Sunderland match preview
WHUFC.com
A look ahead at all of the need to know information for Saturday's visit of
Sunderland
12.12.2013
WEST HAM UNITED v SUNDERLAND
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: ANDRE MARINER
FULL AUDIO COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• West Ham United welcome Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
afternoon hoping to return to winning ways in the Barclays Premier League
after back-to-back defeats.
• The Hammers return to home turf after suffering a 1-0 defeat against
Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on 3 December, a loss which was followed by
a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield four days later.
• On their last outing in front of the Boleyn Ground crowd, Sam Allardyce's
team hit the goal trail in a 3-0 win over Fulham, which was just the
Hammers' second home win of the season.
• Carlton Cole and Mohamed Diame scored their first goals of the season in
that win whilst Joe Cole netted his second in a much welcomed victory.
• Despite that win, two defeats dropped the Hammers down to 17th in the
table and leaves the Club level on points with two of the three teams below
them.
• Saturday's visitors Sunderland arrive with a horrid record on the road and
are still searching for their first away league win of the 2013/14 season.
• Seven away trips have yielded just two draws and five defeats for the
Mackems, who have conceded 14 goals and replied with just two.
• Gus Poyet's side arrive in east London after back-to-back defeats of their
own. A 4-3 loss to Chelsea was followed by a 2-1 defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur, both coming at the Stadium of Light.
• The defeat to Spurs left Sunderland bottom of the table, five points
adrift of safety.
Team news
West Ham United
• Andy Carroll has begun light training but is still some way short of a
return following a foot injury.
• Stewart Downing suffered an ankle injury in the defeat to Liverpool and
will miss the visit of Sunderland.
• Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder), Winston Reid (ankle) and Mladen Petric (calf)
are definitely out of Saturday's encounter.
Sunderland.
• Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood will miss out on his side's trip to the Boleyn
Ground while defender Carlos Cuellar is also out of the clash.
Background
• West Ham United have faced Sunderland 82 times in official competitions,
winning 32, drawing 21 and losing 31.
• The first meeting between the two sides came on Saturday 25 August 1923 in
the old Division One and ended in a goalless draw.
• West Ham United's biggest win over Sunderland came in the shape of an 8-0
Division One success at the Boleyn Ground on 19 October 1968. Geoff Hurst
scored six goals - including a hat-trick in each half - while Bobby Moore
and a young Trevor Brooking added one apiece. No other Hammers player has
scored a hat-trick against the Black Cats.
• Sunderland's biggest win over West Ham United came on 5 March 1977, when
the Black Cats romped to a 6-0 Division One victory over the Londoners at
Roker Park. Their best performance in east London was a 3-0 Division One
triumph on 25 April 1931.
• The biggest Boleyn Ground crowd to witness at West Ham United versus
Sunderland fixture was the 35,033 who saw the Hammers' 2-0 Premier League
victory on 22 March 2003.
• Kevin Nolan scored a hat-trick for Newcastle United in a 5-1 Tyne-Wear
derby win over Sunderland at St James' Park on 31 October 2010. Andy Carroll
also started the match for the Magpies.
• Hammers midfielder Mohamed Diame was signed by Wigan Athletic from Spanish
club Rayo Vallecano as a replacement for Sunderland-bound Lee Cattermole in
August 2009.
• Future Hammers manager Harry Redknapp made his West Ham United debut in a
1-1 Division One draw with Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground on 23 August
1965.
• Ray Atteveld made his Hammers debut in a 1-1 FA Cup fifth-round draw at
Sunderland on 15 February 1992. The Dutchman, on loan from Everton, would
make two of his three West Ham United appearances against the Black Cats,
the final one being a 3-2 FA Cup fifth-round replay defeat at the Boleyn
Ground.
• George Andrew (February 1967), Jimmy Neighbour (September 1979), Chris
Cohen (December 2003), Lionel Scaloni (February 2006), Nolberto Solano
(October 2007) and Marouane Chamakh (January 2013) also made their West Ham
United debuts against Sunderland.
Last time out
Saturday 7 December 2013
Barclays Premier League
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, McCartney, Collins, Tomkins (O'Brien
56), Downing (J Cole 45), Diame, Noble, Nolan, Jarvis (Taylor 84), Maiga
Subs not used: Adrian, Collison, Diarra, C Cole
Goals: Skrtel og 66
Sent-off: Nolan 82
Saturday 7 December 2013
Barclays Premier League
Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Sunderland: Mannone, Celustka (Giaccherini 77), Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Ki,
Larsson, Colback (Cattermole 67), Fletcher, Altidore, Johnson (Borini 67)
Subs not used: Pickford, Dossena, Gardner, Diakite
Goal: Johnson 37
Previous meeting
West Ham's last game against Sunderland was an instantly forgettable affair
for those in claret and blue. The Mackems romped to victory at the Stadium
of Light in mid-January thanks to goals from Sebastian Larsson, Adam Johnson
and a third from James McClean.
Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, O'Shea, Bramble, Colback, Johnson (N'Diaye
84), Vaughan, Larsson, McClean, Fletcher (Wickham 78), Sessengon (McFadden
88)
Subs not used: Westwood, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Campbell
Goals: Larsson 12, Johnson 47, McClean 74
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins (Tomkins 34), Reid, Potts,
Collison (Vaz Te 46), Diarra, J Cole, Nolan, Jarvis, C Cole (Chamakh 56)
Subs not used: Spiegel, Taylor, Diame, O'Neil
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
12 January 2013 - Sunderland 3-0 West Ham United
22 September 2012 - West Ham United 1-1 Sunderland
22 May 2011 - West Ham United 0-3 Sunderland
5 December 2010 - Sunderland 1-0 West Ham United
21 September 2010 - Sunderland 1-2 West Ham United (Carling Cup third round)
10 April 2010 - West Ham United 1-0 Sunderland
Overall record v Sunderland (all competitions) W 32 D 21 L 31
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Sunderland
2012/13 Premier League 17th (39 points)
2011/12 Premier League 13th (45 points)
2010/11 Premier League 10th (47 points)
2009/10 Premier League 13th (44 points)
2008/09 Premier League 16th (36 points)
2007/08 Premier League 15th (39 points)
2006/07 Championship 1st (88 points - promoted to Premier League)
2005/06 Premier League 20th (15 points - relegated to Championship)
2004/05 Championship 1st (94 points - promoted to Premier League)
2003/04 Championship 3rd (79 points)
Old boys
• George McCartney has enjoyed two spells with Sunderland. The Northern
Irishman initially moved to the north east as a 17-year-old in 1998, quickly
establishing himself in the first team and captaining the Black Cats to
promotion to the Premier League and being voted Player of the Year in 2005.
In all, he made 157 appearances for Sunderland before joining West Ham
United in 2006. After two seasons, the left-back returned to the Stadium of
Light to make a further 46 appearances before re-joining the Hammers,
initially on loan, in August 2011.
• Bryan 'Pop' Robson spent two spells with West Ham United and three with
hometown club Sunderland. Robson, who started his career with Newcastle
United, netted 104 goals in 254 appearances for the Hammers and 67 in 174
games for Sunderland - scoring in a 2-0 win over Leicester City in his final
Black Cats appearance in May 1984 that kept the club in the old Division
One.
• Don Hutchison enjoyed two spells with West Ham United, netting 17 times in
110 matches. The Scotland midfielder also represented Sunderland during the
2000/01 season, scoring an impressive ten goals in 39 games.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Dick Bell,
Gary Breen, Clive Clarke, Keith Coleman, Ernest England, Anton Ferdinand,
John Foreman, Harry Forster, Jack Foster, Harry Hooper, Mick McGiven, Andy
Melville, Billy Moore and Dave Swindlehurst.
Referee
• The man in the middle for Saturday's fixture is Andre Marriner.
• Marriner last took charge of a West Ham United game when he refereed the
0-0 draw with Southampton at St Mary's.
• Birmingham-born Marriner began refereeing in 1992, progressing through the
Birmingham Amateur Football League and Southern League to become a Football
League assistant referee in 2000.
• He was appointed to the Football League List of Referees in 2003 before
joining the Select Group in 2005. Since then he has also been added to
FIFA's International List in 2009.
General information
• There are tickets remaining for Saturday's fixture. For ticket information
click here.
• The weather forecast for Saturday afternoon is overcast with sunny spells
and highs of 9C.
• There are no engineering works planned on the District Line this weekend.
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Big Sam on: Sunderland
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's match against
Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground
12.12.2013
Sam Allardyce has spoken to the gathered media ahead of West Ham United's
Barclays Premier League match against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
Big Sam was quizzed on the importance of the clash against the Mackems, the
new manager factor and the latest team news.
Morning Sam, what's the latest team news?
SA: "I've bought a list in with me because I've got that many [out] today.
We've got a couple off sick but we think they'll be ok, James Collins and
Guy Demel. Obviously the ones who are definitely out are Winston Reid,
Stewart Downing, Andy Carroll, Mladen Petric, Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan
who's suspended. We're not in a great place for selection purposes
particularly with this December programme we've got, with Wednesday as well
as Saturday and then Manchester United the following Saturday. "It's a
difficult period for us and we all know what position we're in with results.
The lads who are available need to step up to the plate and try and do the
business. We hope that James Tomkins will come through the fitness test but
we won't know that until tomorrow so I'll select the team around that. Off
we go to try and repeat a Fulham performance against Sunderland and
hopefully get the same result."
It's been suggested that Stewart Downing's injury could keep him out for up
to ten weeks; do you have an update on that?
SA: "I don't think it will be that long. We always try not to be too
specific about the date of any particular injury. First and foremost it's
about how quickly does the scar heal, does Stewart recover from that and
then when he starts training again how does he feel on a day-to-day basis?
At this moment in time it's very difficult to say based on the healing
process as we don't know how long that will be. "We've done all aspects
possible to make sure that the one big thing that is stopped with this is
infection. The size and depth of the wound means that the last thing we want
after the surgeon stitching him back together is an infection. That would
put him back a period of time. Hopefully they'll be no infection in there
and I think his recovery will be much quicker than ten weeks."
Just how big is this game against Sunderland?
SA: "The same size as the Fulham one. When we played against them we were in
a similar position and we alleviated that pressure for a short period of
time. We let ourselves down after that, particularly in the Crystal Palace
game, [not] on performance but no result. As expected it would always be
difficult with the way Liverpool are playing at home to get something there.
The big disappointment last week was obviously the Crystal Palace result
after such a big result against Fulham so Sunderland is another massive game
for us, another massive three points that we need to make sure we stay in
touch with the people above us. That makes it a critical game for both
teams. Both teams need to win, that's what you need to do and I presume that
listening to Gus' quotes that's their objective. They've got to start
winning somewhere along the line, as have we, we need to start winning more
games."
Is there any chance that Andy Carroll could play a part?
SA: "There's no chance that Andy Carroll will play any part because he's
only been training on his own at the moment. Going through gentle processes
of rebuilding his confidence in the injury not reoccurring and that's the
big thing. Once you've recovered from one injury there's always a confidence
factor when you come back into training over whether it's ok. When you come
back to training and it goes again then there's a greater fear the second
time you come back. I think that from Andy's point of view we take things on
Andy's say so as well as the specialists. He's got no chance of playing in
the next two weeks."
You had a fans' forum on Tuesday night, are the supporters understanding of
your predicament?
SA: "It's obviously not an easy time for us all and supporters are
frustrated, I understand that. They didn't and we didn't expect to be where
we are at this moment in time. I said to them what I've said to everyone
else here that we've got to continue on a positive note on the back of the
performance level that we've achieved this year. It hasn't bought the
results we've deserved as often as it should have done. We all know the
reason why because when we've been in control we've not been ruthless enough
to score at that particular time and instead of winning the game we've ended
up drawing the game and sometimes instead of drawing the game we've ended up
losing it. "That's been our ultimate problem throughout the whole of the
season. That coupled with injuries and suspensions makes life more difficult
for us as a squad to overcome that at this period of time to try and get
results. It's more difficult now than it was a few weeks ago because of the
selection processes I have within the squad and so many games coming all at
once. When we had the first three months of the season we'd only played
eleven games. Now we're going to play seven or eight in one month so if
you've got injuries in that month then that makes life very difficult."
We've spoken about your need for a result, have you had any discussions with
the owners about your future?
SA: "I wouldn't have thought I'd need any discussions with the owners,
they're either going to stick with me or they're not. That's entirely up to
them depending on how they see me in the job and how they see the situation
at the moment. I can only say when I look at their history that they've
always shown a level of patience to try and overcome a difficult situation,
I hope this will be the same and I'm sure it will. At the end it's about us
getting results again to alleviate the pressure on us all. "Everyone will
speculate about my position because I'm around where all the other clubs are
and all the other clubs have got rid of their managers so they all perceive
that I'm the next in line. It's about picking a few results up and then the
pressure goes away for a while. Hopefully we can sustain the results and
keep the pressure off us all for a while. From our point of view we have to
keep focused on our own job. It's the first time in two-and-a-half years
that we've had a bad run since I've been here. It happens, we've got to make
sure we're determined enough and have the right desire to overcome it."
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Harney heartbreak at Cup defeat
WHUFC.com
Jamie Harney says defeat to Accrington Stanley in the FA Youth Cup has left
the Under-18s heartbroken
12.12.2013
Jamie Harney cut a distraught figure after the West Ham United Under-18s
suffered FA Youth Cup heartache against Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night.
The Hammers were knocked out of the competition by virtue of a 2-1 defeat at
the Store First Stadium, with the winning goal coming five minutes before
the end of extra-time. Harney himself had equalised for the visitors two
minutes into the five added on at the end of normal time to force the extra
30 minutes and revealed his disappointment at the defeat. He told West Ham
TV: "Everyone's heartbroken. It wasn't our best performance but we gave
everything we could.
"I know some individuals feel as though they didn't perform to their highest
but we dug in and tried to scrape a result but unfortunately they got a bit
of luck with a chance towards the end and finished it. "We have to move on,
it's a big learning curve for the lads and hopefully we won't feel like this
too many times in our careers."
The defender's header cancelled out Accrington's opener goal, which came
after 49 minutes from Nathan Webb, and stung the Hammers into action. Once
Harney had drawn his team level, there only looked like there would be one
winner in extra-time and that view was shared by the centre-back. "One
hundred per cent, I thought that was the deadlock broken and I thought
everyone was going to get a lift. Extra-time came and we were brilliant in
extra-time, we really were. "We had chance after chance and should have
scored with a few of them but it's one of those games. It was a cup game and
they got one chance in extra-time to finish it. "I have to hold my hands up
and say 'Well done' to Accrington Stanley. They played their hearts out, so
well done to them."
The third round defeat came as a shock to Harney and his team-mates, but he
believes they will learn some valuable lessons from the loss and come back
stronger. "In your career you might play in those sorts of atmospheres. We
were obviously going into the game as favourites and I think we should have
dealt with it better. "I think the occasion might have got to some people
but, then again, we should be able to deal with it and hopefully get
results. A lot of people will take it on the chin and hopefully they can
learn from it. "It was absolutely devastating but we have to learn from it
and just keep going continue with the rest of the season and keep doing well
in the league. Hopefully we can put this behind us and learn from it, that's
the main thing for us."
Next up for Steve Potts' side is a Barclays U18 Premier League home match
against Leicester City on 21 December and the defender has already turned
his attentions to that game. "I think we have to look back on it with the
coaches at what we did wrong. We did do a lot of good stuff tonight but we
just have to look for areas of improvement. "We'll get back on the training
pitch, get back on it, get the lads going again and we've got a league game
against Leicester on 21 December so we'll get back at it and try and keep
the unbeaten run going."
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West Ham: Sam Allardyce expects patience from club's owners
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce expects West Ham's owners to show patience with him as
manager, but admits speculation over his position is understandable. The
Hammers sit 17th in the Premier League and the three clubs below them have
changed managers this season. "Everybody will speculate about my position,"
said Allardyce, whose side have one win in eight league games. "The owners
have always shown patience in difficult situations, I hope that will be the
same - I'm sure it will."
A 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday left West Ham above the relegation
zone on goal difference ahead of this weekend's visit of fellow strugglers
Sunderland.
After the same number of games last season, Allardyce's side sat 10th, with
nine more points than they have achieved this term. "I wouldn't have thought
I would have needed a discussion about my future with the owners," added
Allardyce, who succeeded Avram Grant as manager in 2011 and led them to
promotion in his first season. "They are going to stick with me or they are
not, it is entirely up to them and how they see me in the job and how they
see the situation at the moment. "I know that in the end it is about us
getting results again to alleviate the pressure on us all."
The departures of Paolo Di Canio at bottom club Sunderland, Ian Holloway at
19th-placed Crystal Palace and Martin Jol at Fulham in 18th, have increased
speculation that Allardyce could be the next manager to leave his post. He
has been without record-signing Andy Carroll for the entire campaign because
of injury, with his side scoring just 13 times in the league this season.
Only Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Cardiff have found the net less. "It is
the first time we have had a bad run in the two and a half years I have been
here," added Allardyce, 59. "It comes and it will happen, we have got to
make sure we are determined enough and have the right desire to overcome
it."
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Allardyce: no discussions with owners
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce believes that patience is key to West Ham turning the corner.
The under-pressure Allardyce told the assembled press pack at Chadwell Heath
this morning that no discussions with regards to his immediate future had
taken place with either David Sullivan or David Gold - despite United's
miserable recent record. "I wouldn't have thought I'd need any discussions
with the owners, they're either going to stick with me or they're not,"
retorted Allardyce, when asked if any talks had taken place. "That's
entirely up to them depending on how they see me in the job and how they see
the situation at the moment. "I can only say that when I look at their
history, they've always shown a level of patience to try and overcome a
difficult situation. I hope this will be the same [for me] and I'm sure it
will. At the end [of the day] it's about us getting results again to
alleviate the pressure on us all. "Everyone will speculate about my position
because I'm around other clubs who have got rid of their managers, so they
all perceive that I'm the next in line. It's about picking a few results up
and then the pressure goes away for a while. Hopefully we can sustain the
results and keep the pressure off us all for a while. "From our point of
view we have to keep focused on our own job. It's the first time in
two-and-a-half years that we've had a bad run since I've been here. It
happens, we've got to make sure we're determined enough and have the right
desire to overcome it."
