Joint-Chairman in positive mood
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says West Ham United are making plans for a successful 2014/15 season
24.05.2014
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan is in positive mood as plans for the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season take shape. In the first part of a revealing and entertaining interview for West Ham TV, Mr Sullivan spoke optimistically about his hopes for the future of the Club he has supported since he was a schoolboy. As part of those plans to play a more expansive, exciting and ultimately successful brand of football under Sam Allardyce, the manager and the Board have agreed a raft of measures to improve both performances and results, including the appointment a director of recruitment and a new attacking coach. The Club also plan to bring as many as six new players to east London this summer.
With two new appointments to be made off the pitch and half a dozen new signings targeted, Mr Sullivan has joined the manager in expressing his optimism that supporting West Ham fans will have more to look forward to in 2014/15. "We want results, goals and entertainment and if we just get a couple of the players we hope and think we will get, these are players who the supporters will find exciting," said Mr Sullivan. "They will love to see them, players who like to go past their defender, go into the box and slot it into the bottom corner or whack it in from the edge of the box. "We hope to sign a striker next week and he is a fantastic player. He takes people on and he can be a special player, then we have got other players as well. We might have another striker coming in next week from Italy and a midfielder from Europe who is a 6'4" giant who will dominate the midfield, so we have got lots of things up our sleeves. "If we don't have a much better season next year, it won't be through lack of trying. My gut tells me that we're going to have a much better season and much more fun."
Concentrating on the director of recruitment role, Mr Sullivan believes the successful candidate will target and attract top-quality players to the Club, while also identifying potential in those youngsters who others might mistakenly overlook. "We want somebody who has got gravitas and experience at a club and who has done well and bought well, who has bought young players who have gone on to do very well," said Mr Sullivan. "Hopefully that will be tied up within the next few weeks. "We want somebody who can dig up gems, a couple of gold nuggets who other people don't recognise and, even if we have to wait several years, we then have a top, top player. "That's really what we want and we think both of those new staff will make a difference. "It's a combination of all these factors, and attitude, and supporters getting involved, that we think will produce better results for the Club and that's the way forward."
*Keep a close eye on West Ham TV for more from our in-depth interview with David Sullivan, including the Joint-Chairman's views on why Sam Allardyce is the right man to lead the Club forward, the appointment of a new attacking coach, growing the profile of the Club at home and abroad and preparations for the move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
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End of an era
Former West Ham United physio Rob Jenkins will close his historic Green Street clinic this summer
WHUFC.com
24.05.2014
As West Ham United's physiotherapists from 1959-66 and until 1966-90 respectively, father and son Bill and Rob Jenkins treated every one of the Club's 32 FA Cup winners - including the eleven men who lifted the trophy in 1964.
The Jenkins, alongside youth and reserve-team physio Dave Gladstone, were the unsung heroes behind the triumphs and successes of the 1960s, '70s and '80s.
Between them they ensured our Claret and Blue history-makers were fit and ready for those great days in the Club's history.
"West Ham had some very skilled and experienced men looking after the players back then which included Dave Gladstone, Mr Brian Roper, Dr Gordon Brill and Brian Levack. Together we did our best to keep every player at the club free from injury and able to express themselves on the pitch," said Rob, now 75.
Sadly, Rob's clinic, where he held his Sunday morning surgeries after match days, is due to close at the end of the season after nearly 50 years.
"I can't say I am happy to be leaving the clinic but I will continue to treat some of my clients at home in Wanstead" said Rob, who continues to treat West Ham legends Martin Peters MBE and Sir Geoff Hurst.
The clinic will be converted into a flat and the interior, which would still be recognised by Bobby Moore today, will be lost forever.
"These walls have seen a few things" revealed Rob, pointing out the photographic collages that hang on them that sing of past glories. "We initially had a clinic up above Bobby Moore's sports shop but his agent kept putting up the rent so we moved next door into what was a pet shop. Sadly, my father died after the World Cup so he never actually practiced here but I moved in around September 1966. I've been here ever since."
Rob's 25 years of dedicated service to West Ham saw every muscle strain, hamstring pull, laceration and much more fall under his professional care.
"One of the worst injuries I saw was Alan Devonshire's knee ligament damage in a FA Cup game against Wigan Athletic in 1984. They were so badly torn he would probably have been better off with a clean break."
Frank McAvennie's broken leg, suffered at Stoke City in March 1989, was another big incident Rob had to deal with and that was preceded by other infamous leg breaks in the club's history - those suffered by Pat Holland, Frank Lampard and Alan Sealey. Furthermore, who can forget young John Ayris' punctured lung after Ron 'Chopper' Harris of Chelsea took him out of a game?
Rob also tended to Bobby Ferguson's concussion while Bobby Moore was facing a penalty during the epic League Cup semi-final denouement up at Old Trafford in 1972 and recalls a funny tale regarding former striker from the late 1970s, Derek Hales:
"Derek had a knee injury and John Lyall asked me to run a fitness test. We took a ball to the gym but even I did him in a one on one so there was no chance of him playing!"
Rob's father, Bill, also left his mark on some of the players as FA Cup winner, Eddie Bovington, can testify. He still bears a scar from one treatment session with Bill, who was a huge character at the Club during the halcyon days of 1964-66. Rob sets the scene: "The players loved my father but he scared the life out of them.
"He took over from Billy Moore who had played in the 1923 FA Cup final. My Dad was a no nonsense Welshman from the Rhondda Valley and sometimes left the ionisation pads on a little too long which would end up burning a player's leg. Quite a few of the players from that time still bear these scars. I think Trevor Brooking has one but that might have been me. It was something of a family tradition!"
There is an easy comfort in the clinic which has formed part of my own pre match warm up for the past ten years. Ex-players who visit The Boleyn Ground often pop in to see Rob, who was a big part of the social scene during the 1960s and beyond
Indeed, Rob was part of the infamous 'Blackpool Affair' in January 1971 during which Moore, Clyde Best, Brian Dear and Jimmy Greaves were caught drinking in Brian London's 007 club the night before a FA Cup tie which was eventually lost 4-0. Humorously, Dear remarks: "We took Rob along just in case one of us got injured!"
Rob's lasting friendship from his days as Club physio is with Frank Lampard senior, who was Rob's best man at his wedding. They continue to see each other regularly and their sons, Frank Lampard junior and Billy Jenkins, are also close.
Rob's gregarious take on life, pin sharp memory and love of facts and trivia have helped create an infectious family atmosphere at the clinic, which is why patrons such as Joint-Chairman David Gold's late mother Rose regularly visited.
"Rose Gold was a lovely lady who used to run a shop a bit further down the road in Green Street" he reflected. "I treated her for about 20 years and she introduced Thelma Sullivan to the clinic and I treated her as well. They were both lovely ladies and there wasn't really that much wrong with them but they loved to talk about the old times over a cup of tea. Rose used to be a regular at the Supporters' Club as well.
"There is a lovely feel to the clinic and this is due to people like Joan Saddington, who has helped me for many years."
Between 1959 and 1990, only 170 Hammers pulled on the first-team shirt, which is a testament to the reciprocal loyalty shown by both player and manager during the Ron Greenwood and John Lyall era. Every one of those players will have recollections of Rob and his father, Bill, some heartfelt and some comical. Many of them will also have left a four pack of beer for Rob to ensure a speedy and scar-free experience!
Rob concedes that the role of physiotherapist is unrecognisable today compared to his 25 years with the Club.
"The technological advancements supporting a player's physical and mental well-being are light years ahead compared to my time. Nowadays, there is a team of physios, sports scientists, dieticians and masseurs carrying more luggage than a Heathrow conveyor belt. In my day I would have a small holdall and used to help hand out the sandwiches on the team coach!"
While the game is a lot faster, it is also a lot less physical but injuries seem to be far more commonplace today than in Rob's time.
"The game is a lot softer today and hard tackling is a thing of the past. Players like Billy Bonds used to run through brick walls for West Ham United. He played almost 800 games and is one of the most decorated players in the Club's history and yet today's game would not allow his whole-hearted style of play. He would have more red cards than Julian Dicks. I preferred the more combative and less frenetic style of football we played in the 1970s and 1980s."
Rob is brim full of tales about West Ham United and he clearly holds a special regard for Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds, Trevor Brooking, Eddie Bovington, Budgie Byrne, Pop Robson, Alvin Martin, Tony Cottee, Frank McAvennie, Alan Devonshire, John McDowell, Bobby Gould and David Cross.
When the builders move in to erase such a poignant piece of West Ham history, Rob's memories and contribution to the Club will live on for many years to come.
The name 'Jenkins' can proudly take its place in the rich history of West Ham United as the family that ensured the great cup winning teams of the 1960s, '70s and '80s walked out on the Wembley turf in tip-top condition.
Now, that is a legacy of achievement worth preserving.
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Lee lauds productive campaign
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee was delighted to make his Barclays Premier League debut during the 2013/14 season
24.05.2014
Elliot Lee has big ambitions after making his Barclays Premier League debut during the 2013/14 season. The young striker recently capped a productive campaign by signing a new contract with West Ham United at the end of a season that also saw him net his maiden senior goal during a loan spell with League One side Colchester United. Still only 19, Lee is now targeting a place in Sam Allardyce's first team ahead of a 2014/15 season that will see West Ham play a more expansive, attacking brand of football. "It was an up and down season like any other season and it didn't end too well with a knee injury, but I will take the positives from it to next season and hopefully push on," said the forward. "One of the highs was making my Premier League debut against Stoke City in August last year and I was disappointed not to push on and make more first-team appearances, but hopefully they will come next year. "There have been ups and downs but the highlight of my season was making my Premier League debut and obviously going out on loan to Colchester and scoring my first league goal. There are a lot of positives to take and hopefully there will be a lot more next season. "The idea is to get more time on the pitch in the Premier League next season. I think I will get regular first-team football here and I think I will play regularly for West Ham one day and hopefully it comes soon. I will push on next season and who knows what could happen? "I hope I can be the answer and I am given a shot and will show everyone I can score goals and that I can play in the first team."
On a more sombre note, Lee lost a close friend and strike partner when Dylan Tombides sadly passed away following a courageous three-year battle with cancer in April. The forward paid a heartfelt tribute to the Australian, who he spent endless hours with on the training pitch, in the dressing room, on the pitch and away from the Club socially. "Dyl was one of the best people I have known and I will ever know. His is a huge loss and I'm gutted he is not around any more. It's a great tribute to him that the Club has named the Academy Player of the Year award in his memory."
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History repeats itself as Zamora grabs play-off winner
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Bobby Zamora is the toast of West London tonight after scoring the goal that sent Queens Park Rangers back to the Premier Legaue - nine years after he did it for West Ham in Cardiff. Back in 2005 Zamora scored the only goal of the game when his 76th-minute winner against Preston North End sent West Ham back into the Premiership. And almost nine years to the day, the veteran striker came off the bench to fire a 90th minute winner for the Rs as Harry Redknapp's side returned to the top flight after just one year in the Championship at the expense of Derby County. When asked what was going through his mind when the ball arrived at his feet, Zamora replied: "Just take a shot and hit the target! It sat up perfectly for my left foot and that's the one I want to curl balls with. Thankfully it fell to that left foot, it's 1-0 again in the play-offs and I've scored the winner again. It's a magnificent feeling and I never thought it'd happen again, but it has and I'm over the moon for this set of lads. "Ii scored the winner for West Ham to get them back in the Premiership as well so this one is equally as important."
Another former Hammer, Gary O'Neil, looked to have blown Rangers' chances of winning the game when he was issued a red card with an hour played for a 'professional foul' on the edge of the box. However QPR's ten men stood firm in the face of a Derby onslaught - none more so than yet another former Hammer, Rob Green who was outstanding - and got their reward in the final minute of normal time with their first shot on target.
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Diame: Dalglish sacking ruined my dream move to Liverpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United midfielder Mo Diame has revealed how he was set to sign for Liverpool before moving to West Ham two years ago. The Senegalese international joined the Hammers in June 2012 on a free transfer from Wigan - but only after a planned move to Liverpool had fallen through following the firing of then-manager Kenny Dalglish. "In my head I was already in Liverpool," "said Diame, speaking with French journalist Romain Molina in London last month. "It was next; I told everyone that I was there. It was as if one of my greatest wishes - to wear the Liverpool shirt - had been accomplished. "One day my agent and I went to the training centre to see Kenny Dalglish, who was the coach. I found myself amongst photos of Gerrard and company, all these great players. I was proud of myself. "I arrived in the office and Dalglish said 'I can't guarantee you'll play every match but we have a lot of games to play'. He talked to me about the European Cup, my benefits and the pre-season trip to America. He sold me the dream! "So I went on holiday expecting my agent to make contact with Liverpool's management to discuss the financial arrangements. Unfortunately, Dalglish was fired and all negotiations stopped. "I told myself that God wanted it that way and that is not a reason for me to stop work. It will happen one day."
Diame also revealed that he was offered the chance to return to France with Sochaux, whilst Spanish side Rayo Vallecano - whom he left to join Wigan - also offered him the opportunity to return. However when Sam Allardyce offered him the chance to sign for West Ham, the 26-year-old's mind was made up. "Finally I signed for West Ham, a London club that has a history.," he said. "I remember calling the coach [Allardyce] because he wasn't there during my first week. Senegal has asked me to represent them at the Olympics and I wanted to go - to which he said 'ok, but be careful not to hurt yourself'! "They were a group who had just been promoted. The coach gave me confidence and it really was a great season. I scored three goals, against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United!"
The 2012/13 campaign ended with West Ham in tenth and Diame in demand, with a number of clubs keeping an eye on his situation - including one of West Ham's main London rivals. "There were proposals last summer, " he revealed. "I was thinking of going to Arsenal but it didn't happen so I stayed at West Ham, because I felt good here. Plus, after this season we had had I thought the club would buy some better players. "But it was a very bad start and we made the mistake of not recruiting [sufficiently]. We went through the season with almost the same players [as last year], which is never good because the players think they already know who will be wearing the shirt. "Also, people didn't necessarily give 100 per cent on the field; that's what got us in trouble. In January we didn't buy much but their presence was enough. Now if you didn't give 100 percent in training, someone else will play. It was felt on the ground and we had the results."
Diame also revealed that it took some time to come to terms with the difference between Sam Allardyce's tactical approach and that which he had been used to under Roberto Martinez at Wigan. "Allardyce has always been the same since he was in the Premier League," he continued. "He has always had results like that so it's normal that it continues and he believes in his ideas. It's true that it doesn't please everyone, but it's his way of working and it has kept us in the Premier League again this year. "Roberto Martinez asked me to play, to take the ball forward and to be feed our attackers. To really play football. Now, Allardyce wants me to be there for the second ball. If I can make a difference one-against-one, I go - but my primary role is to be there for the second ball that Andy Carroll will provide. "This season I've been playing higher up the field. Last year I played in the middle with Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan but this year I've been played on the right and left wing too."
Although he maintains that he remains happy at the Boleyn Ground, Diame admits that he still has one eye on the glamour move that evaded him two years ago. "I regret very few decisions I've made in my life but I do not want to stop there," he admitted. "I am very happy with everything that happens to me and everything that has happened in my life, but I want more. "I do not want to leave West Ham to go to a club that plays in the middle of the table. If I leave West Ham it'll be to join a top six team in England. My priority is to join a major English club and to stay here."
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Hammers set for Serie A test
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are lining up an intriguing clash with Italian side Sampdoria for their pre-season finale this summer.
The Serie A club are in advanced negotiations with West Ham over the prestige friendly, which in recent years has resulted in the likes of Deportivo La Caruna, Napoli and Pacos De Ferreira visiting the Boleyn Ground for what has become a traditional season-opener.
Last in England seven years ago for the Makita Cup tournament, Sampdoria finished 12th in Serie A last season with 45 points from 38 games - a similar tally to West Ham who finished 13th with 40 points in the Premier League.
Current star players for i Blucerchiati include former Italian youth international Stefano Okaka, Manolo Gabbiadini and uncapped Brazilian striker Eder, who was the club's highest goalscorer last season with 12.
The Italians' are also lining up matches against West Bromwich Albion plus relegated clubs Fulham and Norwich for their UK trip.
Pre-season prestige: how we've fared in recent seasons
≡ 10th August 2013
West Ham Utd 2-1 Pacos de Ferreira
view match report
≡ 10th August 2012
SC Braga 1-1 West Ham Utd
view match report
≡ 30th July 2011
West Ham Utd 2-0 Real Zaragoza
view match report
≡ 7th August 2010
West Ham Utd 0-0 Deportivo La Coruna (West Ham win 5-3 on pens)
view match report
≡ 8th August 2009
West Ham Utd 0-1 Napoli
view match report
≡ 9th August 2008
West Ham Utd 1-1 Villareal
view match report
≡ 4th August 2007
West Ham Utd 2-1 Roma 1
view match report
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RAVEL MORRISON HAS GROWN UP
By Sean Whetstone 24 May 2014 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
Danny Simpson says Ravel Morrison has matured during his loan at QPR
"I've known Ravel since he was young and obviously we've both gone our own ways, but since he's come here I've noticed a big change in him.He's growing up, maturing and starting to realise the potential he has got. He's one of the best young players I have seen with the ball at his feet.Everyone knows his ability but I think he has surprised a few people with his character and his attitude. Maybe it was good for him to move away to different clubs.He's looking forward to the final, it's a big occasion for him.
The Wembley showdown is also a big occasion for Simpson, who never quite made the grade at Old Trafford but racked up 137 appearances in four years at Newcastle before dropping down a division to join Rangers last summer"
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MAURO ZARATE DUE TO FLY INTO LONDON FOR TALKS WITH WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 24 May 2014 at 09:02
West Ham Till I Die
Argentinean striker Mauro Zarate is due to fly into London with his wife on Saturday for talks with West Ham.
