Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Big Sam is looking forward with optimism after Saturday's fine 2-0 win
against Swansea City
02.02.2014
Sam Allardyce's first priority this week will be to do all he can to help
construct an appeal to overturn the red card shown to Andy Carroll during
Saturday's vital 2-0 win against Swansea City. The England international was
sent off following a tussle with Chico Flores and is set to suspended for
the upcoming games with Aston Villa, Norwich City and Southampton. The Club
will be lodging an appeal to the FA by Tuesday, with the decision expected
later in the week. Regardless of the outcome of that process, Big Sam is
hoping that Saturday's match at Villa Park has a slightly less dramatic
finale than the Hammers' recent fixtures. The West Ham United manager has
guided his side to clean sheets in three out of the last four fixtures,
despite finishing them with ten men after James Tomkins' dismissal at
Cardiff City and Joey O'Brien's late injury at Chelsea. "We have a squad of
players who are coming back from injury but we still haven't had a game
where we can come off and say 'Well done lads we've won the game, there are
no injuries and nobody's been sent off'," Allardyce said. "We got through
Saturday's game with no injuries but we've had someone sent-off, wrongly so
in my opinion. "Hopefully now we can continue to get better. We've had four
games where we've taken seven points. It's our best small spell of the
season and we've got to continue that to maintain a position outside of the
bottom three."
Carroll's red card - on his first Premier League start at home since joining
the Club on a permanent basis - was the only sour note on an otherwise
successful Saturday in east London. Hammer of the Year Winston Reid made a
welcome return from an ankle injury from the bench and he is set to be
joined in matchday squad for Villa by the deadline day loan signing from
Napoli, Pablo Armero. "We went right to the end in the transfer window.
Finding the player from Napoli at the end was a big bonus for us. With his
CV hopefully he'll come in and make a difference, as will the other players
that we've signed for the first-team squad. "The focus on Friday for me was
on training the players and getting them ready for the game because I was
hoping that the one thing that wasn't going to play a big part was fatigue
from Wednesday night. "The amount of effort that the players put in against
Chelsea was bound to leave them slightly fatigued, perhaps more so than
Swansea, but in the end that didn't show. It didn't make a difference I'm
glad to say. Our quality of finishing and ball in the final third was much
better than theirs, that's why we won 2-0 and they rarely had a shot on
target."
Such was the strength of Big Sam's matchday squad against Swansea that some
first-team regulars could not even get a place on the bench, but the West
Ham United manager knows everyone will need to play their part between now
and the end of the season. He plans to use the foundation of the
joint-highest total of eleven Barclays Premier League clean sheets to help
secure the Hammers' place at football's top table next season. "It's all
about everybody knowing that they've got to work that little bit harder,
they then have to focus collectively on one thing and that is not letting
the opposition have too many chances and defend with your lives. "That's why
we've got eleven clean sheets this year because our defending has been
superb. We just need a few more goals and we'll be out of trouble no
problem."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid revels in winning return
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid made a welcome return to action in Saturday's 2-0 victory over
Swansea City
02.02.2014
Winston Reid's three-month lay-off came to a timely end on Saturday
afternoon, as his late cameo helped ensure that the back door remained
firmly shut in victory over Swansea City. Not since 2 November had the
25-year-old turned out for West Ham United, following which a high ankle
sprain and subsequent surgery consigned the New Zealand skipper to a spell
on the side-lines. Twelve weeks on and this was no gentle reintroduction.
With eleven minutes, plus the extras, to see out and only ten men to do so,
Reid joined forces with fellow centre-halves James Collins and Tomkins, as
the Hammers recorded a league-high eleventh clean sheet. Saturday's 2-0
Barclays Premier League success comes just four days after a morale-boosting
goalless draw at Chelsea, with Reid, thankfully, now ready to play his part
too.
He told West Ham TV: "It's nice being back out there and the most important
thing was that we got the three points. It was a good victory on Saturday
and the boys needed it. "It has been 12 weeks now. It has not been the
easiest 12 weeks but you get injuries as a footballer and the main thing is
to get over it and deal with it. Fortunately enough I'm back fit and
healthy. "The ankle's coming along. I'm probably not 100 per cent yet, as
I've only just started training a couple of days ago. I think it was good
for me to just go out there and feel that I was OK. I'm just trying to work
hard, get back and get back to full fitness as quickly as possible."
Last season's Hammer of the Year, Reid was a welcome sight back at the
Boleyn Ground and thanked the Hammers faithful for his rapturous reception.
"It means a lot," he continued. "It means you're appreciated so it was nice
to be back out there. To come back and play in front of the fans and to get
the victory was good. With ten men it was a little bit difficult but we got
through it at the end. We needed the three points!"
The Auckland-born defender was also quick to commend the efforts of his
team-mates in securing a second successive shutout, a trend that Reid
reckons can carry the Club to top-flight safety. He added: "That's credit to
the back four and to the midfielders. In the first half, the team, as a
whole, worked really well. But I think the back four did [particularly] well
and the two, or three in front of them worked their socks off. That's what
we're going to need until the end of the season. "I think [the two clean
sheets] does give us a boost. That's four points in two games after a dull
period, where we haven't picked up a lot of points. I think everyone's
getting back to being fully fit. That's the main thing until the end of the
season, apart from Joey dislocating his shoulder unfortunately, everyone
else is raring to go."
At the other end, skipper Kevin Nolan doubled his tally for the campaign.
Twice the beneficiary of Andy Carroll's good work, Nolan firstly buried an
angled left-footed volley, before glancing a header into the far corner.
Reid believes Nolan's match-winning brace owes much to his commitment and
expects the Hammers to work every bit as hard between now and the season's
end. "He [Kevin Nolan] has got a lot of stick this year but I think he
showed on Saturday what he's all about, poaching chances in the area. Before
Saturday the ball probably hasn't fallen for him, but he keeps working hard
and keeps giving 100 per cent and when he does get a chance, he normally
puts them away. He did it for us on Saturday. "We're going to have to do
well now until the end of the season. It's going to be a tough run in. We
know that it's not going to be easy, there are a lot of teams down there. So
I think just because we got a win on Saturday doesn't mean we can rest,
we've got to go back and work hard."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man jailed for Big Sam robbery
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 2nd February 2014
By: Staff Writer
A man has been jailed for breaking into a property owned by Sam Allardyce
and steaing a fake designer watch. Anthony Jackson appeared at Bolton Crown
Court on Friday charged with the offence after a house in Bromley Cross,
owned by Allardyce, was broken into last month. Police were on the scene
within five minutes to answer a burglar alarm and Jackson arrested two days
later. According to The Bolton News, Police originally valued the watch at
around £500 - before discovering it was a fake awaiting repair. Defending
barrister Nicholas Ross said: "He [Jackson] realised himself that it was
probably a fake or counterfeit watch. He was gobsmacked when he learned it
belonged to the manager of West Ham United Football Club."
According to Police, Jackson stated upon arrest that "I can't believe I have
sunk so low." At the time of the burglary Allardyce was with his squad at
Crystal Palace, where they were beaten 1-0 thanks to Marouane Chamakh's
first half strike. "The magnificent and early response by the police was
outstanding and one of the main reasons that this man has been caught,"
Allardyce told TBN. "I'm very pleased that he has been brought to justice."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan feels West Ham's Andy Carroll was unlucky to be sent off against
Swansea
Last Updated: 02/02/14 3:16pm
SSN
Kevin Nolan is hoping West Ham will be able to overturn the red card shown
to Andy Carroll during Saturday's vital 2-0 victory over Swansea. Carroll,
who has just returned to action following a long injury lay-off, made a
brace of assists for Nolan before being dismissed in the second half at
Upton Park. The striker was sent off after clashing with Swansea defender
Chico Flores and now faces a three-game ban. And Nolan, skipper of the
Hammers, said: "We're absolutely delighted, it was a great victory after a
well-deserved point on Wednesday night. "It's just marred by an incident but
hopefully that'll get overturned and we can just get on with it and look
forward to what's going to be another tough game away to Aston Villa. "Andy
was gutted because he wanted to get minutes too, which is important for him,
and he's honest enough to say it's definitely not a red. "You sort of know
when someone's done something wrong and I sort of knew he hadn't. "He was
very surprised, it was difficult but we showed tremendous character to grind
the result out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE MAIGA DEAL: WHO PAYS WHAT?
By Sean Whetstone 2 Feb 2014 at 19:14
West Ham Till I Die
Maiga's last minute transfer deadline day loan deal for the remainder of the
season is believed to be a typical Harry Redknapp bargin basement deal with
QPR only picking up around 50% of the players wages. Maiga is believed to
earn £30,000 basic per week but with performance related bonuses his earning
potential can reach £38,000 per week. The loan deal with QPR is understood
to be around half his basic wage at £15,000 per week plus further payments
for appearances and goals.QPR will also the option to buy him permanently at
the end of the season for a discounted price believed to be around £3
million. QPR boss Harry Redknapp explained that he feels the move can be
beneficial for both parties, commenting: "His confidence is perhaps a bit
low at the moment but I think he could come in here and do very well." Maiga
said "It is an exciting new chapter for me. I am here to play games and
score goals" Maiga scored an important goal for QPR on his debut earning QPR
a draw.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RAT LEAVES BY MUTUAL CONSENT
By Sean Whetstone 2 Feb 2014 at 12:32
West Ham Till I Die
Razvan Rat had his contract terminated by mutual content on Friday after
just six short months at West Ham. He joined on a free transfer from
Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk on a one year contract with a option to
extend 2 or 3 years. Rat is believed to have earned £30,000 per week in
wages so it will release the equivalent of £1.5m off the annual wage bill
going forward although he was only contracted until the summer and his
compromise agreement is believed to be around 75% of his remaining wages
until the end of his contract in May.
Just last month Rat said his time at West Ham United "ends" if we are
relegated.The Romania left back was questioned about commitment by fans
after only arriving only in the summer.
Rat told the Express a few weeks ago "There are some clauses and conditions
in my contract but one thing is sure, my contract ends if West Ham are
relegated, I will be fighting to keep West Ham in the Premier League. I have
a wife and three-year-old daughter to look after. But I try to keep my
family away from what I do. They must only the know the good part of my job.
They need to feel only the good part of football.This is my job and I am
trying to do my best for me and my family and also the player that the fans
want to see. I want my family to read in the papers how good a performance
Razvan Rat had."
It understood his contract also included a clause to automatically extend
his contract by 2 years if he played at least 60% of games this season. Rat
played in 20 games and was dangerously close to that 27 game trigger clause.
It has also been rumoured that Allardyce had a major fall out with Rat after
he told Sam he was embarrassed to play for a club that always lost! It is
claimed he recently worsened that relationship by not following Sam team
talks or instructions by playing a more attacking forward role than the
manager gave him then tried to blame the misunderstanding on the language
barrier. When Rat signed Sam was quoted as saying "He speaks perfect
English, which he taught himself, and that shows the discipline and the
character of the man"
I understand he was offered out to other teams during the transfer window
but there were no takers so we offered him a compromise agreement to free up
a squad place and slightly reduce the wage bill.
The Sun used the headline pun 'Rat leaves sinking ship' I think the ship is
far more sea worthy without him and gives us a better chance to stay afloat
this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham WILL launch an appeal against Andy Carroll's red card today
Feb 02, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman 0
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has insisted he did not deserve to receive his first ever
Premier League red card. West Ham will today launch an appeal against the
three-match ban which would rule the England forward out for the rest of
February. World Cup final referee Howard Webb judged Carroll took a
deliberate swing of his arm against Chico Flores. The Spaniard, who has
posted a video of the incident on Twitter, received a glancing blow to the
top of his head but then grabbed his face in agony. Irons boss Sam Allardyce
accused Flores of "squealing" in a bid to get Carroll sent off while Michael
Laudrup admitted the decision was "harsh". The Dane added: "I don't really
think it was a red card this time." Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan admitted
their 2-0 win was "marred" by the incident but he added: "Hopefully that'll
get overturned and we can just get on with it. "I think the lad (Flores)
should come out and make sure Andy does get off with it. Because, at the end
of the day, it doesn't look too good on his part. "Andy was gutted because
he wanted to get minutes too, which is important for him, and he's honest
enough to say it's definitely not a red. You sort of know when someone's
done something wrong and I sort of knew he hadn't. He was very surprised."
Matt Jarvis added: "Everyone was delighted to get the win and then you come
into the changing room and he's sat there fuming. We're disappointed for
him."
Asked if West Ham had a good chance with the appeal, Allardyce said: "I
don't know you just hope so, but not everybody sees things the way I do."
Chico Flores later defended himself on Twitter after receiving abuse from
West Ham fans over the incident.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Monday, February 3
Sunday, February 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd February 2014
Double delight for Nolan
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was thrilled to notch a brace and help the Hammers to victory
over Swansea
01.02.2014
Kevin Nolan has waited all season to feed off Andy Carroll and the pair
returned with a bang to down Swansea City on Saturday. The Hammers skipper
scored both goals in his side's first home win of 2014, latching onto two
knockdowns from the big No9 to record his third and fourth strikes of the
season. Carroll was later shown red following an aerial tussle with
Swansea's Chico Flores, and although he was disappointed to see his team
mate receive the dismissal, he still hailed a wonderful effort from the
Hammers. He said: "We're absolutely delighted, it was a great victory after
a well deserved point on Wednesday night. "It's just marred by an incident,
but hopefully that'll get overturned and we can just get on with it and look
forward to what's going to be another tough game away to Aston Villa. "Andy
was gutted because he wanted to get minutes too, which is important for him,
and he's honest enough to say it's definitely not a red. You sort of know
when someone's done something wrong and I sort of knew he hadn't. "He was
very surprised, it was difficult, but we showed tremendous character to
grind the result out."
Nolan and Carroll are well known for their understanding in forward areas
and the skipper was delighted that their hard work on the training pitch is
paying off again. He continued: "Everyone's forgotten what it's like because
we haven't been able to do it on a regular basis for a long time - we knew
that the more and more he got his fitness up, we had that in us. "We've been
working hard on the training pitch together just to make sure that we get it
right, and today we reaped the rewards. "After a left-footed goal and the
header, I was hoping for a right-footer to get the perfect hat-trick! I'm
just delighted with another clean sheet - that's the most out of all the
Premier League clubs "It shows how hard we've been working, and now we've
got all the lads in there doing their bits and bobs."
Saturday also saw the return from injury of Winston Reid, and Nolan is sure
that as the Hammers injury list continues to clear, they will climb the
Barclays Premier League table. He added: "We have just got to make sure we
keep a clean bill of health now.and if we do you'll see performances like
today's throughout the rest of the season. "Saturday proved that with a
mostly-fit squad, we will get results. Hopefully now touch wood you'll see
us moving onwards and upwards."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Full marks to everybody'
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce said his West Ham United players produced a 'magnificent
effort' to overcome Swansea City
01.02.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed West Ham United's outstanding resilience for the second
time in four days after the Hammers secured a 2-0 home Barclays Premier
League win over Swansea City. The Hammers overcame the loss of Andy Carroll
to a second half red card to chalk up their first win at the Boleyn Ground
since 30 November. Two first-half goals from Kevin Nolan - both assisted by
Carroll headers - put West Ham in control before a magnificent rearguard
action ensured a victory to follow the midweek goalless draw at Chelsea.
"That was another example of that sort of resilience, which we also showed
at Chelsea and at Cardiff, when we also went down to ten men but managed to
turn a 1-0 advantage into a 2-0 win," said the manager. "As disappointed as
I was about Andy being sent-off, it was a magnificent effort by the players
to continue on to the end of the game and not allow Swansea City to produce
a single shot on target.
"It was pretty miraculous, having to defend with ten men in the Barclays
Premier League for so long, so full marks to everybody. The fans will have
gone home very happy and feeling slightly less tension after a 2-0 win."
Both goals came courtesy of the old Nolan/Carroll double-act. The first, on
26 minutes saw Carroll nod down George McCartney's diagonal cross for the
captain, who controlled before shooting accurately into the bottom corner.
The second came after Carroll had battled to win a corner on the stroke of
half-time. The striker then craned his neck to nod back across goal for
Nolan to stretch and head down into the corner - West Ham's first headed
goal of the season.
The half-time delight turned to exasperation just after the hour-mark, when
Carroll was involved in a challenge with Chico Flores which ended with the
Spaniard on the floor. Referee Howard Webb produced the red card, but BIg
Sam said the Club would definitely be appealing the decision and looking to
have Carroll's three-match ban rescinded. "Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll
combined for two goals, with Kevin's quality finish coming to the fore. It
was great to have them back together and the big thing now is, can we keep
them together after that unfortunate incident with Andy getting a red card?
"I don't think it's a red card, it's as simple as that. We don't want Andy
to be suspended for three games now, having not had him for so long. He's
getting fitter and fitter and it would knock us all back if we lost him on
such a trivial incident, as far as I'm concerned. "We will be appealing the
red card."
While the red card left a sour taste in the mouth for Big Sam, the manager
certainly enjoyed the taste of Nolan's two pinpoint finishes. "The header
was behind Kevin and he had to get behind the ball and guide it down into
the corner, when most players wouldn't have been able to get it on target.
He also popped up with a left-foot volley into the bottom corner. "I have
been talking to Andy and Mo Diame a lot about their recent misses, because
they want to blast them. They want to get so much force behind them that
they lose their accuracy. Kevin places them into the net and he is accurate.
He takes a bit of pace out of it and it makes it a much more accurate finish
then the ones Andy and Mo sometimes try to do."
Having picked up two wins and a draw in their last four league matches, the
manager said West Ham will now travel to Aston Villa full of confidence next
weekend. There, a victory could really give his side the impetus to end the
season strongly. "If we go across the last four games, that's seven points,
which is as good as we've achieved all season. Hopefully, that will extend
into an undefeated run. We now have a full week to recover from a horrendous
programme of playing, travelling and recovering and injuries and suspensions
and the transfer window. "We've now got the league to concentrate on and
we've got the games to focus on one by one and make sure we've got points on
the board when we finish those games."