Allardyce will have to do without the likes of Andy Carroll, Winston Reid,
Stewart Downing, Ricardo Vaz Te, Mladen Petric (all injured) plus captain
Kevin Nolan, who is suspended following his unnecessary dismissal at
Liverpool last weekend. However James Tomkins and Guy Demel, both of whom
have been unwell this week, should be fit to play. "We're not in a great
place particularly with the December programme we've got," confirmed
Allardyce. "It's a difficult period for us and we all know what position
we're in with results. "The lads who are available need to step up to the
plate and try and do the business. We hope that James Tomkins will come
through the fitness test but we won't know that until tomorrow so I'll
select the team around that. "Off we go to try and repeat the Fulham
performance against Sunderland - and hopefully get the same result."
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Hammers on live again
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 12th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's third round FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest is being broadcast
live on TV. With TV executives no doubt sniffing a giant-killing, the
Hammers' trip to the City Ground on Saunday, 5th January has been selected
for live TV coverage. The two clubs have met in the FA Cup on five
occasions previously, with West Ham winning four of those ties compared to
Forest's one. The most famous meeting between the two teams in the FA Cup
came in 1991 when West Ham were beaten heavily on the pitch but scored a
stunning victory on the terraces with a World-recod breaking chant of "Billy
Bonds' claret and blue army".
Previous FA Cup Meetings
30th January 2011: West Ham Utd 3-2 Nottm Forest
(Obinna 3)
FA Cup 3rd Round
4th January 2003: West Ham Utd 3-2 Nottm Forest
(Defoe 2, J Cole)
FA Cup 3rd Round
14th April 1991: Nottm Forest 4-0 West Ham Utd
FA Cup Semi Final
31st January 1925: Nottm Forest 0-2 West Ham Utd
(Yews, Ruffell)
FA Cup 2nd Round
14th January 1911: West Ham Utd 2-1 Nottm Forest
(Shea 2)
FA Cup 1st Round
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has backing of club's board
Last Updated: 12/12/13 3:45pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes he has the full backing of the board
but admits he has not spoken to the club's owners. The Hammers have won just
three times in the Premier League so far this season and head into this
weekend's clash with fellow strugglers Sunderland hovering just above the
drop zone on goal difference. Pressure is mounting on Allardyce but the
59-year-old takes faith in the club's track record with managers and sees no
need for any dialogue. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has trust in his
owners to remain patient as his side look to overcome a difficult period. "I
wouldn't have thought I'd need any discussions with the owners, they're
either going to stick with me or they're not," said Allardyce. "That's
entirely up to them depending on how they see me in the job and how they see
the situation at the moment. "I can only say when I look at their history
that they've always shown a level of patience to try and overcome a
difficult situation, I hope this will be the same and I'm sure it will. At
the end it's about us getting results again to alleviate the pressure on us
all. "I wouldn't have thought I'd need any discussions with the owners,
they're either going to stick with me or they're not." "Everyone will
speculate about my position because I'm around where all the other clubs are
and all the other clubs have got rid of their managers so they all perceive
that I'm the next in line. "It's about picking a few results up and then the
pressure goes away for a while. Hopefully we can sustain the results and
keep the pressure off us all for a while. From our point of view we have to
keep focused on our own job. "It's the first time in two-and-a-half years
that we've had a bad run since I've been here. It happens, we've got to make
sure we're determined enough and have the right desire to overcome it."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce plays down Obafemi Martins links
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 12/12/13
1:00pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce claims he knows nothing about any possible move
for former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins in January. The Hammers are in
the market for striking reinforcements when the transfer window reopens next
month after struggling for goals so far this season. Martins, who currently
plies his trade in America with Major League Soccer side Seattle Sounders,
has been mentioned as a possible target to bolster their attacking options.
However Allardyce, who worked with Martins during his time in charge of
Newcastle, says he is in the dark over reports linking the Nigerian with a
loan move to Upton Park during the MLS off-season "I haven't heard anything
about Oba," said Allardyce. "He's playing in America at the moment.
"Everyone knows if we're in the market for a player, we'll be linked with
everybody. We'll deal with that - speculation is speculation."
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West Ham co-chairman David Gold offers support for Sam Allardyce
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 12/12/13
3:44pm
SSN
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has offered his backing to under-fire
manager Sam Allardyce. Allardyce's position at West Ham has been the subject
of conjecture with the side sitting just outside the drop zone only on goal
difference. However, Gold is confident Allardyce and the players will turn
things round and he has called on the fans to get behind them as they look
to steer clear of trouble. "I am hugely disappointed with the position we
are in," Gold is quoted as saying in The Sun. "I thought we would be at
least in mid-table. "We have to rely on Sam and the players. "We have to
stick together."
Gold believes West Ham's struggles this season are down to the fact that
they made a mistake in not signing another striker in the summer. West Ham
smashed their transfer record to make Andy Carroll's loan move from
Liverpool permanent and then splashed out another £6million on Stewart
Downing.
Carroll has not played this season due to injury leaving West Ham short of
attacking options and Gold concedes they blundered by putting their eggs in
one basket" by signing Carroll and not bringing in another striker as cover.
Gold insists the club will address the issue in the January transfer window
and look to bring in a new striker. "I thought we had spent our money
wisely," added Gold. "Clearly, we should have bought a centre forward.
That's my opinion. I'm not overly sure that not bringing in a centre-forward
as cover for Andy was the best idea. "It does mean we put all our eggs in
one basket. "It is a dangerous thing, not just in football but in life. "We
were concerned about the balance and we have come unstuck. "But the
opportunity to buy Downing at that price was great value for money. It cut
deeply into our budget. "But nobody thought Andy would be injured - and it
won't be until the next year before we see him. I'm hugely disappointed with
the position we are in. "No stone will be left unturned to bring in new
personnel in January."
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Friday, December 13
Thursday, December 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th December 2013
Date set for Forest tie
WHUFC.com
The Hammers will travel to Nottingham Forest for their FA Cup third round
tie on Sunday 5 January
11.12.2013
West Ham United's FA Cup with Budweiser third round tie at Nottingham Forest
will be played on Sunday 5 January with a 12pm kick-off. The Hammers will be
travelling to the City Ground for a second FA Cup clash with the Reds in
three years, having defeated the East Midlanders at the Boleyn Ground in the
fourth round in January 2011. Forest are currently flying high in the Sky
Bet Championship, following a good start to the season, and sit in the
Play-Off positions. They are two-time FA Cup winners and last lifted the
trophy in 1959. West Ham have won the FA Cup three times, in 1964, 1975 and
1980.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Steve Potts
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts talks about his disappointment at his side's FA Youth Cup exit
after defeat to Accrington
11.12.2013
Steve Potts was left deflated after a goal five minutes before the end of
extra-time sent his West Ham United U18s out of the FA Youth Cup at the
hands of Accrington Stanley. The Hammers had forced the third-round tie into
an extra period when Jamie Harney headed home from a corner in the 92nd
minute to cancel out Nathan Webb's acrobatic 49th-minute effort. Potts' side
dominated the game throughout, especially in extra-time, only for Max
Hazeldine to net a 116th-minute winner for the hosts. The manager says the
players know where they went wrong.
Steve, can you start by giving us your reaction to the defeat?
"Obviously I'm disappointed, very disappointed. I just said to the boys,
overall, we've probably only got ourselves to blame. We didn't really do
enough to go and win the game like we have been doing. In previous games
we've constantly asked questions of their defenders and their goalkeeper and
I just felt that against Accrington we didn't quite do enough of that. We
didn't hurt the opposition enough when we could have done and when you don't
get yourselves in front it becomes difficult for you. "They worked really
hard, they were difficult to break down, they got behind the ball and got
their tackles in. It was like their cup final it was like classic FA Cup
stuff with a lower-league side against a Premier League club. They battled
away and we found it difficult really. It was probably one of the more
difficult games we've had in terms of trying to open up the opposition."
What lessons can your team learn from the defeat?
"It was a big occasion in that it's a cup game, an evening match in a
stadium and I think that the biggest thing is maybe showing that bit of
composure with the ball. We were a little bit rash, I thought. We didn't
play like we can play. I know we can do a lot better than that and we've
seen it for most of the season from the boys, but it just didn't happen for
us. We'll go away, look at it and hopefully the boys can learn from it and
make sure nothing like that happens in the future, that's the main thing for
them to take out of it."
When you equalised did you feel as though you would go on and win it in
extra-time?
"Yeah, I did. We got a late goal and we were starting to threaten towards
the end of the game. We got the goal and then, you think, with 30 minutes to
go the game is going to open up and they're not going to get around the
pitch so well and the game would open up in certain positions. It did, to be
fair, and I thought we were starting to look like the team that were getting
on top but I always thought in the back of my mind that a set-piece could
hurt us and that's how it proved. "It was sloppy, really, our marking on the
corner and their player has had a free header at the back post and no one's
really challenged the person who put the ball in the back of the net. It's
about having bright minds. I know that the boys are tired but that's what
cost us at the end of the day - a set-piece at the end of the game."
The boys kept going right until the end of normal time to get the equaliser
and even when they scored the second goal the team created a couple more
chances. Were you pleased with the way the players fought to the death?
"I can't fault the way the players kept going and going but all round we
didn't play like we can play. I think they gave the effort. You expect that
from the boys and they always give that but just that little bit of quality
was lacking and that's where we came unstuck. We've got to learn to play
against teams that are just going to sit back and give you no gaps to play
in. We've got to move them about and hopefully open the opposition up a bit
better than we did on Tuesday."
How do you pick the team up and bounce back from this?
"It's going to be a hard few days for the boys now, coming in training
they're going to be really flat, I know that. It's happened before, as you
always get the odd upset. This time it's happened to us and we've just got
to move on now. It's not going to stop them being a first-team player. It's
a game in the FA Youth Cup. It'll hurt, it'll hurt us all but they've got to
take it on the chin and hopefully get the positives out of it and push on to
where they want to go."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS' FORUM REPORT
By Sean Whetstone 11 Dec 2013 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Tuesday night saw the Season Ticket Holders' forum with a Question and
Answer session with Manager Sam Allardyce & Captain Kevin Nolan for the
first hour and Joint chairman David Gold answering questions for the second
hour.
400 season ticket holders filled the legends lounge at the Boleyn to ask
questions of the West ham trio.
The crowd were quite subdued at first, Kevin Nolan looked nervous and Sam
Allardyce looked like ready for the onslaught from frustrated fans. However,
it was a very civil affair with the crowd very well behaved and respectful
of the speakers. Sam started the evening explaining the current form and his
view of the season so far. He complained about a lack of goals and the
impact of injuries.
I was able to ask the second question to Sam 'What is your realistic league
position target at the end of the season and how many points are you
targeting for the next four games against Sunderland, Manchester United,
Arsenal and West Brom?' I asked. Answering the second question first Sam
said he expected a minimum of 6 points from those four league games. When I
pressed him to answer the first part he explained his realistic target was
still to finish better than last season.
Sam went on to talk about Matt Jarvis dip in form, why he bought Stewart
Downing instead of a striker, signing a striker in January and the current
injury crisis.
Kevin Nolan spoke about the injuries this season. He said team morale is
still high he has no doubt West Ham will stay up this season.
He confessed his own finishing has been poor and apologised for the red card
on Saturday ( The video of his apology can be seen below) He explained the
origins of his chicken dance saying it was how one of his mates used to
dance..
David Gold called our season "disappointing" and said he had expected us to
be mid table by now. He said "We put all our eggs in one basket" with
Carroll and Downing but admits no one expected the injuries. Andy Carroll is
expected back for the New Year. He also said "We must rely on Sam!".
David said our "four best players" are injured calling it "bad luck". He
suggested we will see Ravel Morrison played in Kevin Nolan's role. He
admitted in hindsight that we should not purchased a winger rather than a
striker. When challenged on Financial Fair Play and the January transfer
window, he claimed "budgets change" and explained that half season loans are
cheaper. Gold said Sullivan and himself are doing everything to get a
striker in January and said that work had already begun.
In a funny moment David Gold said selling one of our fringe players would
help with transfer funds in January. "Fringe or French?" Asked a season
ticket holder. "Yeah, French" he said laughing. He then went on to answer a
number of questions about the Olympic Stadium finishing with his views on
Barry Hearn's challenge to share the Olympic Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sam Allardyce feels relegation could claim ANY club in the bottom
half of the table
11 Dec 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Hammers in thick of battle that sees only six points separate 10th-placed
Swansea and third-bottom Fulham as festive programme looms
Sam Allardyce believes this season's fight for survival is one of the most
wide open there has ever been. West Ham go into Saturday's massive scrap
against Sunderland desperate for the three points to avoid being dragged
even deeper into the relegation mix. The Hammers have won just one of their
last five matches in the Premier League to leave them just one place above
the bottom three. Mirror Sport understands the club's owners will stick by
Big Sam regardless of the result on Saturday and provide him with more
striking firepower in the January transfer window. But with just six points
separating 10th-placed Swansea and third-bottom Fulham, Irons boss Allardyce
believes nobody in the bottom half is safe. He said: "It is too early to say
it is only six or seven because this time last year Southampton were in the
bottom three - by Christmas time they were out of it because they had put
some results together. "It becomes, normally, around and about the six or
seven after Christmas and going into the New Year. The points that the other
teams have gained tend to define the three levels of the league – the bottom
six or seven, the middle and then the top boys fighting it out."
After Saturday's game, the Hammers face two tough fixtures with a trip to
Manchester United followed by a home match against league leaders Arsenal.
Big Sam's men would be sitting 16th - above West Brom and Cardiff - had they
beaten then-bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace on December 3. Instead, the
Eagles won, and their resurgence under new manager Tony Pulis has given them
a chance of leapfrogging West Ham. Fulham too have ended their worst-ever
Premier League run of six straight defeats with victory over Aston Villa to
give their new boss Rene Meulensteen a chance to survive at the Irons'
expense.
Allardyce added: "We have put ourselves in that position by the points we
have not gained that we should have done. We will live with the pressure
down there because that is where we are at the moment. We will have to
accept it is our responsibility to try to get out of it. "Certainly it is
our responsibility – together as a squad, the staff and the players combined
– that we are there at the moment. And we all have to work together to get
through it. "Defensive frailties have not been our problem this season
because we have had seven clean sheets. It is our attacking and goal-scoring
frailties that have left us where we are."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool set sights on West Ham midfielder
GiveMeSport.com
Paul Bailey Published 27 minutes ago by Paul Bailey
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame has emerged as a surprise January
target for Liverpool, according to the East London and West Essex Guardian.
The Senegal international is reportedly being lined up as a short-term
replacement for crocked captain Steven Gerrard, who was ruled out of action
over the busy Christmas period, with an initial diagnosis sidelining him for
six to eight weeks. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring the
26-year-old to Anfield as he looks to add more steel to his midfield, and
sees Diame as capable of filling the void left by Liverpool's injured
skipper. The Hammers ace is understood to have a £3.5million release clause
written into his current deal at Upton Park, although has hinted he is
willing to sign a new deal with Sam Allardyce's side.
However, Liverpool's alleged interest might prompt Diame to reconsider his
options, particularly given West Ham's current predicament in the lower
reaches of the Premier League table.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham weigh up move for Obafemi Martins
Soccernews.com
West Ham United are contemplating a loan move for Seattle Sounders forward
Obafemi Martins in the January transfer window. The Hammers, currently in
17th-place in the Premier League table (level on points with second-bottom
Crystal Palace), have scored just 13 goals in 15 league matches this term.
With Andy Carroll out and Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga not providing any
goal-scoring threat, bringing in Martins seems like a good, albeit
desperate, idea.
Martins, who scored seven goals in 21 La Liga appearances for Levante in
2012/13, bagged eight goals and two assists for Seattle Sounders last
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'The party's over!' West Ham captain Kevin Nolan cancels Christmas party
Express.co.uk
WEST HAM captain Kevin Nolan has cancelled the club's Christmas party, with
the Irons' slump in form seeing Sam Allardyce's team plummet towards Premier
League drop zone. The Hammers' players had been planning a festive trip to
Dublin, but Nolan has stepped in and shelved the idea, as the club look to
turn around their fortunes and pull clear of the bottom of the league.
Speaking to a group of 400 season ticket holders at Upton Park, Nolan
admitted the side had struggled to maintain the form that saw them finish in
the top-half of the Premier League last season. He also revealed his
frustration at his own behaviour after he saw red for a dangerous tackle in
Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Liverpool. Nolan will now serve a three-game ban,
but insists he will not be using the free time to rest. "I'll be working
hard on the training ground," the 31-year-old said. "I'm certainly not
getting away with it. I'll be in on Wednesday while all the other lads are
off. "It was a silly tackle and stupid of me. I'm rarely disappointed in
myself but I am sorry for that. I apologised to all the lads as well.
"Hopefully they can get the right results without me and I can come in and
add some goals and some better performances." Nolan will miss Saturday's
crunch relegation six-pointer with Sunderland at Upton Park, along with the
Capital One Cup quarter-final at Tottenham and the following week's trip to
Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to make a move for Obafemi Martins to end their goalscoring
woes
11 Dec 2013 17:45
The Mirror
The Nigerian striker is currently with MLS outfit Seattle Sounders and could
be available on loan during the off-season in America
Former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins is being lined up for a loan
switch to West Ham, according to reports. Sam Allardyce is desperate to sign
a striker in January - with the Hammers scoring just five times in eight
matches - and this week, Mirror Sport revealed they could make a shock move
for Diego Milito. And with Andy Carroll still out injured and Modibo Maiga
struggling in front of goal, Allardyce could look to bring in a couple of
new faces. Martins is currently plying his trade with Seattle Sounders and
West Ham may try to sign him on loan during the MLS off-season, according to
the Telegraph. The Nigerian worked with the Hammers' boss during his time at
Newcastle, where he scored 35 times during his spell in the North East. He
later returned to English football with Birmingham City in 2011 - and
although he only played four league games for the Blues - he scored their
famous winner against Arsenal in the League Cup final. Martins will still
harbour hopes of making the Nigeria squad for next summer's World Cup and
may see a loan switch as the ideal opportunity to maintain his fitness. West
Ham have been linked with moves for Demba Ba and Emmanuel Adebayor in the
past, although their hefty wages appear to be a stumbling block. They are
back in action against rock-bottom Sunderland this weekend and their cause
for goals has not been helped by the suspension of captain Kevin Nolan.
