stating as a fact that Allardyce will
only save his job if he is successful in the three upcoming games against
Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Fulham. As these are fenced in with further
matches involving Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, Allardyce's
options aren't great and not helped when he says things like "we need six
points from those games". We know what he means, but supporters are looking
for a more bullish response.
Further rumours that state that at least one of the executive board has
never been too impressed with Allardyce and is just itching to pull the
trigger may be the usual type of gossip you get when Christmas is
approaching and the team is staying out of the bottom three only on goal
difference.
It's a balancing act and -- scathing though I am about those who run
football clubs nowadays -- I don't envy the Board their options. Because for
every Nigel Adkins-Mauricio Pochettino scenario, there's a Reading or QPR
situation waiting to occur; indeed, Hammers supporters don't even need to
look that far, when they recall the patience shown to Avram Grant when
Martin O'Neill was an option. Amusingly, Big Sam himself, showing the type
of self-confidence that seems to aggravate as much as impress, has often
said that every time he has been sacked, the club he left has then gone
down.
Perhaps Allardyce could just do himself a big favour though and leave
captain Kevin Nolan on the bench for once, and try and play one player up
front -- whoever he is. It may not work, but it would at least look as if he
could see some of the shortcomings the fans are seeing. Losing at home to a
rampant Chelsea side doesn't really mean that much, but confidence looked
low on Saturday once the Hammers went behind and the idea of losing points
to teams in the bottom three could have a disastrous effect on team morale.
Sam Allardyce is going to have to prove there is some substance to his
bombast – although, even then, it might not be enough.
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WHUFC.com
Dan Potts and Paul McCallum were in action for their loan clubs in Sky Bet
League Two at the weekend
25.11.2013
Paul McCallum, Dan Potts and Jordan Spence were all in Sky Bet Football
League action for their loan clubs this weekend. All three played the full
90 minutes but were unable to prevent their respective clubs from slipping
to defeats. Potts, who was making his debut for Portsmouth after joining on
a one-month loan deal, played at left-back throughout and he saw his team
surrender a one goal lead as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Scunthorpe
at Fratton Park. Tom Craddock had given the south coast side the lead after
36 minutes but a double from Tom Syers, one either side of half-time, won it
for the visitors. McCallum was also on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat despite
getting on the scoresheet himself. The big striker opened the scoring with a
superb right-footed half-volley from just inside the box as he gave the
Gulls the lead. Kai Naismith pulled one back three minutes before half-time
before consigning McCallum and Torquay to defeat with 16 minutes left.
Spence's Milton Keynes Dones, meanwhile, were edged out 3-2 by Bradford City
in League One. Patrick Bamford and Shaun Williams were on target for the
Dons, but Nakhi Wells, former Hammer Kyel Reid and Jason Kennedy scored to
win it for Bradford. Spence has extended his loan with Karl Robinson's side
until January 4, but McCallum will now return to the Boleyn Ground having
scored three goals in six games for the Gulls.
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'It's the story of our season'
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien says basic errors are hurting West Ham United at present
25.11.2013
Joey O'Brien says West Ham United are taking collective responsibility for
their current poor run of form. Sam Allardyce's men fell to a 3-0 defeat to
Chelsea on Saturday, the visitors taking the lead by seizing upon a Guy
Demel error which led to Jussi Jaaskelainen giving away a penalty. It was
the second spot-kick conceded by the Hammers in as many Barclays Premier
League games, and O'Brien feels too many mistakes are being made at crucial
times throughout the team - including on his own part. "The penalty on
Saturday was a massive moment and probably the story of the season for us,
with individual errors costing us," he said. "We've made a few of them - I
made one at Hull to give away a penalty there, Guy's a top player and will
come back from it. "Chelsea are a smashing team with some good players, but
I'm more concerned with how we're doing. We're confident we can turn it
around. We have some top players and proved that last year. "Hopefully that
little bit of luck will go our way and kick-start our season."
Having lost just four Barclays Premier League home games over the course of
last season, the Hammers have now matched that total already this term by
losing four of their opening six fixtures at the Boleyn Ground. The No17 is
well aware of the importance of next week's home clash with Fulham as the
Hammers look to put that right, both against the Cottagers and on the road
at Crystal Palace next Tuesday evening. He added: "The home form is a
concern for us, particularly not scoring goals. That's the main issue, and
the next two games are massive. "We find ourselves in a fight and we need
six points. Both ourselves and Fulham are in need of the three points next
week and we'll be doing our best for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing laments Hammers' generosity
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing felt the Hammers had themselves to blame for getting Chelsea
started on Saturday
25.11.2013
Stewart Downing felt West Ham United only had themselves to blame as they
slumped to a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. The Hammers were giving as
good as they got until they conceded a needless penalty to their visitors 21
minutes in. Frank Lampard converted from the spot and Chelsea never looked
back from there, soon doubling their advantage through Oscar before Lampard
sealed the points late on. The defeat left the Hammers without a home win in
the Barclays Premier League since the opening day of the season and Downing
knows an improvement is necessary. "We gave Chelsea a goal start, and I
thought it was quite even up until then," he said. "They got the penalty,
Lampard rarely misses and from then on it was hard for us because they keep
the ball and have players who can hurt you."
Downing does not point the finger at a lack of chance creation for the
Hammers' current woes, more their deficiencies in taking those opportunities
at present.
"We've played ever so well in a lot of games but the problem is that we've
missed chances at important times," he added. "With the crosses we put in, I
remember Kevin Nolan got on the end of one and got it back for a half-chance
for Joe Cole, so even though we're not playing with a striker, we're still
getting people into the box. "It's people's jobs to make the runs, we don't
all sit behind the ball and cross to nobody. "We've got Fulham and Palace in
the next two games - two big games and we need the points."
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Phillips proud of U18s run
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Mark Phillips saw West Ham United U18s go nine games
unbeaten by defeating leaders Fulham
25.11.2013
West Ham United U18s assistant manager Mark Phillips hailed the Hammers
following Saturday's 3-1 win over Barclays U18 Premier League leaders
Fulham.
After playing out a goalless first half at Little Heath on Saturday, striker
Jordan Brown and captain Kieran Bywater put the Hammers on track to victory.
George Williams halved the deficit from the penalty spot after a foul by
Hammers defender Jamie Harney. It was to be West Ham's day though when the
Hammers won a penalty of their own, which was coolly dispatched by Bywater
for his second of the game and his 13th goal in 15 games. Phillips was
naturally delighted as West Ham extended their unbeaten run to nine league
matches. "I don't want to be quoting clichés but I thought it was a game of
two halves," said Phillips. "In the first half, Fulham were on top but we
were definitely the better team in the second half. "We prepared for Fulham
the same way that we prepared for the Tottenham and Aston Villa games
because they are both up there in the top three with Fulham and we have
beaten both of them. "We obviously gave them respect for where they are in
the league, but made sure that we didn't over-respect them because we are
confident in what our team can do. I got a good feeling from training all
week and we went out and showed just how good we are."
Despite the result, Phillips believes that it was nowhere near a perfect
performance from the Hammers, but that the game came down to which team look
their chances in front of goal. "I wouldn't say it was a perfect game
because in the first half, Fulham were the better team. Steve Potts and I
identified a few things at half-time where we could negate their attack and
then it was about us taking our chances, which we did."
The game saw both sides being awarded controversial penalties, with Phillips
claiming Harney had been wrongly penalised for Fulham's spot-kick. "I didn't
think either was a penalty to be perfectly honest. For their penalty, I just
thought Jamie won the header, slightly aggressively, but he had to be to win
the header." The win stretches the Hammers' unbeaten run to nine games ahead
of home games with Arsenal and Leicester City to round out the pre-Christmas
league fixture list. West Ham will also travel to Accrington Stanley in the
FA Youth Cup third round before the festive season. "Hopefully the run can
continue till sometime in May!" Phillips continued. "The more we play and
pick up results, winning becomes a habit and we start expecting to beat
teams, no matter who we are playing against. "I thought that when we beat
Tottenham and Aston Villa. There is a good vibe around the Academy at the
moment. Togetherness is one of the main attributes that this team has got.