In closing, the manager summed up a breathless transfer window that saw the
Club sign seven players, release one and allow a number to leave on loan.
"January was horrendous, and that's an understatement. It always is for
everybody. We had injury problems and had to find new players which was very
difficult. If you look across the board, every club suffered the same
problems we did with continuous knockbacks from players. "In the end, we've
achieved as much as we possibly could have achieved through damn hard work
behind the scenes - particularly David Sullivan, Karren Brady and my head of
recruitment Martyn Glover. They all did what they could with every deal
trying to get a positive result. In the end, we did and hopefully those
players will make a big difference as well."
West Ham's final signing of the transfer window was clinched on Friday, when
Colombia left-back Pablo Armero joined on loan from Italian side Napoli. Big
Sam believes the Hammers could have a gem on their hands. "If you watched
Arsenal lose 2-0 away at Napoli in the Champions League, you'll have seen an
all-action player who is at a very good age and obviously wants to come and
try his hand in the Premier League. Hopefully he'll be an exciting addition
to us, especially after Joey's injury, which could extend into an operation.
"He's going to be needed in the near future and hopefully he can hit the
ground running."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan double fires Hammers to victory
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan scored twice as West Ham United scored a vital 2-0 victory over
Swansea City on Saturday
01.02.2014
West Ham United 2-0 Swansea City
Barclays Premier League
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll rekindled their partnership to devastating
effect as West Ham United gained three precious points against Swansea City
on Saturday. Nolan scored both Hammers goals in their 2-0 victory - with
both laid on by the big Geordie - as Sam Allardyce's men ended a two-month
wait for a home win. The pair's chemistry reminded the home fans of their
telepathic understanding, with Swansea unable to cope. However, it was not
all good news for the hosts, as Carroll was later dismissed after catching
Chico Flores with an arm as he landed following an aerial challenge. Whether
there was intent from the Hammers man was debatable, but Howard Webb reached
straight for the red card. Even with that handicap, West Ham were largely
untroubled for the remaining half-hour as the Welsh side struggled to test
Adrian in goal The Hammers drafted George McCartney and Matt Jarvis into the
team to replace Joey O'Brien and Mohamed Diame, who suffered injuries in the
midweek draw at Chelsea. After a quiet opening to the game, the Hammers
burst into life with the opening goal on 26 minutes. It was a case of the
famous Carroll-Nolan one-two combo as George McCartney lifted a ball into
the box for the big No9 to knock down for his skipper to control and fire an
arrow-straight left-footed shot into the net. The lead was nearly a
short-lived one though, as nine minutes later Jonjo Shelvey clipped a pass
over the top of the Hammers defence to chase. Wilfried Bony looked to have
timed his run just right, but as he was about to pull the trigger, James
Tomkins dived in to nick the ball off hie toes. Two minutes later Shelvey
was involved again when he found space in the left channel to advance to the
edge of the box before dragging a shot wide of the mark.
Swansea may have had more of the ball, but West Ham were more forceful when
attacking and they grabbed a priceless second with the half-time whistle
about to blow. Carroll did superbly to put Ashley Williams under pressure
and win a corner down the right, which Stewart Downing delivered, Carroll
rose magnificently to head back and Nolan glanced into the back of the net.
West Ham started the second period as they ended the first, with Matt Jarvis
nipping in front of Swansea stopper Tremmel and digging out a cut back, but
Ben Davies cleared with Nolan lurking. The positive mood inside the Boleyn
Ground was checked on the hour when Carroll was dismissed after clashing
with Chico following an aerial tussle. With the Hammers now a man light,
Swansea predictably enjoyed more and more possesion, yet remained utterly
toothless in attack. That Adrian did not have a serious save to make all
game spoke again of the Hammers' impressive resilience in defence as they
secured their 11th clean sheet of the season, and more importantly, their
fifth victory.
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney; Nolan (Nocerino
87), Noble, Taylor (Reid 79); Downing, Carroll, Jarvis (C.Cole 66)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Morrison, Johnson, Borriello
Goals: Nolan 26, Nolan 45+1
Booked: Noble
Sent off: Carroll
Swansea City: Tremmel; Tiendalli, Chico, Williams, Davies; Amat (Pozuelo
62), De Guzman; Dyer (Ngog 77), Shelvey (Hernandez 70), Routledge; Bony
Subs: Cornell, Britton, Lamah, Rangel
Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 31,848
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 2 Swansea 0
1 February 2014
Last updated at 15:21
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
West Ham striker Andy Carroll set up two goals for captain Kevin Nolan
before being sent off as the Hammers beat relegation rivals Swansea. First
Carroll headed a cross down for midfielder Nolan, who controlled the ball
before driving home the opener. He then nodded a corner across goal for
Nolan to guide home with his head. The England forward was harshly sent off
after appearing to catch Chico Flores accidentally with his arm on 59
minutes, but West Ham held on to win. Flores went to ground clutching his
face and the hosts thought he had over-reacted, with replays showing contact
looked unintentional as Carroll tried to untangle himself after an aerial
challenge with the centre-back. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the
Hammers defended resiliently to comfortably keep the visitors at bay and
secure just a second win from their past 11 home league games. The Hammers
remain in the Premier League's bottom three, although they moved to within
two points of Swansea, who produced a lacklustre display and have taken just
two points from their past six away matches. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho
accused West Ham of playing "19th Century football" after a goalless draw at
Stamford Bridge in midweek, but Sam Allardyce's men showed more attacking
intent here.
It is three very big and well-deserved points for West Ham. Andy Carroll and
Kevin Nolan were unstoppable in the first half and Swansea couldn't deal
with them at all. West Ham might appeal against Carroll's red card as Chico
exaggerated any contact. And they were rewarded when they took the lead with
the game's first shot on target. From a diagonal left-wing cross, Carroll
cushioned a header down for Nolan, who controlled the ball on his thigh
before driving in a left-foot shot. And the former Newcastle team-mates
linked up to double the home side's lead just before the break. Carroll did
well to reach a Stewart Downing corner to the far post and nod the ball
across goal, where Nolan was lurking to guide in a header. The goal means
six of Carroll's past 11 assists in the Premier League have been for Nolan
goals. Swansea, for their part, are certainly in need of a greater goal
threat, and the imminent return to training of the injured Michu, their top
scorer last season, cannot come soon enough. Their main chance in the first
half came when forward Wilfried Bony raced through on goal, only to be
denied by a last-ditch James Tomkins tackle. They continued to struggle
after the break and, even when Carroll was sent off, the visitors could not
find a breakthrough as they failed to trouble Hammers keeper Adrian.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce angry at sending off
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes the "injustice" of Andy Carroll's red
card against Swansea is overturned. Carroll was harshly sent off after a
clash with centre-back Chico Flores during a 2-0 win for the Hammers. "The
cruellest and biggest blow that will be paid to me and West Ham is if there
is the injustice when we appeal against the red card," said Allardyce.
"There has to be somebody to look at that in the cold light of day and say
that is certainly not a red card."
West Ham were already two goals up when the incident occurred. Carroll and
Flores went up for an aerial challenge and the latter went to ground after
being caught by the former's trailing arm as the pair untangled themselves.
Flores fell clutching his face, although replays showed any contact from the
Hammers forward looked accidental. Carroll, who has only recently returned
from a lengthy injury absence, had earlier set up Kevin Nolan to score both
of West Ham's goals. "The last thing we want is to lose Andy Carroll for
three games for a nothing incident," said Allardyce. "We hope when the
appeal goes in they see it the same way. "It's a shame we cannot get through
a game without somebody getting injured or sent off.
Asked about the actions of Flores, Allardyce said: "It is for [Swansea
manager] Michael [Laudrup] to deal with. It is his player. "He's got the
responsibility to handle his players and do what he feels is necessary."
Laudrup echoed Allardyce's belief that Carroll was harshly dismissed by
referee Howard Webb. "I think the decision was a bit harsh," said the Swans
boss. "There was contact, but contact like you have a lot of times."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Swansea City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Naturally delighted with the victory and three points, Big Sam was rather
less effusive with his praise of a certain Spanish defender...
Sam: Did you think it was a ridiculous red card?
I don't think you can say it's ridiculous because it's the reaction of the
player that makes life extremely difficult for the referee. So while I think
it was harsh you can understand why it was given based on the fact that he
must have thought the arm has smashed him in the face - and we all know it
hasn't.
It hit him on the forehead, didn't it?
It hit him on the top of the head. I'm glad to say it hasn't cost us
anything thanks to the actions and the brilliant 21st-century defending by
the players this afternoon... [laughs]
You know, Swansea hadn't had a shot on target at that particular time - in
fact they didn't have a shot on target all game. And we got quality
finishing today, which is something that we've been striving for on a
consistent basis. Now we've crawled our way out of the bottom three. We keep
doing it the difficult way, the hard way. We finished the game without any
injuries for the first time for I don't know how many weeks - but then we
had one sent off again.
We had another one sent off at Cardiff not so long ago, so we just want to
win a game of football without getting anyone sent off or injured! That'd be
nice for a change. But it was a great result for us and one that's taken a
little bit of pressure off. We can have a better week now all the rumours
and toing-and-froing with that stupid transfer window that we have to put up
with in January is over.
We've hopefully got four very good players to contribute to our squad who
can make a difference, as well as the players we've already got now they're
back from injury.
Will you appeal against that red card?
We will appeal, yes.
Do you think Chico Flores made too much of it?
[long silence followed by laughs] Did you see our game at Swansea?
They've just played a replay [on TV]...
Did you see that? When he did it right there in front of me? He squealed as
well as held his face, you know. It's not the right reaction but he's not my
player, he's Michael's player so that's for him to sort out, not me.
I didn't think it was the right way to act but unfortunately for us, Andy's
been sent off. We hope that the appeal will work and we don't lose him. We
haven't lost anything today because of it and hopefully we don't lose Andy
for three games, because it was a straight red which is obviously a big
disappointment for us.
You were able to laugh off the incident at Swansea; what did you say to him
today?
I didn't say anything to him today. He's better off me not saying anything
or even approaching it. We don't have a player like that, you can see we
don't have a player like that. None of our players, in today's game,
attempted anything of the sort.
If anyone could have done anything remotely like Chico Flores did today it
would have been Matt Jarvis when he went round the 'keeper. He could have
left his leg hanging, like most do, let it catch the goalkeeper and dive
over. We could have got a penalty and had the 'keeper sent off but he
didn't; he stayed on his feet, went round the 'keeper and tried to score a
goal. We don't have players like that.
Even though you're appealing the reality at the moment is that you're
without him for three matches if you lose that. You've only just got him
back.
All I can hope is that in the cold light of day, the panel see it for what
it is.
But how fantastic and how effective was he for the first 60 minutes?
He's not at his best yet, either. We'll see the players start feeding Andy
Carroll with the right service as the games go on. His ability to hold the
ball up and cause problems aerially is obviously his major strength, he just
needs to start scoring a goal or two which is his next challenge - assuming
the appeal is dismissed and we don't lose him.
He's made two today for Kevin. Make another couple in the next game and
score one yourself and let's get the goals racked up. We've had 11 clean
sheets this year and nobody else is greater than us in terms of not
conceding goals. Two of those clean sheets have come with ten men so we've
got the basis of being solid and making sure that we give the opposition no
chances - or few chances - which gives us a platform to go on and win more
football matches on a regular basis now.
Have you had the chance to speak to Andy and how angry is he?
He's gutted. He's absolutely beside himself, but that aside we just have to
go through the process and see what happens in midweek. After that process
whatever decision is made we have to get on with it. Let's hope it's the
right one.
With Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan looks a completely different player?
Well I'm surprised he didn't get Man of the Match today but I thought his
contribution, all over the pitch, was a proper captain's contribution. You
could see what it means to him to score goals and how much confidence it
gives players when they put the ball in the back of the net. We knew that
combination [with Carroll] was a very good one before they teamed up here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Laudrup on....West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st February 2014
By: Staff Writer No.2
Michael Laudrup has the good grace to look and sound embarrassed at the
antics of one of his players in today's post-match press conference...
Firstly Michael, what did you make of the sending-off?
Well from my position – and I've only seen it once – I think there was
contact but it was a bit harsh. There's contact like we see a lot of times
in every game. The referee is an international and had no doubt it was a red
card. My personal opinion is there was contact, but not much more.
Do you think Chico Flores made too much of it?
I can't say. There's contact, yeah, so maybe he did. The referee is an
international so he must have seen an elbow that Carroll gave and judged
that he did it on purpose. It's not really a matter of how bad it was.
Sometimes the rules they say that if there is intention that is enough. It's
like when you come in for a tackle and you don't catch the player but you
could have - it could be a red card anyway. For me there was contact, but
not much more.
Have you seen a replay of the incident?
No.
It appears that Carroll's trailing arm catches Flores on the forehead but he
then goes down clutching his face?
I'll have to see that.
Is it not something that embarrasses you as a manager? It's clear that he is
trying to get Andy Carroll sent off. Do you not have a view on that as his
manager?
I don't know that he wanted to get him sent off. I'll have to talk to him as
to what his intention was. I haven't spoken to him yet.
Would you have been disappointed had it been one of your players getting
sent off like that?
I'm not judging players. I played myself once! First of all I didn't make so
many fouls as they did on me! We're all different and I must repeat I
haven't spoken to Chico yet.
Why did Swansea find Andy Carroll so difficult to contain in the first half?
We really struggled – we knew with the return of Andy Carroll it would be a
direct game. It was the same when we played here – I think it was exactly a
year ago.
We struggled in the first half. It was disappointing that the first goal
came from exactly the situation we analysed before the game. There would be
a lot of crosses if it's close to goal then there's a goal chance but if
it's not -it's the second ball. Far post, Andy Carroll heads it backwards
and we should have been there quicker.
Amat left Nolan?
We were more watching what was happening with Carroll but he can't score
from there – it's impossible. The second goal is disappointing as well.
Already this season we've had goals in injury time – in the league and at
the end in the Europa League. It's really disappointing, the first goal, how
it happened and the second. 2-0 down.
I watched the whole game at Stamford Bridge the other day and knew it would
be really difficult. West Ham would close down with nine or ten men just
outside the box. Even with Carroll sent off, though we had a lot of
possession we didn't create the big, big chances. We have to admit that.
How concerned are you about your position? You're only two points clear of
West Ham?
It was the same before the game as it was after the game. I don't let myself
get carried away when we won the other day or down now because we lost
today. I said before the Fulham game -and I've had the same opinion for
quite some time now - there are a lot of teams in there. Let's talk in a
month's time after three or four more games. See if someone has got out of
that group of eleven teams.
There will be changes from match day to match day. We will face our direct
opponents. We had Fulham, then West Ham, Cardiff, then Stoke. Then Crystal
Palace in a few weeks as well, I think. West Ham's is more or less the same.
How does it feel to be involved in a relegation fight when there are ten or
11 teams involved?
It's very level between those teams. Even last year there were a lot of
teams involved. Maybe not eleven, but seven or eight until the last five or
six games. I don't think it's special.
The difference this year is that there aren't one or two teams stuck down
there 8-10 points behind, like we saw at a certain stage last year with
Reading and QPR. It might get even more - well I don't like the word
"interesting" because we're part of it, but for the neutral it's
interesting.
Thank you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will appeal Andy Carroll's red card
Last Updated: 02/02/14 7:21am
SSN
Sam Allardyce says West Ham will appeal against the dismissal of Andy
Carroll in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Swansea. The England striker was
making only his third start of the season in the Premier League clash at
Upton Park. He twice provided cushioned headers for Kevin Nolan to score in
the first half, before being sent off for an altercation with Swansea
defender Chico Flores in the second. Carroll caused chaos in the visiting
defence, but on 59 minutes he received a straight red card from referee
Howard Webb after appearing to brush the defender with his elbow. "We will
appeal it, yes," said Allardyce. "We will hope that the appeal will work.
Hopefully we don't lose Andy for three games. "He's gutted. He's absolutely
beside himself. We'll just have to go through the process and see what
happens in midweek."
A three-match suspension would rule Carroll out for the rest of February and
matches with Aston Villa, Norwich and Southampton. Allardyce added: "All I
can hope is that the panel, in the cold light of day, see it for what it
is."
Sam Allardyce accused Chico Flores of getting Andy Carroll sent off and says
they will appeal against his red card. The Hammers boss blamed Flores for
the sending off, which came after Carroll and the defender had been involved
in an aerial duel. When Swansea drew 0-0 with West Ham at the Liberty
Stadium in October, Allardyce laughed in the face of Chico after the latter
had gone to ground clutching his face and moaning following a challenge from
Carlton Cole.
Allardyce said: "That was him squealing and centre-halves aren't supposed to
squeal, are they?"
Referring back to Saturday's game, he said: "If we're going to red card
people for that, then we might as well stop playing and I might as well
retire. "He (Webb) can't be absolutely certain of what's happened, except
that Chico Flores is over-exaggerating, which is generally the norm for him
unfortunately."
The win was West Ham's first at home in the Premier League since the
November 30 defeat of Fulham and came after a morale-boosting 0-0 draw at
Chelsea, after which Jose Mourinho accused Allardyce of deploying
19th-century tactics. "It (the sending off) hasn't cost us anything by the
actions and the brilliant 21st-century defending by the players," Allardyce
added. "And we got quality finishing today which is something we've been
striving for on a consistent basis.
"It's a great result for us and one that's taken a little bit of pressure
off."
