Stewart savours Spurs strike
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing bagged his first Hammers goal as he played a pivotal part in
victory over Tottenham
04.05.2014
Stewart Downing's first West Ham United goal may have been a long time
coming but was certainly worth the wait. The 29-year-old curled an
inch-perfect free-kick through Tottenham Hotspur's fragmented wall to double
the Hammers' advantage on the stroke of half-time. Ironically, an earlier
contribution was probably the more telling one. With the deadlock still to
be broken, Downing burst clear of Danny Rose, before being tripped by last
man Younes Kaboul who saw red for his troubles. All in all, a thoroughly
successful outing for West Ham's No23 and one that he says bodes well for
next season. He told West Ham TV: "I left it late but I think it was a good
time to score. Not only personally, but for the team, the way we were
playing we needed to get off to a good start. We got the early goal and the
'keeper made some unbelievable saves. I thought it could have been more. "It
was a really good day and the atmosphere was unbelievable. We played some
great football. We have to take that into next season, performances like
that, on the front foot, pressing teams. Spurs have got some unbelievable
players and on Saturday we pressed them and they made a lot of mistakes.
That's got to be the platform."
It was Downing himself who established the platform on Saturday, as his
surge toward goal culminated in the dismissal of Kaboul. The winger was in
no doubt that referee Phil Dowd had produced the right card, having been
denied the opportunity to pull the trigger. "When the ball broke to me, I've
just tried to cut across," he explained. "I got across Rose, I've seen
Kaboul and he's obviously tripped me. If he doesn't foul me I get a shot at
goal, so I don't think there's any argument. It was a sending off. "I don't
think any of their players argued too much, apart from Kaboul himself. He's
last man, it's a sending off. It would have been nice if we'd have scored
from the free-kick, but it wasn't to be. It obviously helped us with them
down to ten men as well."
As for his long-awaited goal, Downing insists that parting Tottenham's wall
was no fluke, having earlier spotted a similar breach. He continued: "We'd
seen it in the first one with Andy, they were turning and jumping. So if it
gets through a gap, it's in, because the keeper's unsighted. "We always
stress don't jump and don't turn your back, because you see so many goals go
under, or go through. That's what I tried to do, hit it through the wall and
get it through the gap, because from that distance it's quite hard to get it
up and down, especially against a 'keeper of that quality. "I did leave it
late but it was nice to get one on Saturday, especially against a local
rival and the big thing was that we won the game."
Though Downing will rightly take the plaudits, the winger reserved special
praise for manager Sam Allardyce, as preparations begin for a third
successive season in the Barclays Premier League. "Sam has been calm. The
manager's taken a lot of stick, but he's been around the block and knows how
to handle these situations. "I think he's done ever so well this season in
the circumstances that have been put in front of him. We've missed key men
at times, but I thought on Saturday it all came together. With players back
to fitness we played some really good football. It's a good send-off for the
fans, I'm sure they're happy and [we want] more of that next season."
But before next season comes firmly into focus, West Ham could yet have a
say in the title race, with Downing keen to throw a spanner in the works at
Manchester City. "We're comfortable in a good position and we can go there,
play football and do other teams a favour. The pressure's on City to win
their games and you never know! We can beat anyone on our day. We've proven
that on Saturday, so we can do it again. "It's going to be a good atmosphere
up at City and I'm really looking forward to it. They're a top team, but
that's what you want to do, test yourself, and I think we owe them a good
performance!"
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Demel's delight at home finale
WHUFC.com
Guy Demel was ecstatic to have secured three points in the Club's final home
game of the season
04.05.2014
Guy Demel was delighted to reward the Boleyn Ground crowd with West Ham
United's third win of the season against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, in
the Club's final home game of the campaign. The home side were dominant from
start to finish, with first half goals from Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing
sinking Spurs after Younes Kaboul had been given his marching orders.
Victory in east London followed two wins at White Hart Lane earlier in the
season and Demel was delighted to have made it three in a row with a win at
the Boleyn Ground. He told West Ham TV: "It's great for the team to give the
fans a performance like that for the last game at home. "It's really great,
also the fact that we're now mathematically safe, so it's really good. It's
a happy end to what has been a hard season, in which we've showed character.
"A couple of weeks ago I said to the lads that I was sure the game against
Tottenham would be like a final for us, so it was important to win. We
showed a lot of character. It showed we are really together as a team."
The comprehensive home victory means the Hammers have now put together three
straight wins against their fierce rivals for the first time since 1998 and
'99.
And as well as earning more bragging rights for the Hammers faithful, the
win also secured West Ham United's place in the Barclays Premier League for
next season, a fact Demel was quick to point out. "I think that we should
play Tottenham all year! It's really good, I know it means a lot to West Ham
and the club's history and it's always great when you win a derby game. "The
most important thing was to make sure that we were secure for next season."
After the final whistle on Saturday there were joyous scenes on the pitch as
the Hammers embarked on a lap of honour, with a large proportion of the
crowd staying behind to clap the team. Demel admitted it had been a tough
season for the Club, but was pleased that backing from the stands continued
during the good times and the bad. "The support from the fans has been
really good all season. There were some disappointments this season and some
reactions, but at the end of the day that isnormal. "They always back us
whether we are home or away. On Saturday, they were fantastic all the way
through. It was nice to give them a bit of happiness back, and I'm sure
they'll remember these wins for a long time."
The Ivory Coast international was also pleased that the Club have stayed
united through the testing parts of the campaign and believes the experience
in the side helped them to secure top-flight football for another season. "I
think that we started the season playing good football, but we didn't win
many football games and then we had a lot of injuries and we started losing
games. "We found ourselves in a really tricky situation, but when we had to
win those four games in February to make sure we were comfortable and we did
it. "It's what you get when you have experienced players with lots of
character. It wasn't easy, we made it look easy, but it wasn't easy. It's
never easy against Tottenham. We played well as a team and it was a great
result."
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Mourinho blew the title, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 4th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has criticised Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for failing to
beat relegation favourites Norwich City today and all but conceding the
Premier League title to either Manchester City or Liverpool. Big Sam, who
masterminded West Ham's 2-0 win over neighbours Tottenham at the Boleyn
Ground yesterday was speaking after this afternoon's match between the Blues
and the Canaries which ended in a goalless draw. The result and resulting
solitary point effectively ends Chelsea's hopes of a trophy this season -
whilst virtually condemning City to the drop. And Allardyce - who Mourinho
claimed was responsible for playing "19th century football" following the
goalless draw between West Ham and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January -
was delighted at the opportunity to have a dig at his old adversary. "Jose
[Mourinho] played open expansive football with Mata, Oscar and Hazard - and
kept losing. It's a simple as that," said Allardyce this afternoon. "He
should have won the Premier League this year. He more than anybody else has
thrown the League away."
Speaking in reply to Mourinho's comments back in January, Big Sam retorted:
"He can't take it because we've tactically outwitted him. I love to see
Chelsea players moaning at the referee, trying to intimidate him, Jose
jumping up and down saying we play crap football. It's brilliant when you
get a result against him."
Chelsea's opponents today, Norwich City remain in 18th place despite taking
an unexpected point at Stamford Bridge. The Canaries must now win at home to
Arsenal next Sunday and hope that Sunderland lose both of their remaining
matches if they are to avoid the drop. Cardiff and Fulham were relegated
yesterday following their defeats against Newcastle and Stoke respectively.
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Sunderland still hoping Jack Colback and Phil Bardsley could yet stay
Last Updated: 04/05/14 12:02pm
SSN
Sunderland are set to re-open talks with Jack Colback and Phil Bardsley over
new deals after they pushed towards Premier League safety. While the Black
Cats were entrenched in the Premier League's bottom-three, they had conceded
that they would not be keeping either Colback or Bardsley - but they now
look likely to stay up which means they are ready to try and retain the duo.
With nine players out of contract this summer, Gus Poyet is set to bid
farewell to a host of players - but he wants Colback and Bardsley to remain,
who have both attracted interest from a number of Premier League rivals.
Sunderland's arch-rivals Newcastle United have shown an interest in Colback
along with Everton, whilst West Ham are thought to be keen on Bardsley - but
now new talks will commence. Sky Sports revealed last month that Colback had
not ruled out the prospect of staying at the Stadium of Light, and that
could yet be the case. After winning at Manchester United, which virtually
seals their place in the Premier League - Poyet confirmed that they will be
looking at again at the Colback and Bardsley situations. "We had
conversations with Jack and Phil, which did not work out the way anyone
hoped, so we decided to put an end to those talks," said Poyet. "But the
idea now is to leave it until we know for sure where we will be next season
and then maybe talk again. "It's a few more days to wait to know the outcome
of the season - it's not months - and it's better for them and better for
us."
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Sam Allardyce plotting busy summer at West Ham
Last Updated: 04/05/14 2:42pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is expecting a busy summer at West Ham as he looks to
strenghthen his squad ahead of next season. The Hammers secured their top
division place on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Tottenham that lifted some of
the gloom around the club. Allardyce's position has come under intense
scrutiny in recent weeks, with fans showing their disapproval at his
tactics, but he is ignoring the criticism and getting ready to improve his
squad before next season kicks off.
"Some preparations are in place without being secured, particularly
pre-season," Allardyce said. "Players' contracts now will be discussed
between myself and owners as quickly as possible. "We will talk to the
players and then it is recruitment time - what can we find, who can we find
and how can we make the squad possible? That is the ultimate goal for me in
the summer months. "I am never not busy in the transfer window - don't worry
about that. "It is probably the only time I like social media like emails
and Skype. You don't have to be in your office like the old days, you can do
it while you are sat in the sun and communicate between everybody. "When
needed you can come back into the club and meet whoever you need to meet and
talk to whoever you need to talk to and hopefully finalise as many deals as
quickly as we can. "I say that every year, but we will probably be waiting
for players until the end of August, but as long as can get them in the end
and they are the right quality that will be fine."
Morrison
Among his summer thoughts will be the future of Ravel Morrison, who
impressed early in the season and has excelled since being sent out on loan
to Championship playoff hopefuls QPR after a mid-season slump. "He is
available for QPR's play-offs. We did the loan deal with (QPR manager) Harry
(Redknapp) and obviously he has changed the team an awful lot to rest his
key players for the first play-offs," Allardyce added when asked why
Morrison was at Upton Park on Saturday rather than playing for QPR. "If
Ravel does a good job he will be back with us next year and he will have a
big pre-season with us and see where we will go from there."
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THE CUP HEROES OF 1964: THEY MADE US PROUD
By Tony McDonald 4 May 2014 at 08:57
West Ham Till I Die
The achievements of the Men of '64 cannot be over-estimated, least of all on
this 50th anniversary of their 1964 FA Cup Final victory against Preston
North End.
Ron Greenwood's all-English Hammers twice came from behind to win one of the
most entertaining finals in the competition's rich history, although second
division Preston played their part, too, and rightly considered themselves
unfortunate to lose 3-2 to Ronnie Boyce's injury-time winner.
Although Hammers had won the second division championship under Ted Fenton
in 1958, it was Greenwood – the innovative and archetypal track suit manager
– who inherited the excellent groundwork of the 50s Academy and built on it
to put the club on the map with back-to-back Wembley cup triumphs in the
mid-60s.
In recent weeks I've again had the pleasure of meeting up with six of the
eight West Ham survivors from the '64 final: John Sissons (who was over from
South Africa to attend his mother Emily's 100th birthday in Surrey),
match-winning hero Boyce, Ken Brown, Eddie Bovington, Peter Brabrook and
Jack Burkett.
As well as interviewing them for the latest commemorative issue of EX
magazine, I filmed them for our commemorative double-disc West Ham Cup
Legends 1964 DVD. What comes across on camera as they recall those
unprecedented glory days is the pride, honour and humility with which they
enjoyed their best times in a claret and blue shirt.
It's refreshing to hear them speak with enduring affection about this golden
era and you can't help but feel yourself being transported back in time to a
much simpler age when values and principles were to be cherished and
preserved – not qualities you would readily associate with the
financially-driven, cynical excesses of modern football or, indeed, life
itself in the 21st century.
Jack Burkett recalls how, after the homecoming parade on the morning after
the final, he and his then girlfriend Ann travelled back to their respective
homes in north London by tube and bus. "I didn't own a car at the time, so I
had to travel on London Transport with my medal tucked inside my jacket
pocket and yet no-one even recognised me," says the former left-back, who
admits if the final had been played today he would have been red-carded
following a series of scything tackles on Preston winger Davie Wilson in the
early, nervy stages of the final.
"But the ref, Mr Arthur Holland, just came by me and gave me a warning. 'You
don't want to be the first player to be sent off in the Cup final, do you?'
he said. I was nearly sick with worry at the thought of being sent off,"
Burkett added. "That was the difference – in those days players and referees
would talk to each other."
What a pity, then, that Jack – now 71 and battling to cope with skin cancer,
a recurring back problem that stems from his West Ham playing days and
having recovered from a recent heart attack – reached the stage last year
when he decided to sell both his FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup shirts
and medals to raise the money to pay off his mortgage.
John Sissons, the flying left-winger who shrugged off prostate cancer a
decade ago, didn't have the option to cash in his most prized possessions.
His two winners' medals were stolen from his Cape Town home some years ago.
Sissons, the flying left-winger and 'baby' of the team who, at 18, became
the youngest FA Cup goalscorer when he drilled home West Ham's first
equaliser, recalls the financial rewards of being a history-maker. "My basic
weekly wage doubled from £15 to £30 after the final and it went up to £50 by
the following Christmas – the most I ever earned at West Ham before I left
to join Sheffield Wednesday in 1970.
"We also made about £600 from the players' pool – and I spent my money on a
new Morris 1100 car!"
In those days, players didn't have the luxury of lavish long-term contracts
enjoyed by the likes of Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan. Ron Boyce had scored
two goals in the shock semi-final victory against holders Manchester United
(who were going for the treble of league title, FA Cup and ECWC at the time)
before his headed winner that sunk plucky Preston but, like his team-mates,
'Ticker' was effectively out of contract as soon as the final whistle blew
at Wembley on the greatest day of his career.
When he didn't rush straight up to Greenwood's office at the Boleyn Ground
to re-sign on the dotted line for the following season, club secretary Eddie
Chapman was quoted in the local press as suggesting that Boyce was
prevaricating and using his new-found status as FA Cup hero to hold out for
more money. It was all nonsense, of course, and Ron remained a West Ham
player until he hung up his boots after a well-earned testimonial in 1972,
before joining the coaching staff.
Ronnie made 339 senior appearances for his beloved Hammers and by the time
he had served as first team coach, youth coach and chief scout, he'd given
all 37 years of his working life to the club before being unceremoniously
sacked in 1995. His reward for such loyal and distinguished service? A
pitiful £5,000 (five thousand pounds) severance pay-off – and he even had to
haggle with MD Peter Storrie to get as much as that.
You couldn't blame 'Boycey' for feeling a tad bitter at the way he was
treated so disgracefully by the only club he ever worked for (Bovington
being the only other one-club man from the Men of '64). But as we chat in
the peace and tranquillity of his Norfolk farmhouse, the love he still has
for West Ham United comes shining through when he says: "They will always be
my club; West Ham's result is still the first one I look for."
Eight members of the '64 team came through the junior ranks at Upton Park.
The hugely gifted Johnny Byrne, goalkeeper Jim Standen and tricky
right-winger Peter Brabrook were the three who cost a fee. In Braaders'
case, West Ham paid £35,000 for a player in 1962 who they could have got for
nothing as a schoolboy years earlier, when Chelsea nipped in and, just as
they did with Dagenham-based Jimmy Greaves, used financial inducements to
lure the best young talent to Stamford Bridge. Never mind the Russian
roubles that took Joe Cole and Glen Johnson across London in 2003, even in
the late 50s Chelsea were buying success.
Within weeks of the '64 final, Jack Burkett was the subject of a £45,000
transfer bid by Tottenham Hotspur – his local club. But this sums up the
vice-like grip all clubs exerted over their players in those days. When
Greenwood informed Jack of Spurs' interest, in the same breath he told him
that West Ham had turned down the offer. End of.
Burkett had no avaricious agent to dictate terms and influence his future.
He accepted the West Ham manager's resolute stance without question and was
simply relieved that a potentially difficult decision had been taken out of
his hands.
Four of the squad – Burkett, Boyce, Geoff Hurst and the unlucky Martin
Peters, who never played a cup game that season after losing his place to
Eddie Bov following the infamous 8-2 Blackburn Rovers league debacle at home
in December 1963 – got married that summer. Burkett and his new bride Ann
bought a two-bedroom semi in Hathaway Gardens, Chadwell Heath for £5,100.
Ronnie and Dawn Boyce joined fellow newlyweds Geoff and Judith Hurst, Martin
and Kathy Peters and John and Janice Sissons on the County Park estate in
Hornchurch.
But for Standen, now living in California, it was business as usual. As soon
as the celebrations died down, he resumed his duties as opening fast bowler
for Worcestershire Cricket Club, for whom he topped the bowling averages and
picked up a County Championship winners' medal in 1964! Now that's what you
call versatility.
*Tony McDonald edits the retro EX magazine. To order the latest issue and
the new West Ham Cup Legends 1964 DVD, visit the EX website
www.ex-hammers.com
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Sam Allardyce safe at West Ham - as it would cost £3million to get rid of
him
May 04, 2014 13:53 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce will not leave West Ham - unless he gets a whopping £3million
pay-off, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People. The West Ham boss is under
growing pressure from restless fans at the way the season has ended. A
recent poll suggested more than 70 percent of Hammers fans want him out. But
any attempts to get rid of the experienced boss will come at a huge cost.
Allardyce, who led the Hammers to a 2-0 win over Spurs on Saturday, will
want the whole of the final year of his contract paid, a sum that takes a
chunk out of the West Ham bank. The Hammers board know they will have to
fork out the cash if they want a change of gaffer - and that is a big factor
in their current thinking.