However, Allardyce will be demanding a performance from his players and with
speculation mounting over his future, he will see the clash as one he has to
win.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
evin Nolan apologises for being sent off at Liverpool and reveals he has
cancelled West Ham's Christmas party
Wednesday 11 Dec 2013 5:27 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham's players have cancelled their Christmas party because their
Premier League performances are nothing to celebrate. The decision was put
forward by captain Kevin Nolan and agreed by his team-mates before
Saturday's 4-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield left the Hammers on the
brink of a place in the relegation zone. Reports earlier this week have
suggested manager Sam Allardyce could face the sack if bottom club
Sunderland return to Wearside from Upton Park with all three points this
weekend. Nolan sits out the match, next week's Capital One Cup quarter-final
against neighbours Tottenham at White Hart Lane and the trip to Old Trafford
to face Manchester United next Saturday, as punishment for the straight red
he received for a horror foul on Jordan Henderson in front of the Kop. Nolan
apologised to 400 fans for the dismissal at a forum at Upton Park last night
and said he was ashamed of his actions, according to the Evening Standard.
Flanked by chairman David Gold and by Allardyce, the former Newcastle and
Bolton star also revealed the players' party had been scrapped.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
The Hammers will travel to Nottingham Forest for their FA Cup third round
tie on Sunday 5 January
11.12.2013
West Ham United's FA Cup with Budweiser third round tie at Nottingham Forest
will be played on Sunday 5 January with a 12pm kick-off. The Hammers will be
travelling to the City Ground for a second FA Cup clash with the Reds in
three years, having defeated the East Midlanders at the Boleyn Ground in the
fourth round in January 2011. Forest are currently flying high in the Sky
Bet Championship, following a good start to the season, and sit in the
Play-Off positions. They are two-time FA Cup winners and last lifted the
trophy in 1959. West Ham have won the FA Cup three times, in 1964, 1975 and
1980.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Steve Potts
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts talks about his disappointment at his side's FA Youth Cup exit
after defeat to Accrington
11.12.2013
Steve Potts was left deflated after a goal five minutes before the end of
extra-time sent his West Ham United U18s out of the FA Youth Cup at the
hands of Accrington Stanley. The Hammers had forced the third-round tie into
an extra period when Jamie Harney headed home from a corner in the 92nd
minute to cancel out Nathan Webb's acrobatic 49th-minute effort. Potts' side
dominated the game throughout, especially in extra-time, only for Max
Hazeldine to net a 116th-minute winner for the hosts. The manager says the
players know where they went wrong.
Steve, can you start by giving us your reaction to the defeat?
"Obviously I'm disappointed, very disappointed. I just said to the boys,
overall, we've probably only got ourselves to blame. We didn't really do
enough to go and win the game like we have been doing. In previous games
we've constantly asked questions of their defenders and their goalkeeper and
I just felt that against Accrington we didn't quite do enough of that. We
didn't hurt the opposition enough when we could have done and when you don't
get yourselves in front it becomes difficult for you. "They worked really
hard, they were difficult to break down, they got behind the ball and got
their tackles in. It was like their cup final it was like classic FA Cup
stuff with a lower-league side against a Premier League club. They battled
away and we found it difficult really. It was probably one of the more
difficult games we've had in terms of trying to open up the opposition."
What lessons can your team learn from the defeat?
"It was a big occasion in that it's a cup game, an evening match in a
stadium and I think that the biggest thing is maybe showing that bit of
composure with the ball. We were a little bit rash, I thought. We didn't
play like we can play. I know we can do a lot better than that and we've
seen it for most of the season from the boys, but it just didn't happen for
us. We'll go away, look at it and hopefully the boys can learn from it and
make sure nothing like that happens in the future, that's the main thing for
them to take out of it."
When you equalised did you feel as though you would go on and win it in
extra-time?
"Yeah, I did. We got a late goal and we were starting to threaten towards
the end of the game. We got the goal and then, you think, with 30 minutes to
go the game is going to open up and they're not going to get around the
pitch so well and the game would open up in certain positions. It did, to be
fair, and I thought we were starting to look like the team that were getting
on top but I always thought in the back of my mind that a set-piece could
hurt us and that's how it proved. "It was sloppy, really, our marking on the
corner and their player has had a free header at the back post and no one's
really challenged the person who put the ball in the back of the net. It's
about having bright minds. I know that the boys are tired but that's what
cost us at the end of the day - a set-piece at the end of the game."
The boys kept going right until the end of normal time to get the equaliser
and even when they scored the second goal the team created a couple more
chances. Were you pleased with the way the players fought to the death?
"I can't fault the way the players kept going and going but all round we
didn't play like we can play. I think they gave the effort. You expect that
from the boys and they always give that but just that little bit of quality
was lacking and that's where we came unstuck. We've got to learn to play
against teams that are just going to sit back and give you no gaps to play
in. We've got to move them about and hopefully open the opposition up a bit
better than we did on Tuesday."
How do you pick the team up and bounce back from this?
"It's going to be a hard few days for the boys now, coming in training
they're going to be really flat, I know that. It's happened before, as you
always get the odd upset. This time it's happened to us and we've just got
to move on now. It's not going to stop them being a first-team player. It's
a game in the FA Youth Cup. It'll hurt, it'll hurt us all but they've got to
take it on the chin and hopefully get the positives out of it and push on to
where they want to go."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS' FORUM REPORT
By Sean Whetstone 11 Dec 2013 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Tuesday night saw the Season Ticket Holders' forum with a Question and
Answer session with Manager Sam Allardyce & Captain Kevin Nolan for the
first hour and Joint chairman David Gold answering questions for the second
hour.
400 season ticket holders filled the legends lounge at the Boleyn to ask
questions of the West ham trio.
The crowd were quite subdued at first, Kevin Nolan looked nervous and Sam
Allardyce looked like ready for the onslaught from frustrated fans. However,
it was a very civil affair with the crowd very well behaved and respectful
of the speakers. Sam started the evening explaining the current form and his
view of the season so far. He complained about a lack of goals and the
impact of injuries.
I was able to ask the second question to Sam 'What is your realistic league
position target at the end of the season and how many points are you
targeting for the next four games against Sunderland, Manchester United,
Arsenal and West Brom?' I asked. Answering the second question first Sam
said he expected a minimum of 6 points from those four league games. When I
pressed him to answer the first part he explained his realistic target was
still to finish better than last season.
Sam went on to talk about Matt Jarvis dip in form, why he bought Stewart
Downing instead of a striker, signing a striker in January and the current
injury crisis.
Kevin Nolan spoke about the injuries this season. He said team morale is
still high he has no doubt West Ham will stay up this season.
He confessed his own finishing has been poor and apologised for the red card
on Saturday ( The video of his apology can be seen below) He explained the
origins of his chicken dance saying it was how one of his mates used to
dance..
David Gold called our season "disappointing" and said he had expected us to
be mid table by now. He said "We put all our eggs in one basket" with
Carroll and Downing but admits no one expected the injuries. Andy Carroll is
expected back for the New Year. He also said "We must rely on Sam!".
David said our "four best players" are injured calling it "bad luck". He
suggested we will see Ravel Morrison played in Kevin Nolan's role. He
admitted in hindsight that we should not purchased a winger rather than a
striker. When challenged on Financial Fair Play and the January transfer
window, he claimed "budgets change" and explained that half season loans are
cheaper. Gold said Sullivan and himself are doing everything to get a
striker in January and said that work had already begun.
In a funny moment David Gold said selling one of our fringe players would
help with transfer funds in January. "Fringe or French?" Asked a season
ticket holder. "Yeah, French" he said laughing. He then went on to answer a
number of questions about the Olympic Stadium finishing with his views on
Barry Hearn's challenge to share the Olympic Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sam Allardyce feels relegation could claim ANY club in the bottom
half of the table
11 Dec 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Hammers in thick of battle that sees only six points separate 10th-placed
Swansea and third-bottom Fulham as festive programme looms
Sam Allardyce believes this season's fight for survival is one of the most
wide open there has ever been. West Ham go into Saturday's massive scrap
against Sunderland desperate for the three points to avoid being dragged
even deeper into the relegation mix. The Hammers have won just one of their
last five matches in the Premier League to leave them just one place above
the bottom three. Mirror Sport understands the club's owners will stick by
Big Sam regardless of the result on Saturday and provide him with more
striking firepower in the January transfer window. But with just six points
separating 10th-placed Swansea and third-bottom Fulham, Irons boss Allardyce
believes nobody in the bottom half is safe. He said: "It is too early to say
it is only six or seven because this time last year Southampton were in the
bottom three - by Christmas time they were out of it because they had put
some results together. "It becomes, normally, around and about the six or
seven after Christmas and going into the New Year. The points that the other
teams have gained tend to define the three levels of the league – the bottom
six or seven, the middle and then the top boys fighting it out."
After Saturday's game, the Hammers face two tough fixtures with a trip to
Manchester United followed by a home match against league leaders Arsenal.
Big Sam's men would be sitting 16th - above West Brom and Cardiff - had they
beaten then-bottom-of-the-table Crystal Palace on December 3. Instead, the
Eagles won, and their resurgence under new manager Tony Pulis has given them
a chance of leapfrogging West Ham. Fulham too have ended their worst-ever
Premier League run of six straight defeats with victory over Aston Villa to
give their new boss Rene Meulensteen a chance to survive at the Irons'
expense.
Allardyce added: "We have put ourselves in that position by the points we
have not gained that we should have done. We will live with the pressure
down there because that is where we are at the moment. We will have to
accept it is our responsibility to try to get out of it. "Certainly it is
our responsibility – together as a squad, the staff and the players combined
– that we are there at the moment. And we all have to work together to get
through it. "Defensive frailties have not been our problem this season
because we have had seven clean sheets. It is our attacking and goal-scoring
frailties that have left us where we are."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool set sights on West Ham midfielder
GiveMeSport.com
Paul Bailey Published 27 minutes ago by Paul Bailey
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame has emerged as a surprise January
target for Liverpool, according to the East London and West Essex Guardian.
The Senegal international is reportedly being lined up as a short-term
replacement for crocked captain Steven Gerrard, who was ruled out of action
over the busy Christmas period, with an initial diagnosis sidelining him for
six to eight weeks. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring the
26-year-old to Anfield as he looks to add more steel to his midfield, and
sees Diame as capable of filling the void left by Liverpool's injured
skipper. The Hammers ace is understood to have a £3.5million release clause
written into his current deal at Upton Park, although has hinted he is
willing to sign a new deal with Sam Allardyce's side.
However, Liverpool's alleged interest might prompt Diame to reconsider his
options, particularly given West Ham's current predicament in the lower
reaches of the Premier League table.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham weigh up move for Obafemi Martins
Soccernews.com
West Ham United are contemplating a loan move for Seattle Sounders forward
Obafemi Martins in the January transfer window. The Hammers, currently in
17th-place in the Premier League table (level on points with second-bottom
Crystal Palace), have scored just 13 goals in 15 league matches this term.
With Andy Carroll out and Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga not providing any
goal-scoring threat, bringing in Martins seems like a good, albeit
desperate, idea.
Martins, who scored seven goals in 21 La Liga appearances for Levante in
2012/13, bagged eight goals and two assists for Seattle Sounders last
season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'The party's over!' West Ham captain Kevin Nolan cancels Christmas party
Express.co.uk
WEST HAM captain Kevin Nolan has cancelled the club's Christmas party, with
the Irons' slump in form seeing Sam Allardyce's team plummet towards Premier
League drop zone. The Hammers' players had been planning a festive trip to
Dublin, but Nolan has stepped in and shelved the idea, as the club look to
turn around their fortunes and pull clear of the bottom of the league.
Speaking to a group of 400 season ticket holders at Upton Park, Nolan
admitted the side had struggled to maintain the form that saw them finish in
the top-half of the Premier League last season. He also revealed his
frustration at his own behaviour after he saw red for a dangerous tackle in
Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Liverpool. Nolan will now serve a three-game ban,
but insists he will not be using the free time to rest. "I'll be working
hard on the training ground," the 31-year-old said. "I'm certainly not
getting away with it. I'll be in on Wednesday while all the other lads are
off. "It was a silly tackle and stupid of me. I'm rarely disappointed in
myself but I am sorry for that. I apologised to all the lads as well.
"Hopefully they can get the right results without me and I can come in and
add some goals and some better performances." Nolan will miss Saturday's
crunch relegation six-pointer with Sunderland at Upton Park, along with the
Capital One Cup quarter-final at Tottenham and the following week's trip to
Manchester United.
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West Ham set to make a move for Obafemi Martins to end their goalscoring
woes
11 Dec 2013 17:45
The Mirror
The Nigerian striker is currently with MLS outfit Seattle Sounders and could
be available on loan during the off-season in America
Former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins is being lined up for a loan
switch to West Ham, according to reports. Sam Allardyce is desperate to sign
a striker in January - with the Hammers scoring just five times in eight
matches - and this week, Mirror Sport revealed they could make a shock move
for Diego Milito. And with Andy Carroll still out injured and Modibo Maiga
struggling in front of goal, Allardyce could look to bring in a couple of
new faces. Martins is currently plying his trade with Seattle Sounders and
West Ham may try to sign him on loan during the MLS off-season, according to
the Telegraph. The Nigerian worked with the Hammers' boss during his time at
Newcastle, where he scored 35 times during his spell in the North East. He
later returned to English football with Birmingham City in 2011 - and
although he only played four league games for the Blues - he scored their
famous winner against Arsenal in the League Cup final. Martins will still
harbour hopes of making the Nigeria squad for next summer's World Cup and
may see a loan switch as the ideal opportunity to maintain his fitness. West
Ham have been linked with moves for Demba Ba and Emmanuel Adebayor in the
past, although their hefty wages appear to be a stumbling block. They are
back in action against rock-bottom Sunderland this weekend and their cause
for goals has not been helped by the suspension of captain Kevin Nolan.
However, Allardyce will be demanding a performance from his players and with
speculation mounting over his future, he will see the clash as one he has to
win.
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evin Nolan apologises for being sent off at Liverpool and reveals he has
cancelled West Ham's Christmas party
Wednesday 11 Dec 2013 5:27 pm
Metro.co.uk
West Ham's players have cancelled their Christmas party because their
Premier League performances are nothing to celebrate. The decision was put
forward by captain Kevin Nolan and agreed by his team-mates before
Saturday's 4-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield left the Hammers on the
brink of a place in the relegation zone. Reports earlier this week have
suggested manager Sam Allardyce could face the sack if bottom club
Sunderland return to Wearside from Upton Park with all three points this
weekend. Nolan sits out the match, next week's Capital One Cup quarter-final
against neighbours Tottenham at White Hart Lane and the trip to Old Trafford
to face Manchester United next Saturday, as punishment for the straight red
he received for a horror foul on Jordan Henderson in front of the Kop. Nolan
apologised to 400 fans for the dismissal at a forum at Upton Park last night
and said he was ashamed of his actions, according to the Evening Standard.
Flanked by chairman David Gold and by Allardyce, the former Newcastle and
Bolton star also revealed the players' party had been scrapped.
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Wednesday, December 11
Daily WHUFC News - 5th-11th December 2013
Season Ticket Holders attend Q&A event
WHUFC.com
David Gold, Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan answered fans' questions on
Tuesday night
10.12.2013
Joint-Chairman David Gold, first team manager Sam Allardyce and skipper
Kevin Nolan took part in an informative Q&A with Season Ticket Holders at
the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night. Around 400 Season Ticket Holders were in
attendance as they had the chance to pose questions to key personnel at the
Club. The event was the first in a raft of benefits for Season Ticket
Holders as the Club looks to reward their most loyal supporters. The evening
started with autograph and photo opportunities with both Allardyce and Nolan
before the pair were introduced to the crowd. Questions were then invited
from the floor, with Big Sam and his captain answering queries for an hour,
ranging from how they kept confidence up in times of bad form, to the Club's
summer transfer dealings and the origins of Nolan's goal celebration.
After a brief interval, Mr Gold took to the stage to answer further
questions, on subjects such as rewarding supporter loyalty and the Olympic
Stadium.
Nolan said: "It was good to meet the fans and take on board their comments.
It is always good to do that and we know the fans back us no matter what.
"We hope that they could see that we are all working hard together to be in
a better position than we currently are, and that we were all speaking
honestly to each other. "I have always said, since I arrived at the club,
how important and how massive the support of our fans has been and that is
no different now. It is very much us all keeping together and I firmly
believe we will be where we want to be and deserve to be at the end of the
season. We will certainly be doing our best to make sure that happens for
the fans and our club."
Season Ticket Holder, Peter Hynes, said: "I thought it was a very good event
and there were really refreshing and honest words from Sam, Kevin and Mr
Gold. "Like all supporters, we read a lot of stuff in the media and you
never quite know what is true and what isn't. But here at this forum, the
manager and captain of our club spoke honestly and acknowledged that the
position at the moment is not what anyone wants, but they are working as
hard as they can to put this right. We heard this from them, not through an
interview or anything, but them speaking to us and that was good to hear."
Fellow Season Ticket Holder Chris Bozza added: "It was a really good event
and important to have. West Ham have always been a family club and have
taken on board the part the fans play. So to be able to hear from the
manager and the captain, plus the Joint-Chairman and to be able to ask them
up front about the things that we are concerned about and want to know, was
just great and I hope that there are many more of these to come."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bonds: We must stick together
WHUFC.com
Club legend Billy Bonds insists West Ham United will get things right this
season
10.12.2013
Billy Bonds MBE believes it will not be long before his beloved West Ham
United start climbing the Barclays Premier League table. The Hammers legend,
who was honoured with the Club's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in
May, says the Board, manager Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff will be
'burning the midnight oil' to put things right on and off the pitch.
Speaking exclusively to the Official Website, Bonds, who spent 28 years at
the Boleyn Ground as a player, coach and manager, backed West Ham to return
to winning ways when they host Sunderland on Saturday. "I came along and saw
the first game of the season and I thought we looked very good on the day,"
said Bonds. "I said before the start of the season that I couldn't see us
getting into a relegation battle. People were asking me where I thought we'd
finish and I said mid-table. I saw nothing in that Cardiff game which
suggested that it wasn't achievable this season.