The former Lazio striker previously loaned by the chairman while at Birmingham could be West Ham"s first signing. He currently plays for Argentine club Velez Sarsfield. He was sold to Lazio in 2009 for 20 million euros with a buy out clause of 60 million euros. Zárate caused controversy in 2010 when he was photographed apparently giving a fascist salute while watching Lazio lose to Bari among a group of fans, though his spokesman claimed afterwards that the player "did not realise the significance of his gesture" and did not know who Hitler or Mussolini were.
Last year Mauro Zarate has slammed Lazio president Claudio Lotito after only getting five starts
"Why have I come home? I needed to feel important, to feel liked – the last days were very hard for me. In November, I had been training for the last time with the team and already I felt no confidence. I had not played a single minute in 15 games.I watched a game and then I went to the bathroom to cry, it's terrible when they don't let you do what you want.The blame is on Lotito and a few players, in addition to the coach, it is them who make the decisions.The president failed to meet agreements and did want to pay me. He didn't want me in his team but would not let me leave either. Lotito hurts the club and devalues the objectives of Lazio."
David Sullivan speaking to Ken Dyer in the London Evening Standard said "We have got five or six players lined up, most are young players — the youngest is 19 but has already played top-level football in two countries, while the oldest is 27"
Mauro who turned 27 in March is believed to be the same 27 year old Sullivan was referring to in the Evening Standard interview he did with I Ken Dyer on Friday. Zarate has scored 19 goals in 29 league games in his second spell at Velez Sarsfield.
His wife Natalie Weber is a famous Argentine model who may bring some smiles back to the Boleyn if Zarate joins the team
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West Ham offer Teddy Sheringham Upton Park return as Sam Allardyce's new strikers' coach
May 24, 2014 22:30 By Steve Stammers
The Mirror
Teddy Sheringham is set to become the West Ham strikers' coach. The former England star, 48, had three years as a Hammer from 2004. He was contacted by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce last week and asked if he would take the new role as the club try to produce more attacking football next season.
Sheringham said: "I spoke to Sam and asked for a few days to think it over. It certainly appeals. "The job is on a part-time basis, a couple of days a week and I'll be on the bench for home games. "The club is not far from me and one for which I have a lot of affection. I really enjoyed my time there. "It is also a chance for me to experience the coaching side of the game, something I have never really done before. I would enjoy working with the front players." Sheringham is going to Ireland on Saturday to get his coaching badges on a two-week course. The move to bring in an experienced former striker was decided last week in a meeting between the board of David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady. Allardyce then agreed to bring in a specialist coach.
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Morrison's QPR gain promotion
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison's loan club gained promotion to the Barclays Premier League on Saturday
24.05.2014
Ravel Morrison's loan club Queens Park Rangers clinched promotion to the Barclays Premier League in a dramatic Sky Bet Championship Play-Off final on Saturday. Morrison was an unused substitute for Harry Redknapp's men as former Hammer Bobby Zamora came off the bench to clinch a final minute winner in the clash with Derby County. The Rams looked favourites when another ex-West Ham player, Gary O'Neil, was sent off for a cynical foul on Johnny Russell, but Rangers soaked up the pressure before landing the crucial blow with the only goal of the game at the death. It ensured Morrison's loan at the Loftus Road side would end in success, following six goals in 17 games for the R's. Modibo Maiga is also on loan at QPR, but was not involved at Wembley on Saturday.
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Daily WHUFC News - 24th May 2014
Nobes chuffed with players' accolade
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was delighted to win the respect of his West Ham United squad-mates in 2013/14
23.05.2014
Mark Noble enjoyed a fruitful Player Awards, gaining recognition both from the supporters to land the Hammer of the Year gong, and his own team-mates to be named Players' Player of the Year. The No16 was justifiably proud of his trophy haul from a season which brought success on a personal level. Noble, who has come through to Academy to make his mark on the Hammers' first team, was a model of consistency in the middle of the park, and he was thrilled that his fellow players had picked him out as the top performer. "It's an amazing feeling to win the Players' Player of the Year Award," he admitted. "All the hard work has paid off and winning the Hammer of the Year is an amazing achievement, but it's special to get the award from your own team-mates too. "It was a bit emotional listening to the messages from the players, because you don't get gestures like that from each other in training! "To get that from your team-mates, talking like that about you, is overwhelming."
Noble started all 38 league games in 2013/14 and the No16 says that, following the team's climb away from danger, it was a year he'll look back on as a successful one. He added: "I was proud to start in every single Premier League game this season, I got close last year before I got a shoulder injury, but I did it this year and I was chuffed with the awards. "It was a lovely evening at the Player Awards - it always is, we get well looked after and the lads thoroughly enjoyed it."
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Bellamy pays tribute to Hammers
WHUFC.com
Craig Bellamy had kind words for West Ham United on announcing his retirement from professional football
23.05.2014
Former West Ham United favourite Craig Bellamy has paid tribute to the Hammers on his retirement from the professional game. Bellamy, 34, has called time on a long and distinguished career that included 73 International caps for Wales and spells at Norwich City, Coventry City, Newcastle United, Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, Manchester City, Cardiff City and, of course, West Ham. Bellamy joined the Hammers in July 2007 for a then-record transfer fee, scoring his first two goals for the Club in a League Cup victory against Bristol Rovers the following month. He went on to make 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals before moving to Man City in January 2009. An all-action, skilful and whole-hearted player was held in high regard by the Boleyn Ground faithful, with supporters sharing fond memories of his best moments on the Club's social media forums, including a 4-1 win at Portsmouth on Boxing Day 2008 when he bagged twice and a standout goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier the same month. The Cardiff-born forward only had kind words for West Ham and its fans when reflecting on his career. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Wales Online, Bellamy said: "I've been privileged to play at some truly top clubs, next to brilliant team-mates, excellent managers. People I'm honoured to be able to say were my colleagues. "People know about Liverpool, Man City, Newcastle, Celtic, Cardiff, but don't forget West Ham. Only on going there did I realise just what a massive club they are. To Londoners, West Ham are very much THE club." A fantastic attacking talent who gave everything he had on the pitch for club and country, everyone at West Ham United wishes Craig every success and happiness in his retirement.
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Retained List published
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued the Club's Retained List of players at the end of the 2013/14 season
23.05.2014
West Ham United have issued the Club's Retained List of players at the end of the 2013/14 season. The Hammers can confirm that Joe Cole, George McCartney and Jack Collison will be given free transfers when their contracts expire on 30 June. West Ham United would like to thank Joe, George and Jack for their considerable efforts and contribution to the success of the Club in recent seasons and wish them well in their future careers. Discussions with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are ongoing over new contracts, while the Club has exercised an option to extend the contract of defender Dan Potts. Second-year scholars Kieran Bywater, Josh Cullen, Jamie Harney, Moses Makasi, Nathan Mavila, Amos Nasha and Lewis Page have agreed their first professional deals, while Ben Marlow and Taylor Tombides have had their scholarships extended to a third year. Young professionals Callum Driver and Jordan Spence will also be released this summer, as will scholars Dymon Labonne, Rob Girdlestone, Thomas Gogo, Gines Guzman Rosique, Courtney Homans, Taylor Miles and Frazer Shaw. The Club would like to thank all the departing players for their efforts and wish them well in their future careers.
*Keep an eye on whufc.com for more from Joe Cole and Jack Collison.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Ben Shephard blogs about playing at the Boleyn Ground and hosting this year's Player Awards
22.05.2014
Hi everyone,
With the season over, I was lucky enough to play at the Boleyn Ground recently when I played for Alan Devonshire's West Ham team against a number of invited sides that decided they fancied taking on some of the legends from West Ham's past. When you come down regularly to Upton Park and you have been for years now to watch your team play, you always imagine what it's like to play here. It's always real thrill to pull on your boots and get out there. Fortunately there's no one really here to see how appalling the football is, apart from some of the old boys and a few of the youngsters who are pretty good. It's an absolute thrill to be here and put your boots on and smash one in the back of the net as well. I also enjoyed another year of hosting the Club's Player Awards, which is always a great night. It's a great way to get to end of the season and think you know what, we're still in the Premier League, we've had some great results, we beat Spurs three times and it's not often you get to say that. We made a point of saying that over and over again and enjoying it. It's a brilliant night, the players mix with the fans that have come down and it's a chance for them to talk about the season and start planning for the new season as well, which I think is one of the really key things. It's been a difficult season as fans, but you look at the positives. We finished brilliantly against Spurs and we had that great run in the middle of the season which got us safe and if we think about next season now I think it's quite exciting what we can achieve. All the winners at the Player Awards were worthy winners. Mark Noble is just a legend around here having grown up just around the corner he's West Ham through and through. I think I said on the night that he's the pride of east London.
It's great to be around him and the Club runs through his veins, so he was a worthy Hammer of the Year. Adrian just cleaned up left, right and centre and what a fantastic guy! I tried to speak to him in English, but his English isn't great at the moment, but if you think about how he's commanded that area brilliantly all season it's remarkable. He needs to work on his cockney though; there wasn't enough apples and pears for me, but a brilliant selfie which was a lovely touch.
You can tell he's really enjoyed this season which is great as a West Ham fan because you just want to know that players love pulling on the West Ham shirt. You want to know that every time they go out they're going to give it their all and Mark and Adrian are examples of players who did just that last season.
I get another chance to pull on my boots next month when I'll be playing under the guidance of Sam Allardyce - something I enjoy as I've never lost when Big Sam has managed us in Soccer Aid. He put me on man-marking Clarence Seedorf last time which was an interesting experience. Seedorf didn't like it much because, if anyone's seen me play football, I play a little bit like a rugby player and Seedorf didn't like that.
We're up against Jose Mourinho, he's the Rest of the World's manager this year, so I know that Sam and Jose are going to lock horns again. The tactical battle's going to be pretty immense I reckon. Jose's going to be up to his old tricks and Sam will love every minute of it. It's a great, great experience and I think over the years we've raised £12 million for UNICEF and it's a great excuse for us to go and pretend to be professional footballers for a couple of days.
Tune in if you can to support a great cause!
COYI!
Ben Shephard
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West Ham United: Joe Cole, Jack Collison and George McCartney released
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United have released former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, whose contract expires on 30 June. The 32-year-old made 25 appearances for the Hammers this season after joining the club for a second spell on an 18-month contract in January 2013. The Londoners have also released defender George McCartney and midfielder Jack Collison. Contract discussions with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are ongoing. Meanwhile, the Hammers have exercised an option to extend the contract of defender Dan Potts. West Ham said on their website: "We would like to thank Joe, George and Jack for their considerable efforts and contribution to the success of the club in recent seasons and wish them well in their future careers." West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will stay in charge this season but the board have insisted on the recruitment of a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season". A product of West Ham's youth academy, Cole signed professional terms in 1998 and helped the Hammers win the FA Youth Cup the following year. During his first spell at Upton Park, he played alongside the likes of Paolo Di Canio, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe, but he moved across London to Chelsea when the club was relegated. Cole, who has been capped 56 times by England, won three Premier League titles and the FA Cup twice in a seven-year stay with the Blues. After failing to agree a new contract he moved to Liverpool but he struggled to impress at Anfield and spent 2011-12 on loan at French club Lille.
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West Ham close in on €5m teenage forward
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
A deal to bring young French forward M'Baye Niang to West Ham United has been agreed, according to reports. Just 19, Niang has been made surplus to requirements by current club Milan who shipped him out on loan to Ligue 1 club Montpellier for the duration of the 2013/14 season. According to reports emanating from Italy tonight, Niang - who scored four goals in 19 appearances for La Paillade - will join West Ham initially on loan (for a €300,000 fee) with view to a €5million deal next summer. It should however be stressed that personal terms are yet to be agreed. Meanwhile Sport Bladet are reporting that West Ham are considering a move for Sunderland's Swedish midfielder Sebastien Larsson and his international team mate, Martin Olsson of Norwich. Larsson, 28, is out of contract at the Stadium of Light this summer whilst Olsson is understood to be keen to leave Carrow Road following the Canaries' relegation from the Premier League.
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Jack Collison leaves West Ham
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison is one of the higher-profile names not to be offered a new contract by West Ham this summer. Midfielder Collison, whose career at the club has been blighted by injury in recent years will leave West Ham next month after nine years at the club having failed to be offered a new deal. The 25-year-old, who first came to West Ham in 2005 as a result of Cambridge United's youth Academy closing made his debut for West Ham on New Year's Day 2008 in a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. He went on to make 121 appearances for West Ham and played a major part in the club's promotion from the Championship in 2011/12 by scoring both goals in the 2-0 win at Cardiff in the first leg of the play-off semi final. Also departing at the end of their current contracts are Joe Cole and George McCartney, both of whom returned to West Ham for a second spell with the club. Cole started his career with West Ham before joining Chelsea in a cut-price £6million deal as part of the club's 'fire sale' following relegation in 2003. He returned to the club in 2013 on a free transfer. Northern-Irish international McCartney joined the club in 2006 when moving from Sunderland in exchange for full back Clive Clarke and £600,000. Two years later he was sold back to the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee widely thought to be worth around £8million. After spending a year back at West Ham on loan during the 2011/12 Championship season, McCartney returned to West Ham on a permanent basis. There is however better news for Danny Potts, who has landed an extended deal whilst veteran goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and 32-year-old midfielder Matt Taylor are reported to be negotiating new contracts.
See below for details of all players retained and released below.
Retained
First Team Squad: Dan Potts (Jussi Jaaskelainen and Matt Taylor tbc).
First Year Pros: Kieran Bywater; Josh Cullen; Jamie Harney; Moses Makasi; Nathan Mavila; Amos Nasha; Lewis Page.
Third-Year Scholarships: Ben Marlow; Taylor Tombides.
Released
First Team Squad: Joe Cole; Jack Collison; George McCartney.
Other Pros: Callum Driver; Jordan Spence.
Scholarships: Dymon Labonne; Rob Girdlestone; Thomas Gogo; Gines Guzman Rosique; Courtney Homans; Taylor Miles; Frazer Shaw.
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Sullivan seeking European football
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan may have told Sam Allardyce that it's top ten or bust next season - but according to reports today, it's a European spot that he's actually aiming for. The current manager was told earlier this week that his job was safe, albeit with a new brief for the 2014/15 season. West Ham announced via their website that Allardyce had been instructed to deliver a top ten finish - although Sullivan, speaking to the Evening Standard this morning has set his sights even higher. "I don't want to just aim for top 10," he said. "We should be aiming for top six. I want to be looking down the table, not up it next season. We start next season with three competitions, two of which we can win." And in order to achieve that particularly difficult aim, Sullivan - speaking less than a fortnight before the season ticket renewal deadline - added that he is looking to introduce around half-a-dozen players to Allardyce's first team squad during pre-season.
"Most are young players," he revealed. "The youngest is 19 but has already played top-level football in two countries, while the oldest is 27. "I can't say more than that as you genuinely risk losing the deals. I know people think we just say these things but we are working day and night and I want to make sure we get as many of our targets as possible. "Of course, we won't get them all because it is tough out there but I can say we will definitely have younger legs out there. We are trying to buy experience but youthful experience. "We want to see players who have a proven record of scoring goals, people who take on players and go past them, people with movement because we need to add speed to our team. "We hope, by bringing in slightly younger players, we will also get a bit more from the players we've got. We're going to have two players in every position competing for every place in the team."
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West Ham confirm exit of Joe Cole on released list
Last Updated: 23/05/14 6:40pm
SSN
Joe Cole, George McCartney and Jack Collison have been included on West Ham's list of released players. Cole started his career at the east London club and returned for a second spell in January 2013, but failed to claim a regular starting role. Fellow midfielder Collison also came through the academy ranks, making his debut in 2007, although his first-team opportunities were restricted by a persistent knee problem. The Welshman was loaned out to Wigan last season and manager Sam Allardyce has allowed him to find regular football elsewhere. McCartney, an experienced full-back, rejoined the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2012 and supplied cover at centre-back last season. The 33-year-old, who had an early spell with West Ham, will cut his ties with the team when his contract expires. Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are still discussing possible deals, while the club has exercised an option to extend the contract of defender Dan Potts. Young duo Callum Driver and Jordan Spence will also be released, as will scholars Dymon Labonne, Rob Girdlestone, Thomas Gogo, Gines Guzman Rosique, Courtney Homans, Taylor Miles and Frazer Shaw.
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DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT WANTED
By Sean Whetstone 23 May 2014 at 08:06
West Ham Till I Die
In his first words since the end of the season Sam Allardyce has outlined his interpretation of the chairman's statement & plans for next season reveals his thoughts on recruiting a new director of recruitment together with an attacking coach..
Speaking on WHUFC.com
"First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud to continue for another season as West Ham manager, I have had good, fruitful meetings with my employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great Club forward in a united way.To that end we – the Board, the staff, the players – are unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one that is going to be better than last season.We want to try and achieve at least what we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier League, which was a top-ten finish. With a challenging season that saw West Ham overcome injuries, suspensions and agonising defeats to finish in 13th place now over, the manager is now fully focused on bringing new talent to the Club. We're already doing everything we can to improve and increase the playing squad and we're hoping to make signings as quickly as we can. I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive manner. Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides – and we now look forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season."
On the subject of a new Director of recruitment and an attacking coach Sam said:
"I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence. The appointment is absolutely down to me and the challenge is to find the right person to help us score more goals next season, because that is what we need to do.Regarding the plan to appoint a director of recruitment, I would say there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious football club. We need to compete in that area globally and being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position these days.There is no-one more disappointed than me when we don't play well,style of play is crucial, but it is also important that players realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis.What we are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the final home game of the season against Tottenham – a club who had spent many more millions of pounds than us – but not for one game, but consistently. We will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the supporters will be as happy as I will.There were too many performances last season that didn't measure up to the expectations we all have. There were times when there were valid reasons why we fell short and other occasions, particularly towards the end of the season, when the performance was decent but we didn't win the game."