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David and Victoria Beckham watch son Cruz play in Under 10s tournament at
Upton Park
By GRAEME YORKE
PUBLISHED: 00:24, 5 May 2014 | UPDATED: 02:37, 5 May 2014
Daily Mail
David Beckham was at Upton Park to cheer on son Cruz in an Under 10s
tournament on Sunday. The former England captain, accompanied by wife
Vicotria and eldest son Brooklyn, was spotted in the stands at West Ham's
home ground as Cruz turned out for Chelsea. Beckham, himself born in the
east end, was happy to oblige one fan with a picture before the same
youngster took a selfie as David watched on while Victoria spoke on the
phone. It's not the first time the former Manchester United and Real Madrd
midfielder has taken time out to support his son on the football field. Just
last week, Beckham watched Cruz win a regional cup final. The nine-year-old
has clearly has his Dad's footballing genes as he was seen celebrating a
spectacular goal with a somersault during the Sunday morning cup match
against local rivals. Beckham's eldest son Brooklyn, who on Sunday was
pictured in a Manchester United tracksuit top, is also a keen footballer and
has had trials with a host of London clubs in the past.
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Ravel Morrison returns to Upton Park to watch West Ham's win against
Tottenham
By JOHN DRAYTON
PUBLISHED: 00:05, 5 May 2014 | UPDATED: 00:05, 5 May 2014
Daily Mail
Ravel Morrison watched from the bench as West Ham completed a Premier League
double over Tottenham with a 2-0 win at Upton Park on Saturday. The former
Manchester United youngster, who scored in the 3-0 victory at White Hart
Lane back in October, was shipped out on loan to Championship promotion
chasers QPR in January. However, the attacking midfielder was rested for the
clash at Barnsley, and took the opportunity to see his parent club claim
bragging rights against Spurs instead. Morrison's future in East London has
been up in the air, but boss Sam Allardyce allowed the talented 21-year-old
to watch from the dugout, which could pave the way for a return to the fold
next season. He has scored six goals in 14 starts for Harry Redknapp's side
since his temporary switch across the capital as the Hoops try to bounce
back from relegation at the first attempt. Morrison is expected to return to
the QPR side for next week's play-off semi-final against Wigan Athletic.
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West Ham on Sunday night transfer mission
Posted by SPORT WITNESS on May 5, 2014 at 7:32 in Sport Witness Football
According to reports in the Portuguese media, West Ham United were in
attendance for the game between Benfica and Vitoria de Setubal on Sunday
night. The Hammers have been frequent visitors to Portugal this season and
in particular in Lisbon to watch the recently crowned Portuguese champions.
O Jogo have reported that West Ham were amongst a number of other clubs that
attended the game last night. From the scouting list released by Benfica
officials they have confirmed the Premier League club had sent
representatives to watch the 1-1 draw between the two sides. West Ham have
been linked in recent months with Benfica's two South American forwards
Oscar Cardozo and Rodrigo Lima. Due to their participation in the Europa
League semi final on Thursday manager Jorge Jesus put out an under strength
team so only Cardozo started the game, with Lima coming on as a second half
substitute.
In March Lima was linked with the West Ham after Talksport reported Sam
Allardyce was weighing up whether to sign the player in the summer transfer
window. West Ham have had their problems this season in the forwards
department mainly due to the injury to Andy Carroll and therefore big Sam is
looking to strengthen in the summer. Long term Cardozo was linked with a
move to West Ham last summer and would be useful addition to the squad but
he may be deemed to be similar to what the club already have at their
disposal.
Lima has been consistent goal scorer since arriving at Benfica in 2012 and
the Brazilian would add experience to the West Ham squad. He would also
offer a different option to Carroll or Carlton Cole because of his mobility
and goal scoring record.
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Sunday, May 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th May 2014
Hammers complete Tottenham treble
WHUFC.com
Two first-half goals see the Hammers secure a third win of the season over
Tottenham Hotspur
03.05.2014
West Ham United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United completed a famous hat-trick over Tottenham Hotspur on
Saturday, as a Harry Kane own goal and Stewart Downing's first for the
Hammers proved plenty to see off ten-man Spurs in the Barclays Premier
League. After Younes Kaboul had seen red for upending Downing when through
on goal, Kane diverted Andy Carroll's header past Hugo Lloris, before
Downing doubled the lead with a well-placed free-kick. But for the
outstanding Lloris, it would surely have been more, as the three points
rubber stamp West Ham's place in the top flight. Sam Allardyce had made just
one change to the side edged out by West Bromwich Albion, with Matt Taylor
replacing Matt Jarvis and Mohamed Diame, in turn, reverting to a wide
midfield role. There was to be an early scare for the hosts, as Kane charged
down Adrian's clearance, though the rebound flew well wide. At the other
end, Winston Reid collected Carroll's knockdown, but could only hook into
Lloris' arms. Back came Spurs, led by Christian Eriksen, who fed Emmanuel
Adebayor, only to see the No10 sidefoot tamely at Adrian. Paulinho, too, hit
the target, but his header from a Kyle Naughton centre was straight at the
Hammers custodian. Moments later and Downing set off down the right, cut
inside, before screwing an effort well wide of the target. A sign of things
to come, as it proved. With 25 minutes gone, the winger beat Danny Rose to a
long ball and skipped across Kaboul, who sent the Hammers man tumbling. Phil
Dowd took his time, before giving the Frenchman his marching orders. Carroll
thumped the resulting free-kick goalwards, forcing Spurs' keeper into an
excellent stop high to his right. There would be no escape, however, as
Carroll met Noble's corner and watched as his header glanced off Kane's head
and past Lloris' despairing dive. The chances continued to come for the
hosts, with Matt Taylor's volley looking destined for the bottom corner, but
for the fingertip intervention of Lloris. But, down to his left once more,
Lloris was powerless to prevent the second. After Michael Dawson had felled
Noble on the edge of the box, Downing's free-kick snuck through the wall,
between Paulinho and Adebayor, as the No23 celebrated his first goal for the
Club.
West Ham threatened to make it three soon after the restart, but were
repeatedly denied by the excellent Lloris. An airborne Diame saw his
acrobatic effort repelled by France's No1, before Taylor slotted the rebound
just wide of the upright. With the hour approaching, skipper Kevin Nolan
went close too. Latching on to a Carroll header, he shot on the turn, with
Lloris somehow able to smother and divert it behind for a corner. In
fairness, Spurs grew into proceedings thereafter, although neither
substitute Roberto Soldado nor Aaron Lennon were able to trouble Adrian.
England frontman Carroll and captain Nolan were withdrawn late on to
rapturous Boleyn Ground applause, as the Hammers looked to round off their
home campaign in style. Though Rose very nearly halved the deficit late on,
Adrian's fabulous stop ensured there would be no grandstand finish.
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Downing, Noble,
Nolan (Jarvis 86), Taylor, Diame; Carroll (C Cole 84)
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Vaz Te, Collins, Nocerino
Goals: Kane og 27 , Downing 44
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Naughton, Dawson, Kaboul, Rose; Lennon, Paulinho
(Sandro), Sigurdsson (Soldado 66), Eriksen; Adebayor, Kane (Chirices 28).
Subs not used: Friedel, Fryers, Pritchard, Bentaleb
Booked: Naughton, Dawson, Sandro, Soldado
Sent off: Kaboul
Referee: Phil Dowd
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Carroll thrilled with derby success
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll may have missed the first two Spurs wins this season, but made
his mark on Saturday
03.05.2014
Andy Carroll was thrilled to play his part as West Ham United completed
their Tottenham treble on Saturday. The No9 missed out earlier this season
when the Hammers won at White Hart Lane in both league and cup, but made
sure he had an impact at the Boleyn Ground as Sam Allardyce's men finished
their home programme in style. Carroll's 27th minute header flicked off
Spurs man Harry Kane's head on its way past Hugo Lloris to give West Ham the
lead, and he caused centre halves Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches no end
of problems with a dominant display. The three point haul was no less than
the Hammers deserved and Carroll admitted that the prospect of beating the
north Londoners for a third time this season was all the motivation they
needed. He said: "The gaffer put it in our heads that if we beat them for
the third time we'd be setting a record, so I think we gave it a little
extra for that and it showed. The performance today was fantastic and we
deserved the three points. "The fans were fantastic and it was great to win
the last game of the season at home for them. The fans gave us a big lift,
and we played the football we know we can play - hopefully we can take that
into next season. "Even before [Kaboul's] sending off I thought we were
dominating and I don't think they caused us any problems. We were confident
all the way through the game and it was great to score so soon after the red
card. "I'm going to claim the goal, every striker would, especially as I
haven't scored too many this season. We'll have to watch it back, but I'll
claim it!"
The Hammers also ensured mathematical safety with the three-point haul, and
Carroll was glad that they finished the job themselves. He added: "It was
very important to make sure we ended here with a result. After all the work
we put in it would have been a shame to end with six games without a win.
"We've put a stop to that, we've got one more left and hopefully we can do
something at Man City. "It's been tough throughout the season, but we've
worked hard. We're in the Premier League for next season and that's all that
matters really."
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Big Sam salutes 'outstanding' win
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce paid tribute to an outstanding finale at the Boleyn
Ground against Spurs
03.05.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed the perfect end to West Ham United's home Barclays
Premier League campaign, as an outstanding Hammers performance paved the way
for a third successive win against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Stewart
Downing's enterprising run ended with the dismissal of Younes Kaboul after
just 25 minutes, as the West Ham wideman was denied a clear sight of goal.
The opener followed shortly after, when Andy Carroll's header glanced off
Harry Kane on its way in, before Downing himself joined the party with his
measured free-kick finding the bottom corner. That the hosts failed to add
to their tally after the interval owed much to Hugo Lloris, but his heroics
were hardly about to detract from a fantastic afternoon at the Boleyn
Ground. As Big Sam told West Ham TV: "Outstanding! From start to finish
everybody really enjoyed the day. I think the players were a little nervous,
which was a good thing, I think, as that gave them the edge to go out and
perform like they did against a very good Tottenham side. "Even before they
got the player sent off, we had such a positive start in threatening the
opposition's back four, where we felt that their weakness would be. Of
course, when Stewart Downing got through one-on-one, he was going to get a
shot off on the 'keeper. It's definitely a free-kick and definitely a
sending off. "Had Tottenham not had Lloris on the pitch, I might be sat here
with four or five goals. But certainly two was more than enough at
half-time. Pity we didn't get any more, but a fantastic performance overall
and a positive end to the season [at home.] "The squad has had to stick
together through tough times, but on Saturday, to finish off at home with a
win, against our old rivals, our third win on the trot against them, it
really couldn't have finished any better. We did want to do better in
between times, but we're safe, we're in the Premier League, we can grow, we
can build, we can hopefully get better."
Despite having had to endure four successive defeats beforehand, Big Sam
explained that his pre-match message was an entirely positive one, reminding
the players of their prior victories at Spurs. "I told them that it's
time they showed a bit more devilment and a bit more of the passion, as well
as the football and put that into the game," he added. "I asked them to get
on the front foot and really commit to the opportunity to try and beat
Tottenham who are a big top-six side now, and spent big, big money last
year. "We know the success we had against them in the two games we played at
White Hart Lane. So we know how to beat them, because we've done it twice
before, let's make sure we go and do it again and, of course, we've done it
magnificently well."
Victory on Saturday means the Hammers can finally start putting plans into
action for next season, certain that the Club will dine at England's top
table for a third successive campaign. He continued: "We're in the Barclays
Premier League yet again and it's for me, the Joint-Chairmen and
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady to look at the overall picture of the Club. To
sit down and really get the plans underway for, firstly, the pre-season and
then the signings, or re-signing of players who are out of contract. "Then
the big one, new players, who are hopefully targeted and come in wanting to
play for West Ham. Hopefully by the start of next season, we'll have a
better squad than we have now."
But there is, of course, the small matter of a final-day trip to
title-chasing Manchester City still to come. West Ham fans can now head to
the Etihad Stadium carefree with Big Sam grateful for their immense backing
on Saturday. "From start to finish the fans had to plenty to support. When
they have plenty to support, they're thrilled with what they see, they're
behind the players and always have been. "We know that we don't have the
same thrills, the same excitement in professional football without an
atmosphere. The fans are a key element to that atmosphere and Saturday was a
fantastic atmosphere all the way around the ground. "Everybody will be
looking forward to the Man City game, there's no real pressure on us, apart
from being as professional as we possibly can and trying to stop Manchester
City's big day."
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West Ham 2 Tottenham 0
3 May 2014
Last updated at 15:08
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
West Ham ensured their Premier League safety as they ended a run of four
successive defeats with a comfortable win over 10-man Tottenham. Spurs had
Younes Kaboul sent off for a foul on Stewart Downing before the hosts took
the lead when Andy Carroll's header went in off Harry Kane. Downing extended
the Hammers' lead with a low 20-yard free-kick. Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris
kept the score down as the dominant Hammers eased the pressure on manager
Sam Allardyce. The West Ham fans have voiced their displeasure at
Allardyce's style of play and their team's results, but Upton Park was
joyful following a third win over Spurs this season. Carroll's aerial
prowess was a key element of his side's victory, while the visitors did not
help themselves with some questionable defending. And the defeat will not
have boosted Tim Sherwood's hopes of keeping his job at White Hart Lane,
though the club this week denied claims they had enquired about Ajax coach
Frank de Boer's availability. A top-four place was out of the visiting
side's reach before kick-off, and they are still not assured of a Europa
League spot with Manchester United able to overhaul them. "There was a time
you thought West Ham's season would not end like this, with the home crowd
on their feet giving Sam Allardyce's team a generous round of applause. A
disappointing day for Spurs, who never recovered from the sending-off of
Younes Kaboul."
But they started promisingly as a well-worked counter-attack involving Kane,
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Christian Eriksen ended with Emmanuel Adebayor's
first-time shot being saved by Adrian. However, the home side were causing
problems of their own as they had a penalty appeal for a Michael Dawson
handball turned down before a mis-hit Guy Demel shot looped onto the Spurs
crossbar. And the balance tipped firmly in West Ham's favour on 24 minutes,
when the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Downing was racing clean through
on goal when he was tripped just outside the area by Kaboul, who was sent
off by referee Phil Dowd. From the resulting free-kick, Lloris pulled off a
stunning save to palm Carroll's ferocious strike wide, conceding the corner
from which the home side scored. Carroll's header at the far post went in
off the head of Kane, who was immediately replaced by central defender Vlad
Chiriches. If Sherwood was unhappy with the first of the hosts' goals, he
will have been even more annoyed by the second. After midfielder Mark Noble
was fouled on the edge of the area, Downing's free-kick went through the
Spurs wall and into the bottom corner. And only Lloris prevented Spurs from
suffering a heavier defeat. The France international kept out a Mohamed
Diame overhead kick before thwarting Kevin Nolan at close range after the
midfielder latched onto Carroll's flick-on. Tottenham took until stoppage
time to significantly trouble Adrian, who excellently tipped over a Danny
Rose strike.
Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood: "I think the referee got the red card
decision right. Younes was doing his best to get back at the attacker and
I'm not sure Michael Dawson got round enough to prevent the red card. "It
was a spirited performance from the boys in the second half. We had a few
chances and if we had taken one of them it could have been an edgy finish.
"He (Lloris) is so consistent with his performances. No matter what is going
on around him he seems to just worry about his game and he is top class."
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World Cup 2014: Andy Carroll talked up by Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce would be "absolutely delighted" if striker
Andy Carroll is part of Roy Hodgson's England World Cup squad this summer.
The 25-year-old's aerial prowess was a key factor in the Hammers' 2-0
Premier League victory over Tottenham. Carroll has scored twice in 15
outings since returning from injury in January. "If Roy decides to take him
along, Andy would be absolutely delighted and so would I. He is as fresh as
a daisy," said Allardyce. "He hasn't had much football this season so it
wouldn't harm him." Carroll, capped nine times, was a constant threat to the
Tottenham defence on Saturday, and his far-post header went in off Harry
Kane to give the Hammers the lead. Stewart Downing's 20-yard free-kick
sealed victory, securing his side's Premier League status with a game to
spare. "Andy has put in a performance that got us rolling. It was a
fantastic header for the goal," said Allardyce.
"His overall performance has to come together, and it came together against
Tottenham."
The Hammers boss said there is more to come from Carroll, and hopes he
impresses in their final game of the season, at Manchester City on Sunday,
11 May.
Hodgson will name his 23-man World Cup squad, plus seven standby players,
the following day. Allardyce said: "If he doesn't quite get there, he can
rest this summer and look forward to a full pre-season. "When you miss a
full pre-season, and miss the first half of the season, it is always very
difficult to get the top edge of your performance but he's been getting
there week-in and week-out." Victory, which ended a run of four successive
defeats, helped ease the pressure on Allardyce. "We played really good
football," he said. "For the majority of the game we outplayed Tottenham and
gave a very good account of ourselves and the football we can play. "When
players are in top form like they were against Tottenham, they get the ball
down, they have got confidence and pass it to each other. That's what you
want."
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Allardyce on... Tottenham
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 3rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was in upbeat mood following today's early kick-off -
justifiably so, having secured an unprecedented third win in a season over
our dear friends from North London. Here's his post-match press conference,
in full...
Sam, you love a stat. Three wins against Tottenham in three games this
season might be one of your favourites - and the fans' favourite, perhaps?
There's no doubt about that, particularly for the fans. I remember our first
victory, 3-0 at Spurs a long time ago and then in the Capital One Cup. I
thought it would be wonderful if we could do the treble, particularly as we
haven't won for four games - and we did it for a third occasion in our last
home game with an excellent performance from all the players.
I know they went down to ten men, but to take full advantage of that [made
it] a fantastic day for us. A great performance to finish the season in our
last home game and to send the fans home happy. They were right behind the
team from start to finish because they knew the team was playing well and
deserved the victory.
In the end, but for Lloris I think it would have been far more than 2-0 -
but 2-0 is more than satisfying for us against a team who are fighting to be
in the Champions League, fighting to be in that area. To manage to beat them
here again and do the double over them is a great thing for us.
Moods can change very quickly in the game. How nice to be clapping fans at
the end and getting clapped by them?
There's no distinction; one week it's not so good when you're not playing
well and people sound their disapproval. They're quite entitled to do that.
But, they do get behind you when they've got something to get behind. They
didn't stop singing all the way through the game today.
They players have enjoyed being here and they've enjoyed playing on this
stage today, which is what we want them to do. We don't want them to be
fearful when they go out. They gave a wholehearted performance that lifted
everybody in the last game of the season. We couldn't have asked for
anything more than we got today.
Their confidence was very good being on the back of four defeats which can
sometimes affect the team, but they didn't show any fear today?
No they didn't. It was a great start to the game; I always think if the
first part of the game starts well for you it puts the players on the front
foot and all the fears they may have had before are dismissed. They say
we're right in this game, we're all playing well, we've got our first tackle
in or we've got our first pass off, our first cross or shot, and that puts
you in a better frame of mind.