Carroll's performance provided a major boost to Allardyce. "His ability to
hold the ball up and cause problems aerially is obviously his major
strength," Allardyce said. "He just needs to start scoring a goal or two,
which is now his next challenge, in the hope we don't lose him. "He's made
two today for Kevin. Make another couple the next game and score one
yourself." Allardyce reserved special praise for Nolan. "His contribution
today all over the pitch was a proper captain's contribution," Allardyce
said. Saturday's win briefly took West Ham out of the drop zone, but they
ended the day in 18th - behind West Brom on goal difference - after Stoke
beat Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan scores twice as West Ham beat Swansea 2-0
Last Updated: 01/02/14 6:31pm
SSN
West Ham claimed three crucial Premier League points as Kevin Nolan scored
twice in a 2-0 home win over Swansea. However, the Hammers' victory at Upton
Park on Saturday was marred by the sending-off of Andy Carroll - who had set
up both of Nolan's goals - shortly before the hour mark.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Andy Carroll's red card means Kevin Nolan scoops this
accolade pretty much unchallenged after scoring the two goals which gave
West Ham this crucial victory.
Goal of the match: For the opener, Nolan skilfully controlled Carroll's
knock down before blasting an unstoppable volley into the corner of the net.
Moment of the match: The second goal highlighted the Carroll-Nolan
combination - Swansea failed to cope with Carroll's aerial domination
throughout and for the second time, it was his header that laid the killer
goal on a plate for Nolan.
Talking point: Carroll was somewhat controversially shown a straight red
card for catching Chico Flores, who went down rather theatrically to say the
least, with an arm following an aerial tussle. Right or wrong, Carroll's
absence in the next three games will be noticed greatly by the Hammers
unless of course they are successful with any potential appeal.
The hosts took the lead after 25 minutes. A long ball forward into the box
was headed down by Carroll for Nolan, who controlled on his chest before
crashing a superb volley into the net. Their second came from a Stewart
Downing corner in first-half stoppage time. The delivery towards the back
post was headed by Carroll across the face of goal for Nolan to nod home
from close range. However, West Ham were reduced to 10 men in the second
half when Carroll was sent off for what referee Howard Webb deemed to be an
aggressive elbow to the face of Chico after an aerial tussle. Replays
suggested it might be a harsh decision but unless West Ham win an appeal,
Carroll - who was making only his third start of the season - will miss
their next three games. The Hammers' victory was their first at home in the
league since November 30 and briefly took them out of the drop zone,
although they ended the day in 18th, behind West Brom on goal difference.
Swansea are 12th, just two points better off. Sam Allardyce made two
enforced changes following the 0-0 draw at Chelsea. Defender George
McCartney replaced Joey O'Brien (shoulder) and winger Matt Jarvis came in
for Mohamed Diame (knee), while defender Winston Reid was on the bench and
in line for a first appearance since November 2 following ankle surgery.
Swansea made three changes from the side which beat Fulham 2-0 in midweek,
with Dwight Tiendalli, Jordi Amat and Nathan Dyer coming in, while new
signing David Ngog was named on the bench. The first time a meaningful
string of passes was put together, there was a goal. West Ham broke from
deep and left-back McCartney drilled a cross into the area which Carroll
stretched to reach. His header found the late-arriving Nolan, who chested
the ball down before volleying into the bottom corner. It was a goal made in
Newcastle in a link-up Allardyce has been desperate to see all season.
Swansea had an opportunity to respond when Jonjo Shelvey found Wilfred Bony
with a bouncing ball.
James Tomkins, who was the last defender, had to time has challenge well and
did so as Bony was waiting for the ball to drop for a shot. Shelvey shot
wide and Ashley Williams blasted over as Swansea again failed to test Adrian
as they struggled to contain Carroll at the other end. Carroll forced the
corner which resulted in the second. Downing's inswinging cross was met at
the far post by Carroll, who craned his neck enough to direct the ball back
into the six-yard box and Nolan headed it inside the post to double his
tally for the season. Shelvey had been marking the post, but the ball beat
him. Swansea clearly had not worked out how to deal with Carroll, whose
participation came to an abrupt end. Flores was climbing all over Carroll as
they tangled in trying to meet an aerial ball near the halfway line. As the
striker threw the defender off his back, the Swansea man felt contact and
went down theatrically. Carroll was shown red by Webb, marched down the
tunnel in disgust and Allardyce exchanged words with Flores on the touchline
after the Spaniard had received treatment. Flores and Webb were roundly
booed thereafter. Reid came off the bench, with Allardyce expecting a late
onslaught from the visitors. But Bony clipped substitute Alejandro Pozuelo's
cross over and there was no late rally for Michael Laudrup's visitors as
Upton Park celebrated a rare win and ensured Flores was aware of the
scoreline.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll red card 'harsh', says Swansea boss Michael Laudrup
Last Updated: 02/02/14 7:22am
SSN
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has admitted the decision to dismiss West
Ham's Andy Carroll on Saturday was "harsh". The Swans were beaten 2-0 by the
Hammers in the Premier League clash at Upton Park. For both goals, Carroll
set up Kevin Nolan to score - but referee Howard Webb sent off the England
striker in the second half after an altercation with Chico Flores. Carroll's
arm hit the Spaniard after an aerial duel, with Webb adjudging that the
action had been deliberate - something Laudrup admitted was open to dispute.
He said: "I think there was contact, but I think it was a bit harsh, contact
like we see a lot of times in every game. "The rules say if there's an
intention, it's enough. It's like if you come in for a tackle and you don't
catch the player, but you could've and it could be a red card anyway." Sam
Allardyce said afterwards that West Ham would appeal the decision and
criticised Chico. Laudrup said he was yet to speak to the centre-back about
the incident immediately after the match. The Swansea boss, whose side are
now 12th and just two points above the drop zone, lamented his side's
failure to cope with Carroll. "We really struggled with them physically,"
Laudrup added. "It's a little disappointing that the first goal came from
exactly the situation we analysed and talked about before the game. "The
second goal is disappointing as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OPEN LETTER: I CANNOT BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT WEST HAM'S FUTURE
By Iain Dale 2 Feb 2014 at 08:21
West Ham Till I Die
Dear Iain,
I have become increasingly concerned at the plight our of club, and have
written a letter detailing my concerns about our Transfer Policy. Would it
be possible for you to forward this Letter to David Sullivan?
I have been reading West Ham Till I Die for many years, although I rarely
post. I write now, as a West Ham fan of many years as I feel completely
disappointed and somewhat puzzled again at our Transfer Activity, not only
in this window, but in previous windows under the current board.
The signing of Marco Borriello, a 31 year old who has scored 1 goal this
season, to solve our goal scoring problems I find quite frankly
unbelievable. Considering our struggle to score goals stretches way back
into last season, our failure to rectify this problem again leaves me very
unoptimistic for the future. I would be surprised if this player scored even
a goal for our beloved club. What further irritates me is our failure to
land any striker we seem to go for. From quality players such as Lacina
Traore and Kostas Mitroglau this January, to Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba in
the summer to name just a few, our club continuously loses out to others
clubs on strikers. Our board seem so desperate to pursue loan signings to
save money that we are always destined to sign players not of adequate
standard.
Whilst I totally understand that signing players is an incredibly difficult
business, it appears other clubs do not find it as difficult as we do. I
shall use Fulham as an example. Despite being below us in the Barclays
Premier League, they have managed to secure Johnny Heitinga from Everton,
who rejected us based on league position. Likewise, they have signed Kostas
Mitroglau from Olympiakos, a proven goalscorer, which proves that quality
players will join clubs in a relegation battle. Also, if our interest in the
player was genuine, why did we wait until 31st January to declare an
interest given our longstanding failure to score goals? Equally, if we were
prepared to spend £12m on this player, why could these funds not be spent
elsewhere on other players of similar quality?
I list below all the striker signed by David Sullivan and David Gold during
their time at West Ham:
1. Benni McCarthy
2. Araujo Ilan
3. Mido
4. Freddie Piquionne
5. Victor Obinna
6. Demba Ba
7. Robbie Keane
8. John Carew
9. Sam Baldock
10. Nicky Maynard
11. Modibo Maiga
12. Andy Carroll
13. Marouane Chamakh
14. Wellington Paulista
15. Mladen Petric
16. Marco Borriello
Can anyone realistically look at this list of strikers and claim any of them
have been a long-term success in terms of scoring goals? Whilst I was
delighted that we signed Andy Carroll, that signing now appears a
misjudgement, based on the large fee paid and his injury record. Based on
the above list, I would like our board to review their policy of signing
large numbers of cheap strikers, and focus on paying good money, like Fulham
have with Mitroglu, for quality players.
Whilst Pablo Armero is a player I look forward to seeing play at Upton Park,
the signing of Roger Johnson, from League One Wolves, and a player with 3
relegations on his CV leaves much to be desired. Whilst Antonio Nocerrino is
a good player, I would question his aptitude for a 15 game battle for our
Premier League lives. Indeed, I eagerly anticipate how many games he will
actually start for West Ham United. Given Sam Allardyce's continuous
selection of Kevin Nolan, I would be surprised if became a regular in our
side. This signing is yet again evidence of the short-termism that seems to
have developed at Upton Park under our current board. With the exception of
Andy Carroll, there have been little, long-term investments in our team.
Also, our reluctance to sign younger players means our long term future does
not appear bright.
Whilst I question Sam Alladyce's suitability to continue as West Ham manager
based on results this season, and the signings he has made, I also believe
the board's failure to back him with anything more than a loan signing in
this window is not only extremely disappointing for supporters, but shows a
reluctance to back the manager. Whilst of course the manager is responsible
for our failure in the transfer market, demonstrated again by Razvan Rat's
release just 6 months after signing, the limited finance he has had
available, means he has been forced to sign players perhaps he ideally would
not want to. Given the increased revenue in the Premier League with the new
TV deal, our lack of spending is all the more disappointing.
Whilst I will support the team passionately throughout the challenging games
that await us, I personally feel the current board's short-term approach,
with a reluctance to spend money on quality additions to the squad, leaves
us in an extremely perilous position. As a keen reader of West Ham Til I
Die, a site I believe in general provides fair and honest debate about West
Ham, I believe my views are shared by many supporters. I would like the
board to reconsider their transfer policy whatever the outcome at the end of
the season to concentrate on quality signings for the long term to really
give our club a sustained and bright future in the Premier League. Otherwise
I foresee continued troubles for the club we all love for years to come.
Yours sincerely
Tim Lovegrove
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce FURIOUS over Andy Carroll's red card and Chico
Flores' 'squealing'
Feb 01, 2014 22:30 By Ralph Ellis 1 Comments
The Mirror
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce accused Swansea's Chico Flores of "squealing"
to get Andy Carroll a red card. The England striker was sent off by World
Cup Final referee Howard Webb after an hour of Hammers' 2-0 win at Upton
Park. Allardyce insisted that the Hammers will appeal the dismissal. TV
pictures showed that Carroll's flailing forearm caught the top of Chico's
head as the two fell over each other – but the Spaniard then rolled on the
ground clutching his face. Allardyce said: "He squealed as well as held his
face. Centre-halves are not meant to squeal. He is not my player, he is
Michael Laudrup's player, so that is for him to sort out. "But I don't think
it was the right way to react, but unfortunately he did and Andy has been
sent off. "We will appeal We have not lost anything today because of it, and
hopefully we don't lose him for three games. "Andy is gutted. He is beside
himself. We just have to go through the process and see what happens and
after that we will just get on with it."
Allardyce was involved in a touchline spat with Chico when Hammers played at
The Liberty Stadium earlier in the season. He added: "I didn't say anything
to him today. It is better off me not discussing it with him. "We don't have
a player like that at our club." Even Swans boss Michael Laudrup plans to
talk to Chico about the incident and his reaction. He said: "I have not seen
a replay so I will have to look at that. I don't know if Chico wanted to get
him sent off. I have to talk to him about his intentions and I have not done
so yet. "I am not judging anybody. I played myself once. First of all I
didn't make so many fouls, they were on me, but we are all different. I
don't want to judge anybody. "I have not spoken to Chico but of course I
will do that. "From my position I thought there was contact but I thought it
was like you see a lot of times in every game. The referee is an
international and he had no doubt it was a red card, but I thought it was
harsh." Asked if he felt Chico attempted to make a meal of the clash, he
said: "I cannot say, maybe he did. The referee saw an elbow and must have
judged that Carroll did it on purpose." Chico, who was not travelling back
on Swansea's team coach, had to be ushered into a taxi outside the ground
afterwards by security guards to keep him away from angry West Ham fans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole could join the MLS in summer and emulate Jermain Defoe's big money
move
Feb 01, 2014 22:30 By Dave Kidd
The Mirror
Joe Cole is in line for a money-spinning move to Major League Soccer. The
West Ham midfielder is out of contract in May and it is believed he will not
be offered a new deal if Sam Allardyce remains in charge at Upton Park.
Cole, 32, is one of several Premier League players who is of interest to MLS
Commissioner Don Garber – and he is already free to negotiate with foreign
clubs. The MLS is run on a different model to European leagues with the
League itself signing players and agreeing contracts, rather than individual
clubs. Former Chelsea and England star Cole, the father of two young
children, would be keen to stay in the Premier League if he can match his
current £50,000-a-week wages. But he knows he would earn more by moving to
the States as one of the three 'designated players' allowed at each club,
exceeding the League's salary cap. Cole rejoined his boyhood club West Ham
from Liverpool last January but has struggled to nail down a regular
first-team place under Allardyce, with whom he has a frosty relationship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was thrilled to notch a brace and help the Hammers to victory
over Swansea
01.02.2014
Kevin Nolan has waited all season to feed off Andy Carroll and the pair
returned with a bang to down Swansea City on Saturday. The Hammers skipper
scored both goals in his side's first home win of 2014, latching onto two
knockdowns from the big No9 to record his third and fourth strikes of the
season. Carroll was later shown red following an aerial tussle with
Swansea's Chico Flores, and although he was disappointed to see his team
mate receive the dismissal, he still hailed a wonderful effort from the
Hammers. He said: "We're absolutely delighted, it was a great victory after
a well deserved point on Wednesday night. "It's just marred by an incident,
but hopefully that'll get overturned and we can just get on with it and look
forward to what's going to be another tough game away to Aston Villa. "Andy
was gutted because he wanted to get minutes too, which is important for him,
and he's honest enough to say it's definitely not a red. You sort of know
when someone's done something wrong and I sort of knew he hadn't. "He was
very surprised, it was difficult, but we showed tremendous character to
grind the result out."
Nolan and Carroll are well known for their understanding in forward areas
and the skipper was delighted that their hard work on the training pitch is
paying off again. He continued: "Everyone's forgotten what it's like because
we haven't been able to do it on a regular basis for a long time - we knew
that the more and more he got his fitness up, we had that in us. "We've been
working hard on the training pitch together just to make sure that we get it
right, and today we reaped the rewards. "After a left-footed goal and the
header, I was hoping for a right-footer to get the perfect hat-trick! I'm
just delighted with another clean sheet - that's the most out of all the
Premier League clubs "It shows how hard we've been working, and now we've
got all the lads in there doing their bits and bobs."
Saturday also saw the return from injury of Winston Reid, and Nolan is sure
that as the Hammers injury list continues to clear, they will climb the
Barclays Premier League table. He added: "We have just got to make sure we
keep a clean bill of health now.and if we do you'll see performances like
today's throughout the rest of the season. "Saturday proved that with a
mostly-fit squad, we will get results. Hopefully now touch wood you'll see
us moving onwards and upwards."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Full marks to everybody'
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce said his West Ham United players produced a 'magnificent
effort' to overcome Swansea City
01.02.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed West Ham United's outstanding resilience for the second
time in four days after the Hammers secured a 2-0 home Barclays Premier
League win over Swansea City. The Hammers overcame the loss of Andy Carroll
to a second half red card to chalk up their first win at the Boleyn Ground
since 30 November. Two first-half goals from Kevin Nolan - both assisted by
Carroll headers - put West Ham in control before a magnificent rearguard
action ensured a victory to follow the midweek goalless draw at Chelsea.
"That was another example of that sort of resilience, which we also showed
at Chelsea and at Cardiff, when we also went down to ten men but managed to
turn a 1-0 advantage into a 2-0 win," said the manager. "As disappointed as
I was about Andy being sent-off, it was a magnificent effort by the players
to continue on to the end of the game and not allow Swansea City to produce
a single shot on target.
"It was pretty miraculous, having to defend with ten men in the Barclays
Premier League for so long, so full marks to everybody. The fans will have
gone home very happy and feeling slightly less tension after a 2-0 win."
Both goals came courtesy of the old Nolan/Carroll double-act. The first, on
26 minutes saw Carroll nod down George McCartney's diagonal cross for the
captain, who controlled before shooting accurately into the bottom corner.
The second came after Carroll had battled to win a corner on the stroke of
half-time. The striker then craned his neck to nod back across goal for
Nolan to stretch and head down into the corner - West Ham's first headed
goal of the season.
The half-time delight turned to exasperation just after the hour-mark, when
Carroll was involved in a challenge with Chico Flores which ended with the
Spaniard on the floor. Referee Howard Webb produced the red card, but BIg
Sam said the Club would definitely be appealing the decision and looking to
have Carroll's three-match ban rescinded. "Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll
combined for two goals, with Kevin's quality finish coming to the fore. It
was great to have them back together and the big thing now is, can we keep
them together after that unfortunate incident with Andy getting a red card?
"I don't think it's a red card, it's as simple as that. We don't want Andy
to be suspended for three games now, having not had him for so long. He's
getting fitter and fitter and it would knock us all back if we lost him on
such a trivial incident, as far as I'm concerned. "We will be appealing the
red card."
While the red card left a sour taste in the mouth for Big Sam, the manager
certainly enjoyed the taste of Nolan's two pinpoint finishes. "The header
was behind Kevin and he had to get behind the ball and guide it down into
the corner, when most players wouldn't have been able to get it on target.
He also popped up with a left-foot volley into the bottom corner. "I have
been talking to Andy and Mo Diame a lot about their recent misses, because
they want to blast them. They want to get so much force behind them that
they lose their accuracy. Kevin places them into the net and he is accurate.
He takes a bit of pace out of it and it makes it a much more accurate finish
then the ones Andy and Mo sometimes try to do."