"Since then results haven't gone as well but I'm not telling anybody,
certainly not Sam, his staff or the supporters, why because we know what's
gone wrong - it's a shortage up front, really. "Sam set his side out to be
tough to beat with a tough back four and they've kept a lot of clean sheets
this year. He sets his side up that way and has brought in two wide men in
Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing. He's got Joe Cole playing in that area too
and it was all geared up to getting the ball wide and getting the ball in
the box."
Bonds pointed the absence of the injured Andy Carroll and the lack of goals
from the Club's other forwards as the major reason for the recent downturn
in results. "When Andy Carroll was in the side he was a real threat, people
didn't even like to mark him. He put himself about in the box and I think
Kevin Nolan is another one who is nullified a bit without a big man upfront
and certainly the two wingers are nullified a bit getting the ball in the
box as they probably lack options in there. "It's pretty obvious where
things are going wrong a little bit. I'm sure Sam and all his staff have
been burning the midnight oil and maybe when the transfer window opens
they've probably got a few names who they want to bring in and strengthen
that department because that is the obvious thing."
While he knows Carroll can play an influential role on his return from a
foot injury, Bonds has warned supporters not to expect too much, too soon,
from the No9. "I think, even when he's back fit, you've got to get someone
else in because he's a big lad and when you come back from a long injury
like that there is every chance he could get another injury. That can happen
when you've been out for a long time. Hopefully he'll come back in and stay
in there until the end of the season. "I'm not telling Sam anything he
doesn't already know. I'm sure he's been thinking about the January transfer
window coming round. I'm sure that will be Sam's priority. They've been
tough to beat, they've kept clean sheets, but obviously they're missing
Winston Reid who's had a terrific season for them. If you can get everybody
back fit, I don't see them having a problem. It's easy for me to say from
the outside because I don't have the job and I haven't got to worry about it
now. I don't see them having any problem staying up, I really don't."
Bonds, who twice led West Ham to promotion to the top-flight during his four
years in charge, also had personal words of support for Big Sam. As someone
with huge experience of the game as a player, captain and a manager, the
two-times FA Cup winner and four-times Hammer of the Year urged everyone
connected with the Club to stay patient and support the boss who brought
them back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt. "I think Sam
has done what he was asked to do," said the 67-year-old. "His brief was to
get the club out of the Championship into the Premier League and then to
cement that place. They more than cemented it last year, when they did
really well and finished half way up the table. "I think now is the time you
need to get behind the team because it is a difficult period at the moment.
We're not in a desperate position because if you're four or five points
adrift then you start to worry, but we're not in that situation and we're
one win away from being mid-table, it's that tight. "Even when you start the
season there are a dozen teams in that league thinking 'Stay in the league
this year' and there's maybe four or five thinking 'We might finish in a
Champions League place' then there's another two or three who aren't going
to get involved in it. "There's a long way to go yet, a lot of points to
play for and as I say if we can do something in January, get the big lad
back then I can see us pushing on."
That push can begin this Saturday, when Sunderland arrive at the Boleyn
Ground boasting the Barclays Premier League's leakiest defence and just two
wins in 15 matches. "Sunderland will be fighting for their lives as well and
it's obviously a big game for us it's one we certainly don't want to be
losing," Bonds concluded. "They will come and have a go because they've got
a new man in with new ideas and I saw a couple of their games recently and
they put up a show against Chelsea. It's a winnable game for us and we'd
like to be winning, especially with the way things stand at the moment."
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Bywater wants Cup run
WHUFC.com
Kieran Bywater is looking for the Under-18s to progress in the FA Youth Cup
against Accrington
10.12.2013
Kieran Bywater has urged his teammates to put in a professional performance
when they take on Accrington Stanley in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday night.
The midfielder is the Under-18s' top scorer this season having netted 13
goals in 15 Barclays Under-18 Premier League matches this season and has
been instrumental in their current run of good form. Steve Potts' side are
currently enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run and Bywater has called on his
side to continue that streak when they take to the pitch at the Store First
Stadium. He told West Ham TV: "These sorts of games are historically what
cup ties are all about - going to a lower league side, and we can't take
anything for granted. "We've got to go there and do all the things well that
we know we can and hopefully get a performance with a victory at the end of
it. "You never know with a bit of luck and if we keep playing well we could
go far, but we'll just take every game as it comes."
The Third Round encounter will be the Hammers first match in just over two
weeks since they defeated league leaders Fulham 3-1, thanks to a brace from
Bywater. The 18-year-old believes morale in the squad is high ahead of their
cup clash and says that the squad fear no one at present. "We've had a break
as the Arsenal game got postponed due to their Youth Cup match. All the lads
have been playing a lot of games and there was a friendly game last week.
Everyone's fitness is good so hopefully we'll take that into the game. "I
think we've got a lot of confidence within the group at the minute and nine
unbeaten is very good in the league so we've just got to concentrate on that
and keep the performance levels up. "I don't think you can fear anyone. I
believe on our day we're as good as anyone so you can't really think about
the opposition you're playing. As I said before we just need to concentrate
on ourselves and hopefully get the win."
At this stage of the tournament last year the U18s overcame Aldershot Town
3-1 before losing out to Tottenham in the Fourth Round. Bywater is looking
forward to playing in a competition which he holds in high regard. "Quite a
few of the lads haven't played in the Youth Cup before and it's an enjoyable
time and a big game for us playing in the FA Youth Cup with the history
behind it so everyone's in a good mood. "We've been going well in the league
recently and we're in good form. Hopefully we can carry that on in the cup
and have a good run. "The FA Youth Cup and the history behind it is massive.
A lot of players have come through and good teams have come out of it so
hopefully we can have a good run, if not win it."
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New kick-off time for Swansea
WHUFC.com
The kick-off time for the Hammers' home fixture with Swansea City has
changed
10.12.2013
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League fixture with Swansea City on
Saturday 1 February will now kick-off at 12.45pm and not 3pm as originally
scheduled.
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'It's time to roll our sleeves up'
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis says the West Ham United squad will not shirk the challenge
facing them at present
09.12.2013
Matt Jarvis says West Ham United cannot afford to lick their wounds ahead of
a vital Barclays Premier League meeting with Sunderland. The Hammers go into
Saturday's visit of the Black Cats having lost at Crystal Palace and
Liverpool in their previous two matches, but Jarvis insists he and his
team-mates will not be dwelling on those defeats. Instead, the No7 said the
players will take confidence from the 3-0 win over Fulham they achieved on
their last home engagement on 30 November. "We can't feel sorry for
ourselves," said Jarvis. "We need to stay positive and make sure we are
working extremely hard as we did at Liverpool and get that positive result
we need to kick-start our season. "It's definitely time to roll our sleeves
up and fight. That's exactly what we need to do. However we get the three
points, it doesn't matter what we do, we just have to get them and get
ourselves up the league. "We will try to do exactly what we did against
Fulham when we face Sunderland on Saturday. If we do, then we'll get three
much-needed points and hopefully we can do that on home turf."
Reflecting on Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Anfield, Jarvis felt West Ham
competed well before falling behind to a Guy Demel own-goal four minutes
before half-time. Mamadou Sakho's fortuitous finish made it 2-0 after
half-time, while Liverpool's fourth goal also came via a huge deflection off
substitute Joey O'Brien.
"We started the game well and created some good opportunities and could have
gone in front and given ourselves something to really hold on to," said
Jarvis. "To concede just before half-time shot ourselves in the foot. "Of
course it was very unlucky but it was disappointing to concede just before
half-time, because that always makes things hard."
Manager Sam Allardyce has urged Jarvis and his colleagues to start scoring
more goals. On Saturday, the winger played an integral part in West Ham's
sole strike when his 66th-minute header was put past his own goalkeeper by
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. The goal sparked a period of West Ham
pressure that could have culminated in an equaliser, but Jarvis and Modibo
Maiga could not convert the opportunities that fell to them. Luis Suarez
made the game safe by heading in Glen Johnson's cross with nine minutes
remaining before Kevin Nolan was sent-off and O'Brien's own-goal completed a
frustrating afternoon on Merseyside. "There was a build-up of play and then
Guy cut back and put the cross in and I had to try and get to it at the far
post," said Jarvis, when asked about the Hammers' goal. "As I couldn't put
the ball back on target, I put it back in the mixer and luckily it went in.
"At 2-1 they looked a little bit nervy and we tried to get back level. He
had a couple of chances to score and if you don't score in this league then
you get punished, and we did."
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Big Sam hopes for better fortune
WHUFC.com
Big Sam believes there were positives to take from Saturday's Liverpool
defeat, despite the scoreline
09.12.2013
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce will hope for better fortune on Saturday
when his side welcome Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground for a crucial Barclays
Premier League clash. The Black Cats currently prop up the Barclays Premier
League table and the Hammers are in need of the points following a 4-1 loss
at Liverpool on Saturday. Man of the moment Luis Suarez scored two of those
goals, but for much of the contest, the visitors appeared to have a handle
on the Uruguayan. The Hammers held their own until Guy Demel's unfortunate
own goal just before the break and that early resilience gave the manager
encouragement ahead of an important week. "We were standing at 0-0 and the
longer it went on the more resilient we got," he explained. "More
importantly the second one going in meant we had to come out and attack,
which is going to give Suarez more room. We took that chance, weathered that
storm and got the goal back. We had our chances to get the second and then
he pops up with two to finish us off. His goals came at the right time to
kill us off. "You have to keep the main man of the opposition at bay.
Obviously you have to keep the main man at bay and it looked like we'd done
the job up until half time. We stopped him but they got an own goal and
another goal from a shot from Sakho and it's a disappointing day. We've
ended up losing 4-1 and we've lost three key players."
The Hammers will face this Saturday's Boleyn Ground clash against Sunderland
without skipper Kevin Nolan after he was sent off at Anfield, while Stewart
Downing and James Tomkins departed the action early with injuries. The
manager says the Hammers will have to adapt to cope with any absences. He
added: "We're in a difficult position, one because of the league position
and one because of the number of players we've got available. So to have two
more unavailable is a big problem for me. "I think Kevin's red card was
borne out of frustration. He's experienced enough and it's unlike him to do
that type of thing. Obviously he did and he got himself a red." Tickets for
Saturday's game are half-price for Academy Members and free for Youth
Academy Members. Click here for full information.
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Forest away in the FA Cup
WHUFC.com
FA Cup with Budweiser third round draw details
08.12.2013
West Ham United have been drawn away to face Championship side Nottingham
Forest in the third round of the FA Cup with Budweiser. Sunday's draw, which
was made by former Hammer Teddy Sheringham and his son Charlie, sends the
Hammers to the City Ground for the first time since a Championship clash in
August 2011, when West Ham ran out 4-1 winners. Forest have enjoyed a strong
start to their campaign and sit fifth in the table following Saturday's 1-0
win at Sheffield Wednesday. They are two-time FA Cup winners, having last
triumphed in 1959, and were defeated 3-2 by the Hammers in their last FA Cup
meeting - a fourth round tie in 2010/11. The game will be played over the
weekend of 4 & 5 January, and full fixture and ticketing details will appear
on whufc.com in due course.
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Olympic Stadium update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued an update on the designs for the Olympic Stadium
conversion
08.12.2013
The multi-million pound conversion to turn the Olympic Stadium into a UEFA
Category 4 (the highest category available), all-seater football stadium
allows West Ham United and its fans an exciting opportunity to create a
stunning new home in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Club's Supporter
Advisory Board are already assisting with key areas of supporter
consultation in terms of migration and ticketing but the detailed work on
look and feel of the stadium will begin next season once the designs are at
the necessary stage. The images shown in this morning's press are historic
technical cross-section drawings, the purpose of which are to show, simply,
the functionality of the retractable seating - a deliberate design to bring
the seats closer to the pitch. They are not designed to represent how the
stand will look on a matchday and how the innovative solution will close the
gap to ensure the atmosphere and viewing experience remains world class like
the rest of the stadium. The iconic new roof will cover all seats and help
lock in the famous atmosphere and the retractable seating on all four sides
of the ground will help bring fans closer to the pitch. The North and South
Stands will also provide fantastic opportunities for Club branding to make
sure the stadium feels like home. The Club have also worked with architects
to create a stunning 'Kop' style East Stand, with seats filling the area
between top and bottom tiers. The feedback from fans on the designs released
thus far has been overwhelmingly positive, as the 85% voting in favour of
the move in SMG YouGov's independent consultation testifies.
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'Everyone is in it together'
WHUFC.com
George McCartney insists the West Ham squad are still very much United,
despite recent disappointments
08.12.2013
George McCartney insists West Ham are still very much United, despite a
difficult week that has seen the Hammers lose at Crystal Palace and
Liverpool. The defender, who returned to the starting XI for Saturday's 4-1
Barclays Premier League defeat at Anfield after missing the midweek reverse
in south London, admitted the squad had not played to its true potential in
recent weeks. However, the No3 said next weekend's visit of bottom club
Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground will give the Hammers an opportunity to
return to winning ways. Reflecting first on Saturday's defeat on Merseyside,
McCartney felt West Ham's cause had not been helped by scoring two own-goals
and Simon Mignolet's outstanding save from Modibo Maiga when the game was
still goalless. "I think we knew what to expect from Liverpool," said the
Northern Irishman. "They had a few chances in the first half and we seemed
to hold out and had a couple of chances ourselves. "We conceded late on in
the first half and early in the second half, which was disappointing. We
then got ourselves back in the game and had a chance to make it two-each,
but in the end Suarez put two goals in and 4-1 looks like a bit of a hiding.
"It was disappointing. We tried to bounce back from the defeat and
performance against Crystal Palace, but it didn't happen. We now look
forward to Sunderland next week and we have to pick ourselves up and get
three points. "They had a few chances in the first half but they were
largely long-range shots. We got behind them a couple of times and put in
some really good crosses and their keeper made one or two good saves.
"Throughout the course of the game, we knew they would get one or two
clear-cut chances and all you can do is try to hold out and get a bit of
luck. We didn't have that luck and in the end it was a comfortable result
for them."
McCartney's first spell at West Ham coincided with the Hammers' amazing
escape from relegation in 2006/07, when they won seven of their final nine
matches to stay in the Barclays Premier League. Having experienced that, the
defender knows first-hand how a squad can turn its season around. That
turn-around can start next Saturday, when McCartney's former club Sunderland
visit the Boleyn Ground. The Black Cats have collected just eight points so
far, but the Belfast-born player is not taking anything for granted. That
said, he knows the game represents a great opportunity for West Ham to
return to winning ways. "I think we were tailed-off and nobody gave us a
chance before we won seven of our last nine games to save ourselves, but
we're not thinking about relegation. We know there are plenty of games left
and the squad we've got at this club and how we're capable of playing. "The
last couple of months, we have had some disappointing results but we'll pick
ourselves up. The spirit around the place is still great and everyone is in
it together. Like I said, we'll be looking to put in the sort of performance
we did against Fulham next weekend against Sunderland and get three points
at home again. "We all know there are no easy games in this league, even
though they are below us. It's going to be a difficult game, but it's about
how we apply ourselves on the day and we'll be looking to play some positive
football and get the win we need."
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Big Sam on Reds reverse
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce reflected on Saturday's 4-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Liverpool
07.12.2013
Injury added to the insult of two own-goals as West Ham United crashed to a
4-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Liverpool. The Hammers defended
resolutely for 40 minutes before falling behind in unfortunate circumstances
- Guy Demel putting the ball into his own net after Jussi Jaaskelainen had
parried Luis Suarez's shot. Liverpool went 2-0 ahead just after half-time
when Mamadou Sakho's mis-hit shot bounced high into the net via James
Collins' boot. West Ham rallied and halved their deficit when Martin Skrtel
put Matt Jarvis' header past Simon Mignolet, but a Suarez header made it 3-1
before the Uruguayan's late shot flew in off the unlucky Joey O'Brien. In
between Liverpool's third and fourth goals, Kevin Nolan's frustration boiled
over as he was sent-off for a challenge from behind on Jordan Henderson.
Speaking to West Ham TV, manager Sam Allardyce gave a typically honest
assessment of proceedings. "There was an element of luck that got Liverpool
on their way," he said. "They weren't looking like they were going to score
before half-time and, if anybody had the better chances before they scored,
it was probably us. "Unfortunately their keeper has made a couple of good
saves and there were a couple of good blocks, then there was a ball through
from Mo Diame to Modibo Maiga which just the slightest touch [may have put
it in the net] - he just cannot seem to pull it off at the moment, the lad.
"Then he had a chance off this head which was a great header across the
defender and their keeper has pulled off a wonderful save. To top it off,
they took the lead from an own-goal after Jussi had saved it when there was
no Liverpool player there to tap it in. "That was unlucky, but what was
really disappointing for me was conceding the second goal so soon after
half-time like we did. The lads came back with a goal when Liverpool were
dominant and we didn't look like we'd get it, and had we had a little more
composure with our final pass, we might have made it 2-2. "Then, the ball
flashed across their goal and Modibo needed to tap it in, but he didn't. We
needed to score at that time because, going into the last ten minutes, we
threw more men forward and then fell asleep in the box when it could have
been dealt with. Suarez put it in the back of the net and that's us dealt
with. "The fourth goal took a massive deflection off Joey O'Brien, so that
was unfortunate and it makes the scoreline a bit hard to take. The fact is,
though, that we're losing football matches and we've got to stop doing that.
That's the key element that the players have to focus on."
When asked about Nolan's red card, the manager did not dispute referee
Michael Oliver's decision, but claimed Liverpool full-back Jon Flanagan
should also have been sent-off for an early foul on Stewart Downing.
Flanagan's challenge caused a nasty cut to Downing's lower leg which
required the England winger to be treated in hospital. "I wouldn't disagree
with it, but I would say that there was a very similar if not worse
challenge from Flanagan in the first half on Stewart Downing. "Henderson has
not ended up in hospital but Stewart has and he needs 16 or 20 stitches in a
massive gash across his calf and Achilles tendon. "There is more danger in
Flanagan's challenge than there was in Kevin's but you couldn't argue that
he sent him off. What you do argue is that Kevin has been sent-off and he
hasn't."