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WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was delighted to win the respect of his West Ham United squad-mates in 2013/14
23.05.2014
Mark Noble enjoyed a fruitful Player Awards, gaining recognition both from the supporters to land the Hammer of the Year gong, and his own team-mates to be named Players' Player of the Year. The No16 was justifiably proud of his trophy haul from a season which brought success on a personal level. Noble, who has come through to Academy to make his mark on the Hammers' first team, was a model of consistency in the middle of the park, and he was thrilled that his fellow players had picked him out as the top performer. "It's an amazing feeling to win the Players' Player of the Year Award," he admitted. "All the hard work has paid off and winning the Hammer of the Year is an amazing achievement, but it's special to get the award from your own team-mates too. "It was a bit emotional listening to the messages from the players, because you don't get gestures like that from each other in training! "To get that from your team-mates, talking like that about you, is overwhelming."
Noble started all 38 league games in 2013/14 and the No16 says that, following the team's climb away from danger, it was a year he'll look back on as a successful one. He added: "I was proud to start in every single Premier League game this season, I got close last year before I got a shoulder injury, but I did it this year and I was chuffed with the awards. "It was a lovely evening at the Player Awards - it always is, we get well looked after and the lads thoroughly enjoyed it."
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Bellamy pays tribute to Hammers
WHUFC.com
Craig Bellamy had kind words for West Ham United on announcing his retirement from professional football
23.05.2014
Former West Ham United favourite Craig Bellamy has paid tribute to the Hammers on his retirement from the professional game. Bellamy, 34, has called time on a long and distinguished career that included 73 International caps for Wales and spells at Norwich City, Coventry City, Newcastle United, Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, Manchester City, Cardiff City and, of course, West Ham. Bellamy joined the Hammers in July 2007 for a then-record transfer fee, scoring his first two goals for the Club in a League Cup victory against Bristol Rovers the following month. He went on to make 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals before moving to Man City in January 2009. An all-action, skilful and whole-hearted player was held in high regard by the Boleyn Ground faithful, with supporters sharing fond memories of his best moments on the Club's social media forums, including a 4-1 win at Portsmouth on Boxing Day 2008 when he bagged twice and a standout goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier the same month. The Cardiff-born forward only had kind words for West Ham and its fans when reflecting on his career. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Wales Online, Bellamy said: "I've been privileged to play at some truly top clubs, next to brilliant team-mates, excellent managers. People I'm honoured to be able to say were my colleagues. "People know about Liverpool, Man City, Newcastle, Celtic, Cardiff, but don't forget West Ham. Only on going there did I realise just what a massive club they are. To Londoners, West Ham are very much THE club." A fantastic attacking talent who gave everything he had on the pitch for club and country, everyone at West Ham United wishes Craig every success and happiness in his retirement.
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Retained List published
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have issued the Club's Retained List of players at the end of the 2013/14 season
23.05.2014
West Ham United have issued the Club's Retained List of players at the end of the 2013/14 season. The Hammers can confirm that Joe Cole, George McCartney and Jack Collison will be given free transfers when their contracts expire on 30 June. West Ham United would like to thank Joe, George and Jack for their considerable efforts and contribution to the success of the Club in recent seasons and wish them well in their future careers. Discussions with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are ongoing over new contracts, while the Club has exercised an option to extend the contract of defender Dan Potts. Second-year scholars Kieran Bywater, Josh Cullen, Jamie Harney, Moses Makasi, Nathan Mavila, Amos Nasha and Lewis Page have agreed their first professional deals, while Ben Marlow and Taylor Tombides have had their scholarships extended to a third year. Young professionals Callum Driver and Jordan Spence will also be released this summer, as will scholars Dymon Labonne, Rob Girdlestone, Thomas Gogo, Gines Guzman Rosique, Courtney Homans, Taylor Miles and Frazer Shaw. The Club would like to thank all the departing players for their efforts and wish them well in their future careers.
*Keep an eye on whufc.com for more from Joe Cole and Jack Collison.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Ben Shephard blogs about playing at the Boleyn Ground and hosting this year's Player Awards
22.05.2014
Hi everyone,
With the season over, I was lucky enough to play at the Boleyn Ground recently when I played for Alan Devonshire's West Ham team against a number of invited sides that decided they fancied taking on some of the legends from West Ham's past. When you come down regularly to Upton Park and you have been for years now to watch your team play, you always imagine what it's like to play here. It's always real thrill to pull on your boots and get out there. Fortunately there's no one really here to see how appalling the football is, apart from some of the old boys and a few of the youngsters who are pretty good. It's an absolute thrill to be here and put your boots on and smash one in the back of the net as well. I also enjoyed another year of hosting the Club's Player Awards, which is always a great night. It's a great way to get to end of the season and think you know what, we're still in the Premier League, we've had some great results, we beat Spurs three times and it's not often you get to say that. We made a point of saying that over and over again and enjoying it. It's a brilliant night, the players mix with the fans that have come down and it's a chance for them to talk about the season and start planning for the new season as well, which I think is one of the really key things. It's been a difficult season as fans, but you look at the positives. We finished brilliantly against Spurs and we had that great run in the middle of the season which got us safe and if we think about next season now I think it's quite exciting what we can achieve. All the winners at the Player Awards were worthy winners. Mark Noble is just a legend around here having grown up just around the corner he's West Ham through and through. I think I said on the night that he's the pride of east London.
It's great to be around him and the Club runs through his veins, so he was a worthy Hammer of the Year. Adrian just cleaned up left, right and centre and what a fantastic guy! I tried to speak to him in English, but his English isn't great at the moment, but if you think about how he's commanded that area brilliantly all season it's remarkable. He needs to work on his cockney though; there wasn't enough apples and pears for me, but a brilliant selfie which was a lovely touch.
You can tell he's really enjoyed this season which is great as a West Ham fan because you just want to know that players love pulling on the West Ham shirt. You want to know that every time they go out they're going to give it their all and Mark and Adrian are examples of players who did just that last season.
I get another chance to pull on my boots next month when I'll be playing under the guidance of Sam Allardyce - something I enjoy as I've never lost when Big Sam has managed us in Soccer Aid. He put me on man-marking Clarence Seedorf last time which was an interesting experience. Seedorf didn't like it much because, if anyone's seen me play football, I play a little bit like a rugby player and Seedorf didn't like that.
We're up against Jose Mourinho, he's the Rest of the World's manager this year, so I know that Sam and Jose are going to lock horns again. The tactical battle's going to be pretty immense I reckon. Jose's going to be up to his old tricks and Sam will love every minute of it. It's a great, great experience and I think over the years we've raised £12 million for UNICEF and it's a great excuse for us to go and pretend to be professional footballers for a couple of days.
Tune in if you can to support a great cause!
COYI!
Ben Shephard
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West Ham United: Joe Cole, Jack Collison and George McCartney released
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United have released former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, whose contract expires on 30 June. The 32-year-old made 25 appearances for the Hammers this season after joining the club for a second spell on an 18-month contract in January 2013. The Londoners have also released defender George McCartney and midfielder Jack Collison. Contract discussions with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are ongoing. Meanwhile, the Hammers have exercised an option to extend the contract of defender Dan Potts. West Ham said on their website: "We would like to thank Joe, George and Jack for their considerable efforts and contribution to the success of the club in recent seasons and wish them well in their future careers." West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will stay in charge this season but the board have insisted on the recruitment of a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season". A product of West Ham's youth academy, Cole signed professional terms in 1998 and helped the Hammers win the FA Youth Cup the following year. During his first spell at Upton Park, he played alongside the likes of Paolo Di Canio, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe, but he moved across London to Chelsea when the club was relegated. Cole, who has been capped 56 times by England, won three Premier League titles and the FA Cup twice in a seven-year stay with the Blues. After failing to agree a new contract he moved to Liverpool but he struggled to impress at Anfield and spent 2011-12 on loan at French club Lille.
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West Ham close in on €5m teenage forward
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
A deal to bring young French forward M'Baye Niang to West Ham United has been agreed, according to reports. Just 19, Niang has been made surplus to requirements by current club Milan who shipped him out on loan to Ligue 1 club Montpellier for the duration of the 2013/14 season. According to reports emanating from Italy tonight, Niang - who scored four goals in 19 appearances for La Paillade - will join West Ham initially on loan (for a €300,000 fee) with view to a €5million deal next summer. It should however be stressed that personal terms are yet to be agreed. Meanwhile Sport Bladet are reporting that West Ham are considering a move for Sunderland's Swedish midfielder Sebastien Larsson and his international team mate, Martin Olsson of Norwich. Larsson, 28, is out of contract at the Stadium of Light this summer whilst Olsson is understood to be keen to leave Carrow Road following the Canaries' relegation from the Premier League.
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Jack Collison leaves West Ham
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison is one of the higher-profile names not to be offered a new contract by West Ham this summer. Midfielder Collison, whose career at the club has been blighted by injury in recent years will leave West Ham next month after nine years at the club having failed to be offered a new deal. The 25-year-old, who first came to West Ham in 2005 as a result of Cambridge United's youth Academy closing made his debut for West Ham on New Year's Day 2008 in a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. He went on to make 121 appearances for West Ham and played a major part in the club's promotion from the Championship in 2011/12 by scoring both goals in the 2-0 win at Cardiff in the first leg of the play-off semi final. Also departing at the end of their current contracts are Joe Cole and George McCartney, both of whom returned to West Ham for a second spell with the club. Cole started his career with West Ham before joining Chelsea in a cut-price £6million deal as part of the club's 'fire sale' following relegation in 2003. He returned to the club in 2013 on a free transfer. Northern-Irish international McCartney joined the club in 2006 when moving from Sunderland in exchange for full back Clive Clarke and £600,000. Two years later he was sold back to the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee widely thought to be worth around £8million. After spending a year back at West Ham on loan during the 2011/12 Championship season, McCartney returned to West Ham on a permanent basis. There is however better news for Danny Potts, who has landed an extended deal whilst veteran goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and 32-year-old midfielder Matt Taylor are reported to be negotiating new contracts.
See below for details of all players retained and released below.
Retained
First Team Squad: Dan Potts (Jussi Jaaskelainen and Matt Taylor tbc).
First Year Pros: Kieran Bywater; Josh Cullen; Jamie Harney; Moses Makasi; Nathan Mavila; Amos Nasha; Lewis Page.
Third-Year Scholarships: Ben Marlow; Taylor Tombides.
Released
First Team Squad: Joe Cole; Jack Collison; George McCartney.
Other Pros: Callum Driver; Jordan Spence.
Scholarships: Dymon Labonne; Rob Girdlestone; Thomas Gogo; Gines Guzman Rosique; Courtney Homans; Taylor Miles; Frazer Shaw.
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Sullivan seeking European football
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan may have told Sam Allardyce that it's top ten or bust next season - but according to reports today, it's a European spot that he's actually aiming for. The current manager was told earlier this week that his job was safe, albeit with a new brief for the 2014/15 season. West Ham announced via their website that Allardyce had been instructed to deliver a top ten finish - although Sullivan, speaking to the Evening Standard this morning has set his sights even higher. "I don't want to just aim for top 10," he said. "We should be aiming for top six. I want to be looking down the table, not up it next season. We start next season with three competitions, two of which we can win." And in order to achieve that particularly difficult aim, Sullivan - speaking less than a fortnight before the season ticket renewal deadline - added that he is looking to introduce around half-a-dozen players to Allardyce's first team squad during pre-season.
"Most are young players," he revealed. "The youngest is 19 but has already played top-level football in two countries, while the oldest is 27. "I can't say more than that as you genuinely risk losing the deals. I know people think we just say these things but we are working day and night and I want to make sure we get as many of our targets as possible. "Of course, we won't get them all because it is tough out there but I can say we will definitely have younger legs out there. We are trying to buy experience but youthful experience. "We want to see players who have a proven record of scoring goals, people who take on players and go past them, people with movement because we need to add speed to our team. "We hope, by bringing in slightly younger players, we will also get a bit more from the players we've got. We're going to have two players in every position competing for every place in the team."
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West Ham confirm exit of Joe Cole on released list
Last Updated: 23/05/14 6:40pm
SSN
Joe Cole, George McCartney and Jack Collison have been included on West Ham's list of released players. Cole started his career at the east London club and returned for a second spell in January 2013, but failed to claim a regular starting role. Fellow midfielder Collison also came through the academy ranks, making his debut in 2007, although his first-team opportunities were restricted by a persistent knee problem. The Welshman was loaned out to Wigan last season and manager Sam Allardyce has allowed him to find regular football elsewhere. McCartney, an experienced full-back, rejoined the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2012 and supplied cover at centre-back last season. The 33-year-old, who had an early spell with West Ham, will cut his ties with the team when his contract expires. Goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are still discussing possible deals, while the club has exercised an option to extend the contract of defender Dan Potts. Young duo Callum Driver and Jordan Spence will also be released, as will scholars Dymon Labonne, Rob Girdlestone, Thomas Gogo, Gines Guzman Rosique, Courtney Homans, Taylor Miles and Frazer Shaw.
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DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT WANTED
By Sean Whetstone 23 May 2014 at 08:06
West Ham Till I Die
In his first words since the end of the season Sam Allardyce has outlined his interpretation of the chairman's statement & plans for next season reveals his thoughts on recruiting a new director of recruitment together with an attacking coach..
Speaking on WHUFC.com
"First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud to continue for another season as West Ham manager, I have had good, fruitful meetings with my employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great Club forward in a united way.To that end we – the Board, the staff, the players – are unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one that is going to be better than last season.We want to try and achieve at least what we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier League, which was a top-ten finish. With a challenging season that saw West Ham overcome injuries, suspensions and agonising defeats to finish in 13th place now over, the manager is now fully focused on bringing new talent to the Club. We're already doing everything we can to improve and increase the playing squad and we're hoping to make signings as quickly as we can. I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive manner. Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides – and we now look forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season."
On the subject of a new Director of recruitment and an attacking coach Sam said:
"I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence. The appointment is absolutely down to me and the challenge is to find the right person to help us score more goals next season, because that is what we need to do.Regarding the plan to appoint a director of recruitment, I would say there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious football club. We need to compete in that area globally and being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position these days.There is no-one more disappointed than me when we don't play well,style of play is crucial, but it is also important that players realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis.What we are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the final home game of the season against Tottenham – a club who had spent many more millions of pounds than us – but not for one game, but consistently. We will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the supporters will be as happy as I will.There were too many performances last season that didn't measure up to the expectations we all have. There were times when there were valid reasons why we fell short and other occasions, particularly towards the end of the season, when the performance was decent but we didn't win the game."
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Friday, May 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd May 2014
Big Sam outlines future plans
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is in positive mood as he looks to the
future
22.05.2014
Sam Allardyce has outlined his plan to lead West Ham United onwards and
upwards. The manager is in positive mood following his post-season review
meeting with the Board, where a number of plans were put into place with the
aim of playing a more expansive, entertaining brand of football in the
future. At the same time, the target of a top-ten finish has also been set
as the Hammers prepare for their move to the 54,000-seater Olympic Stadium
in 2016. Big Sam and the Board will appoint a new attacking coach and
director of recruitment, while funds will be released for the signing of
players to improve the squad ahead of the Club's third season back in the
Barclays Premier League. "First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud
to continue for another season as West Ham manager," said Big Sam, who led
the Hammers to promotion in his first season in charge, followed by two
mid-table finishes in the top flight. "I have had good, fruitful meetings
with my employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this
great Club forward in a united way. "To that end we - the Board, the staff,
the players - are unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next
season, one that is going to be better than last season. "We want to try and
achieve at least what we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier
League, which was a top-ten finish."
With a challenging season that saw West Ham overcome injuries, suspensions
and agonising defeats to finish in 13th place now over, the manager is now
fully focused on bringing new talent to the Club. "We're already doing
everything we can to improve and increase the playing squad and we're hoping
to make signings as quickly as we can," he confirmed. Reflecting on his
post-season review meeting with the Board, Big Sam said there had been
agreement on the majority of matters relating to how to develop the squad
and improve both the playing style and results. "I sat down with the owners
and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the outcome of that meeting is
that we are all moving forward in a very positive manner," he continued.
"Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides - and we now look
forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season."
Of the specific goals to emerge from the meeting, the manager welcomed the
additions of an attacking coach and director of recruitment to his staff.
"I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes in has
to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly
qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence. "The
appointment is absolutely down to me and the challenge is to find the right
person to help us score more goals next season, because that is what we need
to do. "Regarding the plan to appoint a director of recruitment, I would say
there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious football
club. "We need to compete in that area globally and being in charge of
recruitment is a very specialised position these days."
Finally, the manager shares the Board and supporters' view that the team
should play entertaining, attacking football whenever possible next season.
"There is no-one more disappointed than me when we don't play well," he
admitted. "Style of play is crucial, but it is also important that players
realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis. "What we
are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the final home
game of the season against Tottenham - a club who had spent many more
millions of pounds than us - but not for one game, but consistently. "We
will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume
training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the
supporters will be as happy as I will. "There were too many performances
last season that didn't measure up to the expectations we all have. There
were times when there were valid reasons why we fell short and other
occasions, particularly towards the end of the season, when the performance
was decent but we didn't win the game."
"Entertainment value, contrary to what some people say and think, is high on
my list and always has been because this is an entertainment business. "It
is also a results business, though, and we need to win matches. If we can
win games the right way next season then that has to be our ultimate aim and
number one priority, particularly at home. "We were magnificent at the
Boleyn Ground in our first season back in the top flight - only losing to
four teams. It was more difficult last season, but we have to try and get
back to that previous level. "I am not going to make any predictions at this
early stage - certainly not before looking to see what everyone else does
during the transfer window - but by the time we begin the new campaign we
should have a clearer picture of how far we feel we can go. We are all
aiming for a top-ten finish. "The past is the past, you can't change
anything - the crucial thing is to learn from it."