I think we continued from that and got the sending off - deservedly so,
because Stewart [Downing] was going one-on-one with the goalkeeper. I
thought it was in the box and it was going to be a penalty but it wasn't.
The good thing for us was taking advantage of that within the space of two
minutes, getting that very important goal.
From then we really took the game to Tottenham and scoring the goal just
before half time was critical as well. We were even more relaxed and created
even more chances in the second half, but sadly we didn't convert any
because of that goalkeeper. He must have pulled off at least five or six
top-class saves today to prevent Tottenham from conceding more goals.
You said you would wait until you were safe before starting to make
preparations for next season. Does that start immediately now?
Well some preparations are in place without being secured, particularly
pre-season. Players contracts will be discussed between me and the owners as
quickly as possible and then we'll talk to the players. Then it's
recruitment time, who can we find and how we can make the squad better and
in what areas. That's the ultimate goal for me through the summer months.
Do you expect to be busy?
I'm never not busy during the transfer window, don't worry about that! It's
probably the only time I quite like social media, emailing and Skypeing -
stuff like that - because you don't have to do it in your office like the
old days, you can do it whilst you're sat in the sun. When needed you can
come back to the club and meet whoever you need to meet, talk to whoever you
need to talk to and hopefully finalise as many deals as quickly as possible.
I say that every year, but we'll still be waiting on players by the end of
August, there's probably no doubt about that, but as long as we get them in
the end and they're of the right quality then that'll be fine.
Ravel [Morrison] was here today, is he going to be available for QPR's
play-offs?
Yes, we did the loan deal with Harry. He's changed the team an awful lot
today to rest his key players for the first play-offs, by the looks of it.
If Ravel does a good job he's back with us next year, he'll have a big
pre-season with us and we'll see where we go from there.
Are West Ham claiming that first goal for Andy Carroll?
I would! Whether he'll get it or not, I don't know. If I was Andy I would as
well!
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce hails welcome win over Tottenham
Last Updated: 03/05/14 5:11pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce saluted a 'fantastic day' for the club as they
ended their four-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Tottenham
at Upton Park. The Hammers boss acknowledged in his programme notes that
this has been a "testing campaign", adding he can understand the supporters'
frustration having failed to pick up a point in April. That run saw the
pressure mount on Allardyce, who was subjected to chants and banners during
last weekend's defeat at West Brom. Those same supporters, however, will
have been in a better mood on Saturday as a Harry Kane own goal shortly
after Younes Kaboul saw red and Stewart Downing's free-kick saw West Ham run
out 2-0 victors against Spurs, their third success of the season over the
north London club. "One week you are not playing so well and people sound
off their disapproval, which they are quite entitled to do, like I've always
said that," Allardyce said. "But they do get behind you when they've got
something to get behind. They don't stop singing, the players enjoyed being
here, they enjoyed playing on this stage today, which is what we want them
to do. We don't want to be fearful when we go out and they really gave a
wholehearted performance to lift everybody today on the last game of the
season. We couldn't have asked for anything more than what we got today. "I
thought it would be wonderful if we could do the treble, particularly under
the circumstances as we haven't won for four games. To do it for the third
occasion in our last home game and do it with an excellent performance by
all the players. "I know they went down to 10 men, but to take full
advantage of that as well was a fantastic day for us, a great performance to
finish the season here and send the fans home happy. "The fans were right
behind the team from start to finish because they knew the team was playing
well and deserved a victory in the end. "But for Hugo Lloris, I think we
would have had for more than 2-0. That is more than satisfying for us,
though, against a team fighting to be in the Champions League, fighting to
get in that area."
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West Ham claim 2-0 win over Tottenham at Upton Park
Last Updated: 03/05/14 2:56pm
SSN
West Ham returned to winning ways as they recorded a 2-0 victory over
Tottenham in their final home match of the season. The Hammers ended a run
of four successive defeats with a comfortable success over their capital
rivals at Upton Park.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Hugo Lloris. The Tottenham keeper made a series of
outstanding saves to keep the scoreline to a respectable level.
Moment of the match: Younes Kaboul's first-half red card look to be a
correct decision but it undoubtedly turned the game in West Ham's favour.
Attempt of the match: West Ham striker Andy Carroll smashed a free-kick that
was arrowing into the top corner before it was tipped over by Lloris.
Save of the match: Lloris initially did well to punch clear a cross from
Stewart Downing under pressure, and then made a superb low save to his left
to keep out a follow-up shot from Matt Taylor.
Talking point: This win for West Ham has made them safe and improved Sam
Allardyce's position. However, for Spurs counterpart Tim Sherwood, it seems
almost certain he will be replaced at the end of the season.
Goal of the game: Stewart Downing drilled home a low free kick from 20 yards
- his first goal for the Hammers.
The game turned midway through the first half when Younes Kaboul was given a
straight red card for bringing down Stewart Downing when he was through on
goal. The resulting free-kick on the edge of the box from Andy Carroll was
brilliantly tipped over by Hugo Lloris, but the England striker was on hand
to head home the resulting corner, albeit with a little help via Harry
Kane's inadvertent flick-on. The second arrived on the stroke of half-time
and this time Downing was the scorer as he claimed his first goal in West
Ham colours as he curled a free-kick through the Tottenham wall and past
Lloris. Had it not been for Lloris the scoreline could and should have been
greater as he produced wonderful stops from Matt Taylor and Mohamed Diame.
Tim Sherwood's side began well enough, with Kane close to an opening goal
after 52 seconds when Adrian's rushed clearance ricocheted off him and spun
wide. Emmanuel Adebayor was unable to cap a wonderful, flowing team move by
striking tamely at Adrian soon after, before Carroll saw appeals for
handball against Kane fall on deaf ears.
Michael Dawson appeared to then handle from the resulting corner, from which
the ball broke to Guy Demel and his looping strike came off the bar.
Adrian saved a Paulinho header on goal and Downing blazed over as play swung
from end-to-end, until the dimensions changed in West Ham's favour in the
25th minute. A wicked deflection saw the ball looped over Spurs backline
into the path of Downing, who, having left Danny Rose in his wake, continued
on goal until being bundled over by Kaboul. Referee Phil Dowd deemed him to
be the last man and showed a straight red card, with Lloris having to be at
his best to stop Carroll firing home the free-kick. The ball went out for a
corner and when Mark Noble swung it across, West Ham ended their 257-minute
wait for a goal, with Carroll's header going in via a deflection off Kane.
It was a horrible moment for the 20-year-old forward, who was replaced
moments later by defender Vlad Chiriches in a bid to stem West Ham's
increasing momentum. George McCartney came close to netting at the backpost
before Rose almost put into his own goal, with Lloris then doing
exceptionally to turn Matt Taylor's goalbound strike around the post. The
France goalkeeper could only do so much, though, and his team-mates let him
down as West Ham doubled their advantage a minute before the break. Downing
hit a reasonable free-kick that would have hit the wall had Adebayor and
Paulinho not parted, allowing the ball to sneak through past the Spurs
goalkeeper. It was a shocking goal which was almost added to by a Carroll
volley in first-half stoppage time.
West Ham continued strongly after the restart as Mo Diame's overhead kick
produced an exquisite save from Lloris, who did well to stop Kevin Nolan
scoring the follow-up before Taylor curled just wide. The Spurs goalkeeper's
one-man stand continued as Carroll flicked the ball on to Nolan, with the
onrushing goalkeeper spreading himself to block behind. Adrian fumbled a
Christian Eriksen cross in a rare threatening moment for Lloris'
counterpart, with Sherwood bringing on Sandro and Roberto Soldado in a bid
to change the dynamics of the match. The latter quickly had an impact,
receiving a booking after kicking Diame and manhandling Nolan before
striking across the face of goal. Sandro was also at the heart of things in
the closing stages, blocking a shot, picking up a booking and then seeing
appeals for a handball against Taylor ignored. Adrian did wonderfully to tip
over a late Rose strike, which saw West Ham end a 10-match wait for a clean
sheet.
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MATCH REPORT: WEST HAM 2 SPURS 0 - CAN WE PLAY YOU EVERY WEEK?
By Iain Dale 3 May 2014 at 15:54
West Ham Till I Die
"A bad day for the Iain Dale agenda" chirrups a tweet from the only blogger
who didn't want to support the Allardyce poll. What a prat. If I have an
agenda, it is to see West Ham win and play attractive football. Just like
they did today. A great performance, a great team performance and some
superb individual performances. But it was against a team which played for
65 minutes with ten players, so let's not run away with the thought that
this was necessarily a portent of things to come. However, if the board are
judging Sam Allardyce over the last two games of the season, anyone would
have to admit that he got off to a good start.
Having said that the performance might have looked better than it actually
was, because it was against ten men, let's not be churlish. Even before
Kaboul was sent off We looked by far the better team. We had more ideas with
Andy Carroll looking particularly dangerous. From an attacking performance
viewpoint it was one of our strongest of the season with Downing causing
havoc and Diame having a strong game on the right. Carroll won everything in
the air and even with two defenders on him Spurs just didn't know how to
cope with his physical strength. He will no doubt claim the first goal but I
suspect it will go down as an OG. But Carroll could have had another couple
were it not for the outstanding performance of Lloris, the goalkeeper. He
saved at least three goals which some other keepers might well have let in.
In the midfield we looked incredibly strong. Noble put in a performance
which in any other game would have won man of the match, while Matt Taylor
could have nabbed a goal and also returned to the side with an impressive
showing. And wasn't it good to see Stewart Downing celebrating his goal as
if he had won the lottery. It's his first in 44 games. Let's hope he can nab
another next week.
Defensively, apart from the odd shaky moment, we were rarely threatened.
Adrian looked somewhat nervy at times, but at the end of the game pulled off
a tremendous save from Danny Rose. I think it came about five minutes from
the end, and could well have given Spurs the impetus they needed for an
equaliser.
Someone suggested I should re-run the poll after this game and it might have
a very different result. I doubt it very much to be honest. Sensible people
judge a manager on his record over a prolonged period of time. You don't
just do it on a game to game basis. I couldn't be more delighted if Sam
Allardyce stayed as manager and each week we put in this kind of
performance. And if he stays, that will be the Board's hope. Can I see it
happening? In all honesty, no. But I'd be very happy to be proved 100%
wrong.
Finally, let's bask in the fact that this season we have beaten Spurs three
times with an aggregate score of 7-1. I wonder how many years it will take
for us to repeat that particular feat!
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Hammers run riot to secure Premier League spot as Younes Kaboul sees red
May 03, 2014 22:30 By Steve Stammers
The Mirror
Once again, Tottenham Hotspur came to the rescue of Sam Allardyce. The West
Ham manager was under severe pressure going into the London derby that has
always had a special importance to those in the East End. Four successive
defeats had a section of support calling for Allardyce to move on. The
banner saying as much at The Hawthorns eight days ago was not scribbled in
hasty fashion because West Bromwich Albion were ahead. If ever Allardyce
needed a win it was yesterday - and Tottenham duly obliged, just as they had
twice before this season in the Premier League in October and the Capital
One Cup in December. They produced a limp and fragmented performance that
was a reflection of the uncertainty that has surrounded the club since it
became public knowledge that Tim Sherwood's tenure as manager would be
strictly short-term. Younes Kaboul played his part. After 24 minutes, as a
rejuvenated Stewart Downing accelerated towards the Tottenham goal, Kaboul
brought him down. Referee Phil Dowd reflected for a moment and showed Kaboul
a red card.
"The right decision, I am fine with it," said Sherwood. He was also fine
with the acrobatic save from the magnificent Hugo Lloris as Andy Carroll
blasted the free-kick goalwards. But the reprieve lasted less than a minute.
The highly-impressive Mark Noble took the resulting corner, Carroll headed
it back into the danger area and Harry Kane's involuntary touch took it past
Lloris and into the net. But if fortune was not hiding with that goal, the
second on the stroke of half-time was the product of blatant cowardice.
Downing lined up a free-kick some 20 yards out and the Tottenham wall was in
place. But as the shot came in, Paulinho and Emmanuel Adebayor both turned
sideways to avoid contact with the ball which flew past Lloris. In years to
come, Paulinho and Adebayor will likely collect medals. It is safe to say
that on yesterday's evidence, none will be for valour. "Not ideal, it wasn't
great" was the verdict of Sherwood of the defending of the free-kick.
Something of an under-statement, that. And it emerged that Sherwood pointed
out the error of their ways to the players afterwards in a dressing room
inquest. "I spoke to them and pointed out what an error it was. I said that
if the ball hits you in the stomach, it hurts when you go 2-0 down more than
it hurts when you get a ball in the stomach. That hurts for about 30
seconds. "It was always going to be difficult here but I thought we started
alright. The crowd were maybe a bit edgy and waiting for them to slip up. "
The atmosphere may have indeed changed if Adebayor had shown more conviction
with his finish when he through on goal from a Christian Eriksen pass. But a
lack of conviction was evident all afternoon from the Togo international.
"The game changed on the red card," said Sherwood who could at least rely on
Lloris. Tottenham may well want to recruit in the close season, at both
managerial and playing levels. The priority, however, must be to keep
Lloris. But for him, the score could have reached embarrassing proportions.
"He is top drawer," said Sherwood. "People say he wasn't the same after he
was kicked on the head in the game at Everton but that is crap. He doesn't
make many mistakes."
Unlike many of those in front of him with exceptions like Michael Dawson,
Danny Rose and the gifted Eriksen.
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Man United's loss could be QPR play-off gain - Redknapp
May 03, 2014 23:00 By Yann Tear 0 Comments
Harry Redknapp is tipping Ravel Morrison to have a big say in QPR's play-off
ambitions. The former Man United midfielder may have been seen as unreliable
by Sir Alex Ferguson and surplus to requirements at West Ham this season,
but the Rangers boss has faith in the 21-year-old. And he believes his
unpredictable talents could take the Hoops back to the Premier League. "He's
going to be an important player for us in the play-offs," said Redknapp.
"Ravel's done very well for us. We've been pleased with him. He's a real
talent. He's got the ability to become a top player, as long as he keeps
focused. "The ability's up there with the best in the country really, in
terms of what he can do. "He's a smashing boy. I've found him a nice kid.
He's not been a minute's problem. "Before I took him, I spoke to [manager]
Lee Clark at Birmingham and he loved him when he had him last year. "Sam
[Allardyce at West Ham] liked him. I think he just felt that he'd gone down
another road and he wasn't going to play so he let him come on loan and I
was grateful for that. "Hopefully he's got a great future. I'd love to see
him do well."
Asked about whether Morrison could one day feature for England, Redknapp
said: "You hope so, you just don't know. It's up to Ravel. He's got to make
sure he keeps his eye on the job at hand."
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WHUFC.com
Two first-half goals see the Hammers secure a third win of the season over
Tottenham Hotspur
03.05.2014
West Ham United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United completed a famous hat-trick over Tottenham Hotspur on
Saturday, as a Harry Kane own goal and Stewart Downing's first for the
Hammers proved plenty to see off ten-man Spurs in the Barclays Premier
League. After Younes Kaboul had seen red for upending Downing when through
on goal, Kane diverted Andy Carroll's header past Hugo Lloris, before
Downing doubled the lead with a well-placed free-kick. But for the
outstanding Lloris, it would surely have been more, as the three points
rubber stamp West Ham's place in the top flight. Sam Allardyce had made just
one change to the side edged out by West Bromwich Albion, with Matt Taylor
replacing Matt Jarvis and Mohamed Diame, in turn, reverting to a wide
midfield role. There was to be an early scare for the hosts, as Kane charged
down Adrian's clearance, though the rebound flew well wide. At the other
end, Winston Reid collected Carroll's knockdown, but could only hook into
Lloris' arms. Back came Spurs, led by Christian Eriksen, who fed Emmanuel
Adebayor, only to see the No10 sidefoot tamely at Adrian. Paulinho, too, hit
the target, but his header from a Kyle Naughton centre was straight at the
Hammers custodian. Moments later and Downing set off down the right, cut
inside, before screwing an effort well wide of the target. A sign of things
to come, as it proved. With 25 minutes gone, the winger beat Danny Rose to a
long ball and skipped across Kaboul, who sent the Hammers man tumbling. Phil
Dowd took his time, before giving the Frenchman his marching orders. Carroll
thumped the resulting free-kick goalwards, forcing Spurs' keeper into an
excellent stop high to his right. There would be no escape, however, as
Carroll met Noble's corner and watched as his header glanced off Kane's head
and past Lloris' despairing dive. The chances continued to come for the
hosts, with Matt Taylor's volley looking destined for the bottom corner, but
for the fingertip intervention of Lloris. But, down to his left once more,
Lloris was powerless to prevent the second. After Michael Dawson had felled
Noble on the edge of the box, Downing's free-kick snuck through the wall,
between Paulinho and Adebayor, as the No23 celebrated his first goal for the
Club.
West Ham threatened to make it three soon after the restart, but were
repeatedly denied by the excellent Lloris. An airborne Diame saw his
acrobatic effort repelled by France's No1, before Taylor slotted the rebound
just wide of the upright. With the hour approaching, skipper Kevin Nolan
went close too. Latching on to a Carroll header, he shot on the turn, with
Lloris somehow able to smother and divert it behind for a corner. In
fairness, Spurs grew into proceedings thereafter, although neither
substitute Roberto Soldado nor Aaron Lennon were able to trouble Adrian.
England frontman Carroll and captain Nolan were withdrawn late on to
rapturous Boleyn Ground applause, as the Hammers looked to round off their
home campaign in style. Though Rose very nearly halved the deficit late on,
Adrian's fabulous stop ensured there would be no grandstand finish.
West Ham United: Adrian; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Downing, Noble,
Nolan (Jarvis 86), Taylor, Diame; Carroll (C Cole 84)
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Vaz Te, Collins, Nocerino
Goals: Kane og 27 , Downing 44
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Naughton, Dawson, Kaboul, Rose; Lennon, Paulinho
(Sandro), Sigurdsson (Soldado 66), Eriksen; Adebayor, Kane (Chirices 28).