Nolan's suspension and Downing's injury added to an already extensive list
of absentees that also includes Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Ricardo Vaz Te,
Razvan Rat and James Tomkins, who was forced off with a hamstring injury
late on. "We had to take James off because he felt his groin. It's getting
massively concerning with the players losing their fitness. "There is
nothing we could do about Stewart's injury, but Kevin certainly could have
done something about keeping himself on the field. "It was a very
irresponsible action. No matter how frustrated you get, you shouldn't be
doing that sort of thing, especially when you're a man of his experience.
"We're all struggling at the minute, but what we can't afford to is lose our
confidence and our determination to do the right things. "It's not so long
ago - a week - that we a magnificent performance together to beat Fulham.
This time of year, the chances to put things right and win come thick and
fast because the games come around and points are won and lost very quickly.
"My problem now lies with the limited amount of players I have available to
me next weekend."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers defeated at Anfield
WHUFC.com
Luis Suarez continued his hot streak with a double strike against the
Hammers on Saturday
07.12.2013
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Luis Suarez took his goal tally for the week to six with a double which sent
the Hammers to a 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday. Sam Allardyce's men
held out until the 42nd minute, but had no answer once Guy Demel's
unfortunate own goal had given the home side the lead. Martin Skrtel scored
soon after half time to double the lead, and although he scored at the other
end to briefly give the Hammers hope, Suarez's late double, coupled with
Kevin Nolan's red card, took the game away from the Londoners. Suarez, fresh
from scoring four goals against Norwich in the week, showed an early sign of
his intent when he clipped a shot over the top from 20 yards with nine
minutes gone. The Hammers took the play to the other end immediately and
Mohamed Diame was so close to sliding Modibo Maiga in, but his pass was just
in front of the striker. With 21 minutes on the clock Maiga went even closer
when he climbed to meet a Matt Jarvis cross and headed towards goal, but
Simon Mignolet showed good reactions to tip the ball over the bar. Liverpool
gradually began to dominate possession as the half wore on and both Suarez
and Philippe Coutinho were off target with shots from range. The hosts may
have thought their best chance of the opening period had passed them by on
41 minutes when Raheem Sterling prodded wide when through on goal after out
sprinting James Tomkins.
However, they took the lead a minute later when the Hammers were guilty of
giving the ball away in their defensive third and Suarez pounced to force a
save from Jaaskelainen, with the ball bouncing off the unfortunate Demel and
into the net. It was to get worse for the visitors just two minutes after
the restart when Steven Gerrard delivered a free-kick from the right and
Mamadou Sakho headed across goal, with Skrtel just beating James Collins to
force the ball over the line.
Liverpool would go on to pin the Hammers back for much of the next 20
minutes as they searched for a third and Sterling twice went close around
the hour, first slipping as he shot following a Jordan Henderson pull back,
then forcing a wonderful save from Jaaskelainen after latching onto Joe
Allen's low cross.
The Hammers were in danger of sinking without trace, but but were handed a
lifeline midway through the half when Skrtel inexplicably diverted the ball
padt Mignolet after Matt Jarvis headed Guy Demel's deep cross back across
goal. It perhaps needed something dramatic to stem the tide and Liverpool
were rattled for a while, with Maiga poking wide at the far post after the
home side struggled to get a corner clear. But Brendan Rodgers' men gathered
themselves again and made the points safe ten minutes from time when Suarez
arrived at the far post with perfect timing to meet Glen Johnson's teasing
cross with an unstoppable header. There was still time for Nolan to be sent
for an early bath after catching Henderson on the calf before Suarez added
insult to injury by finding the net for a fourth, with the help of a wicked
deflection off Joey O'Brien.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan (Kelly 78); Gerrard
(Lucas 56), Allen; Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling (Moses 72); Suarez
Subs: Jones, Aspas, Cissokho, Luis Alberto
Goals: Demel og 42, Skrtel 47, Suarez 80, Suarez 84
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Tomkins (O'Brien 56),
McCartney; Diame, Noble, Nolan; Downing (J.Cole 46), Maiga, Jarvis (Taylor
84)
Subs: Adrian, Collison, Diarra, C.Cole
Goal; Skrtel og 66
Booked: Demel, Collins, J.Cole
Sent off: Nolan
Referee: Michael Oliver
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing named Player of the Month
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing has won the fan vote to take November's Player of the Month
honours
06.12.2013
Stewart Downing has been named as the West Ham United Player of the Month
for November after winning the whufc.com fan poll. The winger took 35% of
the vote to edge Ravel Morrison into second place and take his first Player
of the Month award of the campaign. Downing joined the Club from Liverpool
in the summer and has overcome an early injury setback to establish himself
in Sam Allardyce's side. His influence has grown in the past month, and his
average of 2.5 accurate crosses per game ranks him third in the entire
Barclays Premier League - only Southampton's James Ward-Prowse and West
Brom's Morgan Amalfitano have delivered more. Downing laid on an
inch-perfect ball for Carlton Cole to net the game-clinching second in the
3-0 London derby win over Fulham on 30 November, and he started all four
Premier League games in the month.
whufc.com Player of the Month winners 2013/14
August James Collins
September Ravel Morrison
October Ravel Morrison
November Stewart Downing
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce 'will not rush Andy Carroll return'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce says he "won't panic" into playing
record-signing Andy Carroll following the striker's return to training.
Carroll, 24, has not featured this season after aggravating a heel injury he
sustained in May. "We're in a difficult position but I can't panic into
putting Andy in too quickly," said Allardyce, whose side are 17th in the
Premier League. "Andy will want to play quicker than he should and I'll have
to calm him down."
West Ham have won just once in five outings and struggled to score goals,
with Modibo Maiga and Carlton Cole their strike options in Carroll's
absence. "Basically, he'll be doing more and more with the ball now," added
Allardyce, who admitted it was "extremely tough" to resist playing the
striker at Liverpool on Saturday. "He'll keep doing the strength and
conditioning work he has been doing, but it'll be more about getting on the
field with the ball at more intense levels as he goes along. "My position is
to take a sensible view, it's my responsibility to make sure he is there to
stay when he comes back onto the field, and not just one or two games."
Carroll, England's most expensive footballer following his £35m move to
Liverpool from Newcastle in 2011, joined the Hammers on loan from the Reds
in August 2012 before making the move permanent at the end of the 2012-13
campaign. Since sustaining the injury in the final game of last season, he
has travelled between the UK and two rehab centres in Europe to undergo
treatment. "It has been a long, hard process but now I can see the light at
the end of the tunnel," Carroll told West Ham's official website upon his
return to training. "It's been really hard watching the games while I've
been out, we haven't picked up the results we have deserved, so I can't wait
to get out there again and start helping the team to win some games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer arrested in spot-fixing probe
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Former Academy member Cristian Montano is one of six men arrested over the
weekend in connection with spot fixing. Montano, who left West Ham in July
2012 after rejecting a new contract offer was taken into custody this
weekend after a newspaper contacted Police with details of its investigation
into corruption in the game. It has been alleged that a number of players -
who represent both Football League and non-league clubs - have been involved
in spot-fixing, a practise which involves fixing a specific part of the
game. One of the players cited in the report - former Portsmouth defender
Sam Sodje - was caught on camera revealing how he could earn "tens of
thousands of pounds" for deliberately receiving a booking. And Montano
himself appears in one of the newspaper's video to explain how he could earn
a booking. "From minute one I was hacking people down," he said. ""People
running past me and I would go clip. I run against one player and barged
him."
22 this Wednesday, Montano signed a two-year contract with League One Oldham
Athletic last August. However the Club confirmed this morning that they have
now suspended the forward. "Oldham Athletic Football Club has announced that
with immediate effect Cristian Montano will be suspended without pay until
the conclusion of investigations into spot-fixing allegations," read a
statement. "Club Director Barry Owen said: 'We are currently assisting the
authorities and the future of the player cannot be established until we are
notified of what is to occur with these investigations.'"
In addition to Sam Sodje and Montano, Akpo Sodje, Steven Sodje, Ian Goodison
and DJ Campbell have also been arrested in connection with the
investigation.
Montano, who holds dual UK and Columbian nationality first joined West Ham
at the age of just 12. Reacting to claims that he was "greedy" upon leaving
the club last summer, he replied: "Why does everyone always think that money
is always the case in football? I love the game [and it's] nothing to do
with me being greedy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing in hospital
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing was taken to hospital during today's game with Liverpool
after sustaining a nasty gash in his leg. The right winger, who had provided
West Ham with a valuable outlet during the first half of today's clash
played the entire opening 45 minutes but failed to return for the second
period. It was later confirmed that the 29-year-old had been taken to
hospital where he received treatment for a deep gash on his Achilles. West
Ham, who were 1-0 down when Downing's enforced substitution occurred
eventually lost the game 4-1. "We've lost Stewart Downing through a horrible
tackle by [Jon] Flanagan in the first minute ," said Sam Allardyce, talking
after the game. "He's going to need 15 to 20 stitches in an Achilles/calf
gash and had to be rushed off to hospital."
Allardyce, who later saw his captain Kevin Nolan dismissed for an appalling
challenge felt aggrieved that Flanagan escaped censure for what he felt was
a similar tackle. "I don't disagree with the Kevin Nolan sending-off," he
said, "but if that's a sending-off then unfortunately young Flanagan should
have been red-carded as well. When you see the tackle I'm sure everybody
will agree, apart from Liverpool."
And with view a potential return for Downing, Allardyce was unable to give
an accurate indication of how long he expected to be without the winger -
although he admitted that the prognosis wasn't good. "I would have thought
[we'll be without him] for quite a while now," added Allardyce, "which we
can ill-afford."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Players dig deep for ill kids
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's first team squad have made a sizeable donation to local
hospice Richard House. Every Christmas a number of players from West Ham's
first team squad visit Richard House Hospice in Beckton, which provides care
and respite for terminally-ill children and young adults. This week the
contingent included Richard House patron Mark Noble plus fellow first team
squad players Ricardo Vaz Te, Joey O'Brien, Adrian and Mo Diame. After
spending the afternoon making Christmas decorations, signing autographs and
having their pictures taken with the kids, Joey O'Brien and Mark Noble
presented the hospice's Community Fundraising Manager Viv Talbot with a
personal cheque from all the players. Ricardo Vaz Te told whufc.com: "It was
a very good experience to go to Richard House and see the kids' faces. It
was for a great cause and I wish I could do more. It leaves me speechless
just to give something and for them to be so happy at us being there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matt Jarvis looking for West Ham to raise their game
Last Updated: 09/12/13 3:48pm
SSN
Matt Jarvis admits West Ham United need to 'roll our sleeves up and fight'
after failing to pull clear of relegation trouble. The Hammers have won just
one of their last eight Premier League fixtures, and only three of 15 so far
this season. Unsurprisingly, an inability to string positive results
together has left them languishing at the wrong end of the table and looking
anxiously over their shoulder. Only goal difference is keeping Sam
Allardyce's side out of the bottom three at present, with a 4-1 reverse away
at Liverpool on Saturday pushing them a little deeper into the mire. "We
need to stay positive and make sure we are working extremely hard, as we did
at Liverpool, and get that positive result we need to kick-start our
season."
Jarvis told the club's official website on the need to offer a positive
response: "We can't feel sorry for ourselves. "We need to stay positive and
make sure we are working extremely hard, as we did at Liverpool, and get
that positive result we need to kick-start our season ."It's definitely time
to roll our sleeves up and fight. That's exactly what we need to do. However
we get the three points, it doesn't matter what we do, we just have to get
them and get ourselves up the league. "We will try to do exactly what we did
against Fulham when we face Sunderland on Saturday. If we do, then we'll get
three much-needed points and hopefully we can do that on home turf."
On the defeat at Anfield, which saw the Hammers hold their own for long
periods but concede at important times, Jarvis said: "We started the game
well and created some good opportunities and could have gone in front and
given ourselves something to really hold on to. "To concede just before
half-time shot ourselves in the foot. "Of course it was very unlucky but it
was disappointing to concede just before half-time, because that always
makes thing hard. "At 2-1 they looked a little bit nervy and we tried to get
back level. We had a couple of chances to score and if you don't score in
this league then you get punished, and we did."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers explains decision to sell Andy Carroll
Last Updated: December 7, 2013 12:23pm
SSN
Liverpool allowed Andy Carroll to join West Ham to benefit star striker Luis
Suarez, according to manager Brendan Rodgers. Both were signed by Kenny
Dalglish in lucrative deadline-day deals in January 2011 after Fernando
Torres was sold to Chelsea for £50m. But former Newcastle forward Carroll
failed to justify his British record transfer fee of £35m, struggling with
form and fitness before being offloaded to West Ham on loan last season.
Carroll joined the Hammers on a permanent deal in the summer, and Rodgers
believes his departure has allowed the in-form Suarez to take up a free role
for the side. "I just felt it wouldn't benefit Luis because when you play
with a big target man, it is hard not to make him your focal point, so
everything has to be set around the big guy," said Rodgers. "What we try to
do here is create the environment for the elite player - and Luis is an
elite player." "Sometimes you get sucked into doing it more direct and
clearly. With my history as a coach, I don't work that way. "You look at the
goals that Luis has scored in my time, there has not been too many that have
been whipped-in-crosses, which to be fair, big Andy was brilliant at. "What
we try to do here is create the environment for the elite player - and Luis
is an elite player. "We have created an environment for all our players, but
obviously for him I had to make a call last year by letting Andy Carroll go
out on loan. "That created a situation where we could get the benefit of
Luis' talent, but he still had to perform, and he has done that tremendously
well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JEREMY NICHOLAS: I WANT TO RETURN AS STADIUM ANNOUNCER & I'LL DO IT FOR FREE
By Iain Dale 9 Dec 2013 at 14:24
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by JEREMY NICHOLAS
I'm offering to return as West Ham United announcer for no fee, because I'm
so worried about the situation in which we find ourselves. We need to make
the Boleyn Ground a fortress again. After sixteen years as the stadium
announcer I resigned after the Stoke game in August, as the club reduced
match day costs. My fee was cut by sixty percent and I decided to hang up my
microphone as a matter of pride.
Since I left, the club have taken just four points out of a possible fifteen
at home. The atmosphere in the ground has been awful. I stayed away at
first, as I couldn't get a ticket. But I've been back for the Chelsea,
Manchester City and Fulham games.
I sat in the West Upper for Chelsea and and was shocked. There was no
singing around me and from what I could see it was quiet in most parts of
the ground. It did pick up in the later stages of the game when the Sir
Trevor/Alpari corner started a chant that picked up around the ground. But
bearing in mind we were playing against one of our biggest local rivals, I
thought it was a very quiet game.
West Ham fans are not usually like that. Some of the quiet ones left early.
Once they'd gone the hardcore fans seemed to find their voice. Even though
we were losing, we ended the game loud and proud. It was like the Villa Park
semi-final against Forest in 1991 all over again. I'd like to galvanise that
core support.
We've always prided ourselves on being a noisy ground that inspires our
players and intimidates the opposition. We use to tease Arsenal about the
respectful silence at 'Highbury the Library', but if I'd taken a few
textbooks along to our last few games, I reckon I could have got a fair bit
of revision done, with little distraction.
Our away support is as magnificent as ever. The travelling West Ham fans at
Anfield were in great voice at the weekend, even though we haven't won at
Liverpool for fifty years.
Over the past sixteen years I've helped mastermind some terrific home
atmospheres, particularly that play off semi-final against Ipswich, when the
Boleyn Ground shook it was so noisy. Recently fans of the Seattle Seahawks
broke the Guinness world record for the loudest stadium, measuring like a
magnitude 1-2 earthquake. I would like us to be sending shockwaves from an
epicentre at Upton Park.
So I'm offering my services free of charge, to help raise the noise and
rebuild Fortress Boleyn. Lots of fans have contacted me and asked if I'd
consider a return. So after a lot of thought I've come to the following
conclusion: As a professional speaker I can't accept a sixty percent pay
cut, because it just doesn't seem right.
But as a fan of West Ham United since the age of six, I can't bear to sit in
the stand and watch as we throw away our home advantage. So I've come up
with the idea of doing it for free.
My business manager and my wife think I'm mad, which is no surprise because
they are the same person. My fellow professional speakers think I'm mad,
because as business models go, the free option isn't a great one. But my
West Ham supporting friends fully understand why I feel I can't just sit and
do nothing. If I'm going to be up in the stands shouting, I might as well
have a microphone in my hand and sit in my usual seat at the back of the
dugout.
I have sixteen years of experience to offer. I've not been around as long as
George Sephton at Anfield or David Hamilton at Craven Cottage, but I'm a
well-known voice in the Premier League and also as the stadium announcer on
all the FIFA video games from FIFA 06 up to FIFA 14.
I've worked under six West Ham managers so far. Seven if you count Avram
Grant! I've also worked with caretaker managers Sir Trevor Brooking and
Kevin Keen and now I'm offering my services for free to Big Sam.
Sam Allardyce has done great things at the club. He won us promotion at the
first attempt and consolidated our position in the first season back in the
Premier League. This season he's had awful luck with injuries to vital
players that have proved crucial. But there's lots of cause for optimism at
the club with the emergence of Ravel Morrison, holding onto quality players
like Mo Diame and signings like Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing. We've
shown we are no longer a selling club, but we need to hang on to our Premier
League status at all costs.
There's no need to panic. Once Andy Carroll is back and Winston Reid
returns, we'll be in great shape. But in the meantime we have to get the
home crowd rocking.
So the offer to return for no fee is on the table. If the club want to take
me up on it, I'll be delighted to help.
Come on you Irons!
Jeremy
Jeremy Nicholas – stadium announcer West Ham United 1998-2013
www.JeremyNicholas.co.uk
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West Ham eye Diego Milito transfer from Inter Milan for a bargain fee
9 Dec 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Reports in Italy claim cut-price January deal could be on for 2010 European
Cup Final hero as his contract is about to expire
West Ham are poised to make a shock move for Inter Milan forward Diego
Milito when the transfer window opens next month. Milito, 34, is set to out
of contract at the end of the season - and reports in Italy suggest Inter
could be willing to let him leave in January for a reduced fee. The Hammers'
manager Sam Allardyce is desperate to strengthen his forward line and even
though club record signing Andy Carroll is close to making a first-team
return, he looks certain to bring more strikers into the club. Milito has a
wealth of experience and is best remembered for scoring twice in the 2010
European Cup Final, as Jose Mourinho-managed Inter beat Bayern Munich.