Having picked up two wins and a draw in their last four league matches, the
manager said West Ham will now travel to Aston Villa full of confidence next
weekend. There, a victory could really give his side the impetus to end the
season strongly. "If we go across the last four games, that's seven points,
which is as good as we've achieved all season. Hopefully, that will extend
into an undefeated run. We now have a full week to recover from a horrendous
programme of playing, travelling and recovering and injuries and suspensions
and the transfer window. "We've now got the league to concentrate on and
we've got the games to focus on one by one and make sure we've got points on
the board when we finish those games."
In closing, the manager summed up a breathless transfer window that saw the
Club sign seven players, release one and allow a number to leave on loan.
"January was horrendous, and that's an understatement. It always is for
everybody. We had injury problems and had to find new players which was very
difficult. If you look across the board, every club suffered the same
problems we did with continuous knockbacks from players. "In the end, we've
achieved as much as we possibly could have achieved through damn hard work
behind the scenes - particularly David Sullivan, Karren Brady and my head of
recruitment Martyn Glover. They all did what they could with every deal
trying to get a positive result. In the end, we did and hopefully those
players will make a big difference as well."
West Ham's final signing of the transfer window was clinched on Friday, when
Colombia left-back Pablo Armero joined on loan from Italian side Napoli. Big
Sam believes the Hammers could have a gem on their hands. "If you watched
Arsenal lose 2-0 away at Napoli in the Champions League, you'll have seen an
all-action player who is at a very good age and obviously wants to come and
try his hand in the Premier League. Hopefully he'll be an exciting addition
to us, especially after Joey's injury, which could extend into an operation.
"He's going to be needed in the near future and hopefully he can hit the
ground running."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan double fires Hammers to victory
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan scored twice as West Ham United scored a vital 2-0 victory over
Swansea City on Saturday
01.02.2014
West Ham United 2-0 Swansea City
Barclays Premier League
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll rekindled their partnership to devastating
effect as West Ham United gained three precious points against Swansea City
on Saturday. Nolan scored both Hammers goals in their 2-0 victory - with
both laid on by the big Geordie - as Sam Allardyce's men ended a two-month
wait for a home win. The pair's chemistry reminded the home fans of their
telepathic understanding, with Swansea unable to cope. However, it was not
all good news for the hosts, as Carroll was later dismissed after catching
Chico Flores with an arm as he landed following an aerial challenge. Whether
there was intent from the Hammers man was debatable, but Howard Webb reached
straight for the red card. Even with that handicap, West Ham were largely
untroubled for the remaining half-hour as the Welsh side struggled to test
Adrian in goal The Hammers drafted George McCartney and Matt Jarvis into the
team to replace Joey O'Brien and Mohamed Diame, who suffered injuries in the
midweek draw at Chelsea. After a quiet opening to the game, the Hammers
burst into life with the opening goal on 26 minutes. It was a case of the
famous Carroll-Nolan one-two combo as George McCartney lifted a ball into
the box for the big No9 to knock down for his skipper to control and fire an
arrow-straight left-footed shot into the net. The lead was nearly a
short-lived one though, as nine minutes later Jonjo Shelvey clipped a pass
over the top of the Hammers defence to chase. Wilfried Bony looked to have
timed his run just right, but as he was about to pull the trigger, James
Tomkins dived in to nick the ball off hie toes. Two minutes later Shelvey
was involved again when he found space in the left channel to advance to the
edge of the box before dragging a shot wide of the mark.
Swansea may have had more of the ball, but West Ham were more forceful when
attacking and they grabbed a priceless second with the half-time whistle
about to blow. Carroll did superbly to put Ashley Williams under pressure
and win a corner down the right, which Stewart Downing delivered, Carroll
rose magnificently to head back and Nolan glanced into the back of the net.
West Ham started the second period as they ended the first, with Matt Jarvis
nipping in front of Swansea stopper Tremmel and digging out a cut back, but
Ben Davies cleared with Nolan lurking. The positive mood inside the Boleyn
Ground was checked on the hour when Carroll was dismissed after clashing
with Chico following an aerial tussle. With the Hammers now a man light,
Swansea predictably enjoyed more and more possesion, yet remained utterly
toothless in attack. That Adrian did not have a serious save to make all
game spoke again of the Hammers' impressive resilience in defence as they
secured their 11th clean sheet of the season, and more importantly, their
fifth victory.
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney; Nolan (Nocerino
87), Noble, Taylor (Reid 79); Downing, Carroll, Jarvis (C.Cole 66)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Morrison, Johnson, Borriello
Goals: Nolan 26, Nolan 45+1
Booked: Noble
Sent off: Carroll
Swansea City: Tremmel; Tiendalli, Chico, Williams, Davies; Amat (Pozuelo
62), De Guzman; Dyer (Ngog 77), Shelvey (Hernandez 70), Routledge; Bony
Subs: Cornell, Britton, Lamah, Rangel
Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 31,848
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 2 Swansea 0
1 February 2014
Last updated at 15:21
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
West Ham striker Andy Carroll set up two goals for captain Kevin Nolan
before being sent off as the Hammers beat relegation rivals Swansea. First
Carroll headed a cross down for midfielder Nolan, who controlled the ball
before driving home the opener. He then nodded a corner across goal for
Nolan to guide home with his head. The England forward was harshly sent off
after appearing to catch Chico Flores accidentally with his arm on 59
minutes, but West Ham held on to win. Flores went to ground clutching his
face and the hosts thought he had over-reacted, with replays showing contact
looked unintentional as Carroll tried to untangle himself after an aerial
challenge with the centre-back. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the
Hammers defended resiliently to comfortably keep the visitors at bay and
secure just a second win from their past 11 home league games. The Hammers
remain in the Premier League's bottom three, although they moved to within
two points of Swansea, who produced a lacklustre display and have taken just
two points from their past six away matches. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho
accused West Ham of playing "19th Century football" after a goalless draw at
Stamford Bridge in midweek, but Sam Allardyce's men showed more attacking
intent here.
It is three very big and well-deserved points for West Ham. Andy Carroll and
Kevin Nolan were unstoppable in the first half and Swansea couldn't deal
with them at all. West Ham might appeal against Carroll's red card as Chico
exaggerated any contact. And they were rewarded when they took the lead with
the game's first shot on target. From a diagonal left-wing cross, Carroll
cushioned a header down for Nolan, who controlled the ball on his thigh
before driving in a left-foot shot. And the former Newcastle team-mates
linked up to double the home side's lead just before the break. Carroll did
well to reach a Stewart Downing corner to the far post and nod the ball
across goal, where Nolan was lurking to guide in a header. The goal means
six of Carroll's past 11 assists in the Premier League have been for Nolan
goals. Swansea, for their part, are certainly in need of a greater goal
threat, and the imminent return to training of the injured Michu, their top
scorer last season, cannot come soon enough. Their main chance in the first
half came when forward Wilfried Bony raced through on goal, only to be
denied by a last-ditch James Tomkins tackle. They continued to struggle
after the break and, even when Carroll was sent off, the visitors could not
find a breakthrough as they failed to trouble Hammers keeper Adrian.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: West Ham boss Sam Allardyce angry at sending off
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hopes the "injustice" of Andy Carroll's red
card against Swansea is overturned. Carroll was harshly sent off after a
clash with centre-back Chico Flores during a 2-0 win for the Hammers. "The
cruellest and biggest blow that will be paid to me and West Ham is if there
is the injustice when we appeal against the red card," said Allardyce.
"There has to be somebody to look at that in the cold light of day and say
that is certainly not a red card."
West Ham were already two goals up when the incident occurred. Carroll and
Flores went up for an aerial challenge and the latter went to ground after
being caught by the former's trailing arm as the pair untangled themselves.
Flores fell clutching his face, although replays showed any contact from the
Hammers forward looked accidental. Carroll, who has only recently returned
from a lengthy injury absence, had earlier set up Kevin Nolan to score both
of West Ham's goals. "The last thing we want is to lose Andy Carroll for
three games for a nothing incident," said Allardyce. "We hope when the
appeal goes in they see it the same way. "It's a shame we cannot get through
a game without somebody getting injured or sent off.
Asked about the actions of Flores, Allardyce said: "It is for [Swansea
manager] Michael [Laudrup] to deal with. It is his player. "He's got the
responsibility to handle his players and do what he feels is necessary."
Laudrup echoed Allardyce's belief that Carroll was harshly dismissed by
referee Howard Webb. "I think the decision was a bit harsh," said the Swans
boss. "There was contact, but contact like you have a lot of times."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Swansea City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Naturally delighted with the victory and three points, Big Sam was rather
less effusive with his praise of a certain Spanish defender...
Sam: Did you think it was a ridiculous red card?
I don't think you can say it's ridiculous because it's the reaction of the
player that makes life extremely difficult for the referee. So while I think
it was harsh you can understand why it was given based on the fact that he
must have thought the arm has smashed him in the face - and we all know it
hasn't.
It hit him on the forehead, didn't it?
It hit him on the top of the head. I'm glad to say it hasn't cost us
anything thanks to the actions and the brilliant 21st-century defending by
the players this afternoon... [laughs]
You know, Swansea hadn't had a shot on target at that particular time - in
fact they didn't have a shot on target all game. And we got quality
finishing today, which is something that we've been striving for on a
consistent basis. Now we've crawled our way out of the bottom three. We keep
doing it the difficult way, the hard way. We finished the game without any
injuries for the first time for I don't know how many weeks - but then we
had one sent off again.
We had another one sent off at Cardiff not so long ago, so we just want to
win a game of football without getting anyone sent off or injured! That'd be
nice for a change. But it was a great result for us and one that's taken a
little bit of pressure off. We can have a better week now all the rumours
and toing-and-froing with that stupid transfer window that we have to put up
with in January is over.
We've hopefully got four very good players to contribute to our squad who
can make a difference, as well as the players we've already got now they're
back from injury.
Will you appeal against that red card?
We will appeal, yes.
Do you think Chico Flores made too much of it?
[long silence followed by laughs] Did you see our game at Swansea?
They've just played a replay [on TV]...
Did you see that? When he did it right there in front of me? He squealed as
well as held his face, you know. It's not the right reaction but he's not my
player, he's Michael's player so that's for him to sort out, not me.
I didn't think it was the right way to act but unfortunately for us, Andy's
been sent off. We hope that the appeal will work and we don't lose him. We
haven't lost anything today because of it and hopefully we don't lose Andy
for three games, because it was a straight red which is obviously a big
disappointment for us.
You were able to laugh off the incident at Swansea; what did you say to him
today?
I didn't say anything to him today. He's better off me not saying anything
or even approaching it. We don't have a player like that, you can see we
don't have a player like that. None of our players, in today's game,
attempted anything of the sort.
If anyone could have done anything remotely like Chico Flores did today it
would have been Matt Jarvis when he went round the 'keeper. He could have
left his leg hanging, like most do, let it catch the goalkeeper and dive
over. We could have got a penalty and had the 'keeper sent off but he
didn't; he stayed on his feet, went round the 'keeper and tried to score a
goal. We don't have players like that.
Even though you're appealing the reality at the moment is that you're
without him for three matches if you lose that. You've only just got him
back.
All I can hope is that in the cold light of day, the panel see it for what
it is.
But how fantastic and how effective was he for the first 60 minutes?
He's not at his best yet, either. We'll see the players start feeding Andy
Carroll with the right service as the games go on. His ability to hold the
ball up and cause problems aerially is obviously his major strength, he just
needs to start scoring a goal or two which is his next challenge - assuming
the appeal is dismissed and we don't lose him.
He's made two today for Kevin. Make another couple in the next game and
score one yourself and let's get the goals racked up. We've had 11 clean
sheets this year and nobody else is greater than us in terms of not
conceding goals. Two of those clean sheets have come with ten men so we've
got the basis of being solid and making sure that we give the opposition no
chances - or few chances - which gives us a platform to go on and win more
football matches on a regular basis now.
Have you had the chance to speak to Andy and how angry is he?
He's gutted. He's absolutely beside himself, but that aside we just have to
go through the process and see what happens in midweek. After that process
whatever decision is made we have to get on with it. Let's hope it's the
right one.
With Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan looks a completely different player?
Well I'm surprised he didn't get Man of the Match today but I thought his
contribution, all over the pitch, was a proper captain's contribution. You
could see what it means to him to score goals and how much confidence it
gives players when they put the ball in the back of the net. We knew that
combination [with Carroll] was a very good one before they teamed up here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Laudrup on....West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st February 2014
By: Staff Writer No.2
Michael Laudrup has the good grace to look and sound embarrassed at the
antics of one of his players in today's post-match press conference...
Firstly Michael, what did you make of the sending-off?
Well from my position – and I've only seen it once – I think there was
contact but it was a bit harsh. There's contact like we see a lot of times
in every game. The referee is an international and had no doubt it was a red
card. My personal opinion is there was contact, but not much more.
Do you think Chico Flores made too much of it?
I can't say. There's contact, yeah, so maybe he did. The referee is an
international so he must have seen an elbow that Carroll gave and judged
that he did it on purpose. It's not really a matter of how bad it was.
Sometimes the rules they say that if there is intention that is enough. It's
like when you come in for a tackle and you don't catch the player but you
could have - it could be a red card anyway. For me there was contact, but
not much more.
Have you seen a replay of the incident?
No.
It appears that Carroll's trailing arm catches Flores on the forehead but he
then goes down clutching his face?
I'll have to see that.
Is it not something that embarrasses you as a manager? It's clear that he is
trying to get Andy Carroll sent off. Do you not have a view on that as his
manager?
I don't know that he wanted to get him sent off. I'll have to talk to him as
to what his intention was. I haven't spoken to him yet.
Would you have been disappointed had it been one of your players getting
sent off like that?
I'm not judging players. I played myself once! First of all I didn't make so
many fouls as they did on me! We're all different and I must repeat I
haven't spoken to Chico yet.
Why did Swansea find Andy Carroll so difficult to contain in the first half?
We really struggled – we knew with the return of Andy Carroll it would be a
direct game. It was the same when we played here – I think it was exactly a
year ago.
We struggled in the first half. It was disappointing that the first goal
came from exactly the situation we analysed before the game. There would be
a lot of crosses if it's close to goal then there's a goal chance but if
it's not -it's the second ball. Far post, Andy Carroll heads it backwards
and we should have been there quicker.
Amat left Nolan?
We were more watching what was happening with Carroll but he can't score
from there – it's impossible. The second goal is disappointing as well.
Already this season we've had goals in injury time – in the league and at
the end in the Europa League. It's really disappointing, the first goal, how
it happened and the second. 2-0 down.
I watched the whole game at Stamford Bridge the other day and knew it would
be really difficult. West Ham would close down with nine or ten men just
outside the box. Even with Carroll sent off, though we had a lot of
possession we didn't create the big, big chances. We have to admit that.
How concerned are you about your position? You're only two points clear of
West Ham?
It was the same before the game as it was after the game. I don't let myself
get carried away when we won the other day or down now because we lost
today. I said before the Fulham game -and I've had the same opinion for
quite some time now - there are a lot of teams in there. Let's talk in a
month's time after three or four more games. See if someone has got out of
that group of eleven teams.
There will be changes from match day to match day. We will face our direct
opponents. We had Fulham, then West Ham, Cardiff, then Stoke. Then Crystal
Palace in a few weeks as well, I think. West Ham's is more or less the same.
How does it feel to be involved in a relegation fight when there are ten or
11 teams involved?
It's very level between those teams. Even last year there were a lot of
teams involved. Maybe not eleven, but seven or eight until the last five or
six games. I don't think it's special.
The difference this year is that there aren't one or two teams stuck down
there 8-10 points behind, like we saw at a certain stage last year with
Reading and QPR. It might get even more - well I don't like the word
"interesting" because we're part of it, but for the neutral it's
interesting.
Thank you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will appeal Andy Carroll's red card
Last Updated: 02/02/14 7:21am
SSN
Sam Allardyce says West Ham will appeal against the dismissal of Andy
Carroll in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Swansea. The England striker was
making only his third start of the season in the Premier League clash at
Upton Park. He twice provided cushioned headers for Kevin Nolan to score in
the first half, before being sent off for an altercation with Swansea
defender Chico Flores in the second. Carroll caused chaos in the visiting
defence, but on 59 minutes he received a straight red card from referee
Howard Webb after appearing to brush the defender with his elbow. "We will
appeal it, yes," said Allardyce. "We will hope that the appeal will work.
Hopefully we don't lose Andy for three games. "He's gutted. He's absolutely
beside himself. We'll just have to go through the process and see what
happens in midweek."
A three-match suspension would rule Carroll out for the rest of February and
matches with Aston Villa, Norwich and Southampton. Allardyce added: "All I
can hope is that the panel, in the cold light of day, see it for what it
is."
Sam Allardyce accused Chico Flores of getting Andy Carroll sent off and says
they will appeal against his red card. The Hammers boss blamed Flores for
the sending off, which came after Carroll and the defender had been involved
in an aerial duel. When Swansea drew 0-0 with West Ham at the Liberty
Stadium in October, Allardyce laughed in the face of Chico after the latter
had gone to ground clutching his face and moaning following a challenge from
Carlton Cole.
Allardyce said: "That was him squealing and centre-halves aren't supposed to
squeal, are they?"
Referring back to Saturday's game, he said: "If we're going to red card
people for that, then we might as well stop playing and I might as well
retire. "He (Webb) can't be absolutely certain of what's happened, except
that Chico Flores is over-exaggerating, which is generally the norm for him
unfortunately."
The win was West Ham's first at home in the Premier League since the
November 30 defeat of Fulham and came after a morale-boosting 0-0 draw at
Chelsea, after which Jose Mourinho accused Allardyce of deploying
19th-century tactics. "It (the sending off) hasn't cost us anything by the
actions and the brilliant 21st-century defending by the players," Allardyce
added. "And we got quality finishing today which is something we've been
striving for on a consistent basis.
"It's a great result for us and one that's taken a little bit of pressure
off."