Subs not used: Friedel, Fryers, Pritchard, Bentaleb
Booked: Naughton, Dawson, Sandro, Soldado
Sent off: Kaboul
Referee: Phil Dowd
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Carroll thrilled with derby success
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll may have missed the first two Spurs wins this season, but made
his mark on Saturday
03.05.2014
Andy Carroll was thrilled to play his part as West Ham United completed
their Tottenham treble on Saturday. The No9 missed out earlier this season
when the Hammers won at White Hart Lane in both league and cup, but made
sure he had an impact at the Boleyn Ground as Sam Allardyce's men finished
their home programme in style. Carroll's 27th minute header flicked off
Spurs man Harry Kane's head on its way past Hugo Lloris to give West Ham the
lead, and he caused centre halves Michael Dawson and Vlad Chiriches no end
of problems with a dominant display. The three point haul was no less than
the Hammers deserved and Carroll admitted that the prospect of beating the
north Londoners for a third time this season was all the motivation they
needed. He said: "The gaffer put it in our heads that if we beat them for
the third time we'd be setting a record, so I think we gave it a little
extra for that and it showed. The performance today was fantastic and we
deserved the three points. "The fans were fantastic and it was great to win
the last game of the season at home for them. The fans gave us a big lift,
and we played the football we know we can play - hopefully we can take that
into next season. "Even before [Kaboul's] sending off I thought we were
dominating and I don't think they caused us any problems. We were confident
all the way through the game and it was great to score so soon after the red
card. "I'm going to claim the goal, every striker would, especially as I
haven't scored too many this season. We'll have to watch it back, but I'll
claim it!"
The Hammers also ensured mathematical safety with the three-point haul, and
Carroll was glad that they finished the job themselves. He added: "It was
very important to make sure we ended here with a result. After all the work
we put in it would have been a shame to end with six games without a win.
"We've put a stop to that, we've got one more left and hopefully we can do
something at Man City. "It's been tough throughout the season, but we've
worked hard. We're in the Premier League for next season and that's all that
matters really."
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Big Sam salutes 'outstanding' win
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce paid tribute to an outstanding finale at the Boleyn
Ground against Spurs
03.05.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed the perfect end to West Ham United's home Barclays
Premier League campaign, as an outstanding Hammers performance paved the way
for a third successive win against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Stewart
Downing's enterprising run ended with the dismissal of Younes Kaboul after
just 25 minutes, as the West Ham wideman was denied a clear sight of goal.
The opener followed shortly after, when Andy Carroll's header glanced off
Harry Kane on its way in, before Downing himself joined the party with his
measured free-kick finding the bottom corner. That the hosts failed to add
to their tally after the interval owed much to Hugo Lloris, but his heroics
were hardly about to detract from a fantastic afternoon at the Boleyn
Ground. As Big Sam told West Ham TV: "Outstanding! From start to finish
everybody really enjoyed the day. I think the players were a little nervous,
which was a good thing, I think, as that gave them the edge to go out and
perform like they did against a very good Tottenham side. "Even before they
got the player sent off, we had such a positive start in threatening the
opposition's back four, where we felt that their weakness would be. Of
course, when Stewart Downing got through one-on-one, he was going to get a
shot off on the 'keeper. It's definitely a free-kick and definitely a
sending off. "Had Tottenham not had Lloris on the pitch, I might be sat here
with four or five goals. But certainly two was more than enough at
half-time. Pity we didn't get any more, but a fantastic performance overall
and a positive end to the season [at home.] "The squad has had to stick
together through tough times, but on Saturday, to finish off at home with a
win, against our old rivals, our third win on the trot against them, it
really couldn't have finished any better. We did want to do better in
between times, but we're safe, we're in the Premier League, we can grow, we
can build, we can hopefully get better."
Despite having had to endure four successive defeats beforehand, Big Sam
explained that his pre-match message was an entirely positive one, reminding
the players of their prior victories at Spurs. "I told them that it's
time they showed a bit more devilment and a bit more of the passion, as well
as the football and put that into the game," he added. "I asked them to get
on the front foot and really commit to the opportunity to try and beat
Tottenham who are a big top-six side now, and spent big, big money last
year. "We know the success we had against them in the two games we played at
White Hart Lane. So we know how to beat them, because we've done it twice
before, let's make sure we go and do it again and, of course, we've done it
magnificently well."
Victory on Saturday means the Hammers can finally start putting plans into
action for next season, certain that the Club will dine at England's top
table for a third successive campaign. He continued: "We're in the Barclays
Premier League yet again and it's for me, the Joint-Chairmen and
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady to look at the overall picture of the Club. To
sit down and really get the plans underway for, firstly, the pre-season and
then the signings, or re-signing of players who are out of contract. "Then
the big one, new players, who are hopefully targeted and come in wanting to
play for West Ham. Hopefully by the start of next season, we'll have a
better squad than we have now."
But there is, of course, the small matter of a final-day trip to
title-chasing Manchester City still to come. West Ham fans can now head to
the Etihad Stadium carefree with Big Sam grateful for their immense backing
on Saturday. "From start to finish the fans had to plenty to support. When
they have plenty to support, they're thrilled with what they see, they're
behind the players and always have been. "We know that we don't have the
same thrills, the same excitement in professional football without an
atmosphere. The fans are a key element to that atmosphere and Saturday was a
fantastic atmosphere all the way around the ground. "Everybody will be
looking forward to the Man City game, there's no real pressure on us, apart
from being as professional as we possibly can and trying to stop Manchester
City's big day."
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West Ham 2 Tottenham 0
3 May 2014
Last updated at 15:08
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
West Ham ensured their Premier League safety as they ended a run of four
successive defeats with a comfortable win over 10-man Tottenham. Spurs had
Younes Kaboul sent off for a foul on Stewart Downing before the hosts took
the lead when Andy Carroll's header went in off Harry Kane. Downing extended
the Hammers' lead with a low 20-yard free-kick. Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris
kept the score down as the dominant Hammers eased the pressure on manager
Sam Allardyce. The West Ham fans have voiced their displeasure at
Allardyce's style of play and their team's results, but Upton Park was
joyful following a third win over Spurs this season. Carroll's aerial
prowess was a key element of his side's victory, while the visitors did not
help themselves with some questionable defending. And the defeat will not
have boosted Tim Sherwood's hopes of keeping his job at White Hart Lane,
though the club this week denied claims they had enquired about Ajax coach
Frank de Boer's availability. A top-four place was out of the visiting
side's reach before kick-off, and they are still not assured of a Europa
League spot with Manchester United able to overhaul them. "There was a time
you thought West Ham's season would not end like this, with the home crowd
on their feet giving Sam Allardyce's team a generous round of applause. A
disappointing day for Spurs, who never recovered from the sending-off of
Younes Kaboul."
But they started promisingly as a well-worked counter-attack involving Kane,
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Christian Eriksen ended with Emmanuel Adebayor's
first-time shot being saved by Adrian. However, the home side were causing
problems of their own as they had a penalty appeal for a Michael Dawson
handball turned down before a mis-hit Guy Demel shot looped onto the Spurs
crossbar. And the balance tipped firmly in West Ham's favour on 24 minutes,
when the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Downing was racing clean through
on goal when he was tripped just outside the area by Kaboul, who was sent
off by referee Phil Dowd. From the resulting free-kick, Lloris pulled off a
stunning save to palm Carroll's ferocious strike wide, conceding the corner
from which the home side scored. Carroll's header at the far post went in
off the head of Kane, who was immediately replaced by central defender Vlad
Chiriches. If Sherwood was unhappy with the first of the hosts' goals, he
will have been even more annoyed by the second. After midfielder Mark Noble
was fouled on the edge of the area, Downing's free-kick went through the
Spurs wall and into the bottom corner. And only Lloris prevented Spurs from
suffering a heavier defeat. The France international kept out a Mohamed
Diame overhead kick before thwarting Kevin Nolan at close range after the
midfielder latched onto Carroll's flick-on. Tottenham took until stoppage
time to significantly trouble Adrian, who excellently tipped over a Danny
Rose strike.
Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood: "I think the referee got the red card
decision right. Younes was doing his best to get back at the attacker and
I'm not sure Michael Dawson got round enough to prevent the red card. "It
was a spirited performance from the boys in the second half. We had a few
chances and if we had taken one of them it could have been an edgy finish.
"He (Lloris) is so consistent with his performances. No matter what is going
on around him he seems to just worry about his game and he is top class."
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World Cup 2014: Andy Carroll talked up by Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce would be "absolutely delighted" if striker
Andy Carroll is part of Roy Hodgson's England World Cup squad this summer.
The 25-year-old's aerial prowess was a key factor in the Hammers' 2-0
Premier League victory over Tottenham. Carroll has scored twice in 15
outings since returning from injury in January. "If Roy decides to take him
along, Andy would be absolutely delighted and so would I. He is as fresh as
a daisy," said Allardyce. "He hasn't had much football this season so it
wouldn't harm him." Carroll, capped nine times, was a constant threat to the
Tottenham defence on Saturday, and his far-post header went in off Harry
Kane to give the Hammers the lead. Stewart Downing's 20-yard free-kick
sealed victory, securing his side's Premier League status with a game to
spare. "Andy has put in a performance that got us rolling. It was a
fantastic header for the goal," said Allardyce.
"His overall performance has to come together, and it came together against
Tottenham."
The Hammers boss said there is more to come from Carroll, and hopes he
impresses in their final game of the season, at Manchester City on Sunday,
11 May.
Hodgson will name his 23-man World Cup squad, plus seven standby players,
the following day. Allardyce said: "If he doesn't quite get there, he can
rest this summer and look forward to a full pre-season. "When you miss a
full pre-season, and miss the first half of the season, it is always very
difficult to get the top edge of your performance but he's been getting
there week-in and week-out." Victory, which ended a run of four successive
defeats, helped ease the pressure on Allardyce. "We played really good
football," he said. "For the majority of the game we outplayed Tottenham and
gave a very good account of ourselves and the football we can play. "When
players are in top form like they were against Tottenham, they get the ball
down, they have got confidence and pass it to each other. That's what you
want."
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Allardyce on... Tottenham
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 3rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was in upbeat mood following today's early kick-off -
justifiably so, having secured an unprecedented third win in a season over
our dear friends from North London. Here's his post-match press conference,
in full...
Sam, you love a stat. Three wins against Tottenham in three games this
season might be one of your favourites - and the fans' favourite, perhaps?
There's no doubt about that, particularly for the fans. I remember our first
victory, 3-0 at Spurs a long time ago and then in the Capital One Cup. I
thought it would be wonderful if we could do the treble, particularly as we
haven't won for four games - and we did it for a third occasion in our last
home game with an excellent performance from all the players.
I know they went down to ten men, but to take full advantage of that [made
it] a fantastic day for us. A great performance to finish the season in our
last home game and to send the fans home happy. They were right behind the
team from start to finish because they knew the team was playing well and
deserved the victory.
In the end, but for Lloris I think it would have been far more than 2-0 -
but 2-0 is more than satisfying for us against a team who are fighting to be
in the Champions League, fighting to be in that area. To manage to beat them
here again and do the double over them is a great thing for us.
Moods can change very quickly in the game. How nice to be clapping fans at
the end and getting clapped by them?
There's no distinction; one week it's not so good when you're not playing
well and people sound their disapproval. They're quite entitled to do that.
But, they do get behind you when they've got something to get behind. They
didn't stop singing all the way through the game today.
They players have enjoyed being here and they've enjoyed playing on this
stage today, which is what we want them to do. We don't want them to be
fearful when they go out. They gave a wholehearted performance that lifted
everybody in the last game of the season. We couldn't have asked for
anything more than we got today.
Their confidence was very good being on the back of four defeats which can
sometimes affect the team, but they didn't show any fear today?
No they didn't. It was a great start to the game; I always think if the
first part of the game starts well for you it puts the players on the front
foot and all the fears they may have had before are dismissed. They say
we're right in this game, we're all playing well, we've got our first tackle
in or we've got our first pass off, our first cross or shot, and that puts
you in a better frame of mind.
I think we continued from that and got the sending off - deservedly so,
because Stewart [Downing] was going one-on-one with the goalkeeper. I
thought it was in the box and it was going to be a penalty but it wasn't.
The good thing for us was taking advantage of that within the space of two
minutes, getting that very important goal.
From then we really took the game to Tottenham and scoring the goal just
before half time was critical as well. We were even more relaxed and created
even more chances in the second half, but sadly we didn't convert any
because of that goalkeeper. He must have pulled off at least five or six
top-class saves today to prevent Tottenham from conceding more goals.
You said you would wait until you were safe before starting to make
preparations for next season. Does that start immediately now?
Well some preparations are in place without being secured, particularly
pre-season. Players contracts will be discussed between me and the owners as
quickly as possible and then we'll talk to the players. Then it's
recruitment time, who can we find and how we can make the squad better and
in what areas. That's the ultimate goal for me through the summer months.
Do you expect to be busy?
I'm never not busy during the transfer window, don't worry about that! It's
probably the only time I quite like social media, emailing and Skypeing -
stuff like that - because you don't have to do it in your office like the
old days, you can do it whilst you're sat in the sun. When needed you can
come back to the club and meet whoever you need to meet, talk to whoever you
need to talk to and hopefully finalise as many deals as quickly as possible.
I say that every year, but we'll still be waiting on players by the end of
August, there's probably no doubt about that, but as long as we get them in
the end and they're of the right quality then that'll be fine.
Ravel [Morrison] was here today, is he going to be available for QPR's
play-offs?
Yes, we did the loan deal with Harry. He's changed the team an awful lot
today to rest his key players for the first play-offs, by the looks of it.
If Ravel does a good job he's back with us next year, he'll have a big
pre-season with us and we'll see where we go from there.
Are West Ham claiming that first goal for Andy Carroll?
I would! Whether he'll get it or not, I don't know. If I was Andy I would as
well!
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce hails welcome win over Tottenham
Last Updated: 03/05/14 5:11pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce saluted a 'fantastic day' for the club as they
ended their four-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Tottenham
at Upton Park. The Hammers boss acknowledged in his programme notes that
this has been a "testing campaign", adding he can understand the supporters'
frustration having failed to pick up a point in April. That run saw the
pressure mount on Allardyce, who was subjected to chants and banners during
last weekend's defeat at West Brom. Those same supporters, however, will
have been in a better mood on Saturday as a Harry Kane own goal shortly
after Younes Kaboul saw red and Stewart Downing's free-kick saw West Ham run
out 2-0 victors against Spurs, their third success of the season over the
north London club. "One week you are not playing so well and people sound
off their disapproval, which they are quite entitled to do, like I've always
said that," Allardyce said. "But they do get behind you when they've got
something to get behind. They don't stop singing, the players enjoyed being
here, they enjoyed playing on this stage today, which is what we want them
to do. We don't want to be fearful when we go out and they really gave a
wholehearted performance to lift everybody today on the last game of the
season. We couldn't have asked for anything more than what we got today. "I
thought it would be wonderful if we could do the treble, particularly under
the circumstances as we haven't won for four games. To do it for the third
occasion in our last home game and do it with an excellent performance by
all the players. "I know they went down to 10 men, but to take full
advantage of that as well was a fantastic day for us, a great performance to
finish the season here and send the fans home happy. "The fans were right
behind the team from start to finish because they knew the team was playing
well and deserved a victory in the end. "But for Hugo Lloris, I think we
would have had for more than 2-0. That is more than satisfying for us,
though, against a team fighting to be in the Champions League, fighting to
get in that area."
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West Ham claim 2-0 win over Tottenham at Upton Park
Last Updated: 03/05/14 2:56pm
SSN
West Ham returned to winning ways as they recorded a 2-0 victory over
Tottenham in their final home match of the season. The Hammers ended a run
of four successive defeats with a comfortable success over their capital
rivals at Upton Park.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Hugo Lloris. The Tottenham keeper made a series of
outstanding saves to keep the scoreline to a respectable level.
Moment of the match: Younes Kaboul's first-half red card look to be a
correct decision but it undoubtedly turned the game in West Ham's favour.
Attempt of the match: West Ham striker Andy Carroll smashed a free-kick that
was arrowing into the top corner before it was tipped over by Lloris.
Save of the match: Lloris initially did well to punch clear a cross from
Stewart Downing under pressure, and then made a superb low save to his left
to keep out a follow-up shot from Matt Taylor.
Talking point: This win for West Ham has made them safe and improved Sam
Allardyce's position. However, for Spurs counterpart Tim Sherwood, it seems
almost certain he will be replaced at the end of the season.
Goal of the game: Stewart Downing drilled home a low free kick from 20 yards
- his first goal for the Hammers.
The game turned midway through the first half when Younes Kaboul was given a
straight red card for bringing down Stewart Downing when he was through on
goal. The resulting free-kick on the edge of the box from Andy Carroll was
brilliantly tipped over by Hugo Lloris, but the England striker was on hand
to head home the resulting corner, albeit with a little help via Harry
Kane's inadvertent flick-on. The second arrived on the stroke of half-time
and this time Downing was the scorer as he claimed his first goal in West
Ham colours as he curled a free-kick through the Tottenham wall and past
Lloris. Had it not been for Lloris the scoreline could and should have been
greater as he produced wonderful stops from Matt Taylor and Mohamed Diame.
Tim Sherwood's side began well enough, with Kane close to an opening goal
after 52 seconds when Adrian's rushed clearance ricocheted off him and spun
wide. Emmanuel Adebayor was unable to cap a wonderful, flowing team move by
striking tamely at Adrian soon after, before Carroll saw appeals for
handball against Kane fall on deaf ears.
Michael Dawson appeared to then handle from the resulting corner, from which
the ball broke to Guy Demel and his looping strike came off the bar.
Adrian saved a Paulinho header on goal and Downing blazed over as play swung
from end-to-end, until the dimensions changed in West Ham's favour in the
25th minute. A wicked deflection saw the ball looped over Spurs backline
into the path of Downing, who, having left Danny Rose in his wake, continued
on goal until being bundled over by Kaboul. Referee Phil Dowd deemed him to
be the last man and showed a straight red card, with Lloris having to be at
his best to stop Carroll firing home the free-kick. The ball went out for a
corner and when Mark Noble swung it across, West Ham ended their 257-minute
wait for a goal, with Carroll's header going in via a deflection off Kane.
It was a horrible moment for the 20-year-old forward, who was replaced
moments later by defender Vlad Chiriches in a bid to stem West Ham's
increasing momentum. George McCartney came close to netting at the backpost
before Rose almost put into his own goal, with Lloris then doing
exceptionally to turn Matt Taylor's goalbound strike around the post. The
France goalkeeper could only do so much, though, and his team-mates let him
down as West Ham doubled their advantage a minute before the break. Downing
hit a reasonable free-kick that would have hit the wall had Adebayor and
Paulinho not parted, allowing the ball to sneak through past the Spurs
goalkeeper. It was a shocking goal which was almost added to by a Carroll
volley in first-half stoppage time.