*Sam Allardyce was speaking in his column for the Evening Standard.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Walker's World
WHUFC.com
Jimmy Walker fondly recalls an eventful five years with West Ham United - on
and off the pitch!
22.05.2014
He may have played just 20 times for West Ham United, but Jimmy Walker will
forever be loved by the Claret and Blue Army. The vertically-challenged
goalkeeper arrived from Walsall in summer 2004, saving a penalty from
Chelsea's Frank Lampard in just his third appearance before suffering a
serious knee injury in the Championship Play-Off final victory over Preston
North End the following May. While the injury, plus the arrivals of Shaka
Hislop, Roy Carroll and Robert Green, restricted his opportunities under
Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley, Walker never allowed his lack of first-team
action to get him down. Instead, the Nottinghamshire-born goalkeeper
established himself as the life and soul of the Hammers dressing room, while
his entertaining Programme column 'Walker's World' lifted the lid on the
behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Chadwell Heath and the Boleyn Ground. Now
40 and working as goalkeeper coach at League One club Peterborough United,
Walker recently returned to east London to take part in a charity match for
Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
"I had a fantastic time here!" he confirmed. "Unfortunately, the injuries
didn't help matters but the fans remember the big games I played in. They
were great to me from the first game I played, right the way through to when
I was trying to get back from my knee injury and play games in the Premier
League. "Right the way through my time here, there was always something
going on - two Play-Off finals, then I did my knee, came back from that and
played in the Prem, then the FA Cup final and then we had the 'Great Escape'
at Manchester United with Tevez and all that - so what a fantastic time to
be at the Club. "I was just happy to be around the place and it was a
fantastic experience for me. I just wish I had been able to play a few more
games and really push for that No1 spot, but with the injury it was
difficult. I was here as long as I could be and enjoyed every minute I had
here."
While Walsall, where he spent 14 years in two spells as player and coach and
made more than 500 appearances, will always be Walker's club, his bond with
the Hammers is also strong. The goalkeeper's five years in east London
enabled him to learn all about why West Ham is one of the biggest clubs in
the country. "It's a special place. When I was leaving Walsall I had a
couple of options, but we had played here a couple of months before and it
just felt like a proper football club with the history and traditions and
the 30,000 fans behind the team every week. It just felt like the right move
for me. "I played a couple of games, then had a decent game in a win at
Chelsea when I saved a penalty in my first away game, which cemented my
relationship with the fans. It all went from there, really. "The players
they have had through the door here are unbelievable. The fans have been
treated and they respond to that, then the players respond to the fans."
Those fans will never forget Walker's World, which saw supporters queuing to
ensure they did not miss out on their chance to read the next instalment in
each Official Programme. With subject matters covering everything from
dressing room banter to players' clothing, there was never a dull moment
when Walker was about! "I loved that, I must admit!" he laughed. "I had
permission to go and cane the lads to everyone, whereas I previously had to
do it in the changing room with just the lads in there. It was a chance to
go and share it with 30 or 40,000 fans as well, which was brilliant. "It got
to the stage, if I remember right, when I'd walk in a room and the lads
would be going 'Sssssshhh, he's here!' so I was struggling for material in
the end and had to go fishing a little bit but I did all right on it, to be
fair."
The star turn in Walker's World was often Ghana full-back John Pantsil, who
would arrive for training in traditional and colourful African dress and
entertain his team-mates with his infectious personality. While Pantsil took
the banter in good spirits, other players were upset by Walker's public
ribbings. "I remember Johnny Pantsil's African garb, but it wasn't the worst
gear around in the changing room," Walker confirmed. "It was only Kieron
Dyer who really got the hump. He went on telly and I said he was wearing a
Bugsy Malone suit, which it was, and he was not happy with that at all! The
lads took it in good spirits and, in the end Kieron did as well because he
didn't have a lot of choice."
These days, the Programme column would likely be replaced by a Walker's
World Twitter page - something he himself would have relished back in his
playing days. "It would have been fantastic, but I think I might have got in
a bit of trouble on Twitter! I'd have to be a little bit more low-key now."
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Howes' delight at award
WHUFC.com
Sam Howes was delighted to receive the 2013/14 Young Hammer of the Year
award
22.05.2014
Sam Howes has revealed his delight at receiving the Young Hammer of the Year
award to cap a superb 2013/14 season. The young goalkeeper added another
trophy to his collection on Wednesday night as he and his England
squad-mates overcame Holland on penalties to win the UEFA European U17
Championship.
Howes was an unused substitute as the 1-1 draw was followed by a 4-1
shoot-out victory. The international honour follows his Club award, for
which he was selected by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE. That award was
fitting recognition of his eye-catching performances for West Ham United's
U18s and Development Squad. Howes' ultimately successful participation with
England at the UEFA European U17 Championship meant he was unable to attend
the Club's Player Awards, but that didn't stop him expressing his delight to
West Ham TV before he jetted off to Malta on international duty. "I'm very
pleased that my hard work this season has paid off," said Howes, who will
begin a full-time scholarship this summer. "I've played Under-18s football
and a bit of reserve team football, so I've got a lot to thank the staff
here for as they've been great with me since I came here. My family as well,
have given me their support, I couldn't have done it without them. "This
award is going to give me a lot more incentive to push on for next season. I
want to make myself a better goalkeeper, improve the areas I need to work on
and keep working on the parts I'm already good at."
The 16-year-old's rise through the ranks has been remarkable over the course
of the campaign, with the stopper becoming a regular feature for Nick
Haycock's Development Squad. His fine performances at Club level led to
international recognition in January and he impressed sufficiently in the
two caps he collected to earn a place in the squad for the European U17
Championship finals. Howes played against the Dutch in the group stage and
although he couldn't prevent his country from falling to a 2-0 defeat,
representing his national team is still regarded as the greatest honour of
his career so far. "I've played in the reserves and in a few behind closed
doors friendlies with some first-team players. I've trained with the first
team as well and made my debut at Under-17 level for England, so that was
probably my main highlight from this season."
Still a schoolboy, Howes has developed under the tutelage of the Club's
senior goalkeepers when training with the first team at Chadwell Heath. The
agile 'keeper has enjoyed every minute learning under the guidance of Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Adrian and is aiming to get even better next season. "The
main plan for myself is to push on and play as many reserve games as I can
next season and keep knocking on the door. "All the Under-18, Under-21 and
first-team staff have all been great. When I go up to Chadwell Heath to
train with them they've been brilliant and made me feel part of the squad.
The goalkeeping staff as well, with me being a goalkeeper, have been great
for the six years that I've been here. "Jussi has given me the most advice
because he's one of the most experienced 'keepers in the Premier League, so
it's good to get advice off him. It's also good to watch 'keepers like
Adrian and Raphael Spiegel to take tips from them which I can add to my game
and make myself a better goalkeeper."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: We are united and moving forward positively at West Ham
Evening Standard
Published: 22 May 2014 Updated: 10:07, 22 May 2014
I wasn't anticipating writing another column beyond the end of what was a
tough season for everyone at West Ham but in view of all the speculation, I
thought it would be a good idea to put a few things straight.
First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud to continue for another
season as West Ham manager. I have had good, fruitful meetings with my
employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great club
forward in a united way. To that end we — the board, staff and players — are
unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one which is
going to be better than last term. We want to try and achieve at least what
we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier League, which was a
top-10 finish.
We're already doing everything we can to improve and increase the playing
squad and we're hoping to make signings as quickly as we can, although that
can never be guaranteed these days. Obviously my meeting with the Board was
private, but what I can say is there was clarification on a number of
subjects.
I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the
outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive
manner, contrary to some of the speculation which has gone on in various
parts of the media.
Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides and we now look
forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season. One
of the items on the agenda, which has since been made public, is the
imminent appointment of a coach with specific responsibilities in forward
play. I have absolutely no problem with that. In fact, the idea was received
with enthusiasm by me. We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be
qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly qualified
backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence.
I would also emphasise that the appointment is absolutely down to me and the
challenge is to find the right person to help us score more goals next
season because that is what we need to do. Regarding the plan to appoint a
director of recruitment, I would say there is always the need to expand that
section of an ambitious club. We need to compete in that area globally and
being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position nowadays.
There is no one more disappointed than me when we don't play well. Yes,
style of play is crucial but the most important thing is that the players
realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis.
What we are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the
final home game of the season against Tottenham — a club who had spent many
more millions than us — not for one game but consistently.
We will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume
training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the
supporters will be as happy as I will.
There were too many performances last season that didn't measure up to the
expectations of all of us. There were times when there were valid reasons
why we fell short and other occasions, particularly towards the end of the
campaign, when the performance was decent but we didn't win the game.
Entertainment value, contrary to what some people say and think, is high on
my list — always has been — because this is an entertainment business.
It is also a results business, though, and we need to win matches. If we can
win the right way next season, that has to be our ultimate aim, particularly
at home.
We were magnificent at the Boleyn Ground in our first season back in the top
flight — only losing to four teams.
It was more difficult last season but we have to try and get back to that
previous level.
I am not going to make any predictions at this early stage — certainly not
before looking to see what everyone else does during the transfer window —
but by the time we begin the new campaign we should have a clearer picture
of how far we feel we can go. We are all aiming for a top-ten finish.
The past is the past, you can't change anything — the crucial thing is to
learn from it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: West Ham boss keen on entertaining style
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has backed a directive for West Ham United to play
entertaining football next season, after he was assured of his role as
manager by the club's owners. The Hammers issued a statement on Tuesday that
confirmed Allardyce's position, but also stated there would be a change in
playing style. "Entertainment, contrary to what some people say and think,
is high on my list," Allardyce said in a statement. "This is an
entertainment business." He added: "It is also a results business, though,
and we need to win matches. If we can win games the right way next season
then that has to be our ultimate aim and number one priority, particularly
at home." The 59-year-old took West Ham back into the Premier League in his
first season in charge via the Championship play-offs, and has since secured
their top-flight status in each of the last two seasons. However, there were
supporter protests at games towards the end of the last campaign centred
around a poor run of form, with one win in six, as the season drew to a
finale. Following talks with the owners, a new attacking coach will be
appointed to the backroom staff, and there are also plans to bring a
director of football to the club as the move from Upton Park to the Olympic
Stadium in 2016 edges closer. "I'm enthusiastic about that idea," Allardyce
added. "We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be qualified and of the
right type to supplement our already highly-qualified backroom staff, in
whom I have complete confidence."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce calls for a United front
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce says he is looking forward to the 2014/15 season - just days
after being told that his job was safe.
Despite a concerted campaign by some supporters to have the 59-year-old
removed from his position recently, Allardyce emerged from this week's board
meeting with his job intact - albeit with a brand new brief for the
forthcoming campaign.
Having ended a difficult 2013/14 season with the club's top-flight status
intact, no longer will Premier League survival alone be sufficient for an
increasingly-demanding board who have one eye on the impending move to the
54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium.
Now Allardyce has been instructed that anything less than a top ten finish,
achieved with the style of football for which West Ham became famous when
four strikers were still in fashion could result in his reign at the Boleyn
coming to the sort of unglamorous end that ultimately awaits the vast
majority of Premier and Football League managers these days.
To help achieve this target will be a new attacking coach and director of
recruitment, which may indeed prove helpful in the long run but right now
amount to nothing less than a clear indication of the board's lack of faith
in Allardyce's attacking intent and his relationship with agent Mark Curtis,
who now represents a number of players at West Ham including club captain
Kevin Nolan.
Regardless of having essentially been told 'it's our way or the highway' by
his bosses, Allardyce retained a positive tone when addressing the club's
supporters via its website today. "I have had fruitful meetings with my
employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great Club
forward in a united way," he said.
"To that end we - the Board, the staff and the players - are unified in
wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one that is going to be
better than last season. We want to try and achieve at least what we did in
the first year back in the Premier League, which was a top-ten finish.
"I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the
outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive
manner. Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides - and we now
look forward to a productive summer and, hopefully, a very successful
season."
With view to working with his prospective new attacking coach, Allardyce
added: "I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes
in has to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already
highly qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence."
Meanwhile he was equally fervent in his view of a new recruitment ace. "I
would say there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious
football club," he said. ""We need to compete in that area globally and
being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position these days."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jordan bids Hammers farewell
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jordan Spence has been released by West Ham United - nine years after first
joining the club as a teenager. Right-back Spence, now 23, has spent almost
a decade at his boyhood club despite failing to break through into the first
team. And now, having made just 10 appearances the full back has been
released by West Ham. Taking to Twitter this afternoon to express his regret
at the parting of the waves, Spence wrote: "No conceivable way to summarise
what West Ham United FC has equipped me for, taught me and meant to me over
the past nine years. "It's an honour to have represented the club for this
period and I'd like to thank all that have supported me throughout. I wish
the club the very best and hope they give the fans what they deserve for the
coming seasons.
"As an east London boy, playing for this club has been a privilege. I look
forward to what opportunities and challenges await me in my future. Thank
You! #whufc"
Spence, who has represented England at all youth levels from Under 16 to
Under 21 made his debut for West Ham in the final game of the 2009/10 season
as an 88th-minute substitute against Manchester City. The following season
he made two starts under Avram Grant - the first of which came in the 3-2
defeat at Wigan that condemned West Ham to the drop and the second a week
later in the final home game of the season against Sunderland. Spence
enjoyed a run of seven games under Sam Allardyce last season, including four
further starts. However his appearance at Old Trafford in the 1-0 FA Cup
third round defeat in January 2013 was to prove to be his last for West Ham.
Everyone at Knees up Mother Brown would like to wish Jordan the very best of
luck for the future.
* Meanwhile another long-term Hammer who left the Club at the end of last
season, Joe Cole, is said to be interesting Thai club BEC Tero Sasana. The
Fire Dragons, who are based in Bangkok are hoping to tie up a deal for the
32-year-old despite General Manager Robert Procureur admitting this week
that "we're well aware Joe Cole will be incredibly expensive."
Cole has also been interesting a number of Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs
too since announcing his departure from West Ham following the completion of
the 18-month contract he signed in January 2013.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SHOULD WE SIGN JOLEON LESCOTT OR PURSUE OTHER OPTIONS?
By S J Chandos 22 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
So, the West Ham board have made their decision and it is that Sam Allardyce
stays in post. Yesterday, the stories started circulating about the various
'flair' players that the club are targetting. It commenced with the news
that the club were apparently in advanced negotiations to sign skillful
Argentine forward, Mauro Zarate, from Velez Sarfield. This was followed by
further reports that West Ham were exploring potential deals for, amongst
others, Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyons, AC Milan forward Niang and Norwich
City's attacking left-back, Martin Olsson. Are these type of deals a clear
declaration of attacking intent for the new season? Hopefully so, but lets
wait until that alleged 'interest' transmutes in to concrete new signings.
Elsewhere, there was another report that attracted less attention. Namely
that Joleon Lescott is allegedly prepared to take a 50% cut in his £90,000 a
week wages, at Man City, to stay in the Premier League. Now that may be
interesting news to West Ham (if true?), who have a long standing interest
in signing the former England centre-back. Securing a Bosman deal for
Lescott, at wages of £45,000 per week, is admittedly well worth thinking
about. But is it a priority acquisition, with Collins, Tomkins and
(hopefully) Reid covering centre-back? Perhaps, all things being equal, we
might be better served by targetting a defensive midfield player, who can
also be deployed at centre-back? Someone like Bordeaux's Ludovic Sane for
instance. A player who can play in both positions with equal proficiency.
Who knows, we might even be able to off-load Diarra and Maiga in a
part-exchange deal!
In a previous blog post, the question was raised whether a £20m budget was
sufficient to overhaul the squad? Firstly, do we know that figure is the
definitive budget available? If the budget does prove to be in the region of
£20m, we should remember that most deals are not settled up front, but
rather are paid via instalment agreements, often over an extended period. In
addition, there may be extra resources arising from outgoing deals, which
not only generates extra transfer funds, but also creates some slack in the
salaries budget. While some fringe players will go on free transfers or for
nominal fees, I am sure that others like Vaz Te and Maiga could command
reasonable fees. In addition, it may be that the decision is made to cash in
on a first team regular, to both 'shuffle the pack' and generate significant
extra income. Or they could, indeed, make the available resources stretch
further by going down the aforementioned player part-exchange route. Those
deals are more complicated, but can produce good, cost-effective results, if
carried off!
It was clear to me months ago that the squad needed an overhaul this summer.
The poor results in December-January cruelly exposed the squad's lack of
strength in depth and vulnerability to injuries and suspensions. Those
factors aside, when at full strength, we have a reasonable PL first XI and
substitutes bench. One that, in the final analysis, can keep us in the PL,
but which is not equipped to facilitate an assault on the top eight. To move
forward, it was obvious that we needed to add more quality and, thus,
increase competition for places. And that imperative has been further
compounded by the 'style of play' issue also coming to a head this close
season. Taken together, both factors, necessitate change.
The board declaration on the performance indicators/proscribed changes for
the new season is perfectly clear. Much is often made of the current manager
having 'hit his targets' since he joined the club, which is a fair enough
point. Now lets see whether these new targets/PIs are also successfully
achieved? I certainly hope so, because ideally no one wants to effect
managerial change in mid-season. Its a moot point, I know, but it did occur
to me that the changes imposed by the board could mean that we have,
intentionally or unintentionally, moved towards a more continental-type
model. One where various key functions (transfers, scouting and recruitment)
are hived off, to one extent or other, and this allows the Manager to focus
more squarely on first team affairs (a la a Head Coach).