Carroll's performance provided a major boost to Allardyce. "His ability to
hold the ball up and cause problems aerially is obviously his major
strength," Allardyce said. "He just needs to start scoring a goal or two,
which is now his next challenge, in the hope we don't lose him. "He's made
two today for Kevin. Make another couple the next game and score one
yourself." Allardyce reserved special praise for Nolan. "His contribution
today all over the pitch was a proper captain's contribution," Allardyce
said. Saturday's win briefly took West Ham out of the drop zone, but they
ended the day in 18th - behind West Brom on goal difference - after Stoke
beat Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan scores twice as West Ham beat Swansea 2-0
Last Updated: 01/02/14 6:31pm
SSN
West Ham claimed three crucial Premier League points as Kevin Nolan scored
twice in a 2-0 home win over Swansea. However, the Hammers' victory at Upton
Park on Saturday was marred by the sending-off of Andy Carroll - who had set
up both of Nolan's goals - shortly before the hour mark.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Andy Carroll's red card means Kevin Nolan scoops this
accolade pretty much unchallenged after scoring the two goals which gave
West Ham this crucial victory.
Goal of the match: For the opener, Nolan skilfully controlled Carroll's
knock down before blasting an unstoppable volley into the corner of the net.
Moment of the match: The second goal highlighted the Carroll-Nolan
combination - Swansea failed to cope with Carroll's aerial domination
throughout and for the second time, it was his header that laid the killer
goal on a plate for Nolan.
Talking point: Carroll was somewhat controversially shown a straight red
card for catching Chico Flores, who went down rather theatrically to say the
least, with an arm following an aerial tussle. Right or wrong, Carroll's
absence in the next three games will be noticed greatly by the Hammers
unless of course they are successful with any potential appeal.
The hosts took the lead after 25 minutes. A long ball forward into the box
was headed down by Carroll for Nolan, who controlled on his chest before
crashing a superb volley into the net. Their second came from a Stewart
Downing corner in first-half stoppage time. The delivery towards the back
post was headed by Carroll across the face of goal for Nolan to nod home
from close range. However, West Ham were reduced to 10 men in the second
half when Carroll was sent off for what referee Howard Webb deemed to be an
aggressive elbow to the face of Chico after an aerial tussle. Replays
suggested it might be a harsh decision but unless West Ham win an appeal,
Carroll - who was making only his third start of the season - will miss
their next three games. The Hammers' victory was their first at home in the
league since November 30 and briefly took them out of the drop zone,
although they ended the day in 18th, behind West Brom on goal difference.
Swansea are 12th, just two points better off. Sam Allardyce made two
enforced changes following the 0-0 draw at Chelsea. Defender George
McCartney replaced Joey O'Brien (shoulder) and winger Matt Jarvis came in
for Mohamed Diame (knee), while defender Winston Reid was on the bench and
in line for a first appearance since November 2 following ankle surgery.
Swansea made three changes from the side which beat Fulham 2-0 in midweek,
with Dwight Tiendalli, Jordi Amat and Nathan Dyer coming in, while new
signing David Ngog was named on the bench. The first time a meaningful
string of passes was put together, there was a goal. West Ham broke from
deep and left-back McCartney drilled a cross into the area which Carroll
stretched to reach. His header found the late-arriving Nolan, who chested
the ball down before volleying into the bottom corner. It was a goal made in
Newcastle in a link-up Allardyce has been desperate to see all season.
Swansea had an opportunity to respond when Jonjo Shelvey found Wilfred Bony
with a bouncing ball.
James Tomkins, who was the last defender, had to time has challenge well and
did so as Bony was waiting for the ball to drop for a shot. Shelvey shot
wide and Ashley Williams blasted over as Swansea again failed to test Adrian
as they struggled to contain Carroll at the other end. Carroll forced the
corner which resulted in the second. Downing's inswinging cross was met at
the far post by Carroll, who craned his neck enough to direct the ball back
into the six-yard box and Nolan headed it inside the post to double his
tally for the season. Shelvey had been marking the post, but the ball beat
him. Swansea clearly had not worked out how to deal with Carroll, whose
participation came to an abrupt end. Flores was climbing all over Carroll as
they tangled in trying to meet an aerial ball near the halfway line. As the
striker threw the defender off his back, the Swansea man felt contact and
went down theatrically. Carroll was shown red by Webb, marched down the
tunnel in disgust and Allardyce exchanged words with Flores on the touchline
after the Spaniard had received treatment. Flores and Webb were roundly
booed thereafter. Reid came off the bench, with Allardyce expecting a late
onslaught from the visitors. But Bony clipped substitute Alejandro Pozuelo's
cross over and there was no late rally for Michael Laudrup's visitors as
Upton Park celebrated a rare win and ensured Flores was aware of the
scoreline.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll red card 'harsh', says Swansea boss Michael Laudrup
Last Updated: 02/02/14 7:22am
SSN
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has admitted the decision to dismiss West
Ham's Andy Carroll on Saturday was "harsh". The Swans were beaten 2-0 by the
Hammers in the Premier League clash at Upton Park. For both goals, Carroll
set up Kevin Nolan to score - but referee Howard Webb sent off the England
striker in the second half after an altercation with Chico Flores. Carroll's
arm hit the Spaniard after an aerial duel, with Webb adjudging that the
action had been deliberate - something Laudrup admitted was open to dispute.
He said: "I think there was contact, but I think it was a bit harsh, contact
like we see a lot of times in every game. "The rules say if there's an
intention, it's enough. It's like if you come in for a tackle and you don't
catch the player, but you could've and it could be a red card anyway." Sam
Allardyce said afterwards that West Ham would appeal the decision and
criticised Chico. Laudrup said he was yet to speak to the centre-back about
the incident immediately after the match. The Swansea boss, whose side are
now 12th and just two points above the drop zone, lamented his side's
failure to cope with Carroll. "We really struggled with them physically,"
Laudrup added. "It's a little disappointing that the first goal came from
exactly the situation we analysed and talked about before the game. "The
second goal is disappointing as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OPEN LETTER: I CANNOT BE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT WEST HAM'S FUTURE
By Iain Dale 2 Feb 2014 at 08:21
West Ham Till I Die
Dear Iain,
I have become increasingly concerned at the plight our of club, and have
written a letter detailing my concerns about our Transfer Policy. Would it
be possible for you to forward this Letter to David Sullivan?
I have been reading West Ham Till I Die for many years, although I rarely
post. I write now, as a West Ham fan of many years as I feel completely
disappointed and somewhat puzzled again at our Transfer Activity, not only
in this window, but in previous windows under the current board.
The signing of Marco Borriello, a 31 year old who has scored 1 goal this
season, to solve our goal scoring problems I find quite frankly
unbelievable. Considering our struggle to score goals stretches way back
into last season, our failure to rectify this problem again leaves me very
unoptimistic for the future. I would be surprised if this player scored even
a goal for our beloved club. What further irritates me is our failure to
land any striker we seem to go for. From quality players such as Lacina
Traore and Kostas Mitroglau this January, to Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba in
the summer to name just a few, our club continuously loses out to others
clubs on strikers. Our board seem so desperate to pursue loan signings to
save money that we are always destined to sign players not of adequate
standard.
Whilst I totally understand that signing players is an incredibly difficult
business, it appears other clubs do not find it as difficult as we do. I
shall use Fulham as an example. Despite being below us in the Barclays
Premier League, they have managed to secure Johnny Heitinga from Everton,
who rejected us based on league position. Likewise, they have signed Kostas
Mitroglau from Olympiakos, a proven goalscorer, which proves that quality
players will join clubs in a relegation battle. Also, if our interest in the
player was genuine, why did we wait until 31st January to declare an
interest given our longstanding failure to score goals? Equally, if we were
prepared to spend £12m on this player, why could these funds not be spent
elsewhere on other players of similar quality?
I list below all the striker signed by David Sullivan and David Gold during
their time at West Ham:
1. Benni McCarthy
2. Araujo Ilan
3. Mido
4. Freddie Piquionne
5. Victor Obinna
6. Demba Ba
7. Robbie Keane
8. John Carew
9. Sam Baldock
10. Nicky Maynard
11. Modibo Maiga
12. Andy Carroll
13. Marouane Chamakh
14. Wellington Paulista
15. Mladen Petric
16. Marco Borriello
Can anyone realistically look at this list of strikers and claim any of them
have been a long-term success in terms of scoring goals? Whilst I was
delighted that we signed Andy Carroll, that signing now appears a
misjudgement, based on the large fee paid and his injury record. Based on
the above list, I would like our board to review their policy of signing
large numbers of cheap strikers, and focus on paying good money, like Fulham
have with Mitroglu, for quality players.
Whilst Pablo Armero is a player I look forward to seeing play at Upton Park,
the signing of Roger Johnson, from League One Wolves, and a player with 3
relegations on his CV leaves much to be desired. Whilst Antonio Nocerrino is
a good player, I would question his aptitude for a 15 game battle for our
Premier League lives. Indeed, I eagerly anticipate how many games he will
actually start for West Ham United. Given Sam Allardyce's continuous
selection of Kevin Nolan, I would be surprised if became a regular in our
side. This signing is yet again evidence of the short-termism that seems to
have developed at Upton Park under our current board. With the exception of
Andy Carroll, there have been little, long-term investments in our team.
Also, our reluctance to sign younger players means our long term future does
not appear bright.
Whilst I question Sam Alladyce's suitability to continue as West Ham manager
based on results this season, and the signings he has made, I also believe
the board's failure to back him with anything more than a loan signing in
this window is not only extremely disappointing for supporters, but shows a
reluctance to back the manager. Whilst of course the manager is responsible
for our failure in the transfer market, demonstrated again by Razvan Rat's
release just 6 months after signing, the limited finance he has had
available, means he has been forced to sign players perhaps he ideally would
not want to. Given the increased revenue in the Premier League with the new
TV deal, our lack of spending is all the more disappointing.
Whilst I will support the team passionately throughout the challenging games
that await us, I personally feel the current board's short-term approach,
with a reluctance to spend money on quality additions to the squad, leaves
us in an extremely perilous position. As a keen reader of West Ham Til I
Die, a site I believe in general provides fair and honest debate about West
Ham, I believe my views are shared by many supporters. I would like the
board to reconsider their transfer policy whatever the outcome at the end of
the season to concentrate on quality signings for the long term to really
give our club a sustained and bright future in the Premier League. Otherwise
I foresee continued troubles for the club we all love for years to come.
Yours sincerely
Tim Lovegrove
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce FURIOUS over Andy Carroll's red card and Chico
Flores' 'squealing'
Feb 01, 2014 22:30 By Ralph Ellis 1 Comments
The Mirror
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce accused Swansea's Chico Flores of "squealing"
to get Andy Carroll a red card. The England striker was sent off by World
Cup Final referee Howard Webb after an hour of Hammers' 2-0 win at Upton
Park. Allardyce insisted that the Hammers will appeal the dismissal. TV
pictures showed that Carroll's flailing forearm caught the top of Chico's
head as the two fell over each other – but the Spaniard then rolled on the
ground clutching his face. Allardyce said: "He squealed as well as held his
face. Centre-halves are not meant to squeal. He is not my player, he is
Michael Laudrup's player, so that is for him to sort out. "But I don't think
it was the right way to react, but unfortunately he did and Andy has been
sent off. "We will appeal We have not lost anything today because of it, and
hopefully we don't lose him for three games. "Andy is gutted. He is beside
himself. We just have to go through the process and see what happens and
after that we will just get on with it."
Allardyce was involved in a touchline spat with Chico when Hammers played at
The Liberty Stadium earlier in the season. He added: "I didn't say anything
to him today. It is better off me not discussing it with him. "We don't have
a player like that at our club." Even Swans boss Michael Laudrup plans to
talk to Chico about the incident and his reaction. He said: "I have not seen
a replay so I will have to look at that. I don't know if Chico wanted to get
him sent off. I have to talk to him about his intentions and I have not done
so yet. "I am not judging anybody. I played myself once. First of all I
didn't make so many fouls, they were on me, but we are all different. I
don't want to judge anybody. "I have not spoken to Chico but of course I
will do that. "From my position I thought there was contact but I thought it
was like you see a lot of times in every game. The referee is an
international and he had no doubt it was a red card, but I thought it was
harsh." Asked if he felt Chico attempted to make a meal of the clash, he
said: "I cannot say, maybe he did. The referee saw an elbow and must have
judged that Carroll did it on purpose." Chico, who was not travelling back
on Swansea's team coach, had to be ushered into a taxi outside the ground
afterwards by security guards to keep him away from angry West Ham fans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole could join the MLS in summer and emulate Jermain Defoe's big money
move
Feb 01, 2014 22:30 By Dave Kidd
The Mirror
Joe Cole is in line for a money-spinning move to Major League Soccer. The
West Ham midfielder is out of contract in May and it is believed he will not
be offered a new deal if Sam Allardyce remains in charge at Upton Park.
Cole, 32, is one of several Premier League players who is of interest to MLS
Commissioner Don Garber – and he is already free to negotiate with foreign
clubs. The MLS is run on a different model to European leagues with the
League itself signing players and agreeing contracts, rather than individual
clubs. Former Chelsea and England star Cole, the father of two young
children, would be keen to stay in the Premier League if he can match his
current £50,000-a-week wages. But he knows he would earn more by moving to
the States as one of the three 'designated players' allowed at each club,
exceeding the League's salary cap. Cole rejoined his boyhood club West Ham
from Liverpool last January but has struggled to nail down a regular
first-team place under Allardyce, with whom he has a frosty relationship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Saturday, February 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st February 2014
Swansea City match preview
WHUFC.com
Find all the important pre-match information ahead of Saturday's game
against Swansea City
31.01.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v SWANSEA CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2014
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: HOWARD WEBB
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST I INSTAGRAM I YOUTUBE
Match Sponsor
Introduction
• West Ham United entertain Swansea City in Saturday's early kick-off in the
Barclays Premier League, looking to record their first home win of 2014.
• The Hammers will be hoping to follow up a superb goalless draw against
Chelsea on Wednesday night with a first home league win since a 3-0 victory
against Fulham on 30 November 2013.
• Five home games have passed without a win since the triumph against
Fulham, with a 3-0 Capital One Cup semi-final second leg defeat to
Manchester City the team's last outing at the Boleyn Ground.
• Sam Allardyce's side also suffered a defeat in their last league match in
front of the home fans, going down 3-1 to Newcastle United on 18 January.
• Saturday's visitors Swansea City arrive on the back of scoring their first
league win in nine matches, having beaten Fulham 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium
on Tuesday night.
• The Swans have however gone five away league games without a win, their
last success on the road being a 2-1 victory against Fulham at Craven
Cottage.
• Michael Laudrup's team have risen to eleventh place in the Premier League
following their latest victory, five points above the Hammers.
Team news
West Ham United
• Joey O'Brien will miss the game after dislocating his shoulder in the 0-0
draw with Chelsea on Wednesday night. Mo Diame was also forced off against
the Blues with a suspected knee injury and it remains to be seen whether he
will feature.
• Winston Reid and Ricardo Vaz Te are back in full training and may be fit
enough to feature against the Swans.
Swansea City
• Garry Monk is a long-term absentee and will not feature against the
Hammers.
• Michu and Jose Canas are nearing a return following injuries but Saturday
may come too soon for them.
• Goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel is likely to continue to deputise in the
absence of Michel Vorm.
Last time out
Chelsea 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
29 January 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, O'Brien, Diame (Jarvis
30), Taylor, Noble, Nolan (Nocerino 80), Downing, Carroll (C Cole 64)
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Morrison, Borriello
Swansea City 2-0 Fulham
Barclays Premier League
28 January 2014
Swansea City: Tremmel, Rangel, Davies, Williams, Chico, De Guzman (Pozuelo
88), Hernandez (Dyer 58), Britton, Bony, Shelvey (Amat 79), Routledge
Subs not used: Taylor, Cornell, Lamah, Alvaro
Goals: Shelvey 61, Chico 75
Previous meeting
A wet and windy match at the Liberty Stadium ended in a goalless draw as
both sides toiled in the difficult conditions. Jussi Jaaskelainen made a
couple of great saves to preserve his fifth clean sheet of the campaign
whilst Ravel Morrison, Guy Demel, Mo Diame and Kevin Nolan were all guilty
of missing chances at the other end.
Swansea City: Vorm, Rangel, Chico, Williams, Taylor, De Guzman, Britton,
Dyer, Michu Routledge (Hernandez 61), Vazquez (Bony 66)
Subs not used: Tremmel, Amat, Tiendalli, Canas, Pozuelo
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Diame (C Cole 64),
Noble, Downing, Vaz Te (Jarvis 34), Morrison (J Cole 78), Nolan
Subs not used: Adrian, O'Brien, Maiga, Taylor
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
27 October 2013 Swansea City 0-0 West Ham United
2 February 2013 West Ham United 1-0 Swansea City
25 August 2012 Swansea City 3-0 West Ham United
13 January 1999 Swansea City 1-0 West Ham United (FA Cup Third Round Replay)
02 January 1999 West Ham United 1-1 Swansea City (FA Cup Third Round)
07 October 1985 Swansea City 2-3 West Ham United (League Cup Second Round
Second Leg)
Overall record v Swansea City (all competitions) W 26 D 13 L 17
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Swansea City
2012/13 Premier League 9th (46 points)
2011/12 Premier League 11th (47 points)
2010/11 Championship 3rd (80 points)
2009/10 Championship 7th (69 points)
2008/09 Championship 8th (68 points)
2007/08 League One 1st (92 points)
2006/07 League One 7th (72 points)
2005/06 League One 6th (71 points)
2004/05 League Two 3rd (80 points)
2003/04 League Two 10th (59 points)
Background
• West Ham United and Swansea City have met each other on 56 occasions with
the Hammers prevailing 26 times, Swansea triumphant on 17 occasions and 13
matches ending as draws.
• The clubs first met in an FA Cup first round tie at Vetch Field on 7
January 1922, when the Third Division Swans held the Second Division Hammers
to a 0-0 draw.