West Ham continued strongly after the restart as Mo Diame's overhead kick
produced an exquisite save from Lloris, who did well to stop Kevin Nolan
scoring the follow-up before Taylor curled just wide. The Spurs goalkeeper's
one-man stand continued as Carroll flicked the ball on to Nolan, with the
onrushing goalkeeper spreading himself to block behind. Adrian fumbled a
Christian Eriksen cross in a rare threatening moment for Lloris'
counterpart, with Sherwood bringing on Sandro and Roberto Soldado in a bid
to change the dynamics of the match. The latter quickly had an impact,
receiving a booking after kicking Diame and manhandling Nolan before
striking across the face of goal. Sandro was also at the heart of things in
the closing stages, blocking a shot, picking up a booking and then seeing
appeals for a handball against Taylor ignored. Adrian did wonderfully to tip
over a late Rose strike, which saw West Ham end a 10-match wait for a clean
sheet.
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MATCH REPORT: WEST HAM 2 SPURS 0 - CAN WE PLAY YOU EVERY WEEK?
By Iain Dale 3 May 2014 at 15:54
West Ham Till I Die
"A bad day for the Iain Dale agenda" chirrups a tweet from the only blogger
who didn't want to support the Allardyce poll. What a prat. If I have an
agenda, it is to see West Ham win and play attractive football. Just like
they did today. A great performance, a great team performance and some
superb individual performances. But it was against a team which played for
65 minutes with ten players, so let's not run away with the thought that
this was necessarily a portent of things to come. However, if the board are
judging Sam Allardyce over the last two games of the season, anyone would
have to admit that he got off to a good start.
Having said that the performance might have looked better than it actually
was, because it was against ten men, let's not be churlish. Even before
Kaboul was sent off We looked by far the better team. We had more ideas with
Andy Carroll looking particularly dangerous. From an attacking performance
viewpoint it was one of our strongest of the season with Downing causing
havoc and Diame having a strong game on the right. Carroll won everything in
the air and even with two defenders on him Spurs just didn't know how to
cope with his physical strength. He will no doubt claim the first goal but I
suspect it will go down as an OG. But Carroll could have had another couple
were it not for the outstanding performance of Lloris, the goalkeeper. He
saved at least three goals which some other keepers might well have let in.
In the midfield we looked incredibly strong. Noble put in a performance
which in any other game would have won man of the match, while Matt Taylor
could have nabbed a goal and also returned to the side with an impressive
showing. And wasn't it good to see Stewart Downing celebrating his goal as
if he had won the lottery. It's his first in 44 games. Let's hope he can nab
another next week.
Defensively, apart from the odd shaky moment, we were rarely threatened.
Adrian looked somewhat nervy at times, but at the end of the game pulled off
a tremendous save from Danny Rose. I think it came about five minutes from
the end, and could well have given Spurs the impetus they needed for an
equaliser.
Someone suggested I should re-run the poll after this game and it might have
a very different result. I doubt it very much to be honest. Sensible people
judge a manager on his record over a prolonged period of time. You don't
just do it on a game to game basis. I couldn't be more delighted if Sam
Allardyce stayed as manager and each week we put in this kind of
performance. And if he stays, that will be the Board's hope. Can I see it
happening? In all honesty, no. But I'd be very happy to be proved 100%
wrong.
Finally, let's bask in the fact that this season we have beaten Spurs three
times with an aggregate score of 7-1. I wonder how many years it will take
for us to repeat that particular feat!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers run riot to secure Premier League spot as Younes Kaboul sees red
May 03, 2014 22:30 By Steve Stammers
The Mirror
Once again, Tottenham Hotspur came to the rescue of Sam Allardyce. The West
Ham manager was under severe pressure going into the London derby that has
always had a special importance to those in the East End. Four successive
defeats had a section of support calling for Allardyce to move on. The
banner saying as much at The Hawthorns eight days ago was not scribbled in
hasty fashion because West Bromwich Albion were ahead. If ever Allardyce
needed a win it was yesterday - and Tottenham duly obliged, just as they had
twice before this season in the Premier League in October and the Capital
One Cup in December. They produced a limp and fragmented performance that
was a reflection of the uncertainty that has surrounded the club since it
became public knowledge that Tim Sherwood's tenure as manager would be
strictly short-term. Younes Kaboul played his part. After 24 minutes, as a
rejuvenated Stewart Downing accelerated towards the Tottenham goal, Kaboul
brought him down. Referee Phil Dowd reflected for a moment and showed Kaboul
a red card.
"The right decision, I am fine with it," said Sherwood. He was also fine
with the acrobatic save from the magnificent Hugo Lloris as Andy Carroll
blasted the free-kick goalwards. But the reprieve lasted less than a minute.
The highly-impressive Mark Noble took the resulting corner, Carroll headed
it back into the danger area and Harry Kane's involuntary touch took it past
Lloris and into the net. But if fortune was not hiding with that goal, the
second on the stroke of half-time was the product of blatant cowardice.
Downing lined up a free-kick some 20 yards out and the Tottenham wall was in
place. But as the shot came in, Paulinho and Emmanuel Adebayor both turned
sideways to avoid contact with the ball which flew past Lloris. In years to
come, Paulinho and Adebayor will likely collect medals. It is safe to say
that on yesterday's evidence, none will be for valour. "Not ideal, it wasn't
great" was the verdict of Sherwood of the defending of the free-kick.
Something of an under-statement, that. And it emerged that Sherwood pointed
out the error of their ways to the players afterwards in a dressing room
inquest. "I spoke to them and pointed out what an error it was. I said that
if the ball hits you in the stomach, it hurts when you go 2-0 down more than
it hurts when you get a ball in the stomach. That hurts for about 30
seconds. "It was always going to be difficult here but I thought we started
alright. The crowd were maybe a bit edgy and waiting for them to slip up. "
The atmosphere may have indeed changed if Adebayor had shown more conviction
with his finish when he through on goal from a Christian Eriksen pass. But a
lack of conviction was evident all afternoon from the Togo international.
"The game changed on the red card," said Sherwood who could at least rely on
Lloris. Tottenham may well want to recruit in the close season, at both
managerial and playing levels. The priority, however, must be to keep
Lloris. But for him, the score could have reached embarrassing proportions.
"He is top drawer," said Sherwood. "People say he wasn't the same after he
was kicked on the head in the game at Everton but that is crap. He doesn't
make many mistakes."
Unlike many of those in front of him with exceptions like Michael Dawson,
Danny Rose and the gifted Eriksen.
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Man United's loss could be QPR play-off gain - Redknapp
May 03, 2014 23:00 By Yann Tear 0 Comments
Harry Redknapp is tipping Ravel Morrison to have a big say in QPR's play-off
ambitions. The former Man United midfielder may have been seen as unreliable
by Sir Alex Ferguson and surplus to requirements at West Ham this season,
but the Rangers boss has faith in the 21-year-old. And he believes his
unpredictable talents could take the Hoops back to the Premier League. "He's
going to be an important player for us in the play-offs," said Redknapp.
"Ravel's done very well for us. We've been pleased with him. He's a real
talent. He's got the ability to become a top player, as long as he keeps
focused. "The ability's up there with the best in the country really, in
terms of what he can do. "He's a smashing boy. I've found him a nice kid.
He's not been a minute's problem. "Before I took him, I spoke to [manager]
Lee Clark at Birmingham and he loved him when he had him last year. "Sam
[Allardyce at West Ham] liked him. I think he just felt that he'd gone down
another road and he wasn't going to play so he let him come on loan and I
was grateful for that. "Hopefully he's got a great future. I'd love to see
him do well."
Asked about whether Morrison could one day feature for England, Redknapp
said: "You hope so, you just don't know. It's up to Ravel. He's got to make
sure he keeps his eye on the job at hand."
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Saturday, May 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd May 2014
Adrian calls for final push
WHUFC.com
Goalkeeper Adrian wants to end his first season in England on a high
02.05.2014
As his first season in English football comes to a close, Adrian has cause
to look back on the year with fondness. The team may have found it tough to
hit form on a consistent basis, but the No13 has battled his way into Sam
Allardyce's eleven and stayed there with a string of strong performances.
Adrian played as the Hammers defeated Tottenham in the Capital One Cup and
now he wants another derby victory on Saturday. "I'm happy with how it's
gone," the 27-year-old explained. "I had a good season last year with Betis
and here game-by-game I've started to improve and help the team. "I knew I
wouldn't come here and walk into the team because there is a lot of
competition with the other players. "I managed to get a place in the
starting eleven and I gained confidence from the supporters, management,
staff and my teammates. "As a team we didn't start very well, but then we
got some wins and improved our position. It's true that we haven't been able
to get any points in the last few games, but it's been quite a steady season
and we have to finish strongly now."
Adrian may come up against a familiar face on Saturday in fellow Spaniard
Roberto Soldado, and despite his struggles at White Hart Lane, the Hammers
man is sure the striker will come good - but only after this weekend! He
added: "I played against Soldado back in Spain. He was was at Valencia when
I was playing for Betis, and I've always been lucky against him, even though
he's a great striker. "He's had a rough season but I'm sure he'll get over
it because he's a great professional."
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Important message from West Ham Utd
WHUFC.com
A message from the Club ahead of Saturday's game against Tottenham Hotspur
02.05.2014
West Ham United would like to thank all supporters who have purchased a
ticket for Saturday's crucial London derby with Tottenham Hotspur. The
Hammers have already enjoyed two memorable wins against Spurs this season,
with the resultant press coverage of each game rightly focusing on the
action on the pitch following two outstanding away performances. Saturday's
game is likely to be an immensely passionate affair and, as ever, we know
both sets of fans will be providing plenty of vocal support for their team.
However, West Ham United seeks to remind all home fans attending the match
at the Boleyn Ground that they will be acting as ambassadors for West Ham
United and their behaviour should reflect the values and standards of our
Club. We are proud to support causes that promote tolerance and inclusion
and tackle discrimination in whatever form it takes. Therefore, any
inappropriate behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated
by the Club. Working with the Metropolitan Police, the Club will continue to
adopt a zero tolerance policy towards any form of discriminatory behaviour
and any fan found to be acting inappropriately - including racist,
anti-Semitic and homophobic behaviour - will be punished to the full extent
of the law and banned from attending matches. In the rare case that you do
see or hear anything you think in unacceptable, there are a number of ways
you can report the matter. Two of the easiest ways are to speak to your
nearest steward or police officer at the stadium or use the Boleyn Ground's
anonymous fan phone number - 07860 404 069 - where all calls will be treated
in the strictest of confidence.
Everyone at West Ham United is looking forward to the final game of the
season at the Boleyn Ground, where the famous Claret and Blue Army can show
the world what being a Hammers fan is all about - supporting with pride,
passion and respect.
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U18s book Play-Off spot
WHUFC.com
The Academy sealed their place in the end of season Play-Offs with a 1-1
draw against Arsenal
02.05.2014
The Academy booked their place in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League
Play-Offs after a 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Friday afternoon. Former
Arsenal youth striker Jordan Brown earned the Hammers a sixth minute penalty
after being fouled by Stefan O'Connor, which was converted by captain Kieran
Bywater. The hosts were denied the full three points in the second half
however when Ainsley Maitland-Niles pounced onto a slip in the Hammers
defence to finish into the top corner. The Hammers needed a single point
going into this fixture to ensure that London rivals Fulham could not catch
them and U18 boss Steve Potts had an extended group of players to choose
from. Reece Burke returned to the centre of defence to partner Manny
Onariase, whilst Josh Cullen shrugged off a recent injury to take a place on
the bench. Ben Marlow's injury problems meant he had to sit out of another
fixture, whilst U16s defender Josh Pask took up a holding role in the middle
of the midfield. With the pressure on the Hammers to get a result, the hosts
couldn't have asked for a better start when Brown burst into the penalty
box, only to be dragged to the ground by O'Connor. It was down to Hammers
captain Kieran Bywater to step up and bury his 18th goal of the season. The
Hammers continued to dominate and should have been awarded another penalty
straight away when Brown again got goal side of O'Connor, forcing the
towering defender to apply heavy pressure on the Hammers forward, although
the referee did not agree.
Into the second half and the Hammers kept their foot on the accelerator as
they searched for a second goal, which they almost got when Brown again
found a route into the penalty box, although he slipped when trying to find
a team mate in the middle to finish. It was a fiery game that both sides
desperately wanted to win, which led to a heated moment between captain
Bywater and Arsenal skipper Glenn Kamara when the former reacted badly to a
needless challenge off the pitch, although both players shook hands after
receiving yellow cards. West Ham had a golden opportunity to wrap the game
up in the 71st minute when substitute Jaanai Gordon used his pace and power
to run through on goal, but Gunners keeper Josh Vickers pulled off a
brilliant save. Just a minute later and the visitors were level when a
crossfield ball towards Maitland-Niles caught the Hammers unaware and he
held his nerve to smash the ball into the top left hand corner of the net.
The goal gave Arsenal confidence as the Hammers started to tire, but the
hosts continued to push for a winner and almost got it when Gordon again
found a way through the Arsenal defence, although his shot only made it into
the side netting. Speaking after the game, U18 boss Steve Potts and
assistant manager Mark Phillips were both delighted to see the Hammers earn
their place in the Barclays U18 Premier League Play-Offs, where they will
travel to Manchester City. "We said before the game that if we got through
this game against Arsenal with a result then we would be there against
Manchester City next week, which will be a tough test for the lads," said
Potts. "That's what we want from the boys though, we want them to be tested
and come through games getting results. "Today was a hard test for us but I
said after the game that Arsenal today would be a good test for us ahead of
Manchester City next week," added Phillips." That will be another tough game
next week and if we play well enough and make the final, it will be a third
tough match that we will have to be up for."
The match details for the semi-final match against Manchester City are yet
to be confirmed, but will be announced on whufc.com in due course.
Should the Hammers make the final, they will be up against either Southern
group winners Tottenham Hotspur or Northern group runners-up Everton.
West Ham United U18: Howes, Knoyle, Burke, Onariase, Mavila, Pask, Nasha
(Cullen), Makasi, Bywater, J Brown (Amoo), Parfitt-Williams (Gordon).
Subs not used: T Brown, Martins, Pike.
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On this day - 3 May
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison comes to the fore with a crucial double in 2012's Play-Off
semi-final victory
04.05.2013
Classic match
Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham United
Championship Play-Off semi-final
3 May 2012
West Ham United took a giant stride back towards the top table of English
football with this Jack Collison-inspired 2-0 win at Cardiff City. Unbeaten
in six headed into the first leg, they were in front inside just nine
minutes courtesy of the Wales international. Ricardo Vaz Te chased a
seemingly lost cause and was suitably rewarded as his cross picked out
Collison, who headed home after his volley had been kept out by David
Marshall. It was that man Collison who doubled the Hammers' advantage four
minutes before the interval. Ben Turner was only able to clear a corner as
far as the Watford-born midfielder, who controlled on his chest before
blasting goalward. With Marshall already committed to his right, Collison's
strike took a wicked deflection off Liam Lawrence before nestling in the
opposite corner. Though Cardiff rallied after the break, Kenny Miller was
unable to convert a series of half chances, as the Hammers took a commanding
lead back to the Boleyn Ground. In the end it proved plenty, with a 3-0 win
in the second leg propelling Sam Allardyce's men to an ultimately triumphant
Wembley date.
Complete record - 3 May
2012 Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham United (Championship Play-Off semi-final)
2008 Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2003 West Ham United 1-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
1997 West Ham United 5-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Premier League)
1995 West Ham United 0-0 Queens Park Rangers (Premier League)
1994 Queens Park Rangers 0-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1989 Newcastle United 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1986 West Bromwich Albion 2-3 West Ham United (Division One)
1983 Ipswich Town 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1980 Bristol Rovers 0-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1947 West Ham United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Division Two)
1930 Newcastle United 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1924 Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 13, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 3, Scored 21, Conceded 13
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Tonks targets Spurs hat-trick
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins knows how important Saturday's game is to West Ham United
supporters
02.05.2014
James Tomkins knows how important Saturday's game with Tottenham Hotspur is
to West Ham United supporters. The Hammers welcome Spurs knowing victory
would complete a single-season hat-trick of victories over their north
London rivals for the first time in the Club's history. Tomkins, who played
in the 3-0 Barclays Premier League success at White Hart Lane in October, is
relishing the opportunity to end the 2013/14 campaign on a high at the
Boleyn Ground - putting smiles on the faces of fans in the process. "It's a
big game for all of us, really," said the No5. "We need to win to get
ourselves out of trouble and, with it being Tottenham, we know what it means
to the fans and everyone. It's a massive game. "The game in October is one I
certainly won't forget. We set up well and kept them quiet in the first
half, which is always important, and we got our goals. To win there 3-0 in
front of the thousands of our fans who turned up on the day, and the
celebrations after, were really good. It was an important win with the
situation we were in, as well."
While Tomkins and Winston Reid had to shackle Jermain Defoe, the diminutive
striker has now departed for the MLS, with the larger and more physical
Emmanuel Adebayor and Harry Kane now leading the line for Spurs. With a new
manager also in the dugout in Tim Sherwood, Tomkins knows Tottenham will
present a different proposition this time around - one Sam Allardyce will
ensure the Hammers are ready for. "They will both pose a big threat and we
know about the qualities they have got, but we're not going to worry too
much about them. "The young lad Kane has obviously come in and done well and
Adebayor is an experienced player, so we'll have to play well to keep them
quiet. Hopefully we can get a win in front of a good crowd. "The Gaffer's
attention to detail has always been good and he always makes sure we're on
it leading up to games. There will be no change here and we'll be aware of
what they do well and where we can pose a threat to them. "We'll be
well-prepared going in and we know we need to win because we haven't won
many games lately."