They are very close both on and off the pitch. Steve has got the team in a
very good place at the moment. "The results haven't always shown what the
performances have deserved. For example, we drew 1-1 with Southampton here
at Little Heath earlier in the season and we should have won that and drew
with Newcastle when they had ten men so we should have won that too.
Overall, we have played quite well this season."
This season is the first that Potts, Phillips and Academy director Tony Carr
MBE have worked together with the U18s. The trio have proved to be a
successful combination so far. "It's been very good working with both Steve
and Tony this season. Tony's experience is unquestionable and second to
none. He has been doing youth football for years and knows everything about
it. "I've recently come up from the U16s to be Steve's assistant so you then
have my enthusiasm. Steve is the cool head that tops it off and makes sure
we work well together."
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It's a bit Chile!
WHUFC.com
British Ambassador to Chile Jon Benjamin is following the West Ham Way in
South America
25.11.2013
West Ham United supporters can famously be found all over the world. One,
British Ambassador to Chile Jon Benjamin, has been supporting the Hammers
from postings on five different continents! After graduating with a degree
in Languages (German and Swedish) and International Relations, the
50-year-old joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1986. Since then
Benjamin, whose four-year stay in Santiago will end in March 2014, has
worked in Australia, Indonesia, Turkey, the United States and Chile during
his 27-year career in the diplomatic service. During his time in South
America, he has made some fantastic friends, including one of the 33 Chilean
miners freed after 69 days trapped underground and former West Ham defender
Javier Margas! The Ambassador began by explaining that claret and blue has
long run through the veins of the Benjamin family - Jewish immigrants who
settled in the East End.
You can follow Jon Benjamin on twitter @JonBenjamin19 "My Mum was born in
Mile End and my Dad in Stepney," he said. "Their house took a direct hit in
the Blitz and they had to move out to near Windsor. In fact, the whole
street he lived in - Skidmore Street - was so badly damaged that it doesn't
even exist anymore. "My Dad sadly passed away last year, aged 93. When I was
back in the UK a few months before, we took him on a very happy day trip to
all his old haunts in the East End, standing where we were pretty sure
Skidmore Street used to be - that will stay with me forever."
Benjamin's late father took him to the Boleyn Ground for the first time in
1974, at the age of eleven, for a 'thrilling' 4-3 win over Everton. Having
seen Clyde Best, Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking in the flesh, he was
hooked. "From the age of 16 onwards, I went to every home game and, for two
seasons, every away game, including getting up at 4am to travel to places
like Sunderland - before I went to university. Ever since, whenever I'm
posted back in London for a couple of years, I get a Season Ticket again."
Benjamin, who names Alan Devonshire as his favourite all-time Hammer, has
attended some memorable matches down the years, enjoying the rollercoaster
of emotions that come with being a West Ham fan, "I always remember that
great Alf Garnett quote: 'Supporting West Ham is like life itself: there's
the odd moment of joy down the years, but most of it is bloody misery!'.
"But I do have some terrific memories of games I was at - the 1980 FA Cup
final against Arsenal where we won 1-0 against the odds; the Championship
Play-Off final in Cardiff against Preston where the seven minutes of
added-time almost finished me off!; that incredible 1-1 draw at home to
Manchester United [in May 1995] which prevented them winning the title. "Of
course, I don't like dwelling on defeats but I do remember seeing us lose
4-1 at home to Dinamo Tbilisi in 1981 in the European Cup Winners' Cup -
probably the most complete footballing performance I've ever seen. "Many
years later, in 1996, I got to visit Dinamo Tbilisi's home stadium in the
Republic of Georgia to see England win a World Cup qualifier, in which Teddy
Sheringham and Les Ferdinand scored, so revenge of a sort!"
Georgia is just one of the dozens of countries Benjamin has visited during a
career he planned to follow even as a child. "I never really wanted to do
anything else. When I was six, I wrote in that typical first primary school
essay 'What I want to be when I grow up' that I wanted to be an ambassador,
even though I spelt it all wrong. Well, it just took another 40 years to get
that title! "It's been a great and very varied ride, each posting highly
memorable in its own right, with a couple of postings back in London in
between, including three years as head of the Foreign Office's human rights
department which included some unforgettable trips, above all a week in
North Korea in 2004."
Since arriving in Chile, Benjamin has collected some 'fantastic memories',
met his partner Carolina and celebrated the birth of son Louis. "I've
travelling all over, including to remote and amazing Easter Island and spent
the night in the lighthouse on Cape Horn island. "My first full year here,
2010, was the most eventful: there was the world's fifth-largest earthquake
in February, where I thought my house was about to collapse and then, of
course, the famous rescue of the 33 trapped miners, one of whom has become a
very good friend since. "But, much more importantly than all that, in Chile
I've finally, aged 50, started a family. Louis, now just over one, is
naturally a big Hammers fan of the future. He's already seen a few games
live here on Chilean TV, though he did fall sound asleep during the West Ham
v Stoke game."
Father and son settle down in front of the television to watch live matches
and highlights whenever possible, while Benjamin himself has also gained an
affiliation with the Chilean national team. "I have seen a few World Cup
qualifiers in a great atmosphere in the national stadium. Chile will be in
the World Cup next year, which is fantastic for the team and for the
country." Benjamin plans to return to the Boleyn Ground early next year,
when he hopes to see a fit-again Andy Carroll banging in the goals. Whether
he is overseas or at the Boleyn Ground, West Ham are never far from his
thoughts. "Through thick and thin, I will always be a Hammer and, of course,
my little son, Louis, will, I hope, take the torch and hand it on in due
course to more generations of the Benjamin family down the years!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble ready for two vital Premier League games
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 4:38pm
SSN
Mark Noble has called on West Ham United to 'stand up and be counted' ahead
of two 'vital' games in the Premier League. West Ham have won just once in
the league since the opening day of the season and were comfortably beaten
3-0 at home by Chelsea at the weekend. That result left Sam Allardyce's side
outside the relegation zone on goal difference and West Ham's next game is
at home to 18th-placed Fulham. The Hammers then travel to 19th-placed
Crystal Palace and Noble is looking forward to facing two teams who are also
fighting at the wrong end of the table. The midfielder is also waiting to
see if Allardyce continues with the 4-6-0 formation that has been used in
recent weeks after striker Modibo Maiga was brought on as a substitute just
before half-time against Chelsea. "It's up to gaffer what he does, but in
the second half we had more of a focal point and it looked a bit more
balanced," said Noble in the Evening Standard about whether a striker will
start against Fulham. "It seemed to work a bit better but Chelsea were 2-0
up by then and probably took their foot off the gas a little. "I just can't
believe the way it's going at the minute. We were holding Chelsea OK and
then we give away another unbelievable goal. "After the way things have been
going this season, giving penalties away and the opposition scoring from
free-kicks, this was another kick in the nether regions. "The next two
games, against Fulham and Crystal Palace, are vital for us now and we have
to stand up and be counted. They will be tough but I'm looking forward to
them."
West Ham have scored just five goals in six home games this season and
full-back Joey O'Brien acknowledged their form at Upton Park is a worry.
O'Brien told the club's official website: "The home form is a concern for
us, particularly not scoring goals. That's the main issue, and the next two
games are massive. "We find ourselves in a fight and we need six points.
Both ourselves and Fulham are in need of the three points next week and
we'll be doing our best for them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Alladyce says West Ham fans entitled to boo team
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 7:45am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he understands why he and the team were
jeered off on Saturday. The Hammers were beaten 3-0 at home to London rivals
Chelsea, and were booed off at half-time and full-time by the home support.