In an interview, Mr Allardyce's former Bolton Assistant, Phil Brown, has
recently stated that winning over the Hammers fans is the greatest challenge
that the former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle Utd and Blackburn Rovers boss
has faced; but one that he is most definitely up for! Lets hope so, he sent
out Hammers teams against Spurs, Fulham and Liverpool that played some good
quality football. But can he do it fairly consistently, over the course of a
season? The board need to secure the quality additions necessary to help
find a definitive/uncontested answer to that question.
SJ. Chandos
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sam Allardyce in humiliating U-turn: ''I must entertain fans next
season''
May 22, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has performed a humiliating U-turn by claiming football is "an
entertainment business" after keeping his West Ham job. Big Sam had
previously dismissed the West Ham way as "not winning" and a "delusion" -
and insisted football is a "results-driven formula". And after his team were
booed off after a home win over Hull in March, he said: "When we look at the
table tomorrow when we get up, the performance hardly really matters". The
Upton Park board considered sacking Allardyce but offered a stay of
execution this week as long as the Hammers play better football - and finish
in the top 10. He also has to employ a new attacking coach while the board
will look to appoint a director of football to supervise transfers.
Allardyce now says he wants to help create "an exciting team for next
season". And he added: "Entertainment value, contrary to what some people
say and think, is high on my list and always has been because this is an
entertainment business. "It is also a results business, though, and we need
to win matches. If we can win games the right way next season then that has
to be our ultimate aim and No 1 priority, particularly at home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence thanks West Ham following release
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Thursday, May 22, 2014
Jordan Spence has thanked West Ham for giving him his big break after the
club released him. The versatile academy graduate can play at centre-back or
right-back but he has found it impossible to force his way into Sam
Allardyce's side and is now a free agent. "No conceivable way to summarise
what West Ham United FC has equipped me for, taught me and meant to me over
the past 9 years," he tweeted. "It's an honour to have represented the club
for this period and I'd like to thank all that have supported me throughout.
"I wish the club the very best and hope they give the fans what they deserve
for the coming seasons. "As an east London boy, playing for this club has
been a privilege. Look forward to what opportunities and challenges await me
in my future.."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is in positive mood as he looks to the
future
22.05.2014
Sam Allardyce has outlined his plan to lead West Ham United onwards and
upwards. The manager is in positive mood following his post-season review
meeting with the Board, where a number of plans were put into place with the
aim of playing a more expansive, entertaining brand of football in the
future. At the same time, the target of a top-ten finish has also been set
as the Hammers prepare for their move to the 54,000-seater Olympic Stadium
in 2016. Big Sam and the Board will appoint a new attacking coach and
director of recruitment, while funds will be released for the signing of
players to improve the squad ahead of the Club's third season back in the
Barclays Premier League. "First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud
to continue for another season as West Ham manager," said Big Sam, who led
the Hammers to promotion in his first season in charge, followed by two
mid-table finishes in the top flight. "I have had good, fruitful meetings
with my employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this
great Club forward in a united way. "To that end we - the Board, the staff,
the players - are unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next
season, one that is going to be better than last season. "We want to try and
achieve at least what we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier
League, which was a top-ten finish."
With a challenging season that saw West Ham overcome injuries, suspensions
and agonising defeats to finish in 13th place now over, the manager is now
fully focused on bringing new talent to the Club. "We're already doing
everything we can to improve and increase the playing squad and we're hoping
to make signings as quickly as we can," he confirmed. Reflecting on his
post-season review meeting with the Board, Big Sam said there had been
agreement on the majority of matters relating to how to develop the squad
and improve both the playing style and results. "I sat down with the owners
and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the outcome of that meeting is
that we are all moving forward in a very positive manner," he continued.
"Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides - and we now look
forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season."
Of the specific goals to emerge from the meeting, the manager welcomed the
additions of an attacking coach and director of recruitment to his staff.
"I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes in has
to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly
qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence. "The
appointment is absolutely down to me and the challenge is to find the right
person to help us score more goals next season, because that is what we need
to do. "Regarding the plan to appoint a director of recruitment, I would say
there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious football
club. "We need to compete in that area globally and being in charge of
recruitment is a very specialised position these days."
Finally, the manager shares the Board and supporters' view that the team
should play entertaining, attacking football whenever possible next season.
"There is no-one more disappointed than me when we don't play well," he
admitted. "Style of play is crucial, but it is also important that players
realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis. "What we
are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the final home
game of the season against Tottenham - a club who had spent many more
millions of pounds than us - but not for one game, but consistently. "We
will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume
training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the
supporters will be as happy as I will. "There were too many performances
last season that didn't measure up to the expectations we all have. There
were times when there were valid reasons why we fell short and other
occasions, particularly towards the end of the season, when the performance
was decent but we didn't win the game."
"Entertainment value, contrary to what some people say and think, is high on
my list and always has been because this is an entertainment business. "It
is also a results business, though, and we need to win matches. If we can
win games the right way next season then that has to be our ultimate aim and
number one priority, particularly at home. "We were magnificent at the
Boleyn Ground in our first season back in the top flight - only losing to
four teams. It was more difficult last season, but we have to try and get
back to that previous level. "I am not going to make any predictions at this
early stage - certainly not before looking to see what everyone else does
during the transfer window - but by the time we begin the new campaign we
should have a clearer picture of how far we feel we can go. We are all
aiming for a top-ten finish. "The past is the past, you can't change
anything - the crucial thing is to learn from it."
*Sam Allardyce was speaking in his column for the Evening Standard.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Walker's World
WHUFC.com
Jimmy Walker fondly recalls an eventful five years with West Ham United - on
and off the pitch!
22.05.2014
He may have played just 20 times for West Ham United, but Jimmy Walker will
forever be loved by the Claret and Blue Army. The vertically-challenged
goalkeeper arrived from Walsall in summer 2004, saving a penalty from
Chelsea's Frank Lampard in just his third appearance before suffering a
serious knee injury in the Championship Play-Off final victory over Preston
North End the following May. While the injury, plus the arrivals of Shaka
Hislop, Roy Carroll and Robert Green, restricted his opportunities under
Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley, Walker never allowed his lack of first-team
action to get him down. Instead, the Nottinghamshire-born goalkeeper
established himself as the life and soul of the Hammers dressing room, while
his entertaining Programme column 'Walker's World' lifted the lid on the
behind-the-scenes shenanigans at Chadwell Heath and the Boleyn Ground. Now
40 and working as goalkeeper coach at League One club Peterborough United,
Walker recently returned to east London to take part in a charity match for
Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
"I had a fantastic time here!" he confirmed. "Unfortunately, the injuries
didn't help matters but the fans remember the big games I played in. They
were great to me from the first game I played, right the way through to when
I was trying to get back from my knee injury and play games in the Premier
League. "Right the way through my time here, there was always something
going on - two Play-Off finals, then I did my knee, came back from that and
played in the Prem, then the FA Cup final and then we had the 'Great Escape'
at Manchester United with Tevez and all that - so what a fantastic time to
be at the Club. "I was just happy to be around the place and it was a
fantastic experience for me. I just wish I had been able to play a few more
games and really push for that No1 spot, but with the injury it was
difficult. I was here as long as I could be and enjoyed every minute I had
here."
While Walsall, where he spent 14 years in two spells as player and coach and
made more than 500 appearances, will always be Walker's club, his bond with
the Hammers is also strong. The goalkeeper's five years in east London
enabled him to learn all about why West Ham is one of the biggest clubs in
the country. "It's a special place. When I was leaving Walsall I had a
couple of options, but we had played here a couple of months before and it
just felt like a proper football club with the history and traditions and
the 30,000 fans behind the team every week. It just felt like the right move
for me. "I played a couple of games, then had a decent game in a win at
Chelsea when I saved a penalty in my first away game, which cemented my
relationship with the fans. It all went from there, really. "The players
they have had through the door here are unbelievable. The fans have been
treated and they respond to that, then the players respond to the fans."
Those fans will never forget Walker's World, which saw supporters queuing to
ensure they did not miss out on their chance to read the next instalment in
each Official Programme. With subject matters covering everything from
dressing room banter to players' clothing, there was never a dull moment
when Walker was about! "I loved that, I must admit!" he laughed. "I had
permission to go and cane the lads to everyone, whereas I previously had to
do it in the changing room with just the lads in there. It was a chance to
go and share it with 30 or 40,000 fans as well, which was brilliant. "It got
to the stage, if I remember right, when I'd walk in a room and the lads
would be going 'Sssssshhh, he's here!' so I was struggling for material in
the end and had to go fishing a little bit but I did all right on it, to be
fair."
The star turn in Walker's World was often Ghana full-back John Pantsil, who
would arrive for training in traditional and colourful African dress and
entertain his team-mates with his infectious personality. While Pantsil took
the banter in good spirits, other players were upset by Walker's public
ribbings. "I remember Johnny Pantsil's African garb, but it wasn't the worst
gear around in the changing room," Walker confirmed. "It was only Kieron
Dyer who really got the hump. He went on telly and I said he was wearing a
Bugsy Malone suit, which it was, and he was not happy with that at all! The
lads took it in good spirits and, in the end Kieron did as well because he
didn't have a lot of choice."
These days, the Programme column would likely be replaced by a Walker's
World Twitter page - something he himself would have relished back in his
playing days. "It would have been fantastic, but I think I might have got in
a bit of trouble on Twitter! I'd have to be a little bit more low-key now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes' delight at award
WHUFC.com
Sam Howes was delighted to receive the 2013/14 Young Hammer of the Year
award
22.05.2014
Sam Howes has revealed his delight at receiving the Young Hammer of the Year
award to cap a superb 2013/14 season. The young goalkeeper added another
trophy to his collection on Wednesday night as he and his England
squad-mates overcame Holland on penalties to win the UEFA European U17
Championship.
Howes was an unused substitute as the 1-1 draw was followed by a 4-1
shoot-out victory. The international honour follows his Club award, for
which he was selected by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE. That award was
fitting recognition of his eye-catching performances for West Ham United's
U18s and Development Squad. Howes' ultimately successful participation with
England at the UEFA European U17 Championship meant he was unable to attend
the Club's Player Awards, but that didn't stop him expressing his delight to
West Ham TV before he jetted off to Malta on international duty. "I'm very
pleased that my hard work this season has paid off," said Howes, who will
begin a full-time scholarship this summer. "I've played Under-18s football
and a bit of reserve team football, so I've got a lot to thank the staff
here for as they've been great with me since I came here. My family as well,
have given me their support, I couldn't have done it without them. "This
award is going to give me a lot more incentive to push on for next season. I
want to make myself a better goalkeeper, improve the areas I need to work on
and keep working on the parts I'm already good at."
The 16-year-old's rise through the ranks has been remarkable over the course
of the campaign, with the stopper becoming a regular feature for Nick
Haycock's Development Squad. His fine performances at Club level led to
international recognition in January and he impressed sufficiently in the
two caps he collected to earn a place in the squad for the European U17
Championship finals. Howes played against the Dutch in the group stage and
although he couldn't prevent his country from falling to a 2-0 defeat,
representing his national team is still regarded as the greatest honour of
his career so far. "I've played in the reserves and in a few behind closed
doors friendlies with some first-team players. I've trained with the first
team as well and made my debut at Under-17 level for England, so that was
probably my main highlight from this season."
Still a schoolboy, Howes has developed under the tutelage of the Club's
senior goalkeepers when training with the first team at Chadwell Heath. The
agile 'keeper has enjoyed every minute learning under the guidance of Jussi
Jaaskelainen and Adrian and is aiming to get even better next season. "The
main plan for myself is to push on and play as many reserve games as I can
next season and keep knocking on the door. "All the Under-18, Under-21 and
first-team staff have all been great. When I go up to Chadwell Heath to
train with them they've been brilliant and made me feel part of the squad.
The goalkeeping staff as well, with me being a goalkeeper, have been great
for the six years that I've been here. "Jussi has given me the most advice
because he's one of the most experienced 'keepers in the Premier League, so
it's good to get advice off him. It's also good to watch 'keepers like
Adrian and Raphael Spiegel to take tips from them which I can add to my game
and make myself a better goalkeeper."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: We are united and moving forward positively at West Ham
Evening Standard
Published: 22 May 2014 Updated: 10:07, 22 May 2014
I wasn't anticipating writing another column beyond the end of what was a
tough season for everyone at West Ham but in view of all the speculation, I
thought it would be a good idea to put a few things straight.
First of all, I want to say I am happy and proud to continue for another
season as West Ham manager. I have had good, fruitful meetings with my
employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great club
forward in a united way. To that end we — the board, staff and players — are
unified in wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one which is
going to be better than last term. We want to try and achieve at least what
we did in the first year back in the Barclays Premier League, which was a
top-10 finish.
We're already doing everything we can to improve and increase the playing
squad and we're hoping to make signings as quickly as we can, although that
can never be guaranteed these days. Obviously my meeting with the Board was
private, but what I can say is there was clarification on a number of
subjects.
I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the
outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive
manner, contrary to some of the speculation which has gone on in various
parts of the media.
Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides and we now look
forward to a productive summer and hopefully a very successful season. One
of the items on the agenda, which has since been made public, is the
imminent appointment of a coach with specific responsibilities in forward
play. I have absolutely no problem with that. In fact, the idea was received
with enthusiasm by me. We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be
qualified and of the right type to supplement our already highly qualified
backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence.
I would also emphasise that the appointment is absolutely down to me and the
challenge is to find the right person to help us score more goals next
season because that is what we need to do. Regarding the plan to appoint a
director of recruitment, I would say there is always the need to expand that
section of an ambitious club. We need to compete in that area globally and
being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position nowadays.
There is no one more disappointed than me when we don't play well. Yes,
style of play is crucial but the most important thing is that the players
realise their capabilities and play to them on a consistent basis.
What we are striving for is the players playing well, as they did in the
final home game of the season against Tottenham — a club who had spent many
more millions than us — not for one game but consistently.
We will all be striving hard to achieve that consistency when we resume
training and if we can regularly find that standard, then I am sure the
supporters will be as happy as I will.
There were too many performances last season that didn't measure up to the
expectations of all of us. There were times when there were valid reasons
why we fell short and other occasions, particularly towards the end of the
campaign, when the performance was decent but we didn't win the game.
Entertainment value, contrary to what some people say and think, is high on
my list — always has been — because this is an entertainment business.
It is also a results business, though, and we need to win matches. If we can
win the right way next season, that has to be our ultimate aim, particularly
at home.
We were magnificent at the Boleyn Ground in our first season back in the top
flight — only losing to four teams.
It was more difficult last season but we have to try and get back to that
previous level.
I am not going to make any predictions at this early stage — certainly not
before looking to see what everyone else does during the transfer window —
but by the time we begin the new campaign we should have a clearer picture
of how far we feel we can go. We are all aiming for a top-ten finish.
The past is the past, you can't change anything — the crucial thing is to
learn from it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: West Ham boss keen on entertaining style
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has backed a directive for West Ham United to play
entertaining football next season, after he was assured of his role as
manager by the club's owners. The Hammers issued a statement on Tuesday that
confirmed Allardyce's position, but also stated there would be a change in
playing style. "Entertainment, contrary to what some people say and think,
is high on my list," Allardyce said in a statement. "This is an
entertainment business." He added: "It is also a results business, though,
and we need to win matches. If we can win games the right way next season
then that has to be our ultimate aim and number one priority, particularly
at home." The 59-year-old took West Ham back into the Premier League in his
first season in charge via the Championship play-offs, and has since secured
their top-flight status in each of the last two seasons. However, there were
supporter protests at games towards the end of the last campaign centred
around a poor run of form, with one win in six, as the season drew to a
finale. Following talks with the owners, a new attacking coach will be
appointed to the backroom staff, and there are also plans to bring a
director of football to the club as the move from Upton Park to the Olympic
Stadium in 2016 edges closer. "I'm enthusiastic about that idea," Allardyce
added. "We all agreed that whoever comes in has to be qualified and of the
right type to supplement our already highly-qualified backroom staff, in
whom I have complete confidence."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce calls for a United front
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce says he is looking forward to the 2014/15 season - just days
after being told that his job was safe.
Despite a concerted campaign by some supporters to have the 59-year-old
removed from his position recently, Allardyce emerged from this week's board
meeting with his job intact - albeit with a brand new brief for the
forthcoming campaign.
Having ended a difficult 2013/14 season with the club's top-flight status
intact, no longer will Premier League survival alone be sufficient for an
increasingly-demanding board who have one eye on the impending move to the
54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium.
Now Allardyce has been instructed that anything less than a top ten finish,
achieved with the style of football for which West Ham became famous when
four strikers were still in fashion could result in his reign at the Boleyn
coming to the sort of unglamorous end that ultimately awaits the vast
majority of Premier and Football League managers these days.
To help achieve this target will be a new attacking coach and director of
recruitment, which may indeed prove helpful in the long run but right now
amount to nothing less than a clear indication of the board's lack of faith
in Allardyce's attacking intent and his relationship with agent Mark Curtis,
who now represents a number of players at West Ham including club captain
Kevin Nolan.
Regardless of having essentially been told 'it's our way or the highway' by
his bosses, Allardyce retained a positive tone when addressing the club's
supporters via its website today. "I have had fruitful meetings with my
employers and we are all in agreement that we want to move this great Club
forward in a united way," he said.
"To that end we - the Board, the staff and the players - are unified in
wanting to create an exciting team for next season, one that is going to be
better than last season. We want to try and achieve at least what we did in
the first year back in the Premier League, which was a top-ten finish.
"I sat down with the owners and Karren Brady to discuss many things and the
outcome of that meeting is that we are all moving forward in a very positive
manner. Things have been resolved satisfactorily on both sides - and we now
look forward to a productive summer and, hopefully, a very successful
season."
With view to working with his prospective new attacking coach, Allardyce
added: "I'm enthusiastic about that idea. We all agreed that whoever comes
in has to be qualified and of the right type to supplement our already
highly qualified backroom staff, in whom I have complete confidence."