Basildon-born Tomkins has been with West Ham since the age of seven and
knows just how passionate the Club's supporters are. With that in mind, the
25-year-old is determined to give them all a performance and result to be
proud of on Saturday. "I know what the fans here demand because it's a big
Club and we all expect more of ourselves. This season, we expected more than
we have produced on the pitch. When you go four games without winning, fans
are going to be annoyed, like we all are. "As players and staff, we want to
win games, so we understand that it hasn't been good for us of late. We want
to turn that around and there is no better team to do that against than
Spurs. "It's important that the fans can see what position we were in before
Christmas, when we were near rock-bottom, and we got out of it with a great
run of games and four or five wins. "It's important that everyone gets
behind us and shows their support because we're playing Spurs and it's a big
game."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid blogs for whufc.com on success against Tottenham this season
and a return to home shores
01.05.2014
Hello everyone,
We've got Tottenham on Saturday and we'd all love to end at home with our
third win over them of the season. It's a local derby and I'm sure the fans
will be up for it. We have to go out and make things right after we lost our
last couple of home games, so we'll be looking to improve on that. I've
scored a couple of goals against the Club's close rivals. Maybe that's more
coincidence than skill, but I've been fortunate enough to score a couple of
goals in derbies, so hopefully I can get another on Saturday. The two wins
over them have been two of the highlights of the season. We know it'll be
another tough game on Saturday, but we'll relish the challenge.
Adebayor is doing well since he's come into the side under the new manager
and he's a very good player so that will be an interesting battle. We'll
expect him to be on his game and we'll have to be at our best to stop him,
We haven't been winning lately, but but we've got two games left and we'll
do our best to pick up as many points as possible. Personally, I thought I
started off the year well to continue where I left off. I then got injured
and missed the majority of the season. It takes a bit of time to come back
from those sort of things, and hopefully next year I'll be improved and
raring to go again. We've also announced that we'll be off to my home
country in pre-season and the plane will be a little more crowded that it
usually is! First and foremost it'll be good for the public down there to
see a couple of good quality teams
It'll be good for the team as well to get out of the normal environment. The
lads will see a country that maybe they'd never have gone to. It's a long
way on the plane, but I'm sue the players will enjoy themselves when they
get there. It's a sporting nation - they love their sport down there - and
I'm sure we'll get a good crowd. Hopefully we'll put on a show, and we know
we'll be working hard down there to get fit for the new season. If you're
travelling that far you'll see some different things. The nature is very
nice and there are a lot of outdoor activities. The public are very
friendly, so if you're going out there, bring a smile I guess!
Come on you Irons
Reidy
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Allardyce: fans' support is vital
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 2nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admits that West Ham have underperformed this season - but is
determined to right the wrongs of the 2013/14 campaign next year.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Allardyce revealed that he had some
sympathy for those disappointed by the quality of football this season - but
that he hopes to get the fans back onside with the kind of football that
resulted in a play-off final in 2011/12 and a top half Premier League finish
last season.
"I saw the banner at West Brom last weekend and I understand the fans'
frustrations," he said. "My first responsibility has to be to the people who
employ me but I also have a commitment to the supporters of West Ham United.
"I don't take on the fans; there is no future in picking an argument with
them. I understand their frustration, I really do. There is no hiding the
fact that we expected to do better this season.
"But it's not what some of them say about me which really matters - it's
that it can affect the players. If we're not doing as well as they would
like - and we're not at the moment - their response can help turn that
around, or it can make it worse.
"I know how difficult it is because they want to come to the Boleyn Ground,
see their team do well and be excited by the football. This season we
haven't done that enough and when that happens you can't expect your fans
just to go home satisfied."
Tomorrow afternoon West Ham take on Tottenham in their final home league
game of the season. "It would be absolutely fantastic to beat them at home,
having beaten them in the Capital One Cup and in the league," mused
Allardyce in his pre-match press conference.
However the 59-year-old is already looking beyond this season to a busy
summer of activity and recruitment as he enters the final year of his latest
contract, which he signed last May having steered the Hammers to a tenth
place finish in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
"You've got to remember that we're all in this together," he said. "I
wouldn't see it any other way, until either David Sullivan, David Gold or
Karren Brady ring me and tell me otherwise. We're trying to progress the
football club so I'm delivering what the owners want - and at the moment
we've nearly got what we want.
"We're very, very close to being in the Premier League for a third season
and trying to become a club that has the capability of sustaining its
Premier League status, growing slowly but surely and making sure it stays in
the Premier League for a long period of time."
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West Ham's Sam Allardyce says Tottenham counterpart Tim Sherwood has proved
himself
Last Updated: 02/05/14 2:51pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says Tim Sherwood has proved he can handle managing a big club
but admitted no one could be sure of their positions in the high-pressure
environment of the Premier League. Sherwood takes his Tottenham side to face
Allardyce's West Ham at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday looking to avoid a
third defeat of the season at the hands of the Hammers. The 45-year-old
replaced Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane in December but has constantly
had his position undermined as other names are linked with the job.
Allardyce has also come under pressure recently as a number of West Ham fans
have started calling for his head after a run of four straight defeats. "In
our field you never know what's going to happen," he said. "You're never
comfortable, wherever you are, and in Tim's position I think he's proven
that he can handle the job and he's proven that he's learned as he's gone
on. You're bound to slip up when you're doing it for the first time, I still
slip up after 20-odd years. We all make mistakes, but you learn from them
and I think he's learned very quickly. "I think Tottenham have done very,
very well under him and what they decide at the end of the day is up to the
owners and board at Tottenham."
Having already beaten Spurs twice at White Hart Lane this season, once in
the league and then in a Capital One Cup quarter-final, West Ham defender
Winston Reid is keen to complete a memorable hat-trick against their local
rivals. "We've got Tottenham on Saturday and we'd all love to end at home
with our third win over them of the season," he told the club's official
website. "It's a local derby and I'm sure the fans will be up for it. We
have to go out and make things right after we lost our last couple of home
games, so we'll be looking to improve on that. "The two wins over them have
been two of the highlights of the season. We know it'll be another tough
game on Saturday, but we'll relish the challenge. "We haven't been winning
lately, but but we've got two games left and we'll do our best to pick up as
many points as possible."
Allardyce is aware of the threat that will be posed by sixth-placed
Tottenham but is hopeful his side can pick up a result and begin to turn the
tide of fan discomfort. "They come and play and try and open up because of
the quality of players that they have," he said. "They will think their
eleven is better than yours, but on the day if your players hit top form
we're more than capable of beating them. "We have to be very wary of what
their strengths are and make sure their strengths are nullified. Then we
have to make sure we use our strengths to try and break their defensive unit
down and take our chances when we get them."
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West Ham under pressure as Tottenham visit Upton Park
Last Updated: 02/05/14 10:52am
SSN
West Ham United will be looking to end any lingering fears about relegation
when they welcome London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to Upton Park for their
final home game of the season. The Hammers currently occupy 14th place and,
with a five-point cushion over the bottom three, safety is nearly assured
already.
If Norwich City and Fuham fail to win this weekend, they will definitely
stay up regardless of what happens against Spurs, but West Ham will be
desperate to get the job done without help from elsewhere and avoid a nervy
trip to title contenders Manchester City on the final day. Sam Allardyce
will also hope that a good performance at home will earn a positive
reception from fans, having admitted it is frustrating to be criticised when
he is setting the team up to get the best result possible. Negative tactics
have been cited as the primary reason for supporters' unrest and a four-game
losing run has added to the pressure on Allardyce, but the Hammers will take
confidence from the fact they have beaten Spurs twice already this season.
Having been defeated at White Hart Lane in both the Premier League and
Capital One Cup, Tottenham will hope to gain some revenge and stay on course
for European qualification. Arsenal's victory over Newcastle United
extinguished Spurs' faint chances of finishing in the top four but they are
just three points behind fifth-placed Everton and six clear of Manchester
United in seventh, albeit having played a game more than United. Tim
Sherwood is another manager whose position continues to come under scrutiny
and he has admitted to being annoyed by the speculation, following fresh
reports this week that Frank de Boer has been contacted about taking charge
in the summer. Spurs are in decent form, though, having won 1-0 at Stoke
City last weekend to extend their unbeaten run to four matches, and will be
aiming to finish the season with a flourish.
Paul Merson's prediction
Big Sam seems to be under pressure at West Ham. The crowd have been on his
back and had the banners out the other day, so this is a big game for him.
Tim Sherwood, who hasn't done anything wrong in his time in charge of
Tottenham, will also want to win and I think he's been a bit unlucky. I'm
going to go for a 1-1 draw, which won't exactly send the West Ham fans home
happy, but it's better than losing to a team they don't like.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1
West Ham
Last 6
West Brom (a)1-0
C Palace (h)0-1
Arsenal (a)3-1
Liverpool (h)1-2
Sunderland (a)1-2
2-1
Marco Borriello is the only absentee for West Ham as they lock horns with
Tottenham. The on-loan striker is struggling with a calf injury which has
limited the 31-year-old to just two appearances for the Hammers since he
joined in January. With the rest of his squad fit and in contention,
Allardyce will be tasked with picking the right team to end a run of four
straight defeats.
Tottenham
Last 6
Stoke City (a)0-1
3-1
West Brom (a)3-3
Sunderland (h)5-1
Liverpool (a)4-0
Southampton (h)3-2
Andros Townsend is out for Tottenham after suffering an ankle injury against
Stoke which means that he will miss the World Cup. Kyle Walker (pelvis) also
remains sidelined, along with fellow long-term absentee Erik Lamela (back),
who has not played in 2014. Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen and Etienne Capoue
will be assessed ahead of kick-off following recent lay-offs, while Sandro
will also hope to feature after returning to the substitutes' bench last
week.
Opta stats
Andy Carroll has scored in both previous meetings with Tottenham as a West
Ham player, but has ended up on the losing side both times.
Roberto Soldado has not scored a Premier League away goal since October 20.
If West Ham lose this match it will be the first time since May 2011 that
they've lost five top-flight games in a row.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS SAM ALLARDYCE MISUNDERSTOOD?
By Sean Whetstone 2 May 2014 at 17:20
West Ham Till I Die
There are some who claim Sam Allardyce should be cherished as one of the
most progressive, inspirational figures that English football has ever
produced. Instead, he is seen as a Luddite, a dinosaur, an embodiment of
everything that is wrong with the game these shores. He is nothing more than
a self-promoting reactionary. He is an unpleasant reminder of a
less-aesthetic age.
But there is more to Allardyce than he is given credit for, that much is
certain. He is not the one-dimensional anachronism he is often cast as.
Indeed, though he does his best to hide it, it is possible to describe
Allardyce as one of the most fascinating dichotomies in football.
He was one of the first to see that football's truth might be held in its
numbers. He assembled an army of analysts and technologists and whiz-kids to
help him establish what they might say. That was more than a decade ago. Now
every club has its own division, wielding statistics as weapons, each
seeking an advantage in the arms race.
He was an early adopter of conditioning and diet and nutrition, a pioneering
advocate of sports science and psychology. He bestowed upon English football
the chance to see some of the game's great mavericks, coaxing order and
orthodoxy from the wild men and the bad boys, and dredging the dried-out
husks of the old for the last few vestiges of youthful exuberance.
He is the man, after all, who found a way to incorporate and indulge the
likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff at Bolton, and yet managed to
render all of that good work irrelevant by simultaneously shoe-horning them
into a quite devastatingly unattractive long-ball side.
If it hadn't been Allardyce, or if he had been French, you would have been
half-tempted to think it was some sort of existential opus, a monument to
irony or clever subversion of the idea of beauty. But he is Allardyce, and
he is about as un-French as it is possible to be, so all you could do was
assume that he had decided Okocha might be good for winning second balls.
That is the primary reason Allardyce has been so scorned, of course: because
the upshot of all of his innovation, all of his originality, seems to be to
how best to launch long balls at a striker.
He is an intelligent, pioneering presence right up to the moment when his
teams take to the pitch, like a doctor who has spent two decades with the
most modern equipment available and then prescribes leeches to his patients,
or an army investing a fortune into weapons technology but going into battle
armed with massive clubs.
There are other causes for his, well, unpopularity. His demeanour — best
described as "recently neutered bulldog" — counts against him, as does his
over-eagerness to blame everything that goes against his sides on some sort
of cosmic conspiracy of referees.
Most damaging of all, of course, is his rampant self-promotion. His
declaration that he should be managing Real Madrid or Barcelona is the best
example, but do not forget his sincerely held belief that if he was called
Allardici, he would be worshipped in all four corners of the globe.
That, Sam, is called hubris; it means you will forever find your
shortcomings highlighted far more readily than your successes.
Allardyce, with his characteristic lack of self-awareness, will no doubt
mention this at some point. He will ask for praise, rather than waiting to
be given it. That is part of the problem, too, but it is not the primary
reason.
That is something far more subtle. Allardyce is frowned upon because is us.
He is English. He is English football's core values made flesh. He is
everything we are and because of that he is everything we hate. Forget the
numbers and the identities of the players and the pioneering off-pitch
approach. On the pitch, he reminds us not just of what we once were, but of
what we will always be.
Jose Mourinho — another manager not exactly afraid of a direct pass said "If
you try to play like another team, you are very stupid. You will only ever
be a pale imitation of your inspiration if you are not true to yourself "
Allardyce is pathologically true to what he is, to what we are. He makes no
attempt to be anything other than himself. There is no pretension, no talk
of philosophy, no high-faluting values. He is long balls and fight and
passion and hard-running. He is industry in a world of art and
intellectualism.
And because of that, he is something of a throwback. He is us, reflected
back on ourselves. He is a pioneer and an innovator and an imagineer, but
none of that matters, because he is also everything we do not want to be.
*This is an abridged version of an article which appeared an EPSN blog by
Rory Smith last year
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MAJORITY OR MINORITY? - REGARDLESS, FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED!
By S J Chandos 2 May 2014 at 08:30
West Ham Till I Die
Sam Allardyce has been quoted, in today's Daily Star, as continuing to
assert that only a minority of West Ham fans want him replaced. This is in
the face of a unpreccedented recent poll of over 12,000 fans, which
indicated that just under 78% of those surveyed felt that it was time for
change! Mr Allardyce has been quoted as stating that:
"Majority? Minority. Let me put it right – a minority. Because the majority
who are satisfied do not ring up, write in or come on the radio. They go
home and they wait and hopefully next week they find it better. You do
change the perception (of people) by winning football matches – no problem".
"That's what makes everything rosey and everyone happy. If you can't win
then don't lose. We can play extremely well at West Ham and if you get a
draw, especially against a team at the top end, then everyone is satisfied.
If you don't play so well against a team you're expected to beat then they
show their dissatisfaction – that's no different to any football club in the
country."
Belief in playing philosophy/traditions can almost be a material force
amongst supporters. Generations of West Ham fans have been taught key
principles and been entertained by a certain brand of football. The 'West
Ham Way' is built in to the collective consciousness and belief systems of
the club's supporters. For a newly appointed manager to come out and dismiss
that legacy is to create an instant schism with the fans and, unfortunately,
that is what occurred in the summer of 2011. That division was created, but
was largely suppressed during the promotion campaign of 2011-12 and the
initial return to the PL in 2012-13. There was some evidence that
Allardyce's West Ham could mix it up and entertain in both of those seasons.
But fan dissatisfaction remained, brewing away under the surface. It was the
largely poor football in the current season that has brought it to the fore
and gave it a new impetus/expression. Was it inevitable? Probably, but maybe
not if past lessons had been learnt and new approaches adopted. For me, an
ability to develop a new approach and confound the 'long ball merchant'
label, was always a pre-requisite of Mr Allardyce's longer term managerial
tenure at the club.
Mr Allardyce is correct on one indisputable level, football is a results
driven business. If you lose too many football matches then you struggle and
will be relegated. No Hammers fan is happy with that situation. However,
that is not the whole story. Down Upton Park way, it is not just about
winning, but also the quality and entertainment value of the performance.
Yes, the away draw with Chelsea was warmly appreciated by the fans. But that
is linked to the romanticism that has always been another enduring aspect of
the club's traditions. Usually expressed as pride at facing large odds and
overturning them, with a whole hearted and committed performance. That is
why brave and committed player performances are valued almost as highly as
skill and attacking innovation by the club's fans.The Chelsea result fell in
to that former category.
In comparison, it was also interesting to observe the fan discontent after
the Hull City victory and the sense of greater satissfaction after the
Liverpool defeat. Walking away from the ground after the match, it was
interesting to hear groups of Hammers fans openly expressing the view that –
at one important level – they gained greater enjoyment at the nature of the
West Ham performance, in the defeat to Liverpool, than the dour victory over
Hull City. Not all fans and clubs are the same. And arguably, the mistake
(in the above quotation) is to assume that universal principles apply; while
the factors of long established pride in club traditions/playing style are
apparently deemed irrelevant. Winning may be the ultimate 'bottom line' in
football, especially in the PL era, but there are still other crucial
factors at play.
Of course, the problem with a narrow 'results are everything' and 'ends
justify the means' position is that those principles will ultimately become
the success criteria by which you are assessed. Playing to win and saying
that you set up to achieve that one objective, divorced from other pertinent
factors (in what is after all still an entertainment industry), means that
you can fend off critics as long as you succeed by your own standards. But
what happens if you lose 7 out of the the last 9 matches? You then fail by
your own standards. That conclusion is unavoidable. A case of being hoisted
by your own petard I think. And, ultimately, it leaves you wide open to the
ultimate attack by your critics..
Regardless, a very significant percentage of fans have made their position
clear. And many have already stated that they will not renew their season
tickets unless they get greater entertainment for their hard earned money.
Whether they 'vote with their feet,' in the absence of change, remains to be
seen. But ultimately the managerial position will be addressed at the end of
the season, with the board's end of season review. And presumably a position
will be taken, one way or another, before the 2 June 2014 renewal deadline.
In the meantime, we need to beat Spurs at home to absolutely guarantee PL
safety and establish a unique triple victory over our north London rivals.
That should be enough to secure unity amongst club and supporters, at least
at kick off. But woe betide if the result goes the wrong way and there is
any element of relegation danger (no matter how remote) going in to the Man
City away match.
We should be safe this season, but that is just as much a product of the
limitations of other clubs as our own performance levels. There was always
the guarantee that there were three or more clubs poorer than us this
campaign, which would contrive to underwrite our safety. Next season that
may not necessarily be the case! Forewarned is forearmed as they say!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll backs Sam Allardyce to bring European football to West Ham
despite supporter discontent
May 02, 2014 22:30 By Marc Isaacs
The Mirror
Andy Carroll wants the West Ham board to stick with Sam Allardyce because he
can deliver European football to the club when they move into the Olympic
Stadium. Allardyce is under intense pressure following a run of four
defeats, which has seen sections of the West Ham support calling for him to
be sacked.