The Hammers have two wins all season - on the opening day against Cardiff
and, memorably, at Tottenham. The defeat by Chelsea was their fourth at home
this season - the same number as the whole of last season and Allardyce
admits he understands the increasing frustration in the stands and puts
recent performances down to 'fear' in the team. "If they (the supporters)
don't see the sort of determination and passion and desire they think they
should get they show their disapproval," Allardyce said. "I thought the
players tried as hard as they can, but they're playing with a bit of fear at
the minute. And that makes them look like they're not playing with the
passion that is normally seen."
West Ham have two more derbies coming up, and Allardyce says they need to
turn things around quickly. "When people say there's a pressure game at the
top - Manchester United versus Arsenal or Chelsea versus Manchester United
or Manchester City - it's not as big a pressure as when you're in the bottom
three or four," Allardyce added. "It's much greater pressure because it's
all about 'relegation this', 'relegation threatened that', all the money you
lose. "That becomes a constant flea in the players' ear. They've got to
dismiss all that, keep a clear mind, keep a clear head and focus on playing
how they know they can play. "It's my job to pick the players up and remind
them about previous performances we've had home and away this year, make
sure we get to that level and stop those fears creeping in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence extends Dons stay
Last Updated: November 25, 2013 6:09pm
SSN
MK Dons have extended the loan spell of West Ham defender Jordan Spence
until January 4, 2014. Spence, 23, whose initial month-long stay with the
Sky Bet League One club ended after their 3-2 home defeat to Bradford on
Saturday, has played every minute of every game since joining Karl
Robinson's side.
The former England Under-21 international will now be available for the
Dons' league fixtures against Colchester, on Tuesday night, Coventry,
Wolves, Port Vale, Crawley, Brentford and finally Colchester and Crewe in
the new year. Spence will also be eligible for Dons' FA Cup second-round tie
against Dover Athletic next month. Robinson said: "First of all we're
thankful to West Ham United and their manager Sam Allardyce for allowing us
to keep him until the new year. "He's done wonderfully well since signing
for us and we're very fortunate to have him until January. He is a typical
MK Dons centre-back and they are hard to find. "This now gives us
consistency in the back four and it's important over the forthcoming weeks
and months while Antony Kay is out, that he'll be there to fill that void."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SHAM SHOULD LOOK IN THE MIRROR
By Tony McDonald 25 Nov 2013 at 15:10
West Ham Till I Die
IF Sam Allardyce really wants to know the answer to West Ham's current
problems, he need only look in the mirror.
Instead of publicly blaming his players for failing to take chances (sorry,
did I miss something in the Chelsea game?), he must shoulder full
responsibility for the mess we are now in.
I know I sound like a broken record and, in truth, I might as well just cut
and paste my last two pieces (from Sept and Oct) up here and be done with
it. The all-our-eggs-in-one-basket approach to the ludicrous signing of an
injury-prone forward for vast sums that must make us the laughing stock of
football; the failure to sign another striker in the summer and then wasting
another £5m of the non-scoring Downing; the embarrassment of recalling
Carlton Cole (and, worse, not even playing him) . . . I stand by every word.
Nothing has changed since my last gripes about Allardyce, except relegation
is becoming a more realistic and worrying prospect with each passing game.
Depression deepens.
When Carlton Cole looked at the team-sheet at Norwich and saw he wasn't
starting against a poor team who had been smashed 7-0 at Manchester City the
previous weekend, I wonder if he contemplated collecting his boots and
selling them on eBay. He might as well give up.
Yeah, yeah, yeah . . . "we'd be mid-table now and chasing a European place
if only Carroll had been available," the sadly delusional pro-Allardyce
brigade will try and argue. Give over.
His unavailability should have come as a shock to no-one. As I keep banging
on, Carroll has a record of injuries worthy of a walk-on part in Casualty.
He was injured when we handed over that £17.5m gift to Liverpool, so to
lavish most of his summer budget on the big man was a very risky and
miscalculated gamble by BS that could yet have dire consequences.
Still, in accordance with modern speak, we can at least take the 'positives'
from this diabolical, shameful situation: Big Sham is another step closer to
the exit door and, for me, that glorious day cannot come quick enough if
West Ham United is ever to go forward as a club again.
BS swears by his stats, so here's one for him to ponder: Our first shot on
goal v Chelsea was recorded in the 93rd minute.
And another for him to mull over: The day after the Chelsea fiasco, Cardiff
City had 14 shots against Manchester United and were rewarded for their
enterprise with a 2-2 draw against the reigning champions. Allardyce should
have looked at that performance and the ambitious tactics employed by
Cardiff's ex-manager Malky MacKay and been squirming with embarrassment.
It's not rocket science, is it? You play a forward (or two), go at the other
team, put them under a bit of pressure and, hey presto, you bag yourself two
goals.
Chelsea are not in the form of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. They
are a team who, until last Saturday night, had been underperforming, winning
just one of their previous five away league games and were very fortunate
not to have lost their last home match to West Brom.
Yet compare Malky Mackay's refreshing attitude to Allardyce's 'game plan'
for the Chelsea match.
*Start the game with NO strikers.
*See your team go 0-2 down.
*Make two substitutions in the 39th minute and put on a (useless) striker.
This man's a tactical genius!
It must have been John Terry's easiest game since he was playing for Senrab
on Wanstead Flats.
Of course, it's not results against top teams that will determine the fate
of clubs scrapping at the wrong end of the table. It's what we do against
fellow strugglers which matters most. In this respect, the 3-1 defeat at
Norwich (having taken the lead) was even more criminal and, ultimately, may
prove much more costly.
The forthcoming 'P45 Derby' with Martin Jol's faltering Fulham and the
'Neckbrace Derby' against Crystal Palace could have a huge bearing on West
Ham's season and the future of the manager himself. (Christ, the bloke at
Sky who had the bright idea of showing the Palace game live next Tuesday
should be shot, or forced to buy a season ticket at either Selhurst Park or
Upton Park. He must be some kind of a masochist, especially now that the
other anti-football merchant Tony Pulis has been inflicted on those poor
people of South London. Still, the good news is Pulis is no longer a
candidate to replace BS.)
It remains to be seen if the team will respond in the right manner but
reading critical quotes in the media from their beleaguered manager is not
normally conducive to a rallying effort in the face of adversity. To "waste
chances", as BS puts it, you first have to create them. And how the manager
sets his team up inevitably affects their ability to create or otherwise. I
shouldn't think Joe Cole, for one, was over the moon about being yanked off
before half-time, having been marooned on the right where he was never going
to be at his most effective. Jack Collison was also humiliated in front of
his home fans.
I fear, too, that Ravel Morrison, by far and away our best future prospect,
will quickly reach the conclusion (if he hasn't already) that he will never
fulfil his obvious talent playing for a manager as negative as BS. How
Mourinho and the Chelsea players must have relished seeing Morrison asked to
play a role alien to him – backtracking and desperately trying to pick up
advancing Chelsea runners, when he should have been running with the ball
towards their goal.
In the last couple of days there is a growing change of mood among even BS's
biggest disciples. More and more sheep are removing their heads from the
sand and waking up to reality. About time.
It's one thing getting criticised by fans but if Allardyce loses the
dressing room, then he will become a dead man walking.
So who would we replace him with? There are options out there: Di Matteo (a
mate of Zola's, so it's doubtful that he would want to work for our board);
Hoddle (England's best coach, tactically clued up and puts out attacking
sides, but is prone to paranoia and not popular with the media); Di Canio
(fruitcake), Holloway (another fruitcake and his teams can't defend),
McLeish (no thanks), Curbs (no thanks), Coleman (just signed a new deal with
Wales).
Whoever it is, the appointment should not be based on a quick fix, but one
that will restore the club's ethos and best traditions for playing
entertaining, attacking football, while at the same time laying a structured
foundation for the future. As at Barca and Arsenal and most other clubs, all
the club's teams beneath the first team should all be playing in
fundamentally the same basic style, whilst allowing for tweaks to formations
depending on the opponents and circumstances. How else can you expect
continuity and progression of young players through the ranks? West Ham's
academy teams don't hoof the ball.