Allardyce has also been linked with moves for Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor
and ex-Hammer Demba Ba of Chelsea. But he could now switch his attentions to
the Argentine forward and make his move to sign him in the New Year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce's West Ham future in doubt as owners fear repeating Avram
Grant mistake
8 Dec 2013 22:33
The
Mirror
The Hammers boss is up against it, and next week's game with Sunderland is
absolutely crucial for his future
Sam Allardyce is running out of time to turn things around at West Ham. The
West Ham hierarchy will not allow the club to become entrenched in a
relegation battle and want an improvement in results - or else. West Ham are
still haunted by hanging on too long before axing Avram Grant which led to
their relegation three years ago. They are likely to act unless
under-pressure Big Sam turns around results and shows improvement in
results. West Ham entertain fellow strugglers Sunderland next weekend but
also face Manchester United and Arsenal in the coming weeks. West Ham boss
Allardyce insists he can turn it around and has been defiant about their
current plight, even after being thrashed at Liverpool on Saturday. But, as
revealed in Mirror Sport last week, West Ham co-owner David Sullivan wants
to see an improvement and the Liverpool defeat only underlined the growing
crisis. Sullivan is friendly with former England boss Glenn Hoddle and that
could be one option they would look at.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans' forum round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 11th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's last day at the Boleyn Ground will be marked by a huge party on
the pitch, it was revealed tonight.
The Hammers bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground at the end of the 2015/16
season after 112 years on Green Street and tonight co-Chairman David Gold,
speaking to season ticket holders at a fans' forum, confirmed that the Club
would be staging a party for thousands to bid farewell to the ground that
has witnessed the vast majority of West Ham's triumphs.
A number of points were raised throughout the evening with Sam Allardyce,
Kevin Nolan and David Gold taking the supporters' questions, the key points
of which you may read below courtesy of KUMB member Espio who was in
attendance at the Boleyn Ground this evening...
Sam Allardyce
West Ham United FC manager
* Sam sums up the season so far. "A lack of goals, not good performances.
Need to get over injuries."
* We're definitely in for a striker this January.
* Six points from next four games is a minimum target. The end-of-season
target is still "better than last season". He notes we had a run nearly as
bad as this at the end of last season.
* Mo Diame played on the wing against Crystal Palace because Matt Jarvis -
who he added didn't cost 11million - had a knock and was on a dip in form.
* The £6million money spent on Stewart Downing's transfer was not enough for
a decent striker. He highlighted the difficulty in finding a proven, Premier
League forward, specifically highlighting Cisse who was once a prolific
goalscorer but now doesn't get a game. He believes Downing has improved the
side.
* On summer transfers, Allardyce claimed Demba Ba wouldn't leave Chelsea,
Loic Remy chose Newcastle and that Demba Ba decided to stay at Chelsea three
hours before the deadline causing Romalu Lukaku to go instead. His Belgium
teammate Mirralas persuaded him to go to Everton.
* Asked why he was "wasting his time trying to get Lukaku who is too good
for West Ham", Sam retorted that he was playing for West Brom last season
who are not better than us historically.
* Most injuries are not related to the training ground otherwise "the
current staff wouldn't be there". He admitted that we need to improve
facilities along with the stadium.
* He thanked everyone for coming and said he'll do his best to turn things
around.
Kevin Nolan
West Ham United FC midfielder and Club captain
* He criticised injuries and refereeing performances, specifically
mentioning Mark Noble's sending off and free kick against Everton. He said
the team feels they're "constantly getting hit in the nuts".
* Says positive team morale is a sign they're a good side. He has no doubt
we will stay up.
* He admitted his finishing has been poor recently and is very apologetic.
Says anyone would miss Andy Carroll, just like Liverpool would miss Suarez
or Everton Lukaku.
* Nolan apologised for the red card tackle at Liverpool, said he was ashamed
and won't be going on holiday - he is in training tomorrow practicing
finishing, whilst others are off.
David Gold
West Ham United FC co-owner
* Called our season so far "disappointing" and said he expected us to be
mid-table at this stage. He believed we put all our eggs in one basket with
Carroll and Downing but admits no one expected the injury/ies. Carroll
expected back for the New Year, at best.
* In Gold's opinion our "four best players" are currently injured. "That's
bad luck". The Board has adjusted expectations but don't rule our
back-to-back wins putting us on track for mid-table. He wants to see Ravel
played in Nolan's role.
* Told an anecdote about catching his wife with his best mate in his
swimming pool, which led to him eventually meeting the "love of my life" -
adding that similarly, Nolan's injury could lead to us "discovering" Ravel
in his place. Big applause for that.
* He admitted in hindsight that we should've purchased a forward, not
Downing. That said, Gold believes Downing is great player and says turning
him down in the hope of finding a last-minute striker would've been a risk.
* In response to Sullivan's quote upon buying the Club, Gold says he
believes our squad is still unbalanced - but only by "two players".
* Re: FFP and the forthcoming transfer window, he insisted "budgets change"
and pointed out that half-season loans are cheaper. New corporate deals and
shop sales have also added to our transfer budget.
* Whilst "we're not talking about getting a 10million player", Allardyce
would be eyeing a quality loan with a view to buy in the summer.
* The two co-chairmen will do everything to get the striker required in
January and confirmed that work had already begun. The hope is to have
someone in during the first week of the window.
* Gold says a bid for one of our fringe players would help funds in January.
"Fringe or French?" Asked a fan. "Yeah, French," he responded with a grin.
* Sullivan and Gold now own 87% of the Club between them.
* £15million from the sale of the Boleyn Ground will go to the LLDC and
approximately £20million will be left to split between debt and transfers.
* Fans can name two sides of the Olympic Stadium after Club legends. West
Ham United are currently trying to negotiate naming rights for the two
remaning sides but will also name other parts of the site after greats.
Billy Bonds was specifically mentioned as someone Gold believes was
mistreated by previous owners.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce promises experienced team for Spurs
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has denied suggestions that he will send a weakened team to
White Hart Lane next week when the Hammers meet Tottenham in the quarter
finals of the Capital One Cup.
Big Sam, speaking at tonight's Season Ticket Holders Fans' Forum was asked
if he would be sending a competitive squad to North London - to which he
confirmed that he expected to field a team of "first team players", and not
"kids".
The manager, who was taken pre-selected questions from the audience was
joined by club captain Kevin Nolan who apologised for his dismissal at
Anfield last weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham look to loan market
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Co-chairman David Gold has told season ticket holders to expect new faces at
the Club this January - but only on short-term deals. Gold, speaking at a
Fans' Forum this evening admitted that the only players Sam Allardyce would
be able to add to his squad this forthcoming transfer window would be those
available on loan. With forwards a necessity, that presumably means the
likes of Demba Ba - who remains out of favour at Chelsea - will once again
be on Allardyce's radar, whilst Seattle Sounders striker Obafemi Martins has
also been linked with a short-term move to London.
The striker shortage could become even more acute if Carlton Cole, who
returned to West Ham in October leaves the Club in January at the end of his
three-month deal. Fellow striker Mladen Petric, whose contract runs until
the end of the season has featured just four times since moving to East
London.
Meanwhile Allardyce's remaining forwards, Ricardo Vaz Te and Andy Carroll,
are still recovering from the injuries that have kept them sidelined for so
long - much to the frustration of Club and supporters alike.
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WHUFC.com
David Gold, Sam Allardyce and Kevin Nolan answered fans' questions on
Tuesday night
10.12.2013
Joint-Chairman David Gold, first team manager Sam Allardyce and skipper
Kevin Nolan took part in an informative Q&A with Season Ticket Holders at
the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night. Around 400 Season Ticket Holders were in
attendance as they had the chance to pose questions to key personnel at the
Club. The event was the first in a raft of benefits for Season Ticket
Holders as the Club looks to reward their most loyal supporters. The evening
started with autograph and photo opportunities with both Allardyce and Nolan
before the pair were introduced to the crowd. Questions were then invited
from the floor, with Big Sam and his captain answering queries for an hour,
ranging from how they kept confidence up in times of bad form, to the Club's
summer transfer dealings and the origins of Nolan's goal celebration.
After a brief interval, Mr Gold took to the stage to answer further
questions, on subjects such as rewarding supporter loyalty and the Olympic
Stadium.
Nolan said: "It was good to meet the fans and take on board their comments.
It is always good to do that and we know the fans back us no matter what.
"We hope that they could see that we are all working hard together to be in
a better position than we currently are, and that we were all speaking
honestly to each other. "I have always said, since I arrived at the club,
how important and how massive the support of our fans has been and that is
no different now. It is very much us all keeping together and I firmly
believe we will be where we want to be and deserve to be at the end of the
season. We will certainly be doing our best to make sure that happens for
the fans and our club."
Season Ticket Holder, Peter Hynes, said: "I thought it was a very good event
and there were really refreshing and honest words from Sam, Kevin and Mr
Gold. "Like all supporters, we read a lot of stuff in the media and you
never quite know what is true and what isn't. But here at this forum, the
manager and captain of our club spoke honestly and acknowledged that the
position at the moment is not what anyone wants, but they are working as
hard as they can to put this right. We heard this from them, not through an
interview or anything, but them speaking to us and that was good to hear."
Fellow Season Ticket Holder Chris Bozza added: "It was a really good event
and important to have. West Ham have always been a family club and have
taken on board the part the fans play. So to be able to hear from the
manager and the captain, plus the Joint-Chairman and to be able to ask them
up front about the things that we are concerned about and want to know, was
just great and I hope that there are many more of these to come."
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Bonds: We must stick together
WHUFC.com
Club legend Billy Bonds insists West Ham United will get things right this
season
10.12.2013
Billy Bonds MBE believes it will not be long before his beloved West Ham
United start climbing the Barclays Premier League table. The Hammers legend,
who was honoured with the Club's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in
May, says the Board, manager Sam Allardyce and his coaching staff will be
'burning the midnight oil' to put things right on and off the pitch.
Speaking exclusively to the Official Website, Bonds, who spent 28 years at
the Boleyn Ground as a player, coach and manager, backed West Ham to return
to winning ways when they host Sunderland on Saturday. "I came along and saw
the first game of the season and I thought we looked very good on the day,"
said Bonds. "I said before the start of the season that I couldn't see us
getting into a relegation battle. People were asking me where I thought we'd
finish and I said mid-table. I saw nothing in that Cardiff game which
suggested that it wasn't achievable this season.
"Since then results haven't gone as well but I'm not telling anybody,
certainly not Sam, his staff or the supporters, why because we know what's
gone wrong - it's a shortage up front, really. "Sam set his side out to be
tough to beat with a tough back four and they've kept a lot of clean sheets
this year. He sets his side up that way and has brought in two wide men in
Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing. He's got Joe Cole playing in that area too
and it was all geared up to getting the ball wide and getting the ball in
the box."
Bonds pointed the absence of the injured Andy Carroll and the lack of goals
from the Club's other forwards as the major reason for the recent downturn
in results. "When Andy Carroll was in the side he was a real threat, people
didn't even like to mark him. He put himself about in the box and I think
Kevin Nolan is another one who is nullified a bit without a big man upfront
and certainly the two wingers are nullified a bit getting the ball in the
box as they probably lack options in there. "It's pretty obvious where
things are going wrong a little bit. I'm sure Sam and all his staff have
been burning the midnight oil and maybe when the transfer window opens
they've probably got a few names who they want to bring in and strengthen
that department because that is the obvious thing."
While he knows Carroll can play an influential role on his return from a
foot injury, Bonds has warned supporters not to expect too much, too soon,
from the No9. "I think, even when he's back fit, you've got to get someone
else in because he's a big lad and when you come back from a long injury
like that there is every chance he could get another injury. That can happen
when you've been out for a long time. Hopefully he'll come back in and stay
in there until the end of the season. "I'm not telling Sam anything he
doesn't already know. I'm sure he's been thinking about the January transfer
window coming round. I'm sure that will be Sam's priority. They've been
tough to beat, they've kept clean sheets, but obviously they're missing
Winston Reid who's had a terrific season for them. If you can get everybody
back fit, I don't see them having a problem. It's easy for me to say from
the outside because I don't have the job and I haven't got to worry about it
now. I don't see them having any problem staying up, I really don't."
Bonds, who twice led West Ham to promotion to the top-flight during his four
years in charge, also had personal words of support for Big Sam. As someone
with huge experience of the game as a player, captain and a manager, the
two-times FA Cup winner and four-times Hammer of the Year urged everyone
connected with the Club to stay patient and support the boss who brought
them back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt. "I think Sam
has done what he was asked to do," said the 67-year-old. "His brief was to
get the club out of the Championship into the Premier League and then to
cement that place. They more than cemented it last year, when they did
really well and finished half way up the table. "I think now is the time you
need to get behind the team because it is a difficult period at the moment.
We're not in a desperate position because if you're four or five points
adrift then you start to worry, but we're not in that situation and we're
one win away from being mid-table, it's that tight. "Even when you start the
season there are a dozen teams in that league thinking 'Stay in the league
this year' and there's maybe four or five thinking 'We might finish in a
Champions League place' then there's another two or three who aren't going
to get involved in it. "There's a long way to go yet, a lot of points to
play for and as I say if we can do something in January, get the big lad
back then I can see us pushing on."
That push can begin this Saturday, when Sunderland arrive at the Boleyn
Ground boasting the Barclays Premier League's leakiest defence and just two
wins in 15 matches. "Sunderland will be fighting for their lives as well and
it's obviously a big game for us it's one we certainly don't want to be
losing," Bonds concluded. "They will come and have a go because they've got
a new man in with new ideas and I saw a couple of their games recently and
they put up a show against Chelsea. It's a winnable game for us and we'd
like to be winning, especially with the way things stand at the moment."
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Bywater wants Cup run
WHUFC.com
Kieran Bywater is looking for the Under-18s to progress in the FA Youth Cup
against Accrington
10.12.2013
Kieran Bywater has urged his teammates to put in a professional performance
when they take on Accrington Stanley in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday night.
The midfielder is the Under-18s' top scorer this season having netted 13
goals in 15 Barclays Under-18 Premier League matches this season and has
been instrumental in their current run of good form. Steve Potts' side are
currently enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run and Bywater has called on his
side to continue that streak when they take to the pitch at the Store First
Stadium. He told West Ham TV: "These sorts of games are historically what
cup ties are all about - going to a lower league side, and we can't take
anything for granted. "We've got to go there and do all the things well that
we know we can and hopefully get a performance with a victory at the end of
it. "You never know with a bit of luck and if we keep playing well we could
go far, but we'll just take every game as it comes."
The Third Round encounter will be the Hammers first match in just over two
weeks since they defeated league leaders Fulham 3-1, thanks to a brace from
Bywater. The 18-year-old believes morale in the squad is high ahead of their
cup clash and says that the squad fear no one at present. "We've had a break
as the Arsenal game got postponed due to their Youth Cup match. All the lads
have been playing a lot of games and there was a friendly game last week.
Everyone's fitness is good so hopefully we'll take that into the game. "I
think we've got a lot of confidence within the group at the minute and nine
unbeaten is very good in the league so we've just got to concentrate on that
and keep the performance levels up. "I don't think you can fear anyone. I
believe on our day we're as good as anyone so you can't really think about
the opposition you're playing. As I said before we just need to concentrate
on ourselves and hopefully get the win."
At this stage of the tournament last year the U18s overcame Aldershot Town
3-1 before losing out to Tottenham in the Fourth Round. Bywater is looking
forward to playing in a competition which he holds in high regard. "Quite a
few of the lads haven't played in the Youth Cup before and it's an enjoyable
time and a big game for us playing in the FA Youth Cup with the history
behind it so everyone's in a good mood. "We've been going well in the league
recently and we're in good form. Hopefully we can carry that on in the cup
and have a good run. "The FA Youth Cup and the history behind it is massive.
A lot of players have come through and good teams have come out of it so
hopefully we can have a good run, if not win it."
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New kick-off time for Swansea
WHUFC.com
The kick-off time for the Hammers' home fixture with Swansea City has
changed
10.12.2013
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League fixture with Swansea City on
Saturday 1 February will now kick-off at 12.45pm and not 3pm as originally
scheduled.
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'It's time to roll our sleeves up'
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis says the West Ham United squad will not shirk the challenge
facing them at present
09.12.2013
Matt Jarvis says West Ham United cannot afford to lick their wounds ahead of
a vital Barclays Premier League meeting with Sunderland. The Hammers go into
Saturday's visit of the Black Cats having lost at Crystal Palace and
Liverpool in their previous two matches, but Jarvis insists he and his
team-mates will not be dwelling on those defeats. Instead, the No7 said the
players will take confidence from the 3-0 win over Fulham they achieved on
their last home engagement on 30 November. "We can't feel sorry for
ourselves," said Jarvis. "We need to stay positive and make sure we are
working extremely hard as we did at Liverpool and get that positive result
we need to kick-start our season. "It's definitely time to roll our sleeves
up and fight. That's exactly what we need to do. However we get the three
points, it doesn't matter what we do, we just have to get them and get
ourselves up the league. "We will try to do exactly what we did against
Fulham when we face Sunderland on Saturday. If we do, then we'll get three
much-needed points and hopefully we can do that on home turf."
Reflecting on Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Anfield, Jarvis felt West Ham
competed well before falling behind to a Guy Demel own-goal four minutes
before half-time. Mamadou Sakho's fortuitous finish made it 2-0 after
half-time, while Liverpool's fourth goal also came via a huge deflection off
substitute Joey O'Brien.
"We started the game well and created some good opportunities and could have
gone in front and given ourselves something to really hold on to," said
Jarvis. "To concede just before half-time shot ourselves in the foot. "Of
course it was very unlucky but it was disappointing to concede just before
half-time, because that always makes things hard."