Fans unfurled a banner at West Brom last week that read "Fat Sam Out -
Killing WHU" and would like a new boss brought in this summer. Carroll is
well aware of the unrest, but the club's £15million record signing is
adamant that Allardyce can take the club on to the next level when they move
into their new home in two years. The striker said: "There is no better man
for the job. I don't know any other manager who could come in and do the job
he has done here. "What he has done for West Ham has been great. You also
see his record at Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn and he is a great manager.
That is why he has got the record he has. "He has faced pressure at other
clubs and he has been fine with it. He is a great person as well as a
manager. That is why we have such a good attitude around the camp. Sam will
push the players on and, moving into the new stadium, there is no doubt
European football is a possibility. "I think West Ham will become a massive
club – even bigger than it is now. We are moving into a great stadium and it
is going to be even better once it is developed. I don't see why we cannot
push for Europe." Carroll is angry when people talk about Allardyce being a
long-ball coach and feels it is unfair on his team as well. He added: "When
we need to play that way, we use it. But a number of teams play that way. We
watched the Chelsea game and they played long balls. Arsenal have done the
same, but they don't get tarnished with it. It's unfair on Sam." Carroll is
hoping to finish the season with a bang and prove to England manager Roy
Hodgson that he should be on the plane for Brazil in June . The 25-year-old
missed the first half of the season with a heel injury, but he has now made
a full recovery and hopes to earn a call-up. He said: "Playing at the World
Cup in Brazil is possibly the best thing you can do as a footballer and it
will be a shame if I miss out. "But I have done everything that I can. I
have been injured and I have worked hard to get back. Fingers crossed, I can
get into the squad." Carroll wants to put a smile back on the faces of the
West Ham fans when they face arch-rivals Tottenham at Upton Park. Having
beaten Spurs twice this season, Carroll knows what it would mean if they
could make it a hat-trick and take the pressure off their boss. "It will be
like a cup final. Hopefully, the fans will be behind us," he added.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian says beers are on him if losing streak ends
against Spurs
By CRAIG HOPE
PUBLISHED: 07:52, 3 May 2014 | UPDATED: 07:52, 3 May 2014
Daily Mail
Adrian San Miguel del Castillo says the drinks are on him if West Ham break
their four-match losing streak with victory against Spurs. And there are no
prizes for guessing the taste of the tipple which he'll be serving up. In
fact, the Spanish goalkeeper believes he may even be a descendent of the San
Miguel family who first brewed the nation's flagship beer. 'Some people in
my family might have owned San Miguel in the old days,' he laughs.
'Obviously, the players make jokes about it. But I promise that if we beat
Spurs then I will buy a round of San Miguel for the lads!' Amid the gloom of
a season which had seen the Hammers dice dangerously with relegation until a
late-winter revival, Adrian has been a welcome ray of light. The 27-year-old
– a free-transfer signing from Betis last summer - did not win a regular
starting jersey until Christmas but has remained between the posts since,
even emerging as a contender for Player of the Season. And he added: 'Of
course I am very pleased with my season (on a personal note). 'I came here
after I had a very good season with Betis in Spain but have improved and
helped the team and that is what I am here for. 'I knew it was going to be
difficult and I wasn't going to walk straight into the team, there is a lot
of competition and great players in the squad. 'I managed to get a place in
the starting XI and now I have got the confidence from all the supporters,
the management, staff and my team-mates which, for a goalkeeper, is
massive.' While Adrian has every confidence in his ability on the pitch –
and that has certainly showed – he is not so assured when it comes to his
English off it and uses an interpreter for interviews. Breaking from
Spanish, however, he reveals that phrases such as 'well done' and 'good
decision' have been learned in a bid to encourage the defenders in front of
him. The likes of Winston Reid and James Tomkins, then, are safe from an
ear-bashing, at least for now. 'My English is going well and I get help from
the club,' he explains. 'I always try in short interviews to manage myself
(to speak English). But if it is more extensive and I need more vocabulary
then I'm not quite confident. I will get there though.'
If Adrian is getting the beers in come Saturday afternoon then the language
barrier certainly won't be an issue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Goalkeeper Adrian wants to end his first season in England on a high
02.05.2014
As his first season in English football comes to a close, Adrian has cause
to look back on the year with fondness. The team may have found it tough to
hit form on a consistent basis, but the No13 has battled his way into Sam
Allardyce's eleven and stayed there with a string of strong performances.
Adrian played as the Hammers defeated Tottenham in the Capital One Cup and
now he wants another derby victory on Saturday. "I'm happy with how it's
gone," the 27-year-old explained. "I had a good season last year with Betis
and here game-by-game I've started to improve and help the team. "I knew I
wouldn't come here and walk into the team because there is a lot of
competition with the other players. "I managed to get a place in the
starting eleven and I gained confidence from the supporters, management,
staff and my teammates. "As a team we didn't start very well, but then we
got some wins and improved our position. It's true that we haven't been able
to get any points in the last few games, but it's been quite a steady season
and we have to finish strongly now."
Adrian may come up against a familiar face on Saturday in fellow Spaniard
Roberto Soldado, and despite his struggles at White Hart Lane, the Hammers
man is sure the striker will come good - but only after this weekend! He
added: "I played against Soldado back in Spain. He was was at Valencia when
I was playing for Betis, and I've always been lucky against him, even though
he's a great striker. "He's had a rough season but I'm sure he'll get over
it because he's a great professional."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Important message from West Ham Utd
WHUFC.com
A message from the Club ahead of Saturday's game against Tottenham Hotspur
02.05.2014
West Ham United would like to thank all supporters who have purchased a
ticket for Saturday's crucial London derby with Tottenham Hotspur. The
Hammers have already enjoyed two memorable wins against Spurs this season,
with the resultant press coverage of each game rightly focusing on the
action on the pitch following two outstanding away performances. Saturday's
game is likely to be an immensely passionate affair and, as ever, we know
both sets of fans will be providing plenty of vocal support for their team.
However, West Ham United seeks to remind all home fans attending the match
at the Boleyn Ground that they will be acting as ambassadors for West Ham
United and their behaviour should reflect the values and standards of our
Club. We are proud to support causes that promote tolerance and inclusion
and tackle discrimination in whatever form it takes. Therefore, any
inappropriate behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated
by the Club. Working with the Metropolitan Police, the Club will continue to
adopt a zero tolerance policy towards any form of discriminatory behaviour
and any fan found to be acting inappropriately - including racist,
anti-Semitic and homophobic behaviour - will be punished to the full extent
of the law and banned from attending matches. In the rare case that you do
see or hear anything you think in unacceptable, there are a number of ways
you can report the matter. Two of the easiest ways are to speak to your
nearest steward or police officer at the stadium or use the Boleyn Ground's
anonymous fan phone number - 07860 404 069 - where all calls will be treated
in the strictest of confidence.
Everyone at West Ham United is looking forward to the final game of the
season at the Boleyn Ground, where the famous Claret and Blue Army can show
the world what being a Hammers fan is all about - supporting with pride,
passion and respect.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s book Play-Off spot
WHUFC.com
The Academy sealed their place in the end of season Play-Offs with a 1-1
draw against Arsenal
02.05.2014
The Academy booked their place in the Barclays Under-18 Premier League
Play-Offs after a 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Friday afternoon. Former
Arsenal youth striker Jordan Brown earned the Hammers a sixth minute penalty
after being fouled by Stefan O'Connor, which was converted by captain Kieran
Bywater. The hosts were denied the full three points in the second half
however when Ainsley Maitland-Niles pounced onto a slip in the Hammers
defence to finish into the top corner. The Hammers needed a single point
going into this fixture to ensure that London rivals Fulham could not catch
them and U18 boss Steve Potts had an extended group of players to choose
from. Reece Burke returned to the centre of defence to partner Manny
Onariase, whilst Josh Cullen shrugged off a recent injury to take a place on
the bench. Ben Marlow's injury problems meant he had to sit out of another
fixture, whilst U16s defender Josh Pask took up a holding role in the middle
of the midfield. With the pressure on the Hammers to get a result, the hosts
couldn't have asked for a better start when Brown burst into the penalty
box, only to be dragged to the ground by O'Connor. It was down to Hammers
captain Kieran Bywater to step up and bury his 18th goal of the season. The
Hammers continued to dominate and should have been awarded another penalty
straight away when Brown again got goal side of O'Connor, forcing the
towering defender to apply heavy pressure on the Hammers forward, although
the referee did not agree.
Into the second half and the Hammers kept their foot on the accelerator as
they searched for a second goal, which they almost got when Brown again
found a route into the penalty box, although he slipped when trying to find
a team mate in the middle to finish. It was a fiery game that both sides
desperately wanted to win, which led to a heated moment between captain
Bywater and Arsenal skipper Glenn Kamara when the former reacted badly to a
needless challenge off the pitch, although both players shook hands after
receiving yellow cards. West Ham had a golden opportunity to wrap the game
up in the 71st minute when substitute Jaanai Gordon used his pace and power
to run through on goal, but Gunners keeper Josh Vickers pulled off a
brilliant save. Just a minute later and the visitors were level when a
crossfield ball towards Maitland-Niles caught the Hammers unaware and he
held his nerve to smash the ball into the top left hand corner of the net.
The goal gave Arsenal confidence as the Hammers started to tire, but the
hosts continued to push for a winner and almost got it when Gordon again
found a way through the Arsenal defence, although his shot only made it into
the side netting. Speaking after the game, U18 boss Steve Potts and
assistant manager Mark Phillips were both delighted to see the Hammers earn
their place in the Barclays U18 Premier League Play-Offs, where they will
travel to Manchester City. "We said before the game that if we got through
this game against Arsenal with a result then we would be there against
Manchester City next week, which will be a tough test for the lads," said
Potts. "That's what we want from the boys though, we want them to be tested
and come through games getting results. "Today was a hard test for us but I
said after the game that Arsenal today would be a good test for us ahead of
Manchester City next week," added Phillips." That will be another tough game
next week and if we play well enough and make the final, it will be a third
tough match that we will have to be up for."
The match details for the semi-final match against Manchester City are yet
to be confirmed, but will be announced on whufc.com in due course.
Should the Hammers make the final, they will be up against either Southern
group winners Tottenham Hotspur or Northern group runners-up Everton.
West Ham United U18: Howes, Knoyle, Burke, Onariase, Mavila, Pask, Nasha
(Cullen), Makasi, Bywater, J Brown (Amoo), Parfitt-Williams (Gordon).
Subs not used: T Brown, Martins, Pike.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 3 May
WHUFC.com
Jack Collison comes to the fore with a crucial double in 2012's Play-Off
semi-final victory
04.05.2013
Classic match
Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham United
Championship Play-Off semi-final
3 May 2012
West Ham United took a giant stride back towards the top table of English
football with this Jack Collison-inspired 2-0 win at Cardiff City. Unbeaten
in six headed into the first leg, they were in front inside just nine
minutes courtesy of the Wales international. Ricardo Vaz Te chased a
seemingly lost cause and was suitably rewarded as his cross picked out
Collison, who headed home after his volley had been kept out by David
Marshall. It was that man Collison who doubled the Hammers' advantage four
minutes before the interval. Ben Turner was only able to clear a corner as
far as the Watford-born midfielder, who controlled on his chest before
blasting goalward. With Marshall already committed to his right, Collison's
strike took a wicked deflection off Liam Lawrence before nestling in the
opposite corner. Though Cardiff rallied after the break, Kenny Miller was
unable to convert a series of half chances, as the Hammers took a commanding
lead back to the Boleyn Ground. In the end it proved plenty, with a 3-0 win
in the second leg propelling Sam Allardyce's men to an ultimately triumphant
Wembley date.
Complete record - 3 May
2012 Cardiff City 0-2 West Ham United (Championship Play-Off semi-final)
2008 Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
2003 West Ham United 1-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
1997 West Ham United 5-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Premier League)
1995 West Ham United 0-0 Queens Park Rangers (Premier League)
1994 Queens Park Rangers 0-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
1989 Newcastle United 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1986 West Bromwich Albion 2-3 West Ham United (Division One)
1983 Ipswich Town 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1980 Bristol Rovers 0-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1947 West Ham United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday (Division Two)
1930 Newcastle United 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1924 Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Played 13, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 3, Scored 21, Conceded 13
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonks targets Spurs hat-trick
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins knows how important Saturday's game is to West Ham United
supporters
02.05.2014
James Tomkins knows how important Saturday's game with Tottenham Hotspur is
to West Ham United supporters. The Hammers welcome Spurs knowing victory
would complete a single-season hat-trick of victories over their north
London rivals for the first time in the Club's history. Tomkins, who played
in the 3-0 Barclays Premier League success at White Hart Lane in October, is
relishing the opportunity to end the 2013/14 campaign on a high at the
Boleyn Ground - putting smiles on the faces of fans in the process. "It's a
big game for all of us, really," said the No5. "We need to win to get
ourselves out of trouble and, with it being Tottenham, we know what it means
to the fans and everyone. It's a massive game. "The game in October is one I
certainly won't forget. We set up well and kept them quiet in the first
half, which is always important, and we got our goals. To win there 3-0 in
front of the thousands of our fans who turned up on the day, and the
celebrations after, were really good. It was an important win with the
situation we were in, as well."
While Tomkins and Winston Reid had to shackle Jermain Defoe, the diminutive
striker has now departed for the MLS, with the larger and more physical
Emmanuel Adebayor and Harry Kane now leading the line for Spurs. With a new
manager also in the dugout in Tim Sherwood, Tomkins knows Tottenham will
present a different proposition this time around - one Sam Allardyce will
ensure the Hammers are ready for. "They will both pose a big threat and we
know about the qualities they have got, but we're not going to worry too
much about them. "The young lad Kane has obviously come in and done well and
Adebayor is an experienced player, so we'll have to play well to keep them
quiet. Hopefully we can get a win in front of a good crowd. "The Gaffer's
attention to detail has always been good and he always makes sure we're on
it leading up to games. There will be no change here and we'll be aware of
what they do well and where we can pose a threat to them. "We'll be
well-prepared going in and we know we need to win because we haven't won
many games lately."
Basildon-born Tomkins has been with West Ham since the age of seven and
knows just how passionate the Club's supporters are. With that in mind, the
25-year-old is determined to give them all a performance and result to be
proud of on Saturday. "I know what the fans here demand because it's a big
Club and we all expect more of ourselves. This season, we expected more than
we have produced on the pitch. When you go four games without winning, fans
are going to be annoyed, like we all are. "As players and staff, we want to
win games, so we understand that it hasn't been good for us of late. We want
to turn that around and there is no better team to do that against than
Spurs. "It's important that the fans can see what position we were in before
Christmas, when we were near rock-bottom, and we got out of it with a great
run of games and four or five wins. "It's important that everyone gets
behind us and shows their support because we're playing Spurs and it's a big
game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid blogs for whufc.com on success against Tottenham this season
and a return to home shores
01.05.2014
Hello everyone,
We've got Tottenham on Saturday and we'd all love to end at home with our
third win over them of the season. It's a local derby and I'm sure the fans
will be up for it. We have to go out and make things right after we lost our
last couple of home games, so we'll be looking to improve on that. I've
scored a couple of goals against the Club's close rivals. Maybe that's more
coincidence than skill, but I've been fortunate enough to score a couple of
goals in derbies, so hopefully I can get another on Saturday. The two wins
over them have been two of the highlights of the season. We know it'll be
another tough game on Saturday, but we'll relish the challenge.
Adebayor is doing well since he's come into the side under the new manager
and he's a very good player so that will be an interesting battle. We'll
expect him to be on his game and we'll have to be at our best to stop him,
We haven't been winning lately, but but we've got two games left and we'll
do our best to pick up as many points as possible. Personally, I thought I
started off the year well to continue where I left off. I then got injured
and missed the majority of the season. It takes a bit of time to come back
from those sort of things, and hopefully next year I'll be improved and
raring to go again. We've also announced that we'll be off to my home
country in pre-season and the plane will be a little more crowded that it
usually is! First and foremost it'll be good for the public down there to
see a couple of good quality teams
It'll be good for the team as well to get out of the normal environment. The
lads will see a country that maybe they'd never have gone to. It's a long
way on the plane, but I'm sue the players will enjoy themselves when they
get there. It's a sporting nation - they love their sport down there - and
I'm sure we'll get a good crowd. Hopefully we'll put on a show, and we know
we'll be working hard down there to get fit for the new season. If you're
travelling that far you'll see some different things. The nature is very
nice and there are a lot of outdoor activities. The public are very
friendly, so if you're going out there, bring a smile I guess!
Come on you Irons
Reidy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: fans' support is vital
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 2nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admits that West Ham have underperformed this season - but is
determined to right the wrongs of the 2013/14 campaign next year.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Allardyce revealed that he had some
sympathy for those disappointed by the quality of football this season - but
that he hopes to get the fans back onside with the kind of football that
resulted in a play-off final in 2011/12 and a top half Premier League finish
last season.
"I saw the banner at West Brom last weekend and I understand the fans'
frustrations," he said. "My first responsibility has to be to the people who
employ me but I also have a commitment to the supporters of West Ham United.
"I don't take on the fans; there is no future in picking an argument with
them. I understand their frustration, I really do. There is no hiding the
fact that we expected to do better this season.
"But it's not what some of them say about me which really matters - it's
that it can affect the players. If we're not doing as well as they would
like - and we're not at the moment - their response can help turn that
around, or it can make it worse.
"I know how difficult it is because they want to come to the Boleyn Ground,
see their team do well and be excited by the football. This season we
haven't done that enough and when that happens you can't expect your fans
just to go home satisfied."
Tomorrow afternoon West Ham take on Tottenham in their final home league
game of the season. "It would be absolutely fantastic to beat them at home,
having beaten them in the Capital One Cup and in the league," mused
Allardyce in his pre-match press conference.
However the 59-year-old is already looking beyond this season to a busy
summer of activity and recruitment as he enters the final year of his latest
contract, which he signed last May having steered the Hammers to a tenth
place finish in the club's first season back in the Premier League.
"You've got to remember that we're all in this together," he said. "I
wouldn't see it any other way, until either David Sullivan, David Gold or
Karren Brady ring me and tell me otherwise. We're trying to progress the
football club so I'm delivering what the owners want - and at the moment
we've nearly got what we want.