Alan Devonshire has proved himself over many years in non-league football,
so he would have to be a strong candidate. No experience above the
Conference? So what.
Perhaps give him a go alongside a younger coach – Julian Dicks? – as his
assistant. This way, Dicksy could seamlessly succeed Dev as No.1 when the
time is right. And how about Alvin Martin as defensive coach and Tony Cottee
to work specifically with the strikers?
These men have been there and done it for West Ham; they understand the
history of the club and what it stands for (or used to). They know what most
supporters expect for their heard-earned money.
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West Ham should not get rid of Big Sam yet, but his next three games are
crucial
25 Nov 2013 09:22
The Mirror
Resident Hammer Dan Silver is none too pleased with Allardyce, who could
face the chop if this gets much worse
There's no shame in losing to Jose Mourinho's star-studded Chelsea side , of
course. Even at home. But there was plenty of shame to be had from West
Ham's performance during their 3-0 defeat on Saturday. Actually, it was
worse than that: it was embarrassing. Chelsea's performance was calm, cool
and clinical, yes. But I've also rarely seen a team have to work less for a
3-0 win away from home. Sam Allardyce bemoaned individual errors and poor
finishing for the Hammers' latest home hammering. And, yes, Guy Demel's
disastrous back pass that led to the visitors' opening penalty was
compounded by a miserable miss from Modibo Maiga in the second half that
could have halved the deficit to 2-1.
But the problems at Upton Park run far deeper than scapegoats, and it's time
the manager looked a little closer to home. Way back before the season had
even started in August I wrote that the manager's reliance on Andy Carroll's
fitness could be the difference between West Ham finishing 8th and 18th, and
was told on Twitter that I didn't know what I was talking about. Then,
following a fruitless transfer deadline day in which West Ham failed to
secure a striker on loan to cover for the crocked Carroll, I wrote another
piece criticising the rank mismanagement at the club.
Again, I was slammed on social media. Carroll would be back within weeks, I
was told in no uncertain terms. One Twitter user memorably told me that
youngster Elliot Lee would score the goals West Ham needed. He's just
returned from a League One loan spell at Colchester (Lee, that is, not the
Tweeter).
And so, with almost a third of the season gone, West Ham find themselves out
of the relegation zone on goal difference alone, having won just two games
from what many considered to be an opening fixture list that bordered on the
generous.
Big Sam, as he's affectionately known, has never enjoyed the West Ham fans'
affection. The respect he rightfully accrued for securing promotion to the
Premier League at the first attempt and keeping the side there last season
has been gradually eroded by workmanlike performances that must be endured
rather than enjoyed.
Sam's self-aggrandisement has grated, too. He revelled in the 3-0 win at
White Hart Lane , proclaiming his own tactical acumen and preparation in
producing a striker-less formation that bamboozled Andre Villas-Boas.
His obdurate decision to turn a surprise tactic into a predictable one
resulted in subsequent defeats to Manchester City and Norwich and two
goalless draws with Swansea and Aston Villa before Saturday's reverse to
Chelsea.
The striker-less formation returned two goals in five games. You wouldn't
have needed Nostradamus levels of foresight to see that coming, but the
results are now apparently the fault of the players' performances rather
than the manager's strategy.
Allardyce will point to his lack of options up front, of course, but as
manager he has to take a significant share of the blame for this. His
insistence on signing Stewart Downing in the summer to supply the crosses
for Carroll was a classic case of putting all your eggs in one basket. Now
West Ham don't even have a basket.
Whispers around Upton Park suggest members of the board wanted to spend the
Downing cash on Juventus hitman Fabio Quagliarella but eventually decided to
back their manager instead. Cynics might suggest they were merely giving
Allardyce enough rope to hang himself should the need arise.
And now many West Ham fans have come to the conclusion it has. Calls for
Allardyce's head are being taken up across the internet, with everything
from his negative tactics to his obdurate faith in woefully out of form
captain Kevin Nolan being used as sticks to beat him with.
For many, the very public humiliation of Joe Cole and Jack Collison - both
hauled off during the 40th minute of the Chelsea defeat rather than at
half-time, has proved the final straw.
There's no question that relegation would be a disaster for West Ham -
something reinforced by the photo op of builders starting work on the club's
new Olympic Stadium home staged last week. And despite David Sullivan and
David Gold's reputation for not firing managers, they've already dismissed
two since their arrival at Upton Park four years ago.
I would be astonished if they sacked Sam, though, Especially given that
three of West Ham's next four fixtures are against fellow strugglers Fulham,
Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
Changing managers mid-season is by no means a sure way of changing fortunes.
For every Southampton - and there must be many chairmen casting envious
glances at the way Mauricio Pochettino has turned that club around - there
are many more Readings and Hulls that remind us that the tactic is very much
a gamble.
Yes, a new manager might well shake things up ahead of those crucial
six-pointers but equally he could further disrupt a dressing room filled by
many of Sam's signings.
Then there's the question of who West Ham could bring in. As Crystal Palace
have found, there aren't many top managers around Europe enthralled with the
prospect of a Premier League relegation scrap.
Former Hammers hero Paolo Di Canio is out of work , of course, but surely
that would be a step too far even for owners as much in love of a futile
populist gesture as Sullivan and Gold.
Talking of which, only fans with amnesia would sanction an audacious move
for Harry Redknapp ahead of a transfer window.
Even if by default, Sam Allardyce deserves his chance to rectify his recent
shortcomings and salvage West Ham's season, securing much-needed points to
provide a platform from which he can sign his way out of trouble in January.
Fail to get anything out of those upcoming fixtures, however, and it could
well be a different story.
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West Ham: Allardyce defends substitution of Cole
By Rob Virtue on November 25, 2013 1:21 AM
Wharf.co.uk
Sam Allardyce defended his decision to take off Joe Cole during the
first-half of the side's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. The former
England international, along with Jack Collison, was substituted on 40
minutes after the second goal went in and stormed off straight to the
dressing room. When asked about the decision to take Cole off, Big Sam said
"the change was needed". "I can't help the team playing like that, and since
the two goals went in I had to change something," he said. "Somebody has to
come off. You look at the team and see who we're going to bring off and how
we're going to play. "Are we going to bring a lot more energy, a bit more
pace with Maiga and Diame? But if (Cole's) frustrated, then the next time he
plays, he's going to play so well that I am not going to substitute him, and
that's up to him."
Allardyce said Jose Mourinho's game plan was spot on, but he was
disappointed with how his team performed on the day. "I think we allowed
them to be good after the goal," said the West Ham manager. "In all
fairness, Jose's blocked the midfield with a bit more than he normally does,
and they haven't had the best two results of late. "When we saw Ramires,
Lampard and Mikel in midfield, you know they've come here to be a bit more
defensive, but it was our defensive frailties that broke first, not there's.
"Gifting them the penalty gave them a massive lift, and we couldn't really
get out of our own half."
A Frank Lampard brace and a goal from Oscar ensured a classy Chelsea side
ran riot against a struggling West Ham at Upton Park in the late kick-off on
Saturday. The first goal of the game came from the penalty spot, after right
back Guy Demel's lacklustre back-pass towards veteran shot stopper Jussi
Jaaskelainen was pounced on by Oscar, who was bought down by the former
Finnish international. Lampard dispatched the spot kick in a comfortable
fashion to end his 10 league game goal drought. Thirteen minutes later,
Chelsea doubled their lead, as a quick interchange of passing between man of
the match, Eden Hazard and Oscar, saw the Brazilian international burst
towards the Hammers backline, and his shot trickled past Jaaskelainen. With
no real threat from West Ham, who are now winless in their last five Premier
League games and have only scored two goals since then, Chelsea put the game
to bed in the 83rd minute when the Hammers defence failed to properly clear
Branislav Ivanovic driven cross, which fell to Lampard who has now scored
five goals in his last five appearances against his old side.
West Ham next have a 'relegation six pointer double' when they play host to
Fulham next Saturday, before a midweek game away at Crystal Palace.