Manager Sam Allardyce has urged Jarvis and his colleagues to start scoring
more goals. On Saturday, the winger played an integral part in West Ham's
sole strike when his 66th-minute header was put past his own goalkeeper by
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel. The goal sparked a period of West Ham
pressure that could have culminated in an equaliser, but Jarvis and Modibo
Maiga could not convert the opportunities that fell to them. Luis Suarez
made the game safe by heading in Glen Johnson's cross with nine minutes
remaining before Kevin Nolan was sent-off and O'Brien's own-goal completed a
frustrating afternoon on Merseyside. "There was a build-up of play and then
Guy cut back and put the cross in and I had to try and get to it at the far
post," said Jarvis, when asked about the Hammers' goal. "As I couldn't put
the ball back on target, I put it back in the mixer and luckily it went in.
"At 2-1 they looked a little bit nervy and we tried to get back level. He
had a couple of chances to score and if you don't score in this league then
you get punished, and we did."
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Big Sam hopes for better fortune
WHUFC.com
Big Sam believes there were positives to take from Saturday's Liverpool
defeat, despite the scoreline
09.12.2013
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce will hope for better fortune on Saturday
when his side welcome Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground for a crucial Barclays
Premier League clash. The Black Cats currently prop up the Barclays Premier
League table and the Hammers are in need of the points following a 4-1 loss
at Liverpool on Saturday. Man of the moment Luis Suarez scored two of those
goals, but for much of the contest, the visitors appeared to have a handle
on the Uruguayan. The Hammers held their own until Guy Demel's unfortunate
own goal just before the break and that early resilience gave the manager
encouragement ahead of an important week. "We were standing at 0-0 and the
longer it went on the more resilient we got," he explained. "More
importantly the second one going in meant we had to come out and attack,
which is going to give Suarez more room. We took that chance, weathered that
storm and got the goal back. We had our chances to get the second and then
he pops up with two to finish us off. His goals came at the right time to
kill us off. "You have to keep the main man of the opposition at bay.
Obviously you have to keep the main man at bay and it looked like we'd done
the job up until half time. We stopped him but they got an own goal and
another goal from a shot from Sakho and it's a disappointing day. We've
ended up losing 4-1 and we've lost three key players."
The Hammers will face this Saturday's Boleyn Ground clash against Sunderland
without skipper Kevin Nolan after he was sent off at Anfield, while Stewart
Downing and James Tomkins departed the action early with injuries. The
manager says the Hammers will have to adapt to cope with any absences. He
added: "We're in a difficult position, one because of the league position
and one because of the number of players we've got available. So to have two
more unavailable is a big problem for me. "I think Kevin's red card was
borne out of frustration. He's experienced enough and it's unlike him to do
that type of thing. Obviously he did and he got himself a red." Tickets for
Saturday's game are half-price for Academy Members and free for Youth
Academy Members. Click here for full information.
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Forest away in the FA Cup
WHUFC.com
FA Cup with Budweiser third round draw details
08.12.2013
West Ham United have been drawn away to face Championship side Nottingham
Forest in the third round of the FA Cup with Budweiser. Sunday's draw, which
was made by former Hammer Teddy Sheringham and his son Charlie, sends the
Hammers to the City Ground for the first time since a Championship clash in
August 2011, when West Ham ran out 4-1 winners. Forest have enjoyed a strong
start to their campaign and sit fifth in the table following Saturday's 1-0
win at Sheffield Wednesday. They are two-time FA Cup winners, having last
triumphed in 1959, and were defeated 3-2 by the Hammers in their last FA Cup
meeting - a fourth round tie in 2010/11. The game will be played over the
weekend of 4 & 5 January, and full fixture and ticketing details will appear
on whufc.com in due course.
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Olympic Stadium update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued an update on the designs for the Olympic Stadium
conversion
08.12.2013
The multi-million pound conversion to turn the Olympic Stadium into a UEFA
Category 4 (the highest category available), all-seater football stadium
allows West Ham United and its fans an exciting opportunity to create a
stunning new home in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Club's Supporter
Advisory Board are already assisting with key areas of supporter
consultation in terms of migration and ticketing but the detailed work on
look and feel of the stadium will begin next season once the designs are at
the necessary stage. The images shown in this morning's press are historic
technical cross-section drawings, the purpose of which are to show, simply,
the functionality of the retractable seating - a deliberate design to bring
the seats closer to the pitch. They are not designed to represent how the
stand will look on a matchday and how the innovative solution will close the
gap to ensure the atmosphere and viewing experience remains world class like
the rest of the stadium. The iconic new roof will cover all seats and help
lock in the famous atmosphere and the retractable seating on all four sides
of the ground will help bring fans closer to the pitch. The North and South
Stands will also provide fantastic opportunities for Club branding to make
sure the stadium feels like home. The Club have also worked with architects
to create a stunning 'Kop' style East Stand, with seats filling the area
between top and bottom tiers. The feedback from fans on the designs released
thus far has been overwhelmingly positive, as the 85% voting in favour of
the move in SMG YouGov's independent consultation testifies.
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'Everyone is in it together'
WHUFC.com
George McCartney insists the West Ham squad are still very much United,
despite recent disappointments
08.12.2013
George McCartney insists West Ham are still very much United, despite a
difficult week that has seen the Hammers lose at Crystal Palace and
Liverpool. The defender, who returned to the starting XI for Saturday's 4-1
Barclays Premier League defeat at Anfield after missing the midweek reverse
in south London, admitted the squad had not played to its true potential in
recent weeks. However, the No3 said next weekend's visit of bottom club
Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground will give the Hammers an opportunity to
return to winning ways. Reflecting first on Saturday's defeat on Merseyside,
McCartney felt West Ham's cause had not been helped by scoring two own-goals
and Simon Mignolet's outstanding save from Modibo Maiga when the game was
still goalless. "I think we knew what to expect from Liverpool," said the
Northern Irishman. "They had a few chances in the first half and we seemed
to hold out and had a couple of chances ourselves. "We conceded late on in
the first half and early in the second half, which was disappointing. We
then got ourselves back in the game and had a chance to make it two-each,
but in the end Suarez put two goals in and 4-1 looks like a bit of a hiding.
"It was disappointing. We tried to bounce back from the defeat and
performance against Crystal Palace, but it didn't happen. We now look
forward to Sunderland next week and we have to pick ourselves up and get
three points. "They had a few chances in the first half but they were
largely long-range shots. We got behind them a couple of times and put in
some really good crosses and their keeper made one or two good saves.
"Throughout the course of the game, we knew they would get one or two
clear-cut chances and all you can do is try to hold out and get a bit of
luck. We didn't have that luck and in the end it was a comfortable result
for them."
McCartney's first spell at West Ham coincided with the Hammers' amazing
escape from relegation in 2006/07, when they won seven of their final nine
matches to stay in the Barclays Premier League. Having experienced that, the
defender knows first-hand how a squad can turn its season around. That
turn-around can start next Saturday, when McCartney's former club Sunderland
visit the Boleyn Ground. The Black Cats have collected just eight points so
far, but the Belfast-born player is not taking anything for granted. That
said, he knows the game represents a great opportunity for West Ham to
return to winning ways. "I think we were tailed-off and nobody gave us a
chance before we won seven of our last nine games to save ourselves, but
we're not thinking about relegation. We know there are plenty of games left
and the squad we've got at this club and how we're capable of playing. "The
last couple of months, we have had some disappointing results but we'll pick
ourselves up. The spirit around the place is still great and everyone is in
it together. Like I said, we'll be looking to put in the sort of performance
we did against Fulham next weekend against Sunderland and get three points
at home again. "We all know there are no easy games in this league, even
though they are below us. It's going to be a difficult game, but it's about
how we apply ourselves on the day and we'll be looking to play some positive
football and get the win we need."
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Big Sam on Reds reverse
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce reflected on Saturday's 4-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Liverpool
07.12.2013
Injury added to the insult of two own-goals as West Ham United crashed to a
4-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Liverpool. The Hammers defended
resolutely for 40 minutes before falling behind in unfortunate circumstances
- Guy Demel putting the ball into his own net after Jussi Jaaskelainen had
parried Luis Suarez's shot. Liverpool went 2-0 ahead just after half-time
when Mamadou Sakho's mis-hit shot bounced high into the net via James
Collins' boot. West Ham rallied and halved their deficit when Martin Skrtel
put Matt Jarvis' header past Simon Mignolet, but a Suarez header made it 3-1
before the Uruguayan's late shot flew in off the unlucky Joey O'Brien. In
between Liverpool's third and fourth goals, Kevin Nolan's frustration boiled
over as he was sent-off for a challenge from behind on Jordan Henderson.
Speaking to West Ham TV, manager Sam Allardyce gave a typically honest
assessment of proceedings. "There was an element of luck that got Liverpool
on their way," he said. "They weren't looking like they were going to score
before half-time and, if anybody had the better chances before they scored,
it was probably us. "Unfortunately their keeper has made a couple of good
saves and there were a couple of good blocks, then there was a ball through
from Mo Diame to Modibo Maiga which just the slightest touch [may have put
it in the net] - he just cannot seem to pull it off at the moment, the lad.
"Then he had a chance off this head which was a great header across the
defender and their keeper has pulled off a wonderful save. To top it off,
they took the lead from an own-goal after Jussi had saved it when there was
no Liverpool player there to tap it in. "That was unlucky, but what was
really disappointing for me was conceding the second goal so soon after
half-time like we did. The lads came back with a goal when Liverpool were
dominant and we didn't look like we'd get it, and had we had a little more
composure with our final pass, we might have made it 2-2. "Then, the ball
flashed across their goal and Modibo needed to tap it in, but he didn't. We
needed to score at that time because, going into the last ten minutes, we
threw more men forward and then fell asleep in the box when it could have
been dealt with. Suarez put it in the back of the net and that's us dealt
with. "The fourth goal took a massive deflection off Joey O'Brien, so that
was unfortunate and it makes the scoreline a bit hard to take. The fact is,
though, that we're losing football matches and we've got to stop doing that.
That's the key element that the players have to focus on."
When asked about Nolan's red card, the manager did not dispute referee
Michael Oliver's decision, but claimed Liverpool full-back Jon Flanagan
should also have been sent-off for an early foul on Stewart Downing.
Flanagan's challenge caused a nasty cut to Downing's lower leg which
required the England winger to be treated in hospital. "I wouldn't disagree
with it, but I would say that there was a very similar if not worse
challenge from Flanagan in the first half on Stewart Downing. "Henderson has
not ended up in hospital but Stewart has and he needs 16 or 20 stitches in a
massive gash across his calf and Achilles tendon. "There is more danger in
Flanagan's challenge than there was in Kevin's but you couldn't argue that
he sent him off. What you do argue is that Kevin has been sent-off and he
hasn't."
Nolan's suspension and Downing's injury added to an already extensive list
of absentees that also includes Andy Carroll, Winston Reid, Ricardo Vaz Te,
Razvan Rat and James Tomkins, who was forced off with a hamstring injury
late on. "We had to take James off because he felt his groin. It's getting
massively concerning with the players losing their fitness. "There is
nothing we could do about Stewart's injury, but Kevin certainly could have
done something about keeping himself on the field. "It was a very
irresponsible action. No matter how frustrated you get, you shouldn't be
doing that sort of thing, especially when you're a man of his experience.
"We're all struggling at the minute, but what we can't afford to is lose our
confidence and our determination to do the right things. "It's not so long
ago - a week - that we a magnificent performance together to beat Fulham.
This time of year, the chances to put things right and win come thick and
fast because the games come around and points are won and lost very quickly.
"My problem now lies with the limited amount of players I have available to
me next weekend."
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Hammers defeated at Anfield
WHUFC.com
Luis Suarez continued his hot streak with a double strike against the
Hammers on Saturday
07.12.2013
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Luis Suarez took his goal tally for the week to six with a double which sent
the Hammers to a 4-1 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday. Sam Allardyce's men
held out until the 42nd minute, but had no answer once Guy Demel's
unfortunate own goal had given the home side the lead. Martin Skrtel scored
soon after half time to double the lead, and although he scored at the other
end to briefly give the Hammers hope, Suarez's late double, coupled with
Kevin Nolan's red card, took the game away from the Londoners. Suarez, fresh
from scoring four goals against Norwich in the week, showed an early sign of
his intent when he clipped a shot over the top from 20 yards with nine
minutes gone. The Hammers took the play to the other end immediately and
Mohamed Diame was so close to sliding Modibo Maiga in, but his pass was just
in front of the striker. With 21 minutes on the clock Maiga went even closer
when he climbed to meet a Matt Jarvis cross and headed towards goal, but
Simon Mignolet showed good reactions to tip the ball over the bar. Liverpool
gradually began to dominate possession as the half wore on and both Suarez
and Philippe Coutinho were off target with shots from range. The hosts may
have thought their best chance of the opening period had passed them by on
41 minutes when Raheem Sterling prodded wide when through on goal after out
sprinting James Tomkins.
However, they took the lead a minute later when the Hammers were guilty of
giving the ball away in their defensive third and Suarez pounced to force a
save from Jaaskelainen, with the ball bouncing off the unfortunate Demel and
into the net. It was to get worse for the visitors just two minutes after
the restart when Steven Gerrard delivered a free-kick from the right and
Mamadou Sakho headed across goal, with Skrtel just beating James Collins to
force the ball over the line.
Liverpool would go on to pin the Hammers back for much of the next 20
minutes as they searched for a third and Sterling twice went close around
the hour, first slipping as he shot following a Jordan Henderson pull back,
then forcing a wonderful save from Jaaskelainen after latching onto Joe
Allen's low cross.
The Hammers were in danger of sinking without trace, but but were handed a
lifeline midway through the half when Skrtel inexplicably diverted the ball
padt Mignolet after Matt Jarvis headed Guy Demel's deep cross back across
goal. It perhaps needed something dramatic to stem the tide and Liverpool
were rattled for a while, with Maiga poking wide at the far post after the
home side struggled to get a corner clear. But Brendan Rodgers' men gathered
themselves again and made the points safe ten minutes from time when Suarez
arrived at the far post with perfect timing to meet Glen Johnson's teasing
cross with an unstoppable header. There was still time for Nolan to be sent
for an early bath after catching Henderson on the calf before Suarez added
insult to injury by finding the net for a fourth, with the help of a wicked
deflection off Joey O'Brien.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan (Kelly 78); Gerrard
(Lucas 56), Allen; Henderson, Coutinho, Sterling (Moses 72); Suarez
Subs: Jones, Aspas, Cissokho, Luis Alberto
Goals: Demel og 42, Skrtel 47, Suarez 80, Suarez 84
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Tomkins (O'Brien 56),
McCartney; Diame, Noble, Nolan; Downing (J.Cole 46), Maiga, Jarvis (Taylor
84)
Subs: Adrian, Collison, Diarra, C.Cole
Goal; Skrtel og 66
Booked: Demel, Collins, J.Cole
Sent off: Nolan
Referee: Michael Oliver
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing named Player of the Month
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing has won the fan vote to take November's Player of the Month
honours
06.12.2013
Stewart Downing has been named as the West Ham United Player of the Month
for November after winning the whufc.com fan poll. The winger took 35% of
the vote to edge Ravel Morrison into second place and take his first Player
of the Month award of the campaign. Downing joined the Club from Liverpool
in the summer and has overcome an early injury setback to establish himself
in Sam Allardyce's side. His influence has grown in the past month, and his
average of 2.5 accurate crosses per game ranks him third in the entire
Barclays Premier League - only Southampton's James Ward-Prowse and West
Brom's Morgan Amalfitano have delivered more. Downing laid on an
inch-perfect ball for Carlton Cole to net the game-clinching second in the
3-0 London derby win over Fulham on 30 November, and he started all four
Premier League games in the month.
whufc.com Player of the Month winners 2013/14
August James Collins
September Ravel Morrison
October Ravel Morrison
November Stewart Downing
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce 'will not rush Andy Carroll return'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce says he "won't panic" into playing
record-signing Andy Carroll following the striker's return to training.
Carroll, 24, has not featured this season after aggravating a heel injury he
sustained in May. "We're in a difficult position but I can't panic into
putting Andy in too quickly," said Allardyce, whose side are 17th in the
Premier League. "Andy will want to play quicker than he should and I'll have
to calm him down."
West Ham have won just once in five outings and struggled to score goals,
with Modibo Maiga and Carlton Cole their strike options in Carroll's
absence. "Basically, he'll be doing more and more with the ball now," added
Allardyce, who admitted it was "extremely tough" to resist playing the
striker at Liverpool on Saturday. "He'll keep doing the strength and
conditioning work he has been doing, but it'll be more about getting on the
field with the ball at more intense levels as he goes along. "My position is
to take a sensible view, it's my responsibility to make sure he is there to
stay when he comes back onto the field, and not just one or two games."
Carroll, England's most expensive footballer following his £35m move to
Liverpool from Newcastle in 2011, joined the Hammers on loan from the Reds
in August 2012 before making the move permanent at the end of the 2012-13
campaign. Since sustaining the injury in the final game of last season, he
has travelled between the UK and two rehab centres in Europe to undergo
treatment. "It has been a long, hard process but now I can see the light at
the end of the tunnel," Carroll told West Ham's official website upon his
return to training. "It's been really hard watching the games while I've
been out, we haven't picked up the results we have deserved, so I can't wait
to get out there again and start helping the team to win some games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Hammer arrested in spot-fixing probe
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 9th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Former Academy member Cristian Montano is one of six men arrested over the
weekend in connection with spot fixing. Montano, who left West Ham in July
2012 after rejecting a new contract offer was taken into custody this
weekend after a newspaper contacted Police with details of its investigation
into corruption in the game. It has been alleged that a number of players -
who represent both Football League and non-league clubs - have been involved
in spot-fixing, a practise which involves fixing a specific part of the
game. One of the players cited in the report - former Portsmouth defender
Sam Sodje - was caught on camera revealing how he could earn "tens of
thousands of pounds" for deliberately receiving a booking. And Montano
himself appears in one of the newspaper's video to explain how he could earn
a booking. "From minute one I was hacking people down," he said. ""People
running past me and I would go clip. I run against one player and barged
him."