Meanwhile he was equally fervent in his view of a new recruitment ace. "I
would say there is always the need to expand that section of an ambitious
football club," he said. ""We need to compete in that area globally and
being in charge of recruitment is a very specialised position these days."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jordan bids Hammers farewell
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd May 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jordan Spence has been released by West Ham United - nine years after first
joining the club as a teenager. Right-back Spence, now 23, has spent almost
a decade at his boyhood club despite failing to break through into the first
team. And now, having made just 10 appearances the full back has been
released by West Ham. Taking to Twitter this afternoon to express his regret
at the parting of the waves, Spence wrote: "No conceivable way to summarise
what West Ham United FC has equipped me for, taught me and meant to me over
the past nine years. "It's an honour to have represented the club for this
period and I'd like to thank all that have supported me throughout. I wish
the club the very best and hope they give the fans what they deserve for the
coming seasons.
"As an east London boy, playing for this club has been a privilege. I look
forward to what opportunities and challenges await me in my future. Thank
You! #whufc"
Spence, who has represented England at all youth levels from Under 16 to
Under 21 made his debut for West Ham in the final game of the 2009/10 season
as an 88th-minute substitute against Manchester City. The following season
he made two starts under Avram Grant - the first of which came in the 3-2
defeat at Wigan that condemned West Ham to the drop and the second a week
later in the final home game of the season against Sunderland. Spence
enjoyed a run of seven games under Sam Allardyce last season, including four
further starts. However his appearance at Old Trafford in the 1-0 FA Cup
third round defeat in January 2013 was to prove to be his last for West Ham.
Everyone at Knees up Mother Brown would like to wish Jordan the very best of
luck for the future.
* Meanwhile another long-term Hammer who left the Club at the end of last
season, Joe Cole, is said to be interesting Thai club BEC Tero Sasana. The
Fire Dragons, who are based in Bangkok are hoping to tie up a deal for the
32-year-old despite General Manager Robert Procureur admitting this week
that "we're well aware Joe Cole will be incredibly expensive."
Cole has also been interesting a number of Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs
too since announcing his departure from West Ham following the completion of
the 18-month contract he signed in January 2013.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SHOULD WE SIGN JOLEON LESCOTT OR PURSUE OTHER OPTIONS?
By S J Chandos 22 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
So, the West Ham board have made their decision and it is that Sam Allardyce
stays in post. Yesterday, the stories started circulating about the various
'flair' players that the club are targetting. It commenced with the news
that the club were apparently in advanced negotiations to sign skillful
Argentine forward, Mauro Zarate, from Velez Sarfield. This was followed by
further reports that West Ham were exploring potential deals for, amongst
others, Bafetimbi Gomis from Lyons, AC Milan forward Niang and Norwich
City's attacking left-back, Martin Olsson. Are these type of deals a clear
declaration of attacking intent for the new season? Hopefully so, but lets
wait until that alleged 'interest' transmutes in to concrete new signings.
Elsewhere, there was another report that attracted less attention. Namely
that Joleon Lescott is allegedly prepared to take a 50% cut in his £90,000 a
week wages, at Man City, to stay in the Premier League. Now that may be
interesting news to West Ham (if true?), who have a long standing interest
in signing the former England centre-back. Securing a Bosman deal for
Lescott, at wages of £45,000 per week, is admittedly well worth thinking
about. But is it a priority acquisition, with Collins, Tomkins and
(hopefully) Reid covering centre-back? Perhaps, all things being equal, we
might be better served by targetting a defensive midfield player, who can
also be deployed at centre-back? Someone like Bordeaux's Ludovic Sane for
instance. A player who can play in both positions with equal proficiency.
Who knows, we might even be able to off-load Diarra and Maiga in a
part-exchange deal!
In a previous blog post, the question was raised whether a £20m budget was
sufficient to overhaul the squad? Firstly, do we know that figure is the
definitive budget available? If the budget does prove to be in the region of
£20m, we should remember that most deals are not settled up front, but
rather are paid via instalment agreements, often over an extended period. In
addition, there may be extra resources arising from outgoing deals, which
not only generates extra transfer funds, but also creates some slack in the
salaries budget. While some fringe players will go on free transfers or for
nominal fees, I am sure that others like Vaz Te and Maiga could command
reasonable fees. In addition, it may be that the decision is made to cash in
on a first team regular, to both 'shuffle the pack' and generate significant
extra income. Or they could, indeed, make the available resources stretch
further by going down the aforementioned player part-exchange route. Those
deals are more complicated, but can produce good, cost-effective results, if
carried off!
It was clear to me months ago that the squad needed an overhaul this summer.
The poor results in December-January cruelly exposed the squad's lack of
strength in depth and vulnerability to injuries and suspensions. Those
factors aside, when at full strength, we have a reasonable PL first XI and
substitutes bench. One that, in the final analysis, can keep us in the PL,
but which is not equipped to facilitate an assault on the top eight. To move
forward, it was obvious that we needed to add more quality and, thus,
increase competition for places. And that imperative has been further
compounded by the 'style of play' issue also coming to a head this close
season. Taken together, both factors, necessitate change.
The board declaration on the performance indicators/proscribed changes for
the new season is perfectly clear. Much is often made of the current manager
having 'hit his targets' since he joined the club, which is a fair enough
point. Now lets see whether these new targets/PIs are also successfully
achieved? I certainly hope so, because ideally no one wants to effect
managerial change in mid-season. Its a moot point, I know, but it did occur
to me that the changes imposed by the board could mean that we have,
intentionally or unintentionally, moved towards a more continental-type
model. One where various key functions (transfers, scouting and recruitment)
are hived off, to one extent or other, and this allows the Manager to focus
more squarely on first team affairs (a la a Head Coach).
In an interview, Mr Allardyce's former Bolton Assistant, Phil Brown, has
recently stated that winning over the Hammers fans is the greatest challenge
that the former Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle Utd and Blackburn Rovers boss
has faced; but one that he is most definitely up for! Lets hope so, he sent
out Hammers teams against Spurs, Fulham and Liverpool that played some good
quality football. But can he do it fairly consistently, over the course of a
season? The board need to secure the quality additions necessary to help
find a definitive/uncontested answer to that question.
SJ. Chandos
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sam Allardyce in humiliating U-turn: ''I must entertain fans next
season''
May 22, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has performed a humiliating U-turn by claiming football is "an
entertainment business" after keeping his West Ham job. Big Sam had
previously dismissed the West Ham way as "not winning" and a "delusion" -
and insisted football is a "results-driven formula". And after his team were
booed off after a home win over Hull in March, he said: "When we look at the
table tomorrow when we get up, the performance hardly really matters". The
Upton Park board considered sacking Allardyce but offered a stay of
execution this week as long as the Hammers play better football - and finish
in the top 10. He also has to employ a new attacking coach while the board
will look to appoint a director of football to supervise transfers.
Allardyce now says he wants to help create "an exciting team for next
season". And he added: "Entertainment value, contrary to what some people
say and think, is high on my list and always has been because this is an
entertainment business. "It is also a results business, though, and we need
to win matches. If we can win games the right way next season then that has
to be our ultimate aim and No 1 priority, particularly at home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence thanks West Ham following release
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Thursday, May 22, 2014
Jordan Spence has thanked West Ham for giving him his big break after the
club released him. The versatile academy graduate can play at centre-back or
right-back but he has found it impossible to force his way into Sam
Allardyce's side and is now a free agent. "No conceivable way to summarise
what West Ham United FC has equipped me for, taught me and meant to me over
the past 9 years," he tweeted. "It's an honour to have represented the club
for this period and I'd like to thank all that have supported me throughout.
"I wish the club the very best and hope they give the fans what they deserve
for the coming seasons. "As an east London boy, playing for this club has
been a privilege. Look forward to what opportunities and challenges await me
in my future.."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Thursday, May 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd May 2014
Frank backs call for quality
WHUFc.com
Frank McAvennie has backed plans to bring more attacking flair into the West
Ham United side
21.05.2014
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie has backed the Club's ambition to
sign more exciting attacking players ahead of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier
League season. The Hammers and Scotland centre forward netted 60 goals
during his six seasons at the Boleyn Ground, benefitting greatly from the
creative talents of the likes of Alan Devonshire, Mark Ward and Alan
Dickens. Twenty-five years on and McAvennie agrees with the sentiments of
the Board and manager Sam Allardyce, who have stated that they want West Ham
to play with more verve and flair next term. "I think you know what you're
getting with Big Sam," confirmed the 54-year-old. "I would like personally
to see a bit more quality in the team - a few players who can get the ball
down. "I went to see Bolton when Sam was there and he had players like
Jay-Jay Okocha and all that and those boys could get the ball down play.
They also had other boys who could hit it direct and sometimes you have got
to do that and I like to see them mix and match a bit more. "I'd like to see
Sam bring in a bit of quality."
After three seasons as West Ham manager - and two back in the Barclays
Premier League - McAvennie believes Big Sam now has the opportunity to take
the Club forward and start challenging for a European place. Should that
happen, the Boys of '86 hero expects the Boleyn Ground to be rocking with
excitement.
"If you put on a team on the park that excites the fans, then they will be
behind you," McAvennie confirmed. "The fans like seeing a bit of flair, but
they won't see it go back to the old days because football is different.
"They would like to see some quality in the West Ham team just to mix it up,
because Andy Carroll is a great player, not only heading the ball but with
his feet because he can play. He won't be scared to get it into feet, which
is what I'd like to see West Ham do."
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Argy bargy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are close to sealing the capture of former Birmingham City forward
Mauro Zarate, according to reports from Argentina. Now 27, Zarate played 18
times for Birmingham City whilst on loan in 2008 when the club was still
owned by West Ham's current owners David Sullivan and David Gold. And
according to the player's bother and agent, the forward - who has also
represented Lazio and Inter in Serie A - is close to sealing a move to West
Ham. Rolando Zarate, who himself briefly represented Barcelona and Real
Madrid during his playing career told Argentinian radio show Velez Y Su
Mundo: "We have almost everything sorted out with West Ham. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club will receive good
financial compensation." Zarate's stock has fallen in recent years after his
loan spell at Milan failed to bear fruit with a proposed permanent move
cancelled. In July 2013 he returned to Vélez Sársfield, the Argentinian club
with whom he started his professional career back in 2004. Whilst at Lazio
he was involved in an unsavoury incident in which he was criticised for
making a fascist salute - before a spokesman later insisted Zarate had no
idea who Adolf Hitler or Benito Mussolini were. The last Argentinian to play
for West Ham was Carlos Tevez, who ended up costing the club some £50million
as a result of contractual irregularities.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate closes on return to England
By Paulo Freitas & Graeme Bailey | Last Updated: 21/05/14 9:25am
SSN
Argentine striker Mauro Zarate is closing on a return to England with West
Ham United, according to his brother and agent. Rolando Zarate has revealed
that the striker played his final game for Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday when
he scored twice in their win at San Lorenzo to help them end the campaign in
sixth.
The 27-year-old re-joined Velez - the club where he began his career - last
July from Italian side Lazio, and he has performed well with 18 goals in 28
starts to finish as top scorer in the Argentine top flight. Now former
Birmingham forward Zarate looks set to return to England with long-term
admirers West Ham hoping to clinch a deal. Zarate impressed at St Andrew's
during a loan spell at the end of the 2007/08 season, but he could not help
them stay in the Premier League. His brother Rolando now says a move to
Upton Park is close and told Velez y su mundo: "We have almost everything
sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San Lorenzo but
he wanted to play." Zarate's brother - himself a former Argentina
international - admitted he was sad to be leaving Velez again. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club receive a good
financial compensation." Sky Sports understands that Zarate is due to arrive
in England this week and, although there is rival interest both in the
Premier League and around Europe, West Ham are in pole position.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CUTTING THROUGH THE CR*P – A CYNICAL INTERPRETATION OF WHAT OUR OWNERS ARE
PROBABLY THINKING . . .
By Tony McDonald 21 May 2014 at 15:53
West Ham Till I Die
At the risk of adding to a "cesspit of negativity", as Iain Dale refers to
those of us who don't much want to "suck it up and just get on with it" and
depressed though I am, I couldn't let the latest debacle in the club's
recent history pass without comment and some tongue-in-cheek analysis.
For me, the board's decision to start next season with Big Sham still in
charge is one we will all live to regret and is another opportunity to
revamp the club missed. This stay of execution is merely delaying the
inevitable and the problem will be so much harder to address when, as I
suspect, he is finally shown the door before the end of 2014.
In short, what Tuesday's official statement from the club basically
translates to is: 'While we were in the Championship and then trying to get
past the first season back in the Premier League, we couldn't give a
monkey's how the manager did it or what the fans thought about it. Now we've
realised that at this rate, we'll be taking only around 4,000 season ticket
holders to the Olympic Stadium. But we'll wait until he's actually into the
final year of his contract, so we can get rid of him on the cheap'.
For those of you out there who like pictures and few words, perhaps you
might want to leave this page now and react disparagingly without bothering
to read on. For those who want to hang around a while longer, let's attempt
to cut through the crap, delve a bit deeper into the co-owners' statement
and try and read between blurry lines with – yes, OK – a degree of justified
cynicism . . .
(Words which appear below in the lighter font are reproduced from the
statement. Those in bold are my personal interpretation, mere speculation
and have no basis in fact):
West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club
into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks
with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and
detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a
positive way forward for next season has been agreed.
Our lawyers have looked very closely at the small print of Sam's fat, juicy
contract – after all, let's not forget, we did make him the 13th highest
paid manager in world football this year – and, much as it pains us to admit
this, we can't quite find a way to sack him and his staff without having to
cough up £5m, which we are naturally very loathe to do. So we're afraid
you'll have to be put up with this rubbish for a bit longer. You see, we
have foolishly allowed our manager and his agent friend to become so
influential over the players we sign and release that we cannot extricate
ourselves from this mess as easily as you may think without causing a
massive upheaval. But don't worry, we've come up with a cunning plan that
will hopefully force him to walk away at relatively little cost to the club.
Oh, and we're praying that there will again be three teams even worse than
us next season.
After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on
improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the
team provides more entertainment next season.
We know full well that almost 78 per cent of 12,000-plus supporters recently
voted for us to get rid of Sam. Of course we are aware of these facts. But
we're going to totally ignore them and hope that you'll soon forget the
absolute garbage you have been overcharged for this past season (and beyond,
if any of you can remember back that far and put aside for a minute that we
beat Spurs three times last season) and renew your season tickets all the
same. Come on, you suckers are claret and blue through and through, right?
'West Ham Till I Die' and 'Moore Than A Football Club' and all that? Anyway,
we are not totally ignoring the opinions and wishes of you, our loyal
supporters. We always carefully consider all views expressed through the SAB
and you may be surprised to know, we agreed wholeheartedly with their
independent findings, which – surprise, surprise – very much coincide with
our own. Fear not. Although we know absolutely nothing about the actual
playing side of a football club, please believe us when we say we are
totally on Sam's case from now on. We're definitely turning the screws and
calling the shots here. You'll absolutely love what we've got lined up for
your joyous entertainment next season, so be sure to get those season ticket
renewals in quickly and remember that we are all in this together. In the
meantime, we'll continue to encourage our good friends in the media to link
us with a preposterously ludicrous string of world class names who would
never be seen dead at Upton Park. There's nothing quite like a few 'West Ham
are chasing (insert name of any World Cup 2014 player)' tabloid reports to
boost ST sales and loosen the pockets of those gullible fans.
The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the
existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and
recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in
the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing
considerable funds into the Club this summer.
As we readily admit, we have never coached nor managed a football club at
any level, let alone in the Premier League, but you will appreciate that we
are very successful business people in our own right and have the club very
much at heart. We seriously believe that we are expertly qualified to give
our manager, who has 25 years of experience at his job, the best possible
advice when it comes to identifying problems on the field and appointing
important assistant coaching staff. In this respect, we are delighted to say
that our trusted adviser Barry Silkman tells us that we shall shortly expect
to be interviewing Kevin Davies, John Fashanu and Mick Harford for the new
role, with Iain Dowie and John Radford also shortlisted, while Savio and
Maiga insist they still have something to bring to the party on the
attacking front, too. As regards player recruitment and scouting policy, the
manager has kindly agreed to at least consider some players who are not
currently under the Mark Curtis banner. The way we see it, we're in a
win-win situation: by undermining Sam in such an obvious way, we're banking
on him throwing in the towel and walking away. And if our leopard really
does change his spots and starts to produce the kind of scintillating
football we all hope for next season . . . OK, we admit, even we don't
really believe this can or will happen.
The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and
at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold said: 'We have a very clear vision of how we want
West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody
understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been
supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not
just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club'.
To be honest, as you already know, we don't really have much of a clue what
the 'West Ham Way' is either – and the man we appointed certainly doesn't.
Sure, we know all about the visionary manager John Greenwood, the White
Horse Whisky Final and didn't we win some old tin trophy about 50 years ago?
(Note: We really must remember to invite those old dinosaurs to a game some
day and show them just how well we like to look after our
never-to-be-forgotten heroes.). With the benefit of hindsight, it probably
would have been a good idea to have made our 'clear vision' and the 'ethos'
of the club crystal clear to the manager before we actually gave him the
job. But, to be honest, we assumed – rightly, as it's turned out – that you
would all keep coming along and paying your hard-earned money anyway,
regardless of how poor the entertainment value has been. You certainly seem
to have fallen for it so far, although one or two of you have been getting a
bit pesky lately, hence this appeasing statement. (By the way, please note
the new signage above the turnstiles at the Boleyn Ground next season. The
entrances for home fans will be clearly marked 'Cattle', 'Sheep' and 'Mugs'.