Jack Pinnock
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Storm clouds gather over Allardyce
Posted by Peter Thorne
ESPN
Should he fail to pick up some results in the next few weeks, Sam
Allardyce's West Ham future could turn very grim. The forums on the
unofficial blog sites are not the place for a faint-hearted West Ham
supporter currently. The vitriolic abuse for Sam Allardyce -- always
bubbling below the surface since his appointment -- has emerged with a
vengeance, as most knew it would if results started to go against him.
Allardyce was never a popular appointment, and the type of football favoured
by the ex-Bolton boss has never found favour with the Claret and Blue
faithful brought up -- many by memory alone -- on Academy football, the
legendary triumvirate and the glowing legacy of the Greenwood and Lyall
years. The bemused Allardyce, like many who aren't supporters of the east
London side, questioned the validity of this supposed legacy and asked --
not unreasonably, it has to be said -- what success it had brought the club
since the mid-80's. Unfortunately, driving a coach and four through the
myths and legends of your new club is not really a good starting point for
any boss and Allardyce has been walking on thin ice ever since.
In 21st Century football though, results are all and while Allardyce eked
out dull draws away from home and smothered opposing sides at home, then
fans were prepared to -- if not exactly bite their tongue -- at least wear a
rictus smile. Once the wheel turned though, everyone knew the Dudley-born
ex-central defender, with his brusque and obdurate manner that sometimes
appears to border on the arrogant, would struggle to align himself with the
cockney and Essex based fan base. Dudley may only be in the West Midlands,
but this is a North v South argument that has been waiting to explode for
the past two years.
Inevitably, once the rumbling starts then whispered rumours and internet
scaremongering become cast-iron facts. At the weekend, when I was
questioning if all the blame for the situation that forces the Hammers to
play without a striker can be laid at the door of the manager, I was told
quite categorically that the West Ham board had wanted to sign Juventus
forward Fabio Quagliarella, but had been persuaded to back Allardyce who
wanted to spend the money on winger Stewart Downing instead. I have no idea
if that is the case -- I'd read Juventus decided not to release the player
and Quagliarella wouldn't have wanted West Ham anyway, but who is to know
the truth in the land of liniment and horse oils?
What is without doubt now, though, is that someone who knows someone who
knows David Gold's sister-in-law, is stating as a fact that Allardyce will
only save his job if he is successful in the three upcoming games against
Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Fulham. As these are fenced in with further
matches involving Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, Allardyce's
options aren't great and not helped when he says things like "we need six
points from those games". We know what he means, but supporters are looking
for a more bullish response.
Further rumours that state that at least one of the executive board has
never been too impressed with Allardyce and is just itching to pull the
trigger may be the usual type of gossip you get when Christmas is
approaching and the team is staying out of the bottom three only on goal
difference.
It's a balancing act and -- scathing though I am about those who run
football clubs nowadays -- I don't envy the Board their options. Because for
every Nigel Adkins-Mauricio Pochettino scenario, there's a Reading or QPR
situation waiting to occur; indeed, Hammers supporters don't even need to
look that far, when they recall the patience shown to Avram Grant when
Martin O'Neill was an option. Amusingly, Big Sam himself, showing the type
of self-confidence that seems to aggravate as much as impress, has often
said that every time he has been sacked, the club he left has then gone
down.
Perhaps Allardyce could just do himself a big favour though and leave
captain Kevin Nolan on the bench for once, and try and play one player up
front -- whoever he is. It may not work, but it would at least look as if he
could see some of the shortcomings the fans are seeing. Losing at home to a
rampant Chelsea side doesn't really mean that much, but confidence looked
low on Saturday once the Hammers went behind and the idea of losing points
to teams in the bottom three could have a disastrous effect on team morale.
Sam Allardyce is going to have to prove there is some substance to his
bombast – although, even then, it might not be enough.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Monday, November 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th November 2013
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager West Ham United is determined to put things right against Fulham
on Saturday
24.11.2013
Sam Allardyce has stated his focus this week will be on making sure his West
Ham United side come out all guns blazing for Saturday's London derby with
Fulham. The West Ham United manager watched on last Saturday as his side
were beaten 3-0 by high-flying Chelsea. A visit of 18th-placed Fulham on
Saturday offers the Hammers an opportunity to get back to winning ways at
home and set themselves up nicely for the third game in a hat-trick of
consecutive London derbies at Crystal Palace three days later. "I've got to
keep instilling the confidence in the players," Allardyce said. "I saw a
little ebb of a lack of confidence when the first goal went in against
Chelsea, which I haven't seen this season. We've always been very positive
and always given our all even though we've failed to turn lots of good
performances into wins. "It's my job to pick the players up and remind them
of the previous performances we've had home and away and make sure we get to
that level and stop those fears creeping in against a Fulham side, which
will offer us the chance to get three points.
"We must keep a clear head and focus on playing on how I know they can play.
I'm in charge and my results aren't going well at the moment and so I am
going to what I can do to put it right."
With rumours abounding over which players Big Sam and the Board may be
targeting in the January sales, the manager has stressed those stories are
of no significance to him at present, with eight crucial matches to play
before the window opens on 1 January. Seven of those fixtures are in the
Barclays Premier League, with a Capital One Cup quarter-final trip to
Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday 18 December thrown in as an early Christmas
gift. "It's alright saying we're going into the market in January but there
are too many games between now and January that we've got to make sure we
get points from. It's tough going at the minute for us and it's my
responsibility to keep their heads up, pick them up and keep telling them
how well I know they can play. "I've said to the players that because you've
thrown away the wins you know you should have had you're putting yourself
under so much pressure now you'll find it tough to play football as easy as
it was a few weeks ago. "Take that little bit of time over a pass and you
could end up passing it to the opposition and make those basic errors more
you than usually did. So we've got to dismiss all of those negatives and get
back to a positive attitude."
Big Sam also took time to praise the 'electric' Hammers fans for their
support since he guide the team back to the Premier League at the first time
of asking. He understands their frustrations that results are not going as
planned as present and vowed to get them roaring with approval again as soon
as possible.
"We've been in the Premier League for 18 months and I've had nothing to
criticise the fans for. I don't criticise them booing on Saturday because
they expected a better show against the opposition than they saw. "They
would have not booed us if we'd given a better show than we did against
Manchester City. They pay their money and if they don't see the sort of
passion, determination and desire they think they should then they'll show
their disapproval. "You've got to give them something to shout about. We
can't expect them to cheer to get a goal unless we're giving them something
to cheer. They're electric and they help us an enormous amount. "I didn't
ever think I would be sat here now when we've lost four games at home
already. Last season we only lost four at home all season and now we've lost
four in 12 so I've got a massive dilemma on how to turn that back around
again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We need to up our game'
WHUFC.com
James Collins demanded more from the Hammers after Saturday's below-par
showing against Chelsea
24.11.2013
James Collins issued a rallying cry in the wake of West Ham United's 3-0
Barclays Premier League defeat at home to Chelsea, insisting the time is now
for the Hammers to turn their season around. A Frank Lampard double, either
side of Oscar's first-half strike, consigned Sam Allardyce's men to a fourth
home loss of the campaign and a second successive league reverse.
Reflecting on a disappointing evening at the Boleyn Ground, centre-half
Collins conceded that West Ham are paying a heavy price for uncharacteristic
mistakes just now. He told West Ham TV: "We knew it was going to be tough,
but the same as the last couple of games, we're not really helping ourselves
at the minute. Individual mistakes leading to goals, which are costing us.
Unfortunately we couldn't get back in the game. "It has been happening a bit
too often, individual mistakes, myself included, as well as everyone. It's
something we've got to look at, we've got to stop the rot somewhere and it
doesn't come any bigger than next Saturday. "We had a couple of chances
but again, couldn't score, and obviously we're conceding goals which we
weren't doing at the start of the season. We've got to stop conceding and
start scoring! Rapidly."