"We're very, very close to being in the Premier League for a third season
and trying to become a club that has the capability of sustaining its
Premier League status, growing slowly but surely and making sure it stays in
the Premier League for a long period of time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sam Allardyce says Tottenham counterpart Tim Sherwood has proved
himself
Last Updated: 02/05/14 2:51pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says Tim Sherwood has proved he can handle managing a big club
but admitted no one could be sure of their positions in the high-pressure
environment of the Premier League. Sherwood takes his Tottenham side to face
Allardyce's West Ham at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday looking to avoid a
third defeat of the season at the hands of the Hammers. The 45-year-old
replaced Andre Villas-Boas at White Hart Lane in December but has constantly
had his position undermined as other names are linked with the job.
Allardyce has also come under pressure recently as a number of West Ham fans
have started calling for his head after a run of four straight defeats. "In
our field you never know what's going to happen," he said. "You're never
comfortable, wherever you are, and in Tim's position I think he's proven
that he can handle the job and he's proven that he's learned as he's gone
on. You're bound to slip up when you're doing it for the first time, I still
slip up after 20-odd years. We all make mistakes, but you learn from them
and I think he's learned very quickly. "I think Tottenham have done very,
very well under him and what they decide at the end of the day is up to the
owners and board at Tottenham."
Having already beaten Spurs twice at White Hart Lane this season, once in
the league and then in a Capital One Cup quarter-final, West Ham defender
Winston Reid is keen to complete a memorable hat-trick against their local
rivals. "We've got Tottenham on Saturday and we'd all love to end at home
with our third win over them of the season," he told the club's official
website. "It's a local derby and I'm sure the fans will be up for it. We
have to go out and make things right after we lost our last couple of home
games, so we'll be looking to improve on that. "The two wins over them have
been two of the highlights of the season. We know it'll be another tough
game on Saturday, but we'll relish the challenge. "We haven't been winning
lately, but but we've got two games left and we'll do our best to pick up as
many points as possible."
Allardyce is aware of the threat that will be posed by sixth-placed
Tottenham but is hopeful his side can pick up a result and begin to turn the
tide of fan discomfort. "They come and play and try and open up because of
the quality of players that they have," he said. "They will think their
eleven is better than yours, but on the day if your players hit top form
we're more than capable of beating them. "We have to be very wary of what
their strengths are and make sure their strengths are nullified. Then we
have to make sure we use our strengths to try and break their defensive unit
down and take our chances when we get them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham under pressure as Tottenham visit Upton Park
Last Updated: 02/05/14 10:52am
SSN
West Ham United will be looking to end any lingering fears about relegation
when they welcome London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to Upton Park for their
final home game of the season. The Hammers currently occupy 14th place and,
with a five-point cushion over the bottom three, safety is nearly assured
already.
If Norwich City and Fuham fail to win this weekend, they will definitely
stay up regardless of what happens against Spurs, but West Ham will be
desperate to get the job done without help from elsewhere and avoid a nervy
trip to title contenders Manchester City on the final day. Sam Allardyce
will also hope that a good performance at home will earn a positive
reception from fans, having admitted it is frustrating to be criticised when
he is setting the team up to get the best result possible. Negative tactics
have been cited as the primary reason for supporters' unrest and a four-game
losing run has added to the pressure on Allardyce, but the Hammers will take
confidence from the fact they have beaten Spurs twice already this season.
Having been defeated at White Hart Lane in both the Premier League and
Capital One Cup, Tottenham will hope to gain some revenge and stay on course
for European qualification. Arsenal's victory over Newcastle United
extinguished Spurs' faint chances of finishing in the top four but they are
just three points behind fifth-placed Everton and six clear of Manchester
United in seventh, albeit having played a game more than United. Tim
Sherwood is another manager whose position continues to come under scrutiny
and he has admitted to being annoyed by the speculation, following fresh
reports this week that Frank de Boer has been contacted about taking charge
in the summer. Spurs are in decent form, though, having won 1-0 at Stoke
City last weekend to extend their unbeaten run to four matches, and will be
aiming to finish the season with a flourish.
Paul Merson's prediction
Big Sam seems to be under pressure at West Ham. The crowd have been on his
back and had the banners out the other day, so this is a big game for him.
Tim Sherwood, who hasn't done anything wrong in his time in charge of
Tottenham, will also want to win and I think he's been a bit unlucky. I'm
going to go for a 1-1 draw, which won't exactly send the West Ham fans home
happy, but it's better than losing to a team they don't like.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1
West Ham
Last 6
West Brom (a)1-0
C Palace (h)0-1
Arsenal (a)3-1
Liverpool (h)1-2
Sunderland (a)1-2
2-1
Marco Borriello is the only absentee for West Ham as they lock horns with
Tottenham. The on-loan striker is struggling with a calf injury which has
limited the 31-year-old to just two appearances for the Hammers since he
joined in January. With the rest of his squad fit and in contention,
Allardyce will be tasked with picking the right team to end a run of four
straight defeats.
Tottenham
Last 6
Stoke City (a)0-1
3-1
West Brom (a)3-3
Sunderland (h)5-1
Liverpool (a)4-0
Southampton (h)3-2
Andros Townsend is out for Tottenham after suffering an ankle injury against
Stoke which means that he will miss the World Cup. Kyle Walker (pelvis) also
remains sidelined, along with fellow long-term absentee Erik Lamela (back),
who has not played in 2014. Mousa Dembele, Jan Vertonghen and Etienne Capoue
will be assessed ahead of kick-off following recent lay-offs, while Sandro
will also hope to feature after returning to the substitutes' bench last
week.
Opta stats
Andy Carroll has scored in both previous meetings with Tottenham as a West
Ham player, but has ended up on the losing side both times.
Roberto Soldado has not scored a Premier League away goal since October 20.
If West Ham lose this match it will be the first time since May 2011 that
they've lost five top-flight games in a row.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS SAM ALLARDYCE MISUNDERSTOOD?
By Sean Whetstone 2 May 2014 at 17:20
West Ham Till I Die
There are some who claim Sam Allardyce should be cherished as one of the
most progressive, inspirational figures that English football has ever
produced. Instead, he is seen as a Luddite, a dinosaur, an embodiment of
everything that is wrong with the game these shores. He is nothing more than
a self-promoting reactionary. He is an unpleasant reminder of a
less-aesthetic age.
But there is more to Allardyce than he is given credit for, that much is
certain. He is not the one-dimensional anachronism he is often cast as.
Indeed, though he does his best to hide it, it is possible to describe
Allardyce as one of the most fascinating dichotomies in football.
He was one of the first to see that football's truth might be held in its
numbers. He assembled an army of analysts and technologists and whiz-kids to
help him establish what they might say. That was more than a decade ago. Now
every club has its own division, wielding statistics as weapons, each
seeking an advantage in the arms race.
He was an early adopter of conditioning and diet and nutrition, a pioneering
advocate of sports science and psychology. He bestowed upon English football
the chance to see some of the game's great mavericks, coaxing order and
orthodoxy from the wild men and the bad boys, and dredging the dried-out
husks of the old for the last few vestiges of youthful exuberance.
He is the man, after all, who found a way to incorporate and indulge the
likes of Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff at Bolton, and yet managed to
render all of that good work irrelevant by simultaneously shoe-horning them
into a quite devastatingly unattractive long-ball side.
If it hadn't been Allardyce, or if he had been French, you would have been
half-tempted to think it was some sort of existential opus, a monument to
irony or clever subversion of the idea of beauty. But he is Allardyce, and
he is about as un-French as it is possible to be, so all you could do was
assume that he had decided Okocha might be good for winning second balls.
That is the primary reason Allardyce has been so scorned, of course: because
the upshot of all of his innovation, all of his originality, seems to be to
how best to launch long balls at a striker.
He is an intelligent, pioneering presence right up to the moment when his
teams take to the pitch, like a doctor who has spent two decades with the
most modern equipment available and then prescribes leeches to his patients,
or an army investing a fortune into weapons technology but going into battle
armed with massive clubs.
There are other causes for his, well, unpopularity. His demeanour — best
described as "recently neutered bulldog" — counts against him, as does his
over-eagerness to blame everything that goes against his sides on some sort
of cosmic conspiracy of referees.
Most damaging of all, of course, is his rampant self-promotion. His
declaration that he should be managing Real Madrid or Barcelona is the best
example, but do not forget his sincerely held belief that if he was called
Allardici, he would be worshipped in all four corners of the globe.
That, Sam, is called hubris; it means you will forever find your
shortcomings highlighted far more readily than your successes.
Allardyce, with his characteristic lack of self-awareness, will no doubt
mention this at some point. He will ask for praise, rather than waiting to
be given it. That is part of the problem, too, but it is not the primary
reason.
That is something far more subtle. Allardyce is frowned upon because is us.
He is English. He is English football's core values made flesh. He is
everything we are and because of that he is everything we hate. Forget the
numbers and the identities of the players and the pioneering off-pitch
approach. On the pitch, he reminds us not just of what we once were, but of
what we will always be.
Jose Mourinho — another manager not exactly afraid of a direct pass said "If
you try to play like another team, you are very stupid. You will only ever
be a pale imitation of your inspiration if you are not true to yourself "
Allardyce is pathologically true to what he is, to what we are. He makes no
attempt to be anything other than himself. There is no pretension, no talk
of philosophy, no high-faluting values. He is long balls and fight and
passion and hard-running. He is industry in a world of art and
intellectualism.
And because of that, he is something of a throwback. He is us, reflected
back on ourselves. He is a pioneer and an innovator and an imagineer, but
none of that matters, because he is also everything we do not want to be.
*This is an abridged version of an article which appeared an EPSN blog by
Rory Smith last year
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MAJORITY OR MINORITY? - REGARDLESS, FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED!
By S J Chandos 2 May 2014 at 08:30
West Ham Till I Die
Sam Allardyce has been quoted, in today's Daily Star, as continuing to
assert that only a minority of West Ham fans want him replaced. This is in
the face of a unpreccedented recent poll of over 12,000 fans, which
indicated that just under 78% of those surveyed felt that it was time for
change! Mr Allardyce has been quoted as stating that:
"Majority? Minority. Let me put it right – a minority. Because the majority
who are satisfied do not ring up, write in or come on the radio. They go
home and they wait and hopefully next week they find it better. You do
change the perception (of people) by winning football matches – no problem".
"That's what makes everything rosey and everyone happy. If you can't win
then don't lose. We can play extremely well at West Ham and if you get a
draw, especially against a team at the top end, then everyone is satisfied.
If you don't play so well against a team you're expected to beat then they
show their dissatisfaction – that's no different to any football club in the
country."
Belief in playing philosophy/traditions can almost be a material force
amongst supporters. Generations of West Ham fans have been taught key
principles and been entertained by a certain brand of football. The 'West
Ham Way' is built in to the collective consciousness and belief systems of
the club's supporters. For a newly appointed manager to come out and dismiss
that legacy is to create an instant schism with the fans and, unfortunately,
that is what occurred in the summer of 2011. That division was created, but
was largely suppressed during the promotion campaign of 2011-12 and the
initial return to the PL in 2012-13. There was some evidence that
Allardyce's West Ham could mix it up and entertain in both of those seasons.
But fan dissatisfaction remained, brewing away under the surface. It was the
largely poor football in the current season that has brought it to the fore
and gave it a new impetus/expression. Was it inevitable? Probably, but maybe
not if past lessons had been learnt and new approaches adopted. For me, an
ability to develop a new approach and confound the 'long ball merchant'
label, was always a pre-requisite of Mr Allardyce's longer term managerial
tenure at the club.
Mr Allardyce is correct on one indisputable level, football is a results
driven business. If you lose too many football matches then you struggle and
will be relegated. No Hammers fan is happy with that situation. However,
that is not the whole story. Down Upton Park way, it is not just about
winning, but also the quality and entertainment value of the performance.
Yes, the away draw with Chelsea was warmly appreciated by the fans. But that
is linked to the romanticism that has always been another enduring aspect of
the club's traditions. Usually expressed as pride at facing large odds and
overturning them, with a whole hearted and committed performance. That is
why brave and committed player performances are valued almost as highly as
skill and attacking innovation by the club's fans.The Chelsea result fell in
to that former category.
In comparison, it was also interesting to observe the fan discontent after
the Hull City victory and the sense of greater satissfaction after the
Liverpool defeat. Walking away from the ground after the match, it was
interesting to hear groups of Hammers fans openly expressing the view that –
at one important level – they gained greater enjoyment at the nature of the
West Ham performance, in the defeat to Liverpool, than the dour victory over
Hull City. Not all fans and clubs are the same. And arguably, the mistake
(in the above quotation) is to assume that universal principles apply; while
the factors of long established pride in club traditions/playing style are
apparently deemed irrelevant. Winning may be the ultimate 'bottom line' in
football, especially in the PL era, but there are still other crucial
factors at play.
Of course, the problem with a narrow 'results are everything' and 'ends
justify the means' position is that those principles will ultimately become
the success criteria by which you are assessed. Playing to win and saying
that you set up to achieve that one objective, divorced from other pertinent
factors (in what is after all still an entertainment industry), means that
you can fend off critics as long as you succeed by your own standards. But
what happens if you lose 7 out of the the last 9 matches? You then fail by
your own standards. That conclusion is unavoidable. A case of being hoisted
by your own petard I think. And, ultimately, it leaves you wide open to the
ultimate attack by your critics..
Regardless, a very significant percentage of fans have made their position
clear. And many have already stated that they will not renew their season
tickets unless they get greater entertainment for their hard earned money.
Whether they 'vote with their feet,' in the absence of change, remains to be
seen. But ultimately the managerial position will be addressed at the end of
the season, with the board's end of season review. And presumably a position
will be taken, one way or another, before the 2 June 2014 renewal deadline.
In the meantime, we need to beat Spurs at home to absolutely guarantee PL
safety and establish a unique triple victory over our north London rivals.
That should be enough to secure unity amongst club and supporters, at least
at kick off. But woe betide if the result goes the wrong way and there is
any element of relegation danger (no matter how remote) going in to the Man
City away match.
We should be safe this season, but that is just as much a product of the
limitations of other clubs as our own performance levels. There was always
the guarantee that there were three or more clubs poorer than us this
campaign, which would contrive to underwrite our safety. Next season that
may not necessarily be the case! Forewarned is forearmed as they say!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll backs Sam Allardyce to bring European football to West Ham
despite supporter discontent
May 02, 2014 22:30 By Marc Isaacs
The Mirror
Andy Carroll wants the West Ham board to stick with Sam Allardyce because he
can deliver European football to the club when they move into the Olympic
Stadium. Allardyce is under intense pressure following a run of four
defeats, which has seen sections of the West Ham support calling for him to
be sacked.
Fans unfurled a banner at West Brom last week that read "Fat Sam Out -
Killing WHU" and would like a new boss brought in this summer. Carroll is
well aware of the unrest, but the club's £15million record signing is
adamant that Allardyce can take the club on to the next level when they move
into their new home in two years. The striker said: "There is no better man
for the job. I don't know any other manager who could come in and do the job
he has done here. "What he has done for West Ham has been great. You also
see his record at Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn and he is a great manager.
That is why he has got the record he has. "He has faced pressure at other
clubs and he has been fine with it. He is a great person as well as a
manager. That is why we have such a good attitude around the camp. Sam will
push the players on and, moving into the new stadium, there is no doubt
European football is a possibility. "I think West Ham will become a massive
club – even bigger than it is now. We are moving into a great stadium and it
is going to be even better once it is developed. I don't see why we cannot
push for Europe." Carroll is angry when people talk about Allardyce being a
long-ball coach and feels it is unfair on his team as well. He added: "When
we need to play that way, we use it. But a number of teams play that way. We
watched the Chelsea game and they played long balls. Arsenal have done the
same, but they don't get tarnished with it. It's unfair on Sam." Carroll is
hoping to finish the season with a bang and prove to England manager Roy
Hodgson that he should be on the plane for Brazil in June . The 25-year-old
missed the first half of the season with a heel injury, but he has now made
a full recovery and hopes to earn a call-up. He said: "Playing at the World
Cup in Brazil is possibly the best thing you can do as a footballer and it
will be a shame if I miss out. "But I have done everything that I can. I
have been injured and I have worked hard to get back. Fingers crossed, I can
get into the squad." Carroll wants to put a smile back on the faces of the
West Ham fans when they face arch-rivals Tottenham at Upton Park. Having
beaten Spurs twice this season, Carroll knows what it would mean if they
could make it a hat-trick and take the pressure off their boss. "It will be
like a cup final. Hopefully, the fans will be behind us," he added.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian says beers are on him if losing streak ends
against Spurs
By CRAIG HOPE
PUBLISHED: 07:52, 3 May 2014 | UPDATED: 07:52, 3 May 2014
Daily Mail
Adrian San Miguel del Castillo says the drinks are on him if West Ham break
their four-match losing streak with victory against Spurs. And there are no
prizes for guessing the taste of the tipple which he'll be serving up. In
fact, the Spanish goalkeeper believes he may even be a descendent of the San
Miguel family who first brewed the nation's flagship beer. 'Some people in
my family might have owned San Miguel in the old days,' he laughs.
'Obviously, the players make jokes about it. But I promise that if we beat
Spurs then I will buy a round of San Miguel for the lads!' Amid the gloom of
a season which had seen the Hammers dice dangerously with relegation until a
late-winter revival, Adrian has been a welcome ray of light. The 27-year-old
– a free-transfer signing from Betis last summer - did not win a regular
starting jersey until Christmas but has remained between the posts since,
even emerging as a contender for Player of the Season. And he added: 'Of
course I am very pleased with my season (on a personal note). 'I came here
after I had a very good season with Betis in Spain but have improved and
helped the team and that is what I am here for. 'I knew it was going to be
difficult and I wasn't going to walk straight into the team, there is a lot
of competition and great players in the squad. 'I managed to get a place in
the starting XI and now I have got the confidence from all the supporters,
the management, staff and my team-mates which, for a goalkeeper, is
massive.' While Adrian has every confidence in his ability on the pitch –
and that has certainly showed – he is not so assured when it comes to his
English off it and uses an interpreter for interviews. Breaking from
Spanish, however, he reveals that phrases such as 'well done' and 'good
decision' have been learned in a bid to encourage the defenders in front of
him. The likes of Winston Reid and James Tomkins, then, are safe from an
ear-bashing, at least for now. 'My English is going well and I get help from
the club,' he explains. 'I always try in short interviews to manage myself
(to speak English). But if it is more extensive and I need more vocabulary
then I'm not quite confident. I will get there though.'
If Adrian is getting the beers in come Saturday afternoon then the language
barrier certainly won't be an issue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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