We continue to welcome you all.) Rest assured, we have now read up on the
club's history and traditions and we have passed this enlightened
information on to our man Sam, too. We're talking ethos, philosophy and
style here. We get it. Allardyce is being ordered to completely change a
playing style that he has stuck to rigidly for his entire managerial career.
Not only that, but we expect him to do it in the space of six weeks when the
squad returns for pre-season, add backroom staff that he doesn't want, and
most probably some players that he hasn't even signed. In other words, we've
set him a near-impossible task.
Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next
season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West
Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he
needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our
much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
Actually, we all fell asleep during the presentation and the screen we
watched it on wasn't really as tall as it could have been, because the ball
kept disappearing from view. But hey, Sam has promised us he will be working
very closely with the players to ensure even more clean sheets. A ball will
be introduced to coaching sessions on Wednesdays, too, so that should really
help the players to get a feel for things ahead of the weekend's action.
They have also pledged to spend at least 10 minutes per week practicing
set-pieces from now on, although Mark Noble has questioned the whole concept
of the little known term 'practice'. The most positive thing to come out of
our last meeting with Sam was his Wenger-esque vision for achieving an
ambitious target of 35 per cent possession in at least a quarter of our
games next season, which we hope you'll agree is a considerable improvement.
We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made,
Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing
promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in
the two years thereafter.
We really had to slot this in somewhere, just to keep Sam's legal people
happy, you understand? Didn't want them possibly counter-attacking (probably
not the appropriate phrase where Sam's concerned) with a constructive
dismissal claim, did we? After all, you can only go so far in undermining a
manager.
We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid
all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to
our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
OK, so anyone who knows even the slightest thing about the game knows that
Mark is really no more than a journeyman midfielder who passes the ball
sideways and backwards five yards, creates very few chances and scores even
fewer goals (other than penalties). But who else can we crow about? You all
love him because he's 'one of our own' and will always be quick to overlook
his obvious deficiencies. And the way young James performed in extra-time in
Brentwood High Street last season . . . well, if Roy Hodgson won't take him
to Brazil, then it's his and the nation's loss. If we could cash in by
selling both our young English stars and Winston to one of the top six
clubs, we would – but no top Premier League clubs want them anyway.
The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016
forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and,
while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also
want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in
such a world-renowned stadium.
One way or the other, we confidently expect Sam to be gone six or eight
games into next season. Realistically, there's no way he'll put up with his
revised terms of reference or be capable of abandoning his ultra-cautious,
negative, route one approach in favour of the new swashbuckling style we are
demanding from him. Who knows, he may even beat Glenn Roeder's record of
being sacked three games into the new season if our new attacking coach
doesn't produce a few 5-4 cliffhangers for us all to enthral over. Who will
we get in as Sam's replacement? We clearly haven't thought that far ahead
but, obviously, he will be a limited, cheap option, someone no other Premier
League club wanted, and we'll entrust him with the basic brief of keeping us
in the Premier League at all costs. Besides, it won't matter much who we get
in as his replacement or how the team plays – we'll have banked all the
season ticket money by then, whether you turn up or not.
We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we
want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season.
As Sam constantly reassured us in his detailed presentation, not every ball
aimed at Andy Carroll next season will be 'on an upward trajectory'.
The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam
has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success.
'Passion, experience and determination', we said. Did we say he had vision,
tactical nous and flexibility, makes astute use of substitutions or is
clever transfer market operator who never pays over the top for a player,
too? No, we most certainly did not mention those elusive qualities. See,
we're learning.
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the
Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the
plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
Sam's legal advisers insisted on us inserting this final paragraph into our
new bullish statement of intent. He was so delighted that we brought the
club's attacking, entertaining ethos to his attention after three years here
at the helm that, as he says, it's like a new awakening for him. Let's face
it, if we do try and exert more influence over player recruitment and poke
our noses in by telling him how to manage and set up his team tactically, he
is bound to throw his toys out of the pram and walk away eventually. If he
and the new attacking coach fail miserably after all our shrewd advice, he
can always blame us and walk away with his proud record as the supreme
advocate of 19th century 'football' in tact. See you soon and don't forget
to renew those season tickets . . .
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some weeks ago, while still counting the days to Big Sham's departure, some
posters on here threw back at me the wearisome and predictable "well, who
else can we get? Who's out there?' line, as if decent football coaches don't
exist beyond Dover. One of the names I put forward as possessing the kind of
calibre and pedigree our board should be looking at was Celta Vigo's Luis
Enrique . . . the same man Barcelona appointed as their new coach just two
days ago. Of course, we couldn't possibly have competed with Barca for
Enrique but you get my drift? I bet the denizens of Camp Nou are looking
forward to the start of the new season a whole lot more than most West Ham
fans are.
Now that all the speculation surrounding BS has subsided, at least
temporarily until our tactical genius returns to the dug-out in August and
we are doomed to another period of torture, let's remember Iain Dale's words
and decide where we stand on the issue of Allardyce. To all of you who renew
season tickets or pay at the gate expecting to see a spectacle, don't come
on here or Twitter whinging and disappointed that nothing has changed.
*Tony McDonald is editor of the long-established retro EX magazine. To find
out more visit www.ex-hammers.com
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HERE WE GO AGAIN; SILLY SEASON AND MAURO ZARATE
By Tony Hanna 21 May 2014 at 13:38
West Ham Till I Die
According to reports from Argentina, the Hammers are close to signing Mauro
Zarate. The forward played 18 times on loan for Birmingham City when David
Gold and David Sullivan were at the club. The Argentinian started his career
at Velez Sarsfield and after spells at Al-Sadd, Birmingham, Lazio and Inter
Milan, he is back at Velez Sarsfield again. The players agent is his
brother, Rolando Zarate, an ex Barcelona and Real Madrid player in his
playing days, and it is he who told an Argentinian radio show "We have
almost everything sorted with West Ham."
Over the next few months we are going to be linked with all and sundry.
Whether the Zarate deal is real or just another agent trying to advertise
his player is just for our speculation. This season's transfer window has
the World Cup to contend with and that will change the whole scenery and the
timing of deals. Despite now being a World game, the WC tournament with 32
Nations from around the globe offers the major domestic leagues a fantastic
opportunity to taste test an array of new and old talent. This is a shop
window of gigantic proportions. However, like any new signings, some will
bear fruit and for every one that succeeds there will be many more flops. In
particular, playing a slow tempo game in the heat of Brazil is a lot
different from playing away at Stoke on a cold and wet December evening.
The flip side is that whilst the tournament is in progress, most players are
not going to want the distraction of signing any new deals, and quite
rightly so. Whilst many will enjoy the opportunity of the "for sale" tag
being pinned on them, it will be somewhat of a waiting game until any
targeted players tournament is over. I see this transfer window as being a
very stop start affair with more stops than starts to be honest. A couple of
seasons ago a mate of man who supports Spurs, yes I know, am I really that
short of friends, but he made a list of all the players that they had been
"linked" with over the course of a transfer window. At the close the list
numbered 174 and not one of them signed for Spurs. Agents agendas, players
agendas, clubs and owners agendas will all be at the forefront and sorting
out what is real or isn't will be impossible.
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Downing on the attack
WHUFC.com
Winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to playing in a more attacking
West Ham United side next season
21.05.2014
Stewart Downing has welcomed the news that West Ham United will play a more
attacking game next season. The England winger, who delivered more accurate
crosses than any other Barclays Premier League player last term, has reacted
positively to a Club Statement outlining plans for a more offensive
approach. With a new attacking coach set to be appointed and the Board
making a commitment to strengthening Sam Allardyce's squad, the Hammers are
making provision for their third season back in the top flight. Downing, for
one, believes the Club can improve both their playing style and results in
2014/15.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my first season with West Ham, where I played
regularly and was made to feel like a valuable member of the team," said the
No23, who arrived from Liverpool in August 2013. "The Gaffer and the players
made me feel welcome and settled from my first day and I felt I played some
good football. Next season, I want to show the West Ham fans my very best.
"Personally, I am very happy that the manager is staying, because he's a big
part of the reason why I came to the Club. He also handled the difficult
challenges presented to him last season really well."
Downing put in 84 accurate crosses in 2013/14 - 18 more than Manchester
City's Samir Nasri, who ranked second - and recorded two assists alongside
his solitary goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final home game of the
season. With more attacking players set to join the Club, the 29-year-old
hopes to improve all of those statistics next term, helping the team to
consistently play on the front foot and put their opponents under pressure.
"The stats showed that I put in loads of crosses last season and I hope,
with Andy Carroll fit and firing from the start, I can set up plenty of
goals for him and our other strikers next season," he stated. "I was also
delighted to score my first goal in our home win over Tottenham in May -
hopefully it will be the first of many! The way we played that day should be
the platform for us to build on next season, pressing high and forcing the
other team into making mistakes that we can capitalise on.
"As a winger, I am encouraged to hear that we will try to play with a more
attacking style, as that plays to my strengths. However, we must ensure that
this is not at the expense of the hard work and resilience we showed when it
really mattered last season. We need to get the balance right and, when we
do, I am sure we will cause problems for everyone we face. "I am sure Sam
and the owners will be looking at strengthening the squad this summer and
improving what is already a decent team. I am sure we can kick on next
season and, to be honest, I can't wait to get started again!"
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Sam Allardyce should not change West Ham, says Gianfranco Zola
Last Updated: 21/05/14 10:03pm
SSN
Gianfranco Zola says Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to change
his playing style - and is interested in the vacant Norwich job. Gianfranco
Zola believes West Ham boss Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to
change his style, and has admitted his interest in the vacant post at
Norwich. Allardyce has been given backing by the West Ham board despite fan
unrest at Upton Park, citing poor performances and defensive football as
reasons to oust the 59-year-old. The board has, however, echoed the worries
of the supporters by demanding more attacking football at the club, as well
as a top-10 finish and a say in transfers. Former Hammers boss Zola
disagrees with the treatment of Allardyce, telling Sky Sports: "Every
manager has his own style, whether you like it or not. "You don't have to
put pressure on the manager to change the style. "It's something that tends
to come from the manager. I wouldn't ask somebody to do something that it
might be a problem for them to do. "It's a very strange request."
Zola, who was sacked by West Ham in May 2010, has been out of work since
resigning as Watford boss last December. Recent speculation has seen the
Italian linked with the vacant post at recently-relegated Norwich, who are
in the hunt for a manager after caretaker boss Neil Adams took over from
Chris Hughton for the last few games of their doomed season. Asked whether
he would like to return to management at Carrow Road, Zola said: "It's a
possibility. It's a very good club. "I like the way it's structured, so
we'll see how it goes. "I'm looking for a team, so hopefully it will come.
"It's been a few months out, and now I'm ready to start again."
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ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE HARD TO ACHIEVE WITH ONLY £20 MILLION
By Sean Whetstone 21 May 2014 at 21:27
West Ham Till I Die
This afternoon I was asked by Daily Mail Sports to give my thoughts about
Sam Allardyce creating entertainment next season on a budget of £20m.
Sam Allardyce has been ordered to entertain the Hammers faithful next
season, and has reportedly been given a £20million budget, together with a
new attacking coach, to achieve this feat. I have great respect for
Allardyce, simply because of what he has done for West Ham; getting us
promoted at the first time of asking and avoiding relegation in our first
two seasons back in the Premier League. But demanding entertaining football
from him might just be a step too far.
Sam is an excellent survivalist who buys experienced survivalist players
based on statistics. The problem is the board and the fans now want more
than this.
We want to be entertained and push for a top eight league position. Some
people outside of West Ham will say we want our cake and to eat it too, but
the chairmen have invested huge personal sums in the signings of Matt
Jarvis, Modibo Maiga, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll to push the club on
with very little return.
As the impending move to the Olympic Stadium gets closer, we have to be more
ambitious and Premier League survival is no longer a suitable goal.
The suggestion that someone like Paolo Di Canio will join as an attacking
coach to revolutionise us is frankly comical. I couldn't imagine two people
more ill-fitted to work together.
Sam often complains he is stereotyped in the media and his '19th century'
playing style – as Jose Mourinho calls it – is completely misunderstood. I
agree football has moved on from the so called 'West Ham way' of the
sixties, but we want to enjoy watching our football and that rarely happened
for me last season.
When we look at the proposed £20million budget it appears woefully
inadequate to overhaul an entire first team squad, with our only player
under the age of 25 being Ravel Morrison, who was sent out on loan to QPR
last season.
David Sullivan has a reputation for loan deals and a keen eye for bargain.
He rarely pays inflated prices or competes for players other clubs want.
The massive challenge for the West Ham board, who want a tighter reign on
transfer policy, is how they attract quality, flair players to West Ham who
both want to play for the manager and yet still do so on a restricted
budget.
The objectives set out in Tuesday's statement seem difficult to achieve and
appear to be doomed for failure.
A better and more honest statement might have been: 'Sam is staying… just
get over it! Thank you for your support.'
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West Ham target Jack Colback transfer as his Sunderland contract runs out
May 21, 2014 23:16 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is close to clinching his first summer signing
by snapping up Jack Colback. The Sunderland midfielder,24, is
out-of-contract and has failed to agree terms with the Black Cats. And the
Hammers are now in pole position to beat Swansea to his signature. Colback
made 42 appearances for the Sunderland last season, scoring three goals. He
has been at the Stadium of Light all of his career, but had two spells on
loan with Championship side Ipswich Town early in his career. It will be
another boost to Allardyce after the Upton Park board opted to keep him this
week.
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Obinna's West Ham return imminent
Hereisthecity.com
West Ham United look set to bring back Nigerian marksman Victor Obinna, who
is currently on loan at Serie A side Chievo. Victor Obinna spent the 2010-11
season with West Ham and latest reports suggest the East London side will
turn to the unsettled marksman again. The 27-year-old's big professional
break came at Serie A minnows Chievo where he played between 2005 and 2008
and scored 19 goals in 82 games, although his primary role was in providing
assists. Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations and his relentless
energy, Obinna caught the attention of Inter who signed him but never really
needed another striker. Inter loaned Obinna out to Malaga and then to West
Ham where he acquitted himself well, especially at the start of the season.
Obinna managed the unusual feat of providing four assists in a 4-0 League
Cup win over Manchester City and scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth
round win over Nottingham Forest. But the Hammers didn't exercise the option
to sign Obinna permanently in the summer of 2011 and he ended up signing for
Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow. The talented forward has spent the second
half of the season at Chievo on loan and was greeted very warmly by fans at
the Stadio Bentegodi. But a longer term solution needs to be found and that
could be where West Ham step in. According to Talksport.com, West Ham are
preparing to launch a bid to sign Obinna, who is seen as surplus to
requirements in Moscow and a deal could happen very shortly. It is likely
that Obinna would welcome to chance to return to London and he seems to be
looking for a way to leave Lokomotiv this summer. West Ham often struggled
with a lack of striking options last season and Obinna could be an
affordable solution who is a known quantity.
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Argentina striker agrees to West Ham move
Brad Pinard
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
9:45 AM
London24.com
West Ham are on the verge of signing Argentine striker Mauro Zarate,
according to his agent. The 27-year-old has a good reputation in Europe,
although his record shows he isn't the lethal striker Hammers fans may have
been after. Zarate enjoyed a loan spell with Birmingham City back in 2008
and is now set to return to England having played for the likes of Lazio and
Inter since then. West Ham announced yesterday than Sam Allardyce will be
staying on at Upton Park as manager – although co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan will now have a bigger say in transfers. The club have wasted
no time and Zarate's agent brother Rolando has admitted that a deal is
all-but done with compensation and contracts agreed. "We have almost
everything sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San
Lorenzo but he wanted to play." "Mauro Zarate and his family's love for
Velez is huge, but the club receive a good financial compensation." Zarate
is not in the Argentina squad for the World Cup this summer – although he
did notch 19 times last season for hometown club Velez.
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West Ham fans voice disappointment at board's decision to retain Sam
Allardyce
Tom Allnutt
Published: 21 May 2014
Updated: 09:21, 21 May 2014
Standard.co.uk
Sam Allardyce's brand of football will never be 'the West Ham Way' and fans
are "disappointed" he will be manager at the start of next season, says the
editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday
Allardyce will remain as manager but that he must accept a handful of
"improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A
statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from
supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the
playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment
next season." Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has
been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at
least a top-10 finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "Gold
and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at
it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham
Way'," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "There
is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been
listened to. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has
been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season
they can call the board out on it." He added: "At the moment we don't have
the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing.
"Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I
doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing
their concerns again." West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a
number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy
Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen
his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which
players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision
of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership.
"Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect
it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a
philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos
that surrounds the club."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first
attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year
back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season,
however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of
relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the
table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about
the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park
booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to
which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining
status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given
the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in
2016.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFc.com
Frank McAvennie has backed plans to bring more attacking flair into the West
Ham United side
21.05.2014
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie has backed the Club's ambition to
sign more exciting attacking players ahead of the 2014/15 Barclays Premier
League season. The Hammers and Scotland centre forward netted 60 goals
during his six seasons at the Boleyn Ground, benefitting greatly from the
creative talents of the likes of Alan Devonshire, Mark Ward and Alan
Dickens. Twenty-five years on and McAvennie agrees with the sentiments of
the Board and manager Sam Allardyce, who have stated that they want West Ham
to play with more verve and flair next term. "I think you know what you're
getting with Big Sam," confirmed the 54-year-old. "I would like personally
to see a bit more quality in the team - a few players who can get the ball
down. "I went to see Bolton when Sam was there and he had players like
Jay-Jay Okocha and all that and those boys could get the ball down play.
They also had other boys who could hit it direct and sometimes you have got
to do that and I like to see them mix and match a bit more. "I'd like to see
Sam bring in a bit of quality."
After three seasons as West Ham manager - and two back in the Barclays
Premier League - McAvennie believes Big Sam now has the opportunity to take
the Club forward and start challenging for a European place. Should that
happen, the Boys of '86 hero expects the Boleyn Ground to be rocking with
excitement.