Chelsea's superlative display came as no suprise to Collins, though he
acknowledged that the visitors were given far too easy a ride in east
London, thanks largely to an avoidable 21st-minute penalty award. That said,
the 30-year-old remains defiant in defeat, calling on his colleagues to come
back even stronger.
"They were good, you know what you're going to get from a Chelsea team," he
continued. "They pass it well, move around the pitch, create chances and
that's what they did. We made it too easy for them. "Before the penalty we
were quite comfortable. I don't think they had a shot on target before the
penalty. As at Norwich, it deflates you a little bit and that can't happen.
The gaffer has just said, we need to up our game if anything, not go into
our shells, which looked like we did a bit on Saturday. That's got to stop."
Collins knows only too well that a West Ham revival must start next week at
home to Martin Jol's Fulham, who currently sit directly beneath the Hammers
in 18th spot. A trip to Crystal Palace follows just three days later,
presenting the perfect opportunity to make amends, so says the Wales
international. "Fulham's a big game, every game's big now. We've got
off to probably the worst start we could have thought of. Especially after
last year, we wanted to try and match that or even better it and
unfortunately that hasn't happened. Every game's massive now. "We haven't
gone back to back wins all of last year and certainly this year, if ever
there was a time to do it to get our season back on track, it's the next two
games. It's up to us to put it right, to get the fans behind us again and
hopefully we can do that starting Saturday. "It's not happening at both ends
and all we can do is work hard on the training pitch, stay together, keep as
a tight unit and hopefully the wins will come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE BIG SAM?
By Sean Whetstone 24 Nov 2013 at 21:45
West Ham Till I Die
First of all let me start by saying I have the up-most respect for Big Sam.
I have met him three times since he took over West ham and have always found
him intelligent, witty and highly entertaining in person. I first met him at
The London Business Forum in November 2011 and one of the first things he
told an audience of business men was the average life of a premier league
manager was 1 year 8 months with a championship manager life span just 1
year 2 months.
He survived his time as a Championship manager by getting us promoted at the
first attempt of asking.Technically I guess he became a Premier league
manager again on 19th May 2012 when we won the play off final at Wembley.
We finished a surprising 10th place last season but the second season
syndrome has started to kick in and the West Ham natives are getting
restless. Last Tuesday made it 1 year 6 months in charge so January 19th
next year will make it the dreaded 1 year 8 months anniversary of a Premier
League manager. Will he survive until then? David Gold seems re-markedly
quiet on twitter lately but I am sure Mr Allardyce has the full confidence
of the board!
Some West Ham fans didn't like Big Sam from day one, they complained about
his direct football and pointed out he scraped Premier league promotion via
the play offs. Even when we came 10th last season they complained the
football wasn't attractive enough and he doesn't play the West Ham way.I
have backed Sam since the beginning at West Ham and have always believed his
organisation skills is just what the doctor ordered for the rebuilding of
West Ham. Only a few weeks ago Sam was hailed as a tactical genius for the
'false nine' tactic that beat Spurs 3-0. My mantra on the West Ham podcast I
co-host and my brief appearance on Talk Sport radio is "Sam's teams do not
go down!"
There has been a lot of water under the bridge since that brief moment of
glory and the tactic of playing no striker is wearing very thin and expected
by every team we play .
What was the point of signing Mladen Petric and Carlton Cole if we aren't
going to play a striker?
The news on Andy Carroll doesn't seem not good either. It appears he has
moved from his hotel & clinic in Antwerp, Belgium to Amsterdam. One can only
imagine the club weren't happy with the treatment in Antwerp and have moved
clinics. I can't see any way we can be insured for his continued injury as
it was a pre existing condition when we signed him. That's £80,000 plus out
of the club each and every week.
In the pre-match interview Sam said "We are trying to get a date out of the
guys over in Amsterdam but they are reluctant to give us any clear
indication of when he's going to be able to join us back here and start
training with the squad and getting back into the team," In the same
interview he went on to be-moan that West Ham tried and failed to sign four
strikers in the Summer but no-one would come to us. He seems oblivious that
the main reason was no world class striker wants to play second fiddle to
Andy Carroll.
However the water shed moment for me came on Saturday after the double
substitution of Joe Cole and Jack Collison for Momo Diame and Miaga to
background of the crowd chanting "You don't know what your doing!" Later on
came more disquiet from the fans which I won't repeat suggesting a reason
why Kevin Nolan was still on the pitch. When Kevin did finally get pulled
off he was booed by many in the angry crowd. I briefly joined in the knee
jerk reaction after yesterday's match by agreeing that it was time for Sam's
time to come to an end but in the cold light of day I asked myself who would
want to take over the job? The whole team is set-up for Andy Carroll with no
sign of Andy Carroll. any new manager would have to carry on with the cards
dealt to us.
In Nov 2011 at the event where I first met him he was asked the question:
What 3 things make a great Football manager?
His answers then were:
1) Ambition: He claimed his ambition is greater than any club he has
managed.
2) Job Satisfaction: A team that delivers what has been targeted by owners
and fans.
3) Publicity: Someone who feels comfortable in the lime light and media
pressure.
So what do we do with a problem like Big Sam? In the short term we back him
and hope our fortunes turn very soon.
I will be going to the Season Ticket Fans Forum on 10th December to meet Mr
Allardyce for a fourth time along with 400 fellow season ticket holders. I
think Big Sam and Kevin Nolan will be in for a hard time on the 10th unless
we beat both Fulham and Palace and give a go at winning at Anfield.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SAM HAS US BAFFLED
By Tony Hanna 24 Nov 2013 at 11:09
West Ham Till I Die
One of the most baffling decisions during our loss to Chelsea was that Big
Sam did not utilise Carlton Cole at any point during the game. Iain's game
summary on the 4/6/0 formation backed up my theory two weeks ago that the
system is not a workable one to use when playing at home. We need to play a
minimum of one up top and with Carroll, Vaz Te and Petric injured that only
leaves Maiga, Carlton Cole and Lee to choose from? Enough has been seen of
Maiga already to realise he is way out of his depth so to bring him on after
40 minutes was baffling. Lee has returned from his loan deal at Colchester
and to be honest I haven't seen enough of him to make an appraisal. The few
minutes he played on debut at Old Trafford earlier this year at least gave
the impression he is not a target man. So that leaves Carlton Cole, after
all, isn't that why we gave him a short term contract until the end of the
year – despite not being fully match fit. I was never a Carlton Cole fan but
the move to get him back was based on the fact we could not get anyone else.
However, Big Sam keeps on saying he is not match fit – so why not give him
half an hour or more against Chelsea when the match result had slipped away
from us? Why, with ten minutes to go did he bring on Matty Jarvis instead of
Carlton? How is Carlton going to get match fit when he can't even get a run
under Saturday's circumstances? That's three questions in a row and whilst
we might like to try and answer some of them, I really think Sam should be
answering them for us.
It has been suggested that bringing Carlton back to the club was not what
Sam wanted and it was David Sullivan's choice. If that is the case it is an
even sadder decision not to be playing him. Any truth in that scenario
suggests that cracks will be widening in the relationship between owners and
manager. The other tactic Sam has tried is playing Kevin Nolan for brief
spells leading the line. Again, playing with your back to goal is not
something you want to start doing at the end of your career, and to be fair
to Kevin, it is something that is hardly going to work for him or anyone
else who is not used to it.
So, in a nutshell, for the interim Sam has to play Carlton – like him or
not. Many things are drifting away from Sam at the moment which is a shame.
He has had two very good years at the club. If Andy Carroll was available at
present I am sure we would not be in this predicament. However, the past few
weeks have seen a number of players starting to drop their heads and just as
importantly, the crowd is now starting to vent their frustrations at
matches. I have been a fan of Big Sam at West Ham and I hope he pulls it all
together. We shall see?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce orders in West Ham flops for extra training as Andy Carroll
absence continues
24 Nov 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce ordered his West Ham stars in for extra training yesterday
after they were crushed by Chelsea . The fuming Upton Park boss acted after
Saturday's bloodless win for Jose Mourinho's men left the Hammers above the
relegation zone on goal difference. West Ham's players were due to have
yesterday as a day off. But Allardyce, who hauled off Joe Cole and Jack
Collison before half time on Saturday, told his men to scrap their plans.