22 this Wednesday, Montano signed a two-year contract with League One Oldham
Athletic last August. However the Club confirmed this morning that they have
now suspended the forward. "Oldham Athletic Football Club has announced that
with immediate effect Cristian Montano will be suspended without pay until
the conclusion of investigations into spot-fixing allegations," read a
statement. "Club Director Barry Owen said: 'We are currently assisting the
authorities and the future of the player cannot be established until we are
notified of what is to occur with these investigations.'"
In addition to Sam Sodje and Montano, Akpo Sodje, Steven Sodje, Ian Goodison
and DJ Campbell have also been arrested in connection with the
investigation.
Montano, who holds dual UK and Columbian nationality first joined West Ham
at the age of just 12. Reacting to claims that he was "greedy" upon leaving
the club last summer, he replied: "Why does everyone always think that money
is always the case in football? I love the game [and it's] nothing to do
with me being greedy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing in hospital
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing was taken to hospital during today's game with Liverpool
after sustaining a nasty gash in his leg. The right winger, who had provided
West Ham with a valuable outlet during the first half of today's clash
played the entire opening 45 minutes but failed to return for the second
period. It was later confirmed that the 29-year-old had been taken to
hospital where he received treatment for a deep gash on his Achilles. West
Ham, who were 1-0 down when Downing's enforced substitution occurred
eventually lost the game 4-1. "We've lost Stewart Downing through a horrible
tackle by [Jon] Flanagan in the first minute ," said Sam Allardyce, talking
after the game. "He's going to need 15 to 20 stitches in an Achilles/calf
gash and had to be rushed off to hospital."
Allardyce, who later saw his captain Kevin Nolan dismissed for an appalling
challenge felt aggrieved that Flanagan escaped censure for what he felt was
a similar tackle. "I don't disagree with the Kevin Nolan sending-off," he
said, "but if that's a sending-off then unfortunately young Flanagan should
have been red-carded as well. When you see the tackle I'm sure everybody
will agree, apart from Liverpool."
And with view a potential return for Downing, Allardyce was unable to give
an accurate indication of how long he expected to be without the winger -
although he admitted that the prognosis wasn't good. "I would have thought
[we'll be without him] for quite a while now," added Allardyce, "which we
can ill-afford."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Players dig deep for ill kids
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 7th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's first team squad have made a sizeable donation to local
hospice Richard House. Every Christmas a number of players from West Ham's
first team squad visit Richard House Hospice in Beckton, which provides care
and respite for terminally-ill children and young adults. This week the
contingent included Richard House patron Mark Noble plus fellow first team
squad players Ricardo Vaz Te, Joey O'Brien, Adrian and Mo Diame. After
spending the afternoon making Christmas decorations, signing autographs and
having their pictures taken with the kids, Joey O'Brien and Mark Noble
presented the hospice's Community Fundraising Manager Viv Talbot with a
personal cheque from all the players. Ricardo Vaz Te told whufc.com: "It was
a very good experience to go to Richard House and see the kids' faces. It
was for a great cause and I wish I could do more. It leaves me speechless
just to give something and for them to be so happy at us being there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matt Jarvis looking for West Ham to raise their game
Last Updated: 09/12/13 3:48pm
SSN
Matt Jarvis admits West Ham United need to 'roll our sleeves up and fight'
after failing to pull clear of relegation trouble. The Hammers have won just
one of their last eight Premier League fixtures, and only three of 15 so far
this season. Unsurprisingly, an inability to string positive results
together has left them languishing at the wrong end of the table and looking
anxiously over their shoulder. Only goal difference is keeping Sam
Allardyce's side out of the bottom three at present, with a 4-1 reverse away
at Liverpool on Saturday pushing them a little deeper into the mire. "We
need to stay positive and make sure we are working extremely hard, as we did
at Liverpool, and get that positive result we need to kick-start our
season."
Jarvis told the club's official website on the need to offer a positive
response: "We can't feel sorry for ourselves. "We need to stay positive and
make sure we are working extremely hard, as we did at Liverpool, and get
that positive result we need to kick-start our season ."It's definitely time
to roll our sleeves up and fight. That's exactly what we need to do. However
we get the three points, it doesn't matter what we do, we just have to get
them and get ourselves up the league. "We will try to do exactly what we did
against Fulham when we face Sunderland on Saturday. If we do, then we'll get
three much-needed points and hopefully we can do that on home turf."
On the defeat at Anfield, which saw the Hammers hold their own for long
periods but concede at important times, Jarvis said: "We started the game
well and created some good opportunities and could have gone in front and
given ourselves something to really hold on to. "To concede just before
half-time shot ourselves in the foot. "Of course it was very unlucky but it
was disappointing to concede just before half-time, because that always
makes thing hard. "At 2-1 they looked a little bit nervy and we tried to get
back level. We had a couple of chances to score and if you don't score in
this league then you get punished, and we did."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers explains decision to sell Andy Carroll
Last Updated: December 7, 2013 12:23pm
SSN
Liverpool allowed Andy Carroll to join West Ham to benefit star striker Luis
Suarez, according to manager Brendan Rodgers. Both were signed by Kenny
Dalglish in lucrative deadline-day deals in January 2011 after Fernando
Torres was sold to Chelsea for £50m. But former Newcastle forward Carroll
failed to justify his British record transfer fee of £35m, struggling with
form and fitness before being offloaded to West Ham on loan last season.
Carroll joined the Hammers on a permanent deal in the summer, and Rodgers
believes his departure has allowed the in-form Suarez to take up a free role
for the side. "I just felt it wouldn't benefit Luis because when you play
with a big target man, it is hard not to make him your focal point, so
everything has to be set around the big guy," said Rodgers. "What we try to
do here is create the environment for the elite player - and Luis is an
elite player." "Sometimes you get sucked into doing it more direct and
clearly. With my history as a coach, I don't work that way. "You look at the
goals that Luis has scored in my time, there has not been too many that have
been whipped-in-crosses, which to be fair, big Andy was brilliant at. "What
we try to do here is create the environment for the elite player - and Luis
is an elite player. "We have created an environment for all our players, but
obviously for him I had to make a call last year by letting Andy Carroll go
out on loan. "That created a situation where we could get the benefit of
Luis' talent, but he still had to perform, and he has done that tremendously
well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JEREMY NICHOLAS: I WANT TO RETURN AS STADIUM ANNOUNCER & I'LL DO IT FOR FREE
By Iain Dale 9 Dec 2013 at 14:24
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by JEREMY NICHOLAS
I'm offering to return as West Ham United announcer for no fee, because I'm
so worried about the situation in which we find ourselves. We need to make
the Boleyn Ground a fortress again. After sixteen years as the stadium
announcer I resigned after the Stoke game in August, as the club reduced
match day costs. My fee was cut by sixty percent and I decided to hang up my
microphone as a matter of pride.
Since I left, the club have taken just four points out of a possible fifteen
at home. The atmosphere in the ground has been awful. I stayed away at
first, as I couldn't get a ticket. But I've been back for the Chelsea,
Manchester City and Fulham games.
I sat in the West Upper for Chelsea and and was shocked. There was no
singing around me and from what I could see it was quiet in most parts of
the ground. It did pick up in the later stages of the game when the Sir
Trevor/Alpari corner started a chant that picked up around the ground. But
bearing in mind we were playing against one of our biggest local rivals, I
thought it was a very quiet game.
West Ham fans are not usually like that. Some of the quiet ones left early.
Once they'd gone the hardcore fans seemed to find their voice. Even though
we were losing, we ended the game loud and proud. It was like the Villa Park
semi-final against Forest in 1991 all over again. I'd like to galvanise that
core support.
We've always prided ourselves on being a noisy ground that inspires our
players and intimidates the opposition. We use to tease Arsenal about the
respectful silence at 'Highbury the Library', but if I'd taken a few
textbooks along to our last few games, I reckon I could have got a fair bit
of revision done, with little distraction.
Our away support is as magnificent as ever. The travelling West Ham fans at
Anfield were in great voice at the weekend, even though we haven't won at
Liverpool for fifty years.
Over the past sixteen years I've helped mastermind some terrific home
atmospheres, particularly that play off semi-final against Ipswich, when the
Boleyn Ground shook it was so noisy. Recently fans of the Seattle Seahawks
broke the Guinness world record for the loudest stadium, measuring like a
magnitude 1-2 earthquake. I would like us to be sending shockwaves from an
epicentre at Upton Park.
So I'm offering my services free of charge, to help raise the noise and
rebuild Fortress Boleyn. Lots of fans have contacted me and asked if I'd
consider a return. So after a lot of thought I've come to the following
conclusion: As a professional speaker I can't accept a sixty percent pay
cut, because it just doesn't seem right.
But as a fan of West Ham United since the age of six, I can't bear to sit in
the stand and watch as we throw away our home advantage. So I've come up
with the idea of doing it for free.
My business manager and my wife think I'm mad, which is no surprise because
they are the same person. My fellow professional speakers think I'm mad,
because as business models go, the free option isn't a great one. But my
West Ham supporting friends fully understand why I feel I can't just sit and
do nothing. If I'm going to be up in the stands shouting, I might as well
have a microphone in my hand and sit in my usual seat at the back of the
dugout.
I have sixteen years of experience to offer. I've not been around as long as
George Sephton at Anfield or David Hamilton at Craven Cottage, but I'm a
well-known voice in the Premier League and also as the stadium announcer on
all the FIFA video games from FIFA 06 up to FIFA 14.
I've worked under six West Ham managers so far. Seven if you count Avram
Grant! I've also worked with caretaker managers Sir Trevor Brooking and
Kevin Keen and now I'm offering my services for free to Big Sam.
Sam Allardyce has done great things at the club. He won us promotion at the
first attempt and consolidated our position in the first season back in the
Premier League. This season he's had awful luck with injuries to vital
players that have proved crucial. But there's lots of cause for optimism at
the club with the emergence of Ravel Morrison, holding onto quality players
like Mo Diame and signings like Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing. We've
shown we are no longer a selling club, but we need to hang on to our Premier
League status at all costs.
There's no need to panic. Once Andy Carroll is back and Winston Reid
returns, we'll be in great shape. But in the meantime we have to get the
home crowd rocking.
So the offer to return for no fee is on the table. If the club want to take
me up on it, I'll be delighted to help.
Come on you Irons!
Jeremy
Jeremy Nicholas – stadium announcer West Ham United 1998-2013
www.JeremyNicholas.co.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye Diego Milito transfer from Inter Milan for a bargain fee
9 Dec 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Reports in Italy claim cut-price January deal could be on for 2010 European
Cup Final hero as his contract is about to expire
West Ham are poised to make a shock move for Inter Milan forward Diego
Milito when the transfer window opens next month. Milito, 34, is set to out
of contract at the end of the season - and reports in Italy suggest Inter
could be willing to let him leave in January for a reduced fee. The Hammers'
manager Sam Allardyce is desperate to strengthen his forward line and even
though club record signing Andy Carroll is close to making a first-team
return, he looks certain to bring more strikers into the club. Milito has a
wealth of experience and is best remembered for scoring twice in the 2010
European Cup Final, as Jose Mourinho-managed Inter beat Bayern Munich.
Allardyce has also been linked with moves for Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor
and ex-Hammer Demba Ba of Chelsea. But he could now switch his attentions to
the Argentine forward and make his move to sign him in the New Year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce's West Ham future in doubt as owners fear repeating Avram
Grant mistake
8 Dec 2013 22:33
The
Mirror
The Hammers boss is up against it, and next week's game with Sunderland is
absolutely crucial for his future
Sam Allardyce is running out of time to turn things around at West Ham. The
West Ham hierarchy will not allow the club to become entrenched in a
relegation battle and want an improvement in results - or else. West Ham are
still haunted by hanging on too long before axing Avram Grant which led to
their relegation three years ago. They are likely to act unless
under-pressure Big Sam turns around results and shows improvement in
results. West Ham entertain fellow strugglers Sunderland next weekend but
also face Manchester United and Arsenal in the coming weeks. West Ham boss
Allardyce insists he can turn it around and has been defiant about their
current plight, even after being thrashed at Liverpool on Saturday. But, as
revealed in Mirror Sport last week, West Ham co-owner David Sullivan wants
to see an improvement and the Liverpool defeat only underlined the growing
crisis. Sullivan is friendly with former England boss Glenn Hoddle and that
could be one option they would look at.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fans' forum round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 11th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's last day at the Boleyn Ground will be marked by a huge party on
the pitch, it was revealed tonight.
The Hammers bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground at the end of the 2015/16
season after 112 years on Green Street and tonight co-Chairman David Gold,
speaking to season ticket holders at a fans' forum, confirmed that the Club
would be staging a party for thousands to bid farewell to the ground that
has witnessed the vast majority of West Ham's triumphs.
A number of points were raised throughout the evening with Sam Allardyce,
Kevin Nolan and David Gold taking the supporters' questions, the key points
of which you may read below courtesy of KUMB member Espio who was in
attendance at the Boleyn Ground this evening...
Sam Allardyce
West Ham United FC manager
* Sam sums up the season so far. "A lack of goals, not good performances.
Need to get over injuries."
* We're definitely in for a striker this January.
* Six points from next four games is a minimum target. The end-of-season
target is still "better than last season". He notes we had a run nearly as
bad as this at the end of last season.
* Mo Diame played on the wing against Crystal Palace because Matt Jarvis -
who he added didn't cost 11million - had a knock and was on a dip in form.
* The £6million money spent on Stewart Downing's transfer was not enough for
a decent striker. He highlighted the difficulty in finding a proven, Premier
League forward, specifically highlighting Cisse who was once a prolific
goalscorer but now doesn't get a game. He believes Downing has improved the
side.
* On summer transfers, Allardyce claimed Demba Ba wouldn't leave Chelsea,
Loic Remy chose Newcastle and that Demba Ba decided to stay at Chelsea three
hours before the deadline causing Romalu Lukaku to go instead. His Belgium
teammate Mirralas persuaded him to go to Everton.
* Asked why he was "wasting his time trying to get Lukaku who is too good
for West Ham", Sam retorted that he was playing for West Brom last season
who are not better than us historically.
* Most injuries are not related to the training ground otherwise "the
current staff wouldn't be there". He admitted that we need to improve
facilities along with the stadium.
* He thanked everyone for coming and said he'll do his best to turn things
around.
Kevin Nolan
West Ham United FC midfielder and Club captain
* He criticised injuries and refereeing performances, specifically
mentioning Mark Noble's sending off and free kick against Everton. He said
the team feels they're "constantly getting hit in the nuts".
* Says positive team morale is a sign they're a good side. He has no doubt
we will stay up.
* He admitted his finishing has been poor recently and is very apologetic.
Says anyone would miss Andy Carroll, just like Liverpool would miss Suarez
or Everton Lukaku.
* Nolan apologised for the red card tackle at Liverpool, said he was ashamed
and won't be going on holiday - he is in training tomorrow practicing
finishing, whilst others are off.
David Gold
West Ham United FC co-owner
* Called our season so far "disappointing" and said he expected us to be
mid-table at this stage. He believed we put all our eggs in one basket with
Carroll and Downing but admits no one expected the injury/ies. Carroll
expected back for the New Year, at best.
* In Gold's opinion our "four best players" are currently injured. "That's
bad luck". The Board has adjusted expectations but don't rule our
back-to-back wins putting us on track for mid-table. He wants to see Ravel
played in Nolan's role.
* Told an anecdote about catching his wife with his best mate in his
swimming pool, which led to him eventually meeting the "love of my life" -
adding that similarly, Nolan's injury could lead to us "discovering" Ravel
in his place. Big applause for that.
* He admitted in hindsight that we should've purchased a forward, not
Downing. That said, Gold believes Downing is great player and says turning
him down in the hope of finding a last-minute striker would've been a risk.
* In response to Sullivan's quote upon buying the Club, Gold says he
believes our squad is still unbalanced - but only by "two players".
* Re: FFP and the forthcoming transfer window, he insisted "budgets change"
and pointed out that half-season loans are cheaper. New corporate deals and
shop sales have also added to our transfer budget.
* Whilst "we're not talking about getting a 10million player", Allardyce
would be eyeing a quality loan with a view to buy in the summer.
* The two co-chairmen will do everything to get the striker required in
January and confirmed that work had already begun. The hope is to have
someone in during the first week of the window.
* Gold says a bid for one of our fringe players would help funds in January.
"Fringe or French?" Asked a fan. "Yeah, French," he responded with a grin.
* Sullivan and Gold now own 87% of the Club between them.
* £15million from the sale of the Boleyn Ground will go to the LLDC and
approximately £20million will be left to split between debt and transfers.
* Fans can name two sides of the Olympic Stadium after Club legends. West
Ham United are currently trying to negotiate naming rights for the two
remaning sides but will also name other parts of the site after greats.
Billy Bonds was specifically mentioned as someone Gold believes was
mistreated by previous owners.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce promises experienced team for Spurs
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has denied suggestions that he will send a weakened team to
White Hart Lane next week when the Hammers meet Tottenham in the quarter
finals of the Capital One Cup.
Big Sam, speaking at tonight's Season Ticket Holders Fans' Forum was asked
if he would be sending a competitive squad to North London - to which he
confirmed that he expected to field a team of "first team players", and not
"kids".
The manager, who was taken pre-selected questions from the audience was
joined by club captain Kevin Nolan who apologised for his dismissal at
Anfield last weekend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham look to loan market
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th December 2013
By: Staff Writer
Co-chairman David Gold has told season ticket holders to expect new faces at
the Club this January - but only on short-term deals. Gold, speaking at a
Fans' Forum this evening admitted that the only players Sam Allardyce would
be able to add to his squad this forthcoming transfer window would be those
available on loan. With forwards a necessity, that presumably means the
likes of Demba Ba - who remains out of favour at Chelsea - will once again
be on Allardyce's radar, whilst Seattle Sounders striker Obafemi Martins has
also been linked with a short-term move to London.
The striker shortage could become even more acute if Carlton Cole, who
returned to West Ham in October leaves the Club in January at the end of his
three-month deal. Fellow striker Mladen Petric, whose contract runs until
the end of the season has featured just four times since moving to East
London.
Meanwhile Allardyce's remaining forwards, Ricardo Vaz Te and Andy Carroll,
are still recovering from the injuries that have kept them sidelined for so
long - much to the frustration of Club and supporters alike.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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