• That stalemate saw the sides meet again four day later - the first
encounter between the two at the Boleyn Ground - and again saw a draw, this
time finishing 1-1 with Vic Watson scoring for the home side.
• West Ham's biggest home win against their Welsh opponents came back on 18
January 1958, when Ted Fenton's team recorded a resounding 6-2 win in the
Second Division.
• Swansea have only ever enjoyed victory at the Boleyn Ground once, that win
coming on 25 August 1956 in a Division Two encounter.
• The last encounter between the clubs at the Boleyn Ground on 2 February
2013 ended in a West Ham win thanks to Andy Carroll netting the only goal of
the game 13 minutes from the end of the match.
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Howard Webb. Webb began officiating in
Yorkshire in 1989. He took charge of his first Barclays Premier League match
as a referee in October 2003 and has since been the man-in-the-middle for a
host of high-profile fixtures, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup final
between Spain and Holland in South Africa.
• He also refereed the 2012 npower Championship Play-Off final at Wembley,
when West Ham United beat Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley to secure promotion.
• Previously, Webb also refereed the 2005 FA Community Shield, 2006 FA
Trophy final and in the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championships, as well
as taking charge of his first UEFA Champions League match in 2006. The
former police officer was referee for the 2007 Carling Cup final and was
selected as England's representative at Euro 2008, taking charge of the
first match of the tournament between Austria and Poland and the Group D
fixture between Greece and eventual champions Spain.
• This season, Webb officiated the Hammers' opening Barclays Premier League
match against Cardiff City and the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, also at the
Boleyn Ground.
• Webb will be assisted on Saturday by Sian Massey, Scott Ledger and the
fourth official will be Jonathan Moss.
General information
• Tickets for Saturday's Kids for a Quid match are still available. To buy
tickets view our ticket page by clicking here.
• The weather forecast for Saturday afternoon is sunny intervals with
temperatures around 7C (44F).
• Click here for the latest travel news on TFL routes, here for Greater
Anglia services, and here for c2c services.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers snap up Armero
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed Colombia international Pablo Armero on loan
until the end of the season
31.01.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Colombia
international Pablo Armero on loan until the end of the 2013/14 season.
Left-back Armero joins the Hammers from Italian Serie A side SSC Napoli,
having previously starred for America Cali in his homeland, Brazilian side
Palmeiras and Italian club Udinese. A regular for his country, the
27-year-old has been capped 49 times and featured in all but one of
Colombia's 16 qualifiers as the South American nation reached the 2014 FIFA
World Cup finals. Born in the port city of Tumaco in south western Colombia,
Armero made more than 100 league appearances for America Cali before moving
to Palmeiras in 2009. The 5'9" left-back spent 18 months in São Paulo,
helping Palmeiras to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and earning
himself a move to Europe in summer 2010. Armero's first season at Udinese in
2010/11 was hugely successful, with the defender helping The Little Zebras
to finish fourth in Serie A and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. He
was also voted into the Serie A Team of the Year. After starting regularly
for Udinese throughout the 2011/12 and opening weeks of the 2012/13 seasons,
Armero was loaned to Napoli in January 2013 before making the move permanent
last summer. After being used mainly as a substitute last season, the
defender has made nine Serie A starts this term. He also started four of
Napoli's six UEFA Champions League group-stage fixtures, including the 2-0
home win over Arsenal in December.
At international level, Armero has been a regular starter for Colombia since
making his senior debut in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying defeat in Chile
in September 2008. While Colombia narrowly missed out on qualification for
South Africa, Armero did feature at the 2011 Copa America, where 'Los
Cafeteros' reached the quarter-finals. The defender was an integral member
of Colombia's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, starting 14 of his
country's 16 matches as they finished as runners-up to Argentina. Barring
injury, he is almost certain to travel to Brazil.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo depart
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga has joined QPR on loan, while Razvan Rat has left the Club by
mutual consent
31.01.2014
West Ham United can confirm that striker Modibo Maiga has joined Sky Bet
Championship side Queens Park Rangers on loan for the remainder of the
2013/14 season. The deal includes the option of a permanent move to west
London at the end of the season. Maiga, 26, has scored once in 14 Barclays
Premier League games this term and has not featured since Andy Carroll's
return to fitness earlier this month. The Mali international joined the
Hammers in the summer of 2012 from French Ligue Un club Sochaux, having
previously played for Stade Malien in his homeland, Raja Casablanca in
Morocco and Le Havre after moving to France. He has played 39 games for the
Club, finding the net six times in total, with half of those goals coming in
Capital One Cup fixtures - including memorably in the Hammers' 2-1 victory
at Tottenham Hotspur in December. The Club can also confirm that Razvan Rat
has departed after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. The
Romanian left-back leaves the Boleyn Ground after making 20 appearances for
the Hammers since joining on a free transfer in July 2013. The Club would
like to thank Razvan for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future
career.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca relishing Laudrup duel
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald is looking forward to locking horns with
Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup
01.02.2014
Neil McDonald is looking forward to locking horns on Saturday with a man he
used to drool over during his playing days. Back in the 1980s, West Ham
United's assistant manager was a Newcastle United and Everton full-back and
a huge fan of Swansea City manager and former Juventus, Real Madrid,
Barcelona and Denmark attacker Michael Laudrup - a man considered to be his
country's greatest-ever player. While their paths never crossed on the
pitch, largely due to the ban on English clubs competing in European
competition, McDonald and Laudrup will face one another when West Ham host
Swansea in the Barclays Premier League this weekend. "He was a fantastic
player, wasn't he? Wow!" said McDonald, when asked about Laudrup. "For
somebody who played at the top level all the time, then to transfer that
into management and try to get the best out of his players, is fantastic.
"I've got a lot of admiration for him. I went to watch a match years ago at
Brondby and it was the first time I'd seen a manager with a leather jacket
and jeans on and I thought 'Wow! I wouldn't mind being a manager and looking
like that!" "He is in control of himself and knows what he is doing and I've
got a lot of respect for him."
Laudrup guided Swansea to ninth in the Barclays Premier League and League
Cup triumph in his first season with the club last term. This season,
Swansea are through to the UEFA Europa League last 32 and the FA Cup with
Budweiser fifth round, while a midweek win over Fulham has eased the Swans'
relegation fears. "As a manager, he has done very well," McDonald continued.
"He has won a cup and his team play some very good football. "We have taken
a point off them already this season and we are hoping to take another three
off them. It'll be a tough battle, that's for sure."
While West Ham may not pass the ball quite as often as Saturday's visitors,
McDonald moved to downplay Jose Mourinho's comments that West Ham played
'19th century football' against Chelsea in midweek. "I think, if you've been
to the majority of West Ham games, you can tell that we don't play like that
all the time! Jose doesn't come and watch us all the time, either! "We do
play some really good football and we have scored the majority of our goals
from open play, so I'd suggest we are not just a long-ball or defensive
team. We have a mixture and football is all about getting results, and it
doesn't matter how you get them. "At times, you have to be route-one and
sometimes you have to be expansive. We have a decent balance between those
styles. "There are lots of things we need to improve on this season -
attacking, scoring more goals and trying to keep more clean sheets - but we
have kept ten clean sheets this season and we just need to score more
goals."
Speaking on Friday morning ahead of the closure of the transfer window,
McDonald revealed that Ivory Coast midfielder Abdoul Razak has settled
quickly into training with his new team-mates. The 22-year-old has joined on
a short-term contract and will look to make his mark over the coming weeks.
"He has come in and trained with the rest of the boys and looked quite
bright and decent on the ball. He is a midfield player which gives us good
competition for places and we'll see how he develops over the next couple of
weeks with his match-fitness and getting up to pace."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We need to build momentum'
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor wants the Hammers to build on their point at Chelses when they
face Swansea on Saturday
01.02.2014
Matt Taylor says the Hammers are focused solely on themselves as they enter
a crucial period of the season. West Ham United take on Swansea City at the
Boleyn Ground in the early kick-off on Saturday, knowing that a victory will
take them out of the bottom three. Taylor says that is all the Hammers are
thinking about - and not what the other teams at the bottom of the Barclays
Premier League may, or may not, achieve. He said: "We're not too worried
about everybody else outside the football club - everyone would probably
have suggested that we'd have gone to Chelsea and it would be a case of how
many they'd win by. "But we went there, proved a lot of people wrong and now
we need to take some momentum into Swansea and pick up three vital points.
"We need to make sure we score more goals, but we have to take the positives
from Chelsea on Wednesday. The positives were that we went to one of the
best teams in the league and came away with what I believe was a well
deserved point. Hopefully we can build on that with a home game on Saturday
now."
Taylor was at the forefront of the Hammers' magnificent defensive effort
which yielded a 0-0 draw. The No14 made a game-high seven blocks to help
frustrate the hosts and he was thrilled to hold the Blues at bay. He added:
"As a team we showed great resilience in our last game. "You've got to
realise that going to Chelsea, you sometimes have to take the sting out of
the game. Chelsea have so much possession, so you have to stick in and get
your bodies on the line.
"What we did on Wednesday was put our bodies on the line and show our
passion and resilience for the shirt. That was important, we gave our fans
something to go home happy with. "You have to do that in games like this and
we're over the moon that we came away with a point."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll targets first goal
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll wants to notch his first goal of the season when West Ham
United take on Swansea City
31.01.2014
Andy Carroll would love to repeat his last Boleyn Ground outing against
Swansea City when the two teams go head-to-head on Saturday. The bog Geordie
headed the winner when Swansea visited E13 in February last year and another
three point haul would be much welcomed by Sam Allardyce. Carroll made his
first Barclays Premier League start since signing permanently for the Club
in midweek and feels ready to contribute more and more as he gains more
minutes under his belt. He told West Ham TV: "It has been great being back
around the lads and getting a few minutes on the pitch, and I'm looking
forward to starting again in the Premier League. "I can't wait to score my
first goal of the season, hopefully it comes on Saturday, "Scoring last year
against them was a good memory and hopefully I can do that again, to get on
the scoresheet again would be great. "I think we know how they're playing,
they're going to be passing it around and waiting for us to press them.
We've just got to see what the manager wants to do and work on his tactics
really. "The fans will be great for us on Saturday, they just have to get
behind us and lift the whole team."
Carroll has been happy with increasing his pitch time with each passing
game. He added: I thought I did alright at Chelsea, obviously I had a shot
before I came off, that I could've done better with. But I thought that I
put myself about and I felt good. "Obviously it's going to be hard for me,
not being fully match fit to go back out and do it all again, but I'm
confident that I'm feeling good and I felt good against Chelsea and in the
Manchester City game. Hopefully Saturday's exactly the same. "The body's
feeling surprisingly good, with all the work that I've been doing, before
training and before games and obviously in the games. So I'm feeling pretty
good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca on: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald looks ahead to Saturday's lunchtime kick-off
against Swansea City
31.01.2014
Assistant manager Neil McDonald is looking forward to locking horns with
Swansea City on Saturday, hopeful that West Ham United can build on
Wednesday's goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Chelsea.
In the interim, however, the Hammers will firstly negotiate transfer
deadline day, with Macca confident that the Club has already done some
excellent business this month.
Whether there are to be further additions or not, assistant boss McDonald
reckons that the return of key players from injury will add sufficient
pedigree to make for a much-improved second half of the campaign.
Neil, what's the latest on any prospective comings and goings?
NM: "It's all speculation. We're still looking to try and improve. I think
we've added to the squad excellently, so far this window, and if we can get
anybody else in it will be a bonus.
"We've got a goalscorer just coming back from injury in Andy Carroll. We've
got a goalscorer in Carlton Cole, who has been popping them in over the past
couple of months, so that's been really, really good and the competition for
places is getting much better with everybody coming back from injury.
"Mo Diame's an important member of the team at the moment for us and we want
all the important players to stay here with us to help us fight and get out
of the predicament that we're in. So hopefully he won't be going anywhere.
"As I said, we've recruited really well so far in the January window and if
there's one more we can get, whoever it may be, that would be fantastic. If
we don't, then we've still got a strong squad leading up until the end of
the season.
"We've got George McCartney coming back, he's had a bit of whiplash in his
neck, so he should be fit, which is great. And we've got Razvan Rat as well,
so there's two of them competing for Joey O'Brien's place."
What do you make of Swansea?
NM: "They're a fantastic footballing team, they keep the ball and move it
around the pitch pretty quickly, so we'll have to be well organised, just
like we were against Chelsea the other night. Then we've got to get on the
front foot a little quicker than we did on Wednesday, try to play the ball
forward into the right areas and exploit their weaknesses, which we've
worked on at the training ground."
Will it be '19th century football' at home this time?
NM: "It will be 21st century football, of course! Listen, tactics are
tactics, sometimes you go away from home and you have to try and do as much
as you possibly can. Certainly when you're playing against a top four team
you have to be defensively sound. You have to be well organised and we
certainly were. It's good to get under the skin of the top four teams so
that they can't have it their own way all the time."
What did you make of Jose Mourinho's comments?
NM: "If you go with an open, expansive team, nine times out of ten you're
going to get beaten at Chelsea We went with a game plan to frustrate and try
and hit them on the counter-attack. We did create a few chances to try and
score, so it wasn't as if we didn't put two passes together. As I said
before, it's always frustrating for a team that's at the top not to get
three points, especially at home and we certainly frustrated them all game.
Had a little bit of luck, good fortune as well, but we felt we certainly
deserved the point that we got."
What did it to the morale of the squad to come away from Stamford Bridge
with a point and a clean sheet as well?
NM: "The clean sheet's very, very important. The morale's been very, very
good, considering the position that we're in, in the league. Results like
that give you a huge amount of confidence, especially when everybody in the
whole of the footballing world didn't expect us to get anything and possibly
counting how many goals Chelsea were actually going to score and beat us by!
So everybody's well chuffed and looking forward to the next game to try and
add points to the board.
How important is it to make Wednesday's point count with another positive
result on Saturday?
NM: "Of course, we want to try and make that point count. If we can get
another three points or making sure that we don't get beaten, that's for
sure, and pick up another point, because you have to respect the point. But
we'll be chasing all three. We've played them this season, we've competed at
their place and got a good draw and we beat them at home last season, so why
can't we do that again?"
A lot of players coming back from injury, does the team need a lot of
regeneration?
NM: "I think the regeneration is the players coming back from injury. James
Collins is back, Winston Reid is very, very close. Ricardo Vaz Te is close
as well and Andy Carroll is getting plenty of time on the pitch at the
moment. If we can add other players to that, that will give strength to the
squad and good competition to take us on for the rest of the season."
How's Marco Borriello getting on?
NM: "Marco has been training the last few days and, along with Antonio, is
getting better. It remains to be seen whether he [Marco] starts, or whether
he's on the bench. But from what we've seen in training so far, he's looking
good, he's looking sharp. He can certainly finish and put the ball in the
back of the net in training, that's for sure, so if he gets a chance on
Saturday, I'm sure he'll do his best to put it in the back of the net for
us."
Is there added pressure on the team at home?
NM: "Well, the fans have been fantastic this season. I know we've had a few
defeats at home, but they've been fantastic home and away. We appreciate
their support and we're trying our best to put that form right. It's not for
want of trying and we've got some good home games coming up and we've got to
try and make as many points as we possibly can, and keep the fans onside,
which they have been all season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Guy Demel on holding Chelsea and the challenge of facing Swansea City's
'tank' Wilfried Bony
31.01.2014
Hello everybody,
I am happy to report that I hope everything is back to normal now following
my concussion, which I suffered at Cardiff City. I managed to play on
Wednesday at Chelsea and that means I'm back to normal. It was a sad and
hard moment for my family when it happened, but now I am back on track and I
am happy to be here! I need to keep working hard on my shape because
football is a really strange sport. When you are out for a week, you lose
your fitness, so I've been working hard with the fitness coach and the
training staff and will continue to do so. On Wednesday I managed to play 90
minutes. It wasn't an easy game but my team-mates helped me. When you play
against a team like Chelsea, you know they are going to have the ball so you
have to be strong defensively. I'm pretty happy with my return to the team.
You have to expect that sort of performance from one of the big teams in the
league, as you do from Manchester City, Manchester United or Arsenal. They
keep moving in the midfield and don't stay in one position, so you really
have to stay concentrated and strong as a team.
On Wednesday we got the clean sheet, but that was not just the back four,
but the whole team. You need your striker and midfield to be good and, to be
fair, our goalkeeper Adrian was superb. He made some important saves and
helped us to get the point. We play at home to Swansea on Saturday and it
will be really nice to get our home form back, because especially now we
need points. We need to be clinical when we play at home to get the points
on the board.
Against Swansea, it's going to be a hard game, but after Wednesday we have
more confidence. We have to keep working hard because in the Premier League
every game is different. You cannot expect, because you drew against
Chelsea, that you will necessarily win against Swansea. That said, it's in
our hands, so we need to do the job.
Swansea have one player who I know well in their striker Wilfried Bony, who
I have trained alongside with our national team Ivory Coast. Wilfried is a
really good striker and that's why he has made it to the national team. What
can I say about him? He's a tank! When you see his body, he is a tank, while
he is also technical, has a good finish and is smart, so we have to stop
him. We need to defend well as a team, and we have the ability to do that.
James Tomkins and James Collins played very well on Wednesday, while Winston
Reid could be back. No matter who plays, we have to get back to our
defensive shape and make sure Wilfried isn't going to shine on Saturday!
Have a good weekend!
Guy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer Deadline Day: Moncur & Buaben join Partick Thistle
BBC.co.uk
Partick Thistle have signed midfielders Prince Buaben and George Moncur on
loan for the rest of the season from Carlisle and West Ham respectively.