Allardyce has nominated the next two matches - against Fulham and Crystal
Palace - as must-win games. He is counting the cost, however, of bringing in
winger Stewart Downing in the summer for £5million instead of another
striker with Andy Carroll nowhere near fit. West Ham joint-chairman David
Gold wrote on Twitter yesterday: "I spoke to Andy C yesterday, he looked fit
and strong and is desperate to rejoin the first team squad. Hopefully this
will happen soon."
Privately, however, it is understood Carroll will not be available to the
east Londoners before the New Year. Saturday's defeat means West Ham have
managed just one Premier League win in their last seven matches. They have
also scored only one goal in their last four top-flight games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce concedes fear factor is getting to West Ham players as
relegation battle looms
24 Nov 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce admits his West Ham side are playing with fear as they face a
relegation battle. They have not won at Upton Park since the opening day of
the season and were taken to the cleaners 3-0 by Chelsea. The Hammers boss
accepted that their fans had the right to jeer his players, saying: "They
pay their money and if they don't see the determination, passion and desire
they think they should get, then they show their disapproval. "The players
tried as hard as they can but I think they're playing with a bit of fear.
That makes it look as if they don't have the passion the fans normally see.
"It's always dangerous when you see that body language. People say there's
pressure games at the top but it's not as big a pressure as when you're in
the bottom three or four. "It's all about 'you're relegation this, you're
relegation that' and the money you'll lose here." Stewart Downing admitted
the boos, directed at Modibo Maiga and Kevin Nolan, were taking their toll.
"It's not nice to hear it for one of your team-mates," said the former
England midfielder. "You need the fans behind you. But as players you just
have to be strong."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
The manager West Ham United is determined to put things right against Fulham
on Saturday
24.11.2013
Sam Allardyce has stated his focus this week will be on making sure his West
Ham United side come out all guns blazing for Saturday's London derby with
Fulham. The West Ham United manager watched on last Saturday as his side
were beaten 3-0 by high-flying Chelsea. A visit of 18th-placed Fulham on
Saturday offers the Hammers an opportunity to get back to winning ways at
home and set themselves up nicely for the third game in a hat-trick of
consecutive London derbies at Crystal Palace three days later. "I've got to
keep instilling the confidence in the players," Allardyce said. "I saw a
little ebb of a lack of confidence when the first goal went in against
Chelsea, which I haven't seen this season. We've always been very positive
and always given our all even though we've failed to turn lots of good
performances into wins. "It's my job to pick the players up and remind them
of the previous performances we've had home and away and make sure we get to
that level and stop those fears creeping in against a Fulham side, which
will offer us the chance to get three points.
"We must keep a clear head and focus on playing on how I know they can play.
I'm in charge and my results aren't going well at the moment and so I am
going to what I can do to put it right."
With rumours abounding over which players Big Sam and the Board may be
targeting in the January sales, the manager has stressed those stories are
of no significance to him at present, with eight crucial matches to play
before the window opens on 1 January. Seven of those fixtures are in the
Barclays Premier League, with a Capital One Cup quarter-final trip to
Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday 18 December thrown in as an early Christmas
gift. "It's alright saying we're going into the market in January but there
are too many games between now and January that we've got to make sure we
get points from. It's tough going at the minute for us and it's my
responsibility to keep their heads up, pick them up and keep telling them
how well I know they can play. "I've said to the players that because you've
thrown away the wins you know you should have had you're putting yourself
under so much pressure now you'll find it tough to play football as easy as
it was a few weeks ago. "Take that little bit of time over a pass and you
could end up passing it to the opposition and make those basic errors more
you than usually did. So we've got to dismiss all of those negatives and get
back to a positive attitude."
Big Sam also took time to praise the 'electric' Hammers fans for their
support since he guide the team back to the Premier League at the first time
of asking. He understands their frustrations that results are not going as
planned as present and vowed to get them roaring with approval again as soon
as possible.
"We've been in the Premier League for 18 months and I've had nothing to
criticise the fans for. I don't criticise them booing on Saturday because
they expected a better show against the opposition than they saw. "They
would have not booed us if we'd given a better show than we did against
Manchester City. They pay their money and if they don't see the sort of
passion, determination and desire they think they should then they'll show
their disapproval. "You've got to give them something to shout about. We
can't expect them to cheer to get a goal unless we're giving them something
to cheer. They're electric and they help us an enormous amount. "I didn't
ever think I would be sat here now when we've lost four games at home
already. Last season we only lost four at home all season and now we've lost
four in 12 so I've got a massive dilemma on how to turn that back around
again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We need to up our game'
WHUFC.com
James Collins demanded more from the Hammers after Saturday's below-par
showing against Chelsea
24.11.2013
James Collins issued a rallying cry in the wake of West Ham United's 3-0
Barclays Premier League defeat at home to Chelsea, insisting the time is now
for the Hammers to turn their season around. A Frank Lampard double, either
side of Oscar's first-half strike, consigned Sam Allardyce's men to a fourth
home loss of the campaign and a second successive league reverse.
Reflecting on a disappointing evening at the Boleyn Ground, centre-half
Collins conceded that West Ham are paying a heavy price for uncharacteristic
mistakes just now. He told West Ham TV: "We knew it was going to be tough,
but the same as the last couple of games, we're not really helping ourselves
at the minute. Individual mistakes leading to goals, which are costing us.
Unfortunately we couldn't get back in the game. "It has been happening a bit
too often, individual mistakes, myself included, as well as everyone. It's
something we've got to look at, we've got to stop the rot somewhere and it
doesn't come any bigger than next Saturday. "We had a couple of chances
but again, couldn't score, and obviously we're conceding goals which we
weren't doing at the start of the season. We've got to stop conceding and
start scoring! Rapidly."
Chelsea's superlative display came as no suprise to Collins, though he
acknowledged that the visitors were given far too easy a ride in east
London, thanks largely to an avoidable 21st-minute penalty award. That said,
the 30-year-old remains defiant in defeat, calling on his colleagues to come
back even stronger.
"They were good, you know what you're going to get from a Chelsea team," he
continued. "They pass it well, move around the pitch, create chances and
that's what they did. We made it too easy for them. "Before the penalty we
were quite comfortable. I don't think they had a shot on target before the
penalty. As at Norwich, it deflates you a little bit and that can't happen.
The gaffer has just said, we need to up our game if anything, not go into
our shells, which looked like we did a bit on Saturday. That's got to stop."
Collins knows only too well that a West Ham revival must start next week at
home to Martin Jol's Fulham, who currently sit directly beneath the Hammers
in 18th spot. A trip to Crystal Palace follows just three days later,
presenting the perfect opportunity to make amends, so says the Wales
international. "Fulham's a big game, every game's big now. We've got
off to probably the worst start we could have thought of. Especially after
last year, we wanted to try and match that or even better it and
unfortunately that hasn't happened. Every game's massive now. "We haven't
gone back to back wins all of last year and certainly this year, if ever
there was a time to do it to get our season back on track, it's the next two
games. It's up to us to put it right, to get the fans behind us again and
hopefully we can do that starting Saturday. "It's not happening at both ends
and all we can do is work hard on the training pitch, stay together, keep as
a tight unit and hopefully the wins will come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE BIG SAM?
By Sean Whetstone 24 Nov 2013 at 21:45
West Ham Till I Die
First of all let me start by saying I have the up-most respect for Big Sam.
I have met him three times since he took over West ham and have always found
him intelligent, witty and highly entertaining in person. I first met him at
The London Business Forum in November 2011 and one of the first things he
told an audience of business men was the average life of a premier league
manager was 1 year 8 months with a championship manager life span just 1
year 2 months.