But winger Ross Forbes has been released and has joined Dunfermline. The
20-year-old Moncur has been capped by England at under-17 and under-18 level
and has played in two first-team games for the Hammers. Former Dundee United
midfielder Prince Buaben, 25, joined Carlisle in October after his summer
release from Watford. The Ghana international spent four seasons at
Tannadice and was in the United team that won the Scottish Cup in 2010. A
graduate of the famous Ajax Academy in Amsterdam, Buaben moved to Vicarge
Road in 2011. Meanwhile, 19-year-old striker James Martin has gone on loan
to Belgian Third Division club KV Turnhout. Liam Lindsay, an 18-year-old
Thistle defender, has been farmed out to Scottish Championship outfit Alloa
Athletic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Pablo Armero from Napoli
BBC.o.uk
West Ham have signed Napoli defender Pablo Armero on loan until the end of
the season. The 27-year-old Colombia attacking left-back has made 18
appearances for his Italian club this season, including in a 2-0 Champions
League victory over Arsenal. He joined Napoli in the summer following a
successful loan spell from Udinese last season. Armero swaps a team third in
Serie A for one 18th in the Premier League. He was allowed to leave Napoli
after they signed Algeria left-back Faouzi Ghoulam, 22, from St Etienne for
an undisclosed fee.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer window summary
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 31st January 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United failed to spend a single penny in transfer fees during the
January window - yet still managed to sign a host of new faces to boost the
club's chances of Premier League survival.
Youngster Jaanai Gordon was the first signing of the window, with his
pre-arranged transfer going through on the opening day of the month. The
first to impact upon the first team was Roger Johnson, who arrived from
League One Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 6.
The central defender's arrival was followed by the re-signing of Carlton
Cole, who agreed a new 18-month contract on January 15. Next through the
door was Italian midfielder Antonio Nocerino, who was followed a matter of
hours later by fellow countryman Marco Borriello - the duo both signing on
loan for the rest of the season (on January 25).
Yesterday, West Ham confirmed that former Manchester City youngster Abdul
Razak was being signed from Anzhi in Russia. The final piece of the jigsaw
came in the shape of Pablo Armero, who signed today on loan from Napoli
until the end of the campaign.
The only first team player leaving the club on a permanent basis this
January is Razvan Rat, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent.
Under 21 Pelly Ruddock has joined Luton Town on a full-time basis whilst
four further players leave the club on loan; Modibo Maiga to QPR, George
Moncur to Partick Thistle, Jordan Spence to MK Dons and Paul McCallum to
Hearts.
The January Transfer Window - Business (So Far)
In
Roger Johnson (Wolves) - free transfer
Carlton Cole - free transfer
Jaanai Gordon (Peterborough) - nominal/undisclosed fee
Antonio Nocerino (Milan) - loan for rest of season
Marco Borriello (Roma) - loan for rest of season
Abdul Razak (Anzhi) - free transfer
Pablo Armero (Napoli) - loan for rest of season
Out
George Moncur (Partick Thistle) - loan for rest of season
Jordan Spence (MK Dons) - loan for rest of season
Paul McCallum (Hearts) - loan for rest of season
Pelly Ruddock (Luton Town) - nominal/undisclosed fee
Razvan Rat - contract terminated
Modibo Maiga (Queens Park Rangers) - loan for rest of season
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea and Chico Flores braced for battle with Andy Carroll and '19th
century' West Ham
Jan 31, 2014 22:29 By Matt Lloyd 0
The Mirror
Chico Flores aims to prove a cut above Andy Carroll in their battle of the
barnets when the pony-tailed pair tangle at Upton Park on Saturday.
Swansea's volatile Spaniard allegedly threatened team-mate Garry Monk with a
BRICK two weeks ago, but the coiffured centre-back is more likely to be
brandishing a hairbrush when he faces West Ham striker Carroll. Flores, 26,
said: "Andy Carroll is a tall, strong and physical player, so he is very
difficult to play against.
"He gives West Ham more opportunities to score. He is their danger man and
we must stop him if we want to get another three points. It won't be easy,
but that's what I must do."
Swansea head to east London looking for their first back-to-back Premier
League wins this season after Flores sealed a 2-0 victory over Fulham in
mid-week - ending a run of eight league games without a win. He said: "I was
happy to score, but the three points were more important. We have some big
games coming up against sides in and around the bottom of the table. "West
Ham is another important one for us and we want to keep on winning. It is
important we focus throughout the 90 minutes and keep another clean sheet."
The Swans' manager Michael Laudrup insists they will not be bullied by West
Ham's "19th century" tactics. Laudrup refused to endorse Jose Mourinho's
damning verdict on the Hammers' tactics at Chelsea this week, but knows his
pint-sized players will have a job on their hands to handle big hitters such
as Carroll. "Every game is different, you have to play the way you think is
best for your team in each particular game," said the Dane. "West Ham did
that and they were brave. Yes, they defended inside their own box a lot but
they got a point at Chelsea where, under Mourinho, Chelsea have not lost for
a long time.
"We know it will be a tough game, not because of what they did at Chelsea
but because they are physically stronger than us and I'm sure they will try
to use that. We know what to expect from Carroll, Nolan, Tomkins, Collins,
Diame and others so it will be a tough afternoon."
Swansea are well aware they do not have the size to go toe-to-toe with the
Hammers, so Laudrup – who terrorised defences as a player with his speed and
skill – knows his team must box clever. He said: "We don't have many players
who can cope with the likes of Nolan and Carroll because they are so big and
strong so we have to be clever. If we sit back or concede too many free
kicks, West Ham will bombard us."
Nathan Dyer is ready to start his first game in almost two months after
coming off the bench against Fulham, and new-signing striker David Ngog will
be among the substitutes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham stars have big love for Big Sam Allardyce AND his controversial
tactics says assistant Neil McDonald
Jan 31, 2014 22:29 By Mirror Football
The Mirror
West Ham No.2 Neil McDonald has rejected criticism of their style and
insists all the club's players are behind manager Sam Allardyce. And the
Hammers' assistant manager also says they had a "huge smile on their face"
when Jose Mourinho slammed their playing style after Wednesday's 0-0 draw
with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. "It stings you when they say that you don't
care," McDonald said, ahead of Saturday's home match against Swansea.
"[Allardyce] knows what he's doing, his team is right behind him. The team
is battling for him. "We've had criticism this season, even off ex-players
who are saying we haven't got any fight and heart for the jersey. "We're
certainly showing that. The players are all together and the club are all
together, the supporters are still supporting the team and we need to move
up the league."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham release defender Razvan Rat just six months after arrival from
Shakhtar Donetsk
Jan 31, 2014 20:40 By Alex Richards
The Mirror
West Ham United have released Romanian defender Razvan Rat, just six months
after he joined the Hammers. Rat arrived at Upton Park in the summer
following a highly-successful, trophy-laden spell with Ukrainian club
Shakhtar Donetsk. However, he has struggled to show his best form in east
London, struggling with the physicality of the English game. And after
reaching an agreement with the club, has agreed to the early termination of
his contract, which had until June to run. The Hammers have swiftly swooped
to replace him, with Colombian Pablo Armero having joined on loan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Find all the important pre-match information ahead of Saturday's game
against Swansea City
31.01.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v SWANSEA CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2014
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: HOWARD WEBB
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST I INSTAGRAM I YOUTUBE
Match Sponsor
Introduction
• West Ham United entertain Swansea City in Saturday's early kick-off in the
Barclays Premier League, looking to record their first home win of 2014.
• The Hammers will be hoping to follow up a superb goalless draw against
Chelsea on Wednesday night with a first home league win since a 3-0 victory
against Fulham on 30 November 2013.
• Five home games have passed without a win since the triumph against
Fulham, with a 3-0 Capital One Cup semi-final second leg defeat to
Manchester City the team's last outing at the Boleyn Ground.
• Sam Allardyce's side also suffered a defeat in their last league match in
front of the home fans, going down 3-1 to Newcastle United on 18 January.
• Saturday's visitors Swansea City arrive on the back of scoring their first
league win in nine matches, having beaten Fulham 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium
on Tuesday night.
• The Swans have however gone five away league games without a win, their
last success on the road being a 2-1 victory against Fulham at Craven
Cottage.
• Michael Laudrup's team have risen to eleventh place in the Premier League
following their latest victory, five points above the Hammers.
Team news
West Ham United
• Joey O'Brien will miss the game after dislocating his shoulder in the 0-0
draw with Chelsea on Wednesday night. Mo Diame was also forced off against
the Blues with a suspected knee injury and it remains to be seen whether he
will feature.
• Winston Reid and Ricardo Vaz Te are back in full training and may be fit
enough to feature against the Swans.
Swansea City
• Garry Monk is a long-term absentee and will not feature against the
Hammers.
• Michu and Jose Canas are nearing a return following injuries but Saturday
may come too soon for them.
• Goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel is likely to continue to deputise in the
absence of Michel Vorm.
Last time out
Chelsea 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
29 January 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, O'Brien, Diame (Jarvis
30), Taylor, Noble, Nolan (Nocerino 80), Downing, Carroll (C Cole 64)
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, McCartney, Morrison, Borriello
Swansea City 2-0 Fulham
Barclays Premier League
28 January 2014
Swansea City: Tremmel, Rangel, Davies, Williams, Chico, De Guzman (Pozuelo
88), Hernandez (Dyer 58), Britton, Bony, Shelvey (Amat 79), Routledge
Subs not used: Taylor, Cornell, Lamah, Alvaro
Goals: Shelvey 61, Chico 75
Previous meeting
A wet and windy match at the Liberty Stadium ended in a goalless draw as
both sides toiled in the difficult conditions. Jussi Jaaskelainen made a
couple of great saves to preserve his fifth clean sheet of the campaign
whilst Ravel Morrison, Guy Demel, Mo Diame and Kevin Nolan were all guilty
of missing chances at the other end.
Swansea City: Vorm, Rangel, Chico, Williams, Taylor, De Guzman, Britton,
Dyer, Michu Routledge (Hernandez 61), Vazquez (Bony 66)
Subs not used: Tremmel, Amat, Tiendalli, Canas, Pozuelo
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Diame (C Cole 64),
Noble, Downing, Vaz Te (Jarvis 34), Morrison (J Cole 78), Nolan
Subs not used: Adrian, O'Brien, Maiga, Taylor
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
27 October 2013 Swansea City 0-0 West Ham United
2 February 2013 West Ham United 1-0 Swansea City
25 August 2012 Swansea City 3-0 West Ham United
13 January 1999 Swansea City 1-0 West Ham United (FA Cup Third Round Replay)
02 January 1999 West Ham United 1-1 Swansea City (FA Cup Third Round)
07 October 1985 Swansea City 2-3 West Ham United (League Cup Second Round
Second Leg)
Overall record v Swansea City (all competitions) W 26 D 13 L 17
Ten-year record
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
Swansea City
2012/13 Premier League 9th (46 points)
2011/12 Premier League 11th (47 points)
2010/11 Championship 3rd (80 points)
2009/10 Championship 7th (69 points)
2008/09 Championship 8th (68 points)
2007/08 League One 1st (92 points)
2006/07 League One 7th (72 points)
2005/06 League One 6th (71 points)
2004/05 League Two 3rd (80 points)
2003/04 League Two 10th (59 points)
Background
• West Ham United and Swansea City have met each other on 56 occasions with
the Hammers prevailing 26 times, Swansea triumphant on 17 occasions and 13
matches ending as draws.
• The clubs first met in an FA Cup first round tie at Vetch Field on 7
January 1922, when the Third Division Swans held the Second Division Hammers
to a 0-0 draw.
• That stalemate saw the sides meet again four day later - the first
encounter between the two at the Boleyn Ground - and again saw a draw, this
time finishing 1-1 with Vic Watson scoring for the home side.
• West Ham's biggest home win against their Welsh opponents came back on 18
January 1958, when Ted Fenton's team recorded a resounding 6-2 win in the
Second Division.
• Swansea have only ever enjoyed victory at the Boleyn Ground once, that win
coming on 25 August 1956 in a Division Two encounter.
• The last encounter between the clubs at the Boleyn Ground on 2 February
2013 ended in a West Ham win thanks to Andy Carroll netting the only goal of
the game 13 minutes from the end of the match.
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Howard Webb. Webb began officiating in
Yorkshire in 1989. He took charge of his first Barclays Premier League match
as a referee in October 2003 and has since been the man-in-the-middle for a
host of high-profile fixtures, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup final
between Spain and Holland in South Africa.
• He also refereed the 2012 npower Championship Play-Off final at Wembley,
when West Ham United beat Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley to secure promotion.
• Previously, Webb also refereed the 2005 FA Community Shield, 2006 FA
Trophy final and in the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championships, as well
as taking charge of his first UEFA Champions League match in 2006. The
former police officer was referee for the 2007 Carling Cup final and was
selected as England's representative at Euro 2008, taking charge of the
first match of the tournament between Austria and Poland and the Group D
fixture between Greece and eventual champions Spain.
• This season, Webb officiated the Hammers' opening Barclays Premier League
match against Cardiff City and the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, also at the
Boleyn Ground.
• Webb will be assisted on Saturday by Sian Massey, Scott Ledger and the
fourth official will be Jonathan Moss.
General information
• Tickets for Saturday's Kids for a Quid match are still available. To buy
tickets view our ticket page by clicking here.
• The weather forecast for Saturday afternoon is sunny intervals with
temperatures around 7C (44F).
• Click here for the latest travel news on TFL routes, here for Greater
Anglia services, and here for c2c services.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers snap up Armero
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed Colombia international Pablo Armero on loan
until the end of the season
31.01.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Colombia
international Pablo Armero on loan until the end of the 2013/14 season.
Left-back Armero joins the Hammers from Italian Serie A side SSC Napoli,
having previously starred for America Cali in his homeland, Brazilian side
Palmeiras and Italian club Udinese. A regular for his country, the
27-year-old has been capped 49 times and featured in all but one of
Colombia's 16 qualifiers as the South American nation reached the 2014 FIFA
World Cup finals. Born in the port city of Tumaco in south western Colombia,
Armero made more than 100 league appearances for America Cali before moving
to Palmeiras in 2009. The 5'9" left-back spent 18 months in São Paulo,
helping Palmeiras to reach the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and earning
himself a move to Europe in summer 2010. Armero's first season at Udinese in
2010/11 was hugely successful, with the defender helping The Little Zebras
to finish fourth in Serie A and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. He
was also voted into the Serie A Team of the Year. After starting regularly
for Udinese throughout the 2011/12 and opening weeks of the 2012/13 seasons,
Armero was loaned to Napoli in January 2013 before making the move permanent
last summer. After being used mainly as a substitute last season, the
defender has made nine Serie A starts this term. He also started four of
Napoli's six UEFA Champions League group-stage fixtures, including the 2-0
home win over Arsenal in December.
At international level, Armero has been a regular starter for Colombia since
making his senior debut in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying defeat in Chile
in September 2008. While Colombia narrowly missed out on qualification for
South Africa, Armero did feature at the 2011 Copa America, where 'Los
Cafeteros' reached the quarter-finals. The defender was an integral member
of Colombia's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, starting 14 of his
country's 16 matches as they finished as runners-up to Argentina. Barring
injury, he is almost certain to travel to Brazil.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo depart
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga has joined QPR on loan, while Razvan Rat has left the Club by
mutual consent
31.01.2014
West Ham United can confirm that striker Modibo Maiga has joined Sky Bet
Championship side Queens Park Rangers on loan for the remainder of the
2013/14 season. The deal includes the option of a permanent move to west
London at the end of the season. Maiga, 26, has scored once in 14 Barclays
Premier League games this term and has not featured since Andy Carroll's
return to fitness earlier this month. The Mali international joined the
Hammers in the summer of 2012 from French Ligue Un club Sochaux, having
previously played for Stade Malien in his homeland, Raja Casablanca in
Morocco and Le Havre after moving to France. He has played 39 games for the
Club, finding the net six times in total, with half of those goals coming in
Capital One Cup fixtures - including memorably in the Hammers' 2-1 victory
at Tottenham Hotspur in December. The Club can also confirm that Razvan Rat
has departed after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. The
Romanian left-back leaves the Boleyn Ground after making 20 appearances for
the Hammers since joining on a free transfer in July 2013. The Club would
like to thank Razvan for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future
career.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca relishing Laudrup duel
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald is looking forward to locking horns with
Swansea City boss Michael Laudrup
01.02.2014
Neil McDonald is looking forward to locking horns on Saturday with a man he
used to drool over during his playing days. Back in the 1980s, West Ham
United's assistant manager was a Newcastle United and Everton full-back and
a huge fan of Swansea City manager and former Juventus, Real Madrid,
Barcelona and Denmark attacker Michael Laudrup - a man considered to be his
country's greatest-ever player. While their paths never crossed on the
pitch, largely due to the ban on English clubs competing in European
competition, McDonald and Laudrup will face one another when West Ham host
Swansea in the Barclays Premier League this weekend. "He was a fantastic
player, wasn't he? Wow!" said McDonald, when asked about Laudrup. "For
somebody who played at the top level all the time, then to transfer that
into management and try to get the best out of his players, is fantastic.
"I've got a lot of admiration for him. I went to watch a match years ago at
Brondby and it was the first time I'd seen a manager with a leather jacket
and jeans on and I thought 'Wow! I wouldn't mind being a manager and looking
like that!" "He is in control of himself and knows what he is doing and I've
got a lot of respect for him."
Laudrup guided Swansea to ninth in the Barclays Premier League and League
Cup triumph in his first season with the club last term. This season,
Swansea are through to the UEFA Europa League last 32 and the FA Cup with
Budweiser fifth round, while a midweek win over Fulham has eased the Swans'
relegation fears. "As a manager, he has done very well," McDonald continued.
"He has won a cup and his team play some very good football. "We have taken
a point off them already this season and we are hoping to take another three
off them. It'll be a tough battle, that's for sure."
While West Ham may not pass the ball quite as often as Saturday's visitors,
McDonald moved to downplay Jose Mourinho's comments that West Ham played
'19th century football' against Chelsea in midweek. "I think, if you've been
to the majority of West Ham games, you can tell that we don't play like that
all the time! Jose doesn't come and watch us all the time, either! "We do
play some really good football and we have scored the majority of our goals
from open play, so I'd suggest we are not just a long-ball or defensive
team. We have a mixture and football is all about getting results, and it
doesn't matter how you get them. "At times, you have to be route-one and
sometimes you have to be expansive. We have a decent balance between those
styles. "There are lots of things we need to improve on this season -
attacking, scoring more goals and trying to keep more clean sheets - but we
have kept ten clean sheets this season and we just need to score more
goals."