He survived his time as a Championship manager by getting us promoted at the
first attempt of asking.Technically I guess he became a Premier league
manager again on 19th May 2012 when we won the play off final at Wembley.
We finished a surprising 10th place last season but the second season
syndrome has started to kick in and the West Ham natives are getting
restless. Last Tuesday made it 1 year 6 months in charge so January 19th
next year will make it the dreaded 1 year 8 months anniversary of a Premier
League manager. Will he survive until then? David Gold seems re-markedly
quiet on twitter lately but I am sure Mr Allardyce has the full confidence
of the board!
Some West Ham fans didn't like Big Sam from day one, they complained about
his direct football and pointed out he scraped Premier league promotion via
the play offs. Even when we came 10th last season they complained the
football wasn't attractive enough and he doesn't play the West Ham way.I
have backed Sam since the beginning at West Ham and have always believed his
organisation skills is just what the doctor ordered for the rebuilding of
West Ham. Only a few weeks ago Sam was hailed as a tactical genius for the
'false nine' tactic that beat Spurs 3-0. My mantra on the West Ham podcast I
co-host and my brief appearance on Talk Sport radio is "Sam's teams do not
go down!"
There has been a lot of water under the bridge since that brief moment of
glory and the tactic of playing no striker is wearing very thin and expected
by every team we play .
What was the point of signing Mladen Petric and Carlton Cole if we aren't
going to play a striker?
The news on Andy Carroll doesn't seem not good either. It appears he has
moved from his hotel & clinic in Antwerp, Belgium to Amsterdam. One can only
imagine the club weren't happy with the treatment in Antwerp and have moved
clinics. I can't see any way we can be insured for his continued injury as
it was a pre existing condition when we signed him. That's £80,000 plus out
of the club each and every week.
In the pre-match interview Sam said "We are trying to get a date out of the
guys over in Amsterdam but they are reluctant to give us any clear
indication of when he's going to be able to join us back here and start
training with the squad and getting back into the team," In the same
interview he went on to be-moan that West Ham tried and failed to sign four
strikers in the Summer but no-one would come to us. He seems oblivious that
the main reason was no world class striker wants to play second fiddle to
Andy Carroll.
However the water shed moment for me came on Saturday after the double
substitution of Joe Cole and Jack Collison for Momo Diame and Miaga to
background of the crowd chanting "You don't know what your doing!" Later on
came more disquiet from the fans which I won't repeat suggesting a reason
why Kevin Nolan was still on the pitch. When Kevin did finally get pulled
off he was booed by many in the angry crowd. I briefly joined in the knee
jerk reaction after yesterday's match by agreeing that it was time for Sam's
time to come to an end but in the cold light of day I asked myself who would
want to take over the job? The whole team is set-up for Andy Carroll with no
sign of Andy Carroll. any new manager would have to carry on with the cards
dealt to us.
In Nov 2011 at the event where I first met him he was asked the question:
What 3 things make a great Football manager?
His answers then were:
1) Ambition: He claimed his ambition is greater than any club he has
managed.
2) Job Satisfaction: A team that delivers what has been targeted by owners
and fans.
3) Publicity: Someone who feels comfortable in the lime light and media
pressure.
So what do we do with a problem like Big Sam? In the short term we back him
and hope our fortunes turn very soon.
I will be going to the Season Ticket Fans Forum on 10th December to meet Mr
Allardyce for a fourth time along with 400 fellow season ticket holders. I
think Big Sam and Kevin Nolan will be in for a hard time on the 10th unless
we beat both Fulham and Palace and give a go at winning at Anfield.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SAM HAS US BAFFLED
By Tony Hanna 24 Nov 2013 at 11:09
West Ham Till I Die
One of the most baffling decisions during our loss to Chelsea was that Big
Sam did not utilise Carlton Cole at any point during the game. Iain's game
summary on the 4/6/0 formation backed up my theory two weeks ago that the
system is not a workable one to use when playing at home. We need to play a
minimum of one up top and with Carroll, Vaz Te and Petric injured that only
leaves Maiga, Carlton Cole and Lee to choose from? Enough has been seen of
Maiga already to realise he is way out of his depth so to bring him on after
40 minutes was baffling. Lee has returned from his loan deal at Colchester
and to be honest I haven't seen enough of him to make an appraisal. The few
minutes he played on debut at Old Trafford earlier this year at least gave
the impression he is not a target man. So that leaves Carlton Cole, after
all, isn't that why we gave him a short term contract until the end of the
year – despite not being fully match fit. I was never a Carlton Cole fan but
the move to get him back was based on the fact we could not get anyone else.
However, Big Sam keeps on saying he is not match fit – so why not give him
half an hour or more against Chelsea when the match result had slipped away
from us? Why, with ten minutes to go did he bring on Matty Jarvis instead of
Carlton? How is Carlton going to get match fit when he can't even get a run
under Saturday's circumstances? That's three questions in a row and whilst
we might like to try and answer some of them, I really think Sam should be
answering them for us.
It has been suggested that bringing Carlton back to the club was not what
Sam wanted and it was David Sullivan's choice. If that is the case it is an
even sadder decision not to be playing him. Any truth in that scenario
suggests that cracks will be widening in the relationship between owners and
manager. The other tactic Sam has tried is playing Kevin Nolan for brief
spells leading the line. Again, playing with your back to goal is not
something you want to start doing at the end of your career, and to be fair
to Kevin, it is something that is hardly going to work for him or anyone
else who is not used to it.
So, in a nutshell, for the interim Sam has to play Carlton – like him or
not. Many things are drifting away from Sam at the moment which is a shame.
He has had two very good years at the club. If Andy Carroll was available at
present I am sure we would not be in this predicament. However, the past few
weeks have seen a number of players starting to drop their heads and just as
importantly, the crowd is now starting to vent their frustrations at
matches. I have been a fan of Big Sam at West Ham and I hope he pulls it all
together. We shall see?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce orders in West Ham flops for extra training as Andy Carroll
absence continues
24 Nov 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce ordered his West Ham stars in for extra training yesterday
after they were crushed by Chelsea . The fuming Upton Park boss acted after
Saturday's bloodless win for Jose Mourinho's men left the Hammers above the
relegation zone on goal difference. West Ham's players were due to have
yesterday as a day off. But Allardyce, who hauled off Joe Cole and Jack
Collison before half time on Saturday, told his men to scrap their plans.
Allardyce has nominated the next two matches - against Fulham and Crystal
Palace - as must-win games. He is counting the cost, however, of bringing in
winger Stewart Downing in the summer for £5million instead of another
striker with Andy Carroll nowhere near fit. West Ham joint-chairman David
Gold wrote on Twitter yesterday: "I spoke to Andy C yesterday, he looked fit
and strong and is desperate to rejoin the first team squad. Hopefully this
will happen soon."
Privately, however, it is understood Carroll will not be available to the
east Londoners before the New Year. Saturday's defeat means West Ham have
managed just one Premier League win in their last seven matches. They have
also scored only one goal in their last four top-flight games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce concedes fear factor is getting to West Ham players as
relegation battle looms
24 Nov 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce admits his West Ham side are playing with fear as they face a
relegation battle. They have not won at Upton Park since the opening day of
the season and were taken to the cleaners 3-0 by Chelsea. The Hammers boss
accepted that their fans had the right to jeer his players, saying: "They
pay their money and if they don't see the determination, passion and desire
they think they should get, then they show their disapproval. "The players
tried as hard as they can but I think they're playing with a bit of fear.
That makes it look as if they don't have the passion the fans normally see.
"It's always dangerous when you see that body language. People say there's
pressure games at the top but it's not as big a pressure as when you're in
the bottom three or four. "It's all about 'you're relegation this, you're
relegation that' and the money you'll lose here." Stewart Downing admitted
the boos, directed at Modibo Maiga and Kevin Nolan, were taking their toll.
"It's not nice to hear it for one of your team-mates," said the former
England midfielder. "You need the fans behind you. But as players you just
have to be strong."
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