Speaking on Friday morning ahead of the closure of the transfer window,
McDonald revealed that Ivory Coast midfielder Abdoul Razak has settled
quickly into training with his new team-mates. The 22-year-old has joined on
a short-term contract and will look to make his mark over the coming weeks.
"He has come in and trained with the rest of the boys and looked quite
bright and decent on the ball. He is a midfield player which gives us good
competition for places and we'll see how he develops over the next couple of
weeks with his match-fitness and getting up to pace."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We need to build momentum'
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor wants the Hammers to build on their point at Chelses when they
face Swansea on Saturday
01.02.2014
Matt Taylor says the Hammers are focused solely on themselves as they enter
a crucial period of the season. West Ham United take on Swansea City at the
Boleyn Ground in the early kick-off on Saturday, knowing that a victory will
take them out of the bottom three. Taylor says that is all the Hammers are
thinking about - and not what the other teams at the bottom of the Barclays
Premier League may, or may not, achieve. He said: "We're not too worried
about everybody else outside the football club - everyone would probably
have suggested that we'd have gone to Chelsea and it would be a case of how
many they'd win by. "But we went there, proved a lot of people wrong and now
we need to take some momentum into Swansea and pick up three vital points.
"We need to make sure we score more goals, but we have to take the positives
from Chelsea on Wednesday. The positives were that we went to one of the
best teams in the league and came away with what I believe was a well
deserved point. Hopefully we can build on that with a home game on Saturday
now."
Taylor was at the forefront of the Hammers' magnificent defensive effort
which yielded a 0-0 draw. The No14 made a game-high seven blocks to help
frustrate the hosts and he was thrilled to hold the Blues at bay. He added:
"As a team we showed great resilience in our last game. "You've got to
realise that going to Chelsea, you sometimes have to take the sting out of
the game. Chelsea have so much possession, so you have to stick in and get
your bodies on the line.
"What we did on Wednesday was put our bodies on the line and show our
passion and resilience for the shirt. That was important, we gave our fans
something to go home happy with. "You have to do that in games like this and
we're over the moon that we came away with a point."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll targets first goal
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll wants to notch his first goal of the season when West Ham
United take on Swansea City
31.01.2014
Andy Carroll would love to repeat his last Boleyn Ground outing against
Swansea City when the two teams go head-to-head on Saturday. The bog Geordie
headed the winner when Swansea visited E13 in February last year and another
three point haul would be much welcomed by Sam Allardyce. Carroll made his
first Barclays Premier League start since signing permanently for the Club
in midweek and feels ready to contribute more and more as he gains more
minutes under his belt. He told West Ham TV: "It has been great being back
around the lads and getting a few minutes on the pitch, and I'm looking
forward to starting again in the Premier League. "I can't wait to score my
first goal of the season, hopefully it comes on Saturday, "Scoring last year
against them was a good memory and hopefully I can do that again, to get on
the scoresheet again would be great. "I think we know how they're playing,
they're going to be passing it around and waiting for us to press them.
We've just got to see what the manager wants to do and work on his tactics
really. "The fans will be great for us on Saturday, they just have to get
behind us and lift the whole team."
Carroll has been happy with increasing his pitch time with each passing
game. He added: I thought I did alright at Chelsea, obviously I had a shot
before I came off, that I could've done better with. But I thought that I
put myself about and I felt good. "Obviously it's going to be hard for me,
not being fully match fit to go back out and do it all again, but I'm
confident that I'm feeling good and I felt good against Chelsea and in the
Manchester City game. Hopefully Saturday's exactly the same. "The body's
feeling surprisingly good, with all the work that I've been doing, before
training and before games and obviously in the games. So I'm feeling pretty
good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca on: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald looks ahead to Saturday's lunchtime kick-off
against Swansea City
31.01.2014
Assistant manager Neil McDonald is looking forward to locking horns with
Swansea City on Saturday, hopeful that West Ham United can build on
Wednesday's goalless Barclays Premier League draw at Chelsea.
In the interim, however, the Hammers will firstly negotiate transfer
deadline day, with Macca confident that the Club has already done some
excellent business this month.
Whether there are to be further additions or not, assistant boss McDonald
reckons that the return of key players from injury will add sufficient
pedigree to make for a much-improved second half of the campaign.
Neil, what's the latest on any prospective comings and goings?
NM: "It's all speculation. We're still looking to try and improve. I think
we've added to the squad excellently, so far this window, and if we can get
anybody else in it will be a bonus.
"We've got a goalscorer just coming back from injury in Andy Carroll. We've
got a goalscorer in Carlton Cole, who has been popping them in over the past
couple of months, so that's been really, really good and the competition for
places is getting much better with everybody coming back from injury.
"Mo Diame's an important member of the team at the moment for us and we want
all the important players to stay here with us to help us fight and get out
of the predicament that we're in. So hopefully he won't be going anywhere.
"As I said, we've recruited really well so far in the January window and if
there's one more we can get, whoever it may be, that would be fantastic. If
we don't, then we've still got a strong squad leading up until the end of
the season.
"We've got George McCartney coming back, he's had a bit of whiplash in his
neck, so he should be fit, which is great. And we've got Razvan Rat as well,
so there's two of them competing for Joey O'Brien's place."
What do you make of Swansea?
NM: "They're a fantastic footballing team, they keep the ball and move it
around the pitch pretty quickly, so we'll have to be well organised, just
like we were against Chelsea the other night. Then we've got to get on the
front foot a little quicker than we did on Wednesday, try to play the ball
forward into the right areas and exploit their weaknesses, which we've
worked on at the training ground."
Will it be '19th century football' at home this time?
NM: "It will be 21st century football, of course! Listen, tactics are
tactics, sometimes you go away from home and you have to try and do as much
as you possibly can. Certainly when you're playing against a top four team
you have to be defensively sound. You have to be well organised and we
certainly were. It's good to get under the skin of the top four teams so
that they can't have it their own way all the time."
What did you make of Jose Mourinho's comments?
NM: "If you go with an open, expansive team, nine times out of ten you're
going to get beaten at Chelsea We went with a game plan to frustrate and try
and hit them on the counter-attack. We did create a few chances to try and
score, so it wasn't as if we didn't put two passes together. As I said
before, it's always frustrating for a team that's at the top not to get
three points, especially at home and we certainly frustrated them all game.
Had a little bit of luck, good fortune as well, but we felt we certainly
deserved the point that we got."
What did it to the morale of the squad to come away from Stamford Bridge
with a point and a clean sheet as well?
NM: "The clean sheet's very, very important. The morale's been very, very
good, considering the position that we're in, in the league. Results like
that give you a huge amount of confidence, especially when everybody in the
whole of the footballing world didn't expect us to get anything and possibly
counting how many goals Chelsea were actually going to score and beat us by!
So everybody's well chuffed and looking forward to the next game to try and
add points to the board.
How important is it to make Wednesday's point count with another positive
result on Saturday?
NM: "Of course, we want to try and make that point count. If we can get
another three points or making sure that we don't get beaten, that's for
sure, and pick up another point, because you have to respect the point. But
we'll be chasing all three. We've played them this season, we've competed at
their place and got a good draw and we beat them at home last season, so why
can't we do that again?"
A lot of players coming back from injury, does the team need a lot of
regeneration?
NM: "I think the regeneration is the players coming back from injury. James
Collins is back, Winston Reid is very, very close. Ricardo Vaz Te is close
as well and Andy Carroll is getting plenty of time on the pitch at the
moment. If we can add other players to that, that will give strength to the
squad and good competition to take us on for the rest of the season."
How's Marco Borriello getting on?
NM: "Marco has been training the last few days and, along with Antonio, is
getting better. It remains to be seen whether he [Marco] starts, or whether
he's on the bench. But from what we've seen in training so far, he's looking
good, he's looking sharp. He can certainly finish and put the ball in the
back of the net in training, that's for sure, so if he gets a chance on
Saturday, I'm sure he'll do his best to put it in the back of the net for
us."
Is there added pressure on the team at home?
NM: "Well, the fans have been fantastic this season. I know we've had a few
defeats at home, but they've been fantastic home and away. We appreciate
their support and we're trying our best to put that form right. It's not for
want of trying and we've got some good home games coming up and we've got to
try and make as many points as we possibly can, and keep the fans onside,
which they have been all season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Guy Demel on holding Chelsea and the challenge of facing Swansea City's
'tank' Wilfried Bony
31.01.2014
Hello everybody,
I am happy to report that I hope everything is back to normal now following
my concussion, which I suffered at Cardiff City. I managed to play on
Wednesday at Chelsea and that means I'm back to normal. It was a sad and
hard moment for my family when it happened, but now I am back on track and I
am happy to be here! I need to keep working hard on my shape because
football is a really strange sport. When you are out for a week, you lose
your fitness, so I've been working hard with the fitness coach and the
training staff and will continue to do so. On Wednesday I managed to play 90
minutes. It wasn't an easy game but my team-mates helped me. When you play
against a team like Chelsea, you know they are going to have the ball so you
have to be strong defensively. I'm pretty happy with my return to the team.
You have to expect that sort of performance from one of the big teams in the
league, as you do from Manchester City, Manchester United or Arsenal. They
keep moving in the midfield and don't stay in one position, so you really
have to stay concentrated and strong as a team.
On Wednesday we got the clean sheet, but that was not just the back four,
but the whole team. You need your striker and midfield to be good and, to be
fair, our goalkeeper Adrian was superb. He made some important saves and
helped us to get the point. We play at home to Swansea on Saturday and it
will be really nice to get our home form back, because especially now we
need points. We need to be clinical when we play at home to get the points
on the board.
Against Swansea, it's going to be a hard game, but after Wednesday we have
more confidence. We have to keep working hard because in the Premier League
every game is different. You cannot expect, because you drew against
Chelsea, that you will necessarily win against Swansea. That said, it's in
our hands, so we need to do the job.
Swansea have one player who I know well in their striker Wilfried Bony, who
I have trained alongside with our national team Ivory Coast. Wilfried is a
really good striker and that's why he has made it to the national team. What
can I say about him? He's a tank! When you see his body, he is a tank, while
he is also technical, has a good finish and is smart, so we have to stop
him. We need to defend well as a team, and we have the ability to do that.
James Tomkins and James Collins played very well on Wednesday, while Winston
Reid could be back. No matter who plays, we have to get back to our
defensive shape and make sure Wilfried isn't going to shine on Saturday!
Have a good weekend!
Guy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer Deadline Day: Moncur & Buaben join Partick Thistle
BBC.co.uk
Partick Thistle have signed midfielders Prince Buaben and George Moncur on
loan for the rest of the season from Carlisle and West Ham respectively.
But winger Ross Forbes has been released and has joined Dunfermline. The
20-year-old Moncur has been capped by England at under-17 and under-18 level
and has played in two first-team games for the Hammers. Former Dundee United
midfielder Prince Buaben, 25, joined Carlisle in October after his summer
release from Watford. The Ghana international spent four seasons at
Tannadice and was in the United team that won the Scottish Cup in 2010. A
graduate of the famous Ajax Academy in Amsterdam, Buaben moved to Vicarge
Road in 2011. Meanwhile, 19-year-old striker James Martin has gone on loan
to Belgian Third Division club KV Turnhout. Liam Lindsay, an 18-year-old
Thistle defender, has been farmed out to Scottish Championship outfit Alloa
Athletic.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Pablo Armero from Napoli
BBC.o.uk
West Ham have signed Napoli defender Pablo Armero on loan until the end of
the season. The 27-year-old Colombia attacking left-back has made 18
appearances for his Italian club this season, including in a 2-0 Champions
League victory over Arsenal. He joined Napoli in the summer following a
successful loan spell from Udinese last season. Armero swaps a team third in
Serie A for one 18th in the Premier League. He was allowed to leave Napoli
after they signed Algeria left-back Faouzi Ghoulam, 22, from St Etienne for
an undisclosed fee.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer window summary
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 31st January 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United failed to spend a single penny in transfer fees during the
January window - yet still managed to sign a host of new faces to boost the
club's chances of Premier League survival.
Youngster Jaanai Gordon was the first signing of the window, with his
pre-arranged transfer going through on the opening day of the month. The
first to impact upon the first team was Roger Johnson, who arrived from
League One Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 6.
The central defender's arrival was followed by the re-signing of Carlton
Cole, who agreed a new 18-month contract on January 15. Next through the
door was Italian midfielder Antonio Nocerino, who was followed a matter of
hours later by fellow countryman Marco Borriello - the duo both signing on
loan for the rest of the season (on January 25).
Yesterday, West Ham confirmed that former Manchester City youngster Abdul
Razak was being signed from Anzhi in Russia. The final piece of the jigsaw
came in the shape of Pablo Armero, who signed today on loan from Napoli
until the end of the campaign.
The only first team player leaving the club on a permanent basis this
January is Razvan Rat, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent.
Under 21 Pelly Ruddock has joined Luton Town on a full-time basis whilst
four further players leave the club on loan; Modibo Maiga to QPR, George
Moncur to Partick Thistle, Jordan Spence to MK Dons and Paul McCallum to
Hearts.
The January Transfer Window - Business (So Far)
In
Roger Johnson (Wolves) - free transfer
Carlton Cole - free transfer
Jaanai Gordon (Peterborough) - nominal/undisclosed fee
Antonio Nocerino (Milan) - loan for rest of season
Marco Borriello (Roma) - loan for rest of season
Abdul Razak (Anzhi) - free transfer
Pablo Armero (Napoli) - loan for rest of season
Out
George Moncur (Partick Thistle) - loan for rest of season
Jordan Spence (MK Dons) - loan for rest of season
Paul McCallum (Hearts) - loan for rest of season
Pelly Ruddock (Luton Town) - nominal/undisclosed fee
Razvan Rat - contract terminated
Modibo Maiga (Queens Park Rangers) - loan for rest of season
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea and Chico Flores braced for battle with Andy Carroll and '19th
century' West Ham
Jan 31, 2014 22:29 By Matt Lloyd 0
The Mirror
Chico Flores aims to prove a cut above Andy Carroll in their battle of the
barnets when the pony-tailed pair tangle at Upton Park on Saturday.
Swansea's volatile Spaniard allegedly threatened team-mate Garry Monk with a
BRICK two weeks ago, but the coiffured centre-back is more likely to be
brandishing a hairbrush when he faces West Ham striker Carroll. Flores, 26,
said: "Andy Carroll is a tall, strong and physical player, so he is very
difficult to play against.
"He gives West Ham more opportunities to score. He is their danger man and
we must stop him if we want to get another three points. It won't be easy,
but that's what I must do."
Swansea head to east London looking for their first back-to-back Premier
League wins this season after Flores sealed a 2-0 victory over Fulham in
mid-week - ending a run of eight league games without a win. He said: "I was
happy to score, but the three points were more important. We have some big
games coming up against sides in and around the bottom of the table. "West
Ham is another important one for us and we want to keep on winning. It is
important we focus throughout the 90 minutes and keep another clean sheet."
The Swans' manager Michael Laudrup insists they will not be bullied by West
Ham's "19th century" tactics. Laudrup refused to endorse Jose Mourinho's
damning verdict on the Hammers' tactics at Chelsea this week, but knows his
pint-sized players will have a job on their hands to handle big hitters such
as Carroll. "Every game is different, you have to play the way you think is
best for your team in each particular game," said the Dane. "West Ham did
that and they were brave. Yes, they defended inside their own box a lot but
they got a point at Chelsea where, under Mourinho, Chelsea have not lost for
a long time.
"We know it will be a tough game, not because of what they did at Chelsea
but because they are physically stronger than us and I'm sure they will try
to use that. We know what to expect from Carroll, Nolan, Tomkins, Collins,
Diame and others so it will be a tough afternoon."
Swansea are well aware they do not have the size to go toe-to-toe with the
Hammers, so Laudrup – who terrorised defences as a player with his speed and
skill – knows his team must box clever. He said: "We don't have many players
who can cope with the likes of Nolan and Carroll because they are so big and
strong so we have to be clever. If we sit back or concede too many free
kicks, West Ham will bombard us."
Nathan Dyer is ready to start his first game in almost two months after
coming off the bench against Fulham, and new-signing striker David Ngog will
be among the substitutes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham stars have big love for Big Sam Allardyce AND his controversial
tactics says assistant Neil McDonald
Jan 31, 2014 22:29 By Mirror Football
The Mirror
West Ham No.2 Neil McDonald has rejected criticism of their style and
insists all the club's players are behind manager Sam Allardyce. And the
Hammers' assistant manager also says they had a "huge smile on their face"
when Jose Mourinho slammed their playing style after Wednesday's 0-0 draw
with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. "It stings you when they say that you don't
care," McDonald said, ahead of Saturday's home match against Swansea.
"[Allardyce] knows what he's doing, his team is right behind him. The team
is battling for him. "We've had criticism this season, even off ex-players
who are saying we haven't got any fight and heart for the jersey. "We're
certainly showing that. The players are all together and the club are all
together, the supporters are still supporting the team and we need to move
up the league."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham release defender Razvan Rat just six months after arrival from
Shakhtar Donetsk
Jan 31, 2014 20:40 By Alex Richards
The Mirror
West Ham United have released Romanian defender Razvan Rat, just six months
after he joined the Hammers. Rat arrived at Upton Park in the summer
following a highly-successful, trophy-laden spell with Ukrainian club
Shakhtar Donetsk. However, he has struggled to show his best form in east
London, struggling with the physicality of the English game. And after
reaching an agreement with the club, has agreed to the early termination of
his contract, which had until June to run. The Hammers have swiftly swooped
to replace him, with Colombian Pablo Armero having joined on loan.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