"If you put on a team on the park that excites the fans, then they will be
behind you," McAvennie confirmed. "The fans like seeing a bit of flair, but
they won't see it go back to the old days because football is different.
"They would like to see some quality in the West Ham team just to mix it up,
because Andy Carroll is a great player, not only heading the ball but with
his feet because he can play. He won't be scared to get it into feet, which
is what I'd like to see West Ham do."
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Argy bargy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st May 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are close to sealing the capture of former Birmingham City forward
Mauro Zarate, according to reports from Argentina. Now 27, Zarate played 18
times for Birmingham City whilst on loan in 2008 when the club was still
owned by West Ham's current owners David Sullivan and David Gold. And
according to the player's bother and agent, the forward - who has also
represented Lazio and Inter in Serie A - is close to sealing a move to West
Ham. Rolando Zarate, who himself briefly represented Barcelona and Real
Madrid during his playing career told Argentinian radio show Velez Y Su
Mundo: "We have almost everything sorted out with West Ham. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club will receive good
financial compensation." Zarate's stock has fallen in recent years after his
loan spell at Milan failed to bear fruit with a proposed permanent move
cancelled. In July 2013 he returned to Vélez Sársfield, the Argentinian club
with whom he started his professional career back in 2004. Whilst at Lazio
he was involved in an unsavoury incident in which he was criticised for
making a fascist salute - before a spokesman later insisted Zarate had no
idea who Adolf Hitler or Benito Mussolini were. The last Argentinian to play
for West Ham was Carlos Tevez, who ended up costing the club some £50million
as a result of contractual irregularities.
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Mauro Zarate closes on return to England
By Paulo Freitas & Graeme Bailey | Last Updated: 21/05/14 9:25am
SSN
Argentine striker Mauro Zarate is closing on a return to England with West
Ham United, according to his brother and agent. Rolando Zarate has revealed
that the striker played his final game for Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday when
he scored twice in their win at San Lorenzo to help them end the campaign in
sixth.
The 27-year-old re-joined Velez - the club where he began his career - last
July from Italian side Lazio, and he has performed well with 18 goals in 28
starts to finish as top scorer in the Argentine top flight. Now former
Birmingham forward Zarate looks set to return to England with long-term
admirers West Ham hoping to clinch a deal. Zarate impressed at St Andrew's
during a loan spell at the end of the 2007/08 season, but he could not help
them stay in the Premier League. His brother Rolando now says a move to
Upton Park is close and told Velez y su mundo: "We have almost everything
sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San Lorenzo but
he wanted to play." Zarate's brother - himself a former Argentina
international - admitted he was sad to be leaving Velez again. "Mauro Zarate
and his family's love for Velez is huge, but the club receive a good
financial compensation." Sky Sports understands that Zarate is due to arrive
in England this week and, although there is rival interest both in the
Premier League and around Europe, West Ham are in pole position.
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CUTTING THROUGH THE CR*P – A CYNICAL INTERPRETATION OF WHAT OUR OWNERS ARE
PROBABLY THINKING . . .
By Tony McDonald 21 May 2014 at 15:53
West Ham Till I Die
At the risk of adding to a "cesspit of negativity", as Iain Dale refers to
those of us who don't much want to "suck it up and just get on with it" and
depressed though I am, I couldn't let the latest debacle in the club's
recent history pass without comment and some tongue-in-cheek analysis.
For me, the board's decision to start next season with Big Sham still in
charge is one we will all live to regret and is another opportunity to
revamp the club missed. This stay of execution is merely delaying the
inevitable and the problem will be so much harder to address when, as I
suspect, he is finally shown the door before the end of 2014.
In short, what Tuesday's official statement from the club basically
translates to is: 'While we were in the Championship and then trying to get
past the first season back in the Premier League, we couldn't give a
monkey's how the manager did it or what the fans thought about it. Now we've
realised that at this rate, we'll be taking only around 4,000 season ticket
holders to the Olympic Stadium. But we'll wait until he's actually into the
final year of his contract, so we can get rid of him on the cheap'.
For those of you out there who like pictures and few words, perhaps you
might want to leave this page now and react disparagingly without bothering
to read on. For those who want to hang around a while longer, let's attempt
to cut through the crap, delve a bit deeper into the co-owners' statement
and try and read between blurry lines with – yes, OK – a degree of justified
cynicism . . .
(Words which appear below in the lighter font are reproduced from the
statement. Those in bold are my personal interpretation, mere speculation
and have no basis in fact):
West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club
into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks
with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and
detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a
positive way forward for next season has been agreed.
Our lawyers have looked very closely at the small print of Sam's fat, juicy
contract – after all, let's not forget, we did make him the 13th highest
paid manager in world football this year – and, much as it pains us to admit
this, we can't quite find a way to sack him and his staff without having to
cough up £5m, which we are naturally very loathe to do. So we're afraid
you'll have to be put up with this rubbish for a bit longer. You see, we
have foolishly allowed our manager and his agent friend to become so
influential over the players we sign and release that we cannot extricate
ourselves from this mess as easily as you may think without causing a
massive upheaval. But don't worry, we've come up with a cunning plan that
will hopefully force him to walk away at relatively little cost to the club.
Oh, and we're praying that there will again be three teams even worse than
us next season.
After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on
improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the
team provides more entertainment next season.
We know full well that almost 78 per cent of 12,000-plus supporters recently
voted for us to get rid of Sam. Of course we are aware of these facts. But
we're going to totally ignore them and hope that you'll soon forget the
absolute garbage you have been overcharged for this past season (and beyond,
if any of you can remember back that far and put aside for a minute that we
beat Spurs three times last season) and renew your season tickets all the
same. Come on, you suckers are claret and blue through and through, right?
'West Ham Till I Die' and 'Moore Than A Football Club' and all that? Anyway,
we are not totally ignoring the opinions and wishes of you, our loyal
supporters. We always carefully consider all views expressed through the SAB
and you may be surprised to know, we agreed wholeheartedly with their
independent findings, which – surprise, surprise – very much coincide with
our own. Fear not. Although we know absolutely nothing about the actual
playing side of a football club, please believe us when we say we are
totally on Sam's case from now on. We're definitely turning the screws and
calling the shots here. You'll absolutely love what we've got lined up for
your joyous entertainment next season, so be sure to get those season ticket
renewals in quickly and remember that we are all in this together. In the
meantime, we'll continue to encourage our good friends in the media to link
us with a preposterously ludicrous string of world class names who would
never be seen dead at Upton Park. There's nothing quite like a few 'West Ham
are chasing (insert name of any World Cup 2014 player)' tabloid reports to
boost ST sales and loosen the pockets of those gullible fans.
The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the
existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and
recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in
the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing
considerable funds into the Club this summer.
As we readily admit, we have never coached nor managed a football club at
any level, let alone in the Premier League, but you will appreciate that we
are very successful business people in our own right and have the club very
much at heart. We seriously believe that we are expertly qualified to give
our manager, who has 25 years of experience at his job, the best possible
advice when it comes to identifying problems on the field and appointing
important assistant coaching staff. In this respect, we are delighted to say
that our trusted adviser Barry Silkman tells us that we shall shortly expect
to be interviewing Kevin Davies, John Fashanu and Mick Harford for the new
role, with Iain Dowie and John Radford also shortlisted, while Savio and
Maiga insist they still have something to bring to the party on the
attacking front, too. As regards player recruitment and scouting policy, the
manager has kindly agreed to at least consider some players who are not
currently under the Mark Curtis banner. The way we see it, we're in a
win-win situation: by undermining Sam in such an obvious way, we're banking
on him throwing in the towel and walking away. And if our leopard really
does change his spots and starts to produce the kind of scintillating
football we all hope for next season . . . OK, we admit, even we don't
really believe this can or will happen.
The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and
at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold said: 'We have a very clear vision of how we want
West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody
understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been
supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not
just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club'.
To be honest, as you already know, we don't really have much of a clue what
the 'West Ham Way' is either – and the man we appointed certainly doesn't.
Sure, we know all about the visionary manager John Greenwood, the White
Horse Whisky Final and didn't we win some old tin trophy about 50 years ago?
(Note: We really must remember to invite those old dinosaurs to a game some
day and show them just how well we like to look after our
never-to-be-forgotten heroes.). With the benefit of hindsight, it probably
would have been a good idea to have made our 'clear vision' and the 'ethos'
of the club crystal clear to the manager before we actually gave him the
job. But, to be honest, we assumed – rightly, as it's turned out – that you
would all keep coming along and paying your hard-earned money anyway,
regardless of how poor the entertainment value has been. You certainly seem
to have fallen for it so far, although one or two of you have been getting a
bit pesky lately, hence this appeasing statement. (By the way, please note
the new signage above the turnstiles at the Boleyn Ground next season. The
entrances for home fans will be clearly marked 'Cattle', 'Sheep' and 'Mugs'.
We continue to welcome you all.) Rest assured, we have now read up on the
club's history and traditions and we have passed this enlightened
information on to our man Sam, too. We're talking ethos, philosophy and
style here. We get it. Allardyce is being ordered to completely change a
playing style that he has stuck to rigidly for his entire managerial career.
Not only that, but we expect him to do it in the space of six weeks when the
squad returns for pre-season, add backroom staff that he doesn't want, and
most probably some players that he hasn't even signed. In other words, we've
set him a near-impossible task.
Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next
season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West
Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he
needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our
much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.
Actually, we all fell asleep during the presentation and the screen we
watched it on wasn't really as tall as it could have been, because the ball
kept disappearing from view. But hey, Sam has promised us he will be working
very closely with the players to ensure even more clean sheets. A ball will
be introduced to coaching sessions on Wednesdays, too, so that should really
help the players to get a feel for things ahead of the weekend's action.
They have also pledged to spend at least 10 minutes per week practicing
set-pieces from now on, although Mark Noble has questioned the whole concept
of the little known term 'practice'. The most positive thing to come out of
our last meeting with Sam was his Wenger-esque vision for achieving an
ambitious target of 35 per cent possession in at least a quarter of our
games next season, which we hope you'll agree is a considerable improvement.
We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made,
Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing
promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in
the two years thereafter.
We really had to slot this in somewhere, just to keep Sam's legal people
happy, you understand? Didn't want them possibly counter-attacking (probably
not the appropriate phrase where Sam's concerned) with a constructive
dismissal claim, did we? After all, you can only go so far in undermining a
manager.
We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid
all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to
our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.
OK, so anyone who knows even the slightest thing about the game knows that
Mark is really no more than a journeyman midfielder who passes the ball
sideways and backwards five yards, creates very few chances and scores even
fewer goals (other than penalties). But who else can we crow about? You all
love him because he's 'one of our own' and will always be quick to overlook
his obvious deficiencies. And the way young James performed in extra-time in
Brentwood High Street last season . . . well, if Roy Hodgson won't take him
to Brazil, then it's his and the nation's loss. If we could cash in by
selling both our young English stars and Winston to one of the top six
clubs, we would – but no top Premier League clubs want them anyway.
The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016
forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and,
while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also
want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in
such a world-renowned stadium.
One way or the other, we confidently expect Sam to be gone six or eight
games into next season. Realistically, there's no way he'll put up with his
revised terms of reference or be capable of abandoning his ultra-cautious,
negative, route one approach in favour of the new swashbuckling style we are
demanding from him. Who knows, he may even beat Glenn Roeder's record of
being sacked three games into the new season if our new attacking coach
doesn't produce a few 5-4 cliffhangers for us all to enthral over. Who will
we get in as Sam's replacement? We clearly haven't thought that far ahead
but, obviously, he will be a limited, cheap option, someone no other Premier
League club wanted, and we'll entrust him with the basic brief of keeping us
in the Premier League at all costs. Besides, it won't matter much who we get
in as his replacement or how the team plays – we'll have banked all the
season ticket money by then, whether you turn up or not.
We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we
want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season.
As Sam constantly reassured us in his detailed presentation, not every ball
aimed at Andy Carroll next season will be 'on an upward trajectory'.
The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam
has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success.
'Passion, experience and determination', we said. Did we say he had vision,
tactical nous and flexibility, makes astute use of substitutions or is
clever transfer market operator who never pays over the top for a player,
too? No, we most certainly did not mention those elusive qualities. See,
we're learning.
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the
Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the
plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."
Sam's legal advisers insisted on us inserting this final paragraph into our
new bullish statement of intent. He was so delighted that we brought the
club's attacking, entertaining ethos to his attention after three years here
at the helm that, as he says, it's like a new awakening for him. Let's face
it, if we do try and exert more influence over player recruitment and poke
our noses in by telling him how to manage and set up his team tactically, he
is bound to throw his toys out of the pram and walk away eventually. If he
and the new attacking coach fail miserably after all our shrewd advice, he
can always blame us and walk away with his proud record as the supreme
advocate of 19th century 'football' in tact. See you soon and don't forget
to renew those season tickets . . .
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some weeks ago, while still counting the days to Big Sham's departure, some
posters on here threw back at me the wearisome and predictable "well, who
else can we get? Who's out there?' line, as if decent football coaches don't
exist beyond Dover. One of the names I put forward as possessing the kind of
calibre and pedigree our board should be looking at was Celta Vigo's Luis
Enrique . . . the same man Barcelona appointed as their new coach just two
days ago. Of course, we couldn't possibly have competed with Barca for
Enrique but you get my drift? I bet the denizens of Camp Nou are looking
forward to the start of the new season a whole lot more than most West Ham
fans are.
Now that all the speculation surrounding BS has subsided, at least
temporarily until our tactical genius returns to the dug-out in August and
we are doomed to another period of torture, let's remember Iain Dale's words
and decide where we stand on the issue of Allardyce. To all of you who renew
season tickets or pay at the gate expecting to see a spectacle, don't come
on here or Twitter whinging and disappointed that nothing has changed.
*Tony McDonald is editor of the long-established retro EX magazine. To find
out more visit www.ex-hammers.com
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HERE WE GO AGAIN; SILLY SEASON AND MAURO ZARATE
By Tony Hanna 21 May 2014 at 13:38
West Ham Till I Die
According to reports from Argentina, the Hammers are close to signing Mauro
Zarate. The forward played 18 times on loan for Birmingham City when David
Gold and David Sullivan were at the club. The Argentinian started his career
at Velez Sarsfield and after spells at Al-Sadd, Birmingham, Lazio and Inter
Milan, he is back at Velez Sarsfield again. The players agent is his
brother, Rolando Zarate, an ex Barcelona and Real Madrid player in his
playing days, and it is he who told an Argentinian radio show "We have
almost everything sorted with West Ham."
Over the next few months we are going to be linked with all and sundry.
Whether the Zarate deal is real or just another agent trying to advertise
his player is just for our speculation. This season's transfer window has
the World Cup to contend with and that will change the whole scenery and the
timing of deals. Despite now being a World game, the WC tournament with 32
Nations from around the globe offers the major domestic leagues a fantastic
opportunity to taste test an array of new and old talent. This is a shop
window of gigantic proportions. However, like any new signings, some will
bear fruit and for every one that succeeds there will be many more flops. In
particular, playing a slow tempo game in the heat of Brazil is a lot
different from playing away at Stoke on a cold and wet December evening.
The flip side is that whilst the tournament is in progress, most players are
not going to want the distraction of signing any new deals, and quite
rightly so. Whilst many will enjoy the opportunity of the "for sale" tag
being pinned on them, it will be somewhat of a waiting game until any
targeted players tournament is over. I see this transfer window as being a
very stop start affair with more stops than starts to be honest. A couple of
seasons ago a mate of man who supports Spurs, yes I know, am I really that
short of friends, but he made a list of all the players that they had been
"linked" with over the course of a transfer window. At the close the list
numbered 174 and not one of them signed for Spurs. Agents agendas, players
agendas, clubs and owners agendas will all be at the forefront and sorting
out what is real or isn't will be impossible.
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Downing on the attack
WHUFC.com
Winger Stewart Downing is looking forward to playing in a more attacking
West Ham United side next season
21.05.2014
Stewart Downing has welcomed the news that West Ham United will play a more
attacking game next season. The England winger, who delivered more accurate
crosses than any other Barclays Premier League player last term, has reacted
positively to a Club Statement outlining plans for a more offensive
approach. With a new attacking coach set to be appointed and the Board
making a commitment to strengthening Sam Allardyce's squad, the Hammers are
making provision for their third season back in the top flight. Downing, for
one, believes the Club can improve both their playing style and results in
2014/15.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my first season with West Ham, where I played
regularly and was made to feel like a valuable member of the team," said the
No23, who arrived from Liverpool in August 2013. "The Gaffer and the players
made me feel welcome and settled from my first day and I felt I played some
good football. Next season, I want to show the West Ham fans my very best.
"Personally, I am very happy that the manager is staying, because he's a big
part of the reason why I came to the Club. He also handled the difficult
challenges presented to him last season really well."
Downing put in 84 accurate crosses in 2013/14 - 18 more than Manchester
City's Samir Nasri, who ranked second - and recorded two assists alongside
his solitary goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the final home game of the
season. With more attacking players set to join the Club, the 29-year-old
hopes to improve all of those statistics next term, helping the team to
consistently play on the front foot and put their opponents under pressure.
"The stats showed that I put in loads of crosses last season and I hope,
with Andy Carroll fit and firing from the start, I can set up plenty of
goals for him and our other strikers next season," he stated. "I was also
delighted to score my first goal in our home win over Tottenham in May -
hopefully it will be the first of many! The way we played that day should be
the platform for us to build on next season, pressing high and forcing the
other team into making mistakes that we can capitalise on.
"As a winger, I am encouraged to hear that we will try to play with a more
attacking style, as that plays to my strengths. However, we must ensure that
this is not at the expense of the hard work and resilience we showed when it
really mattered last season. We need to get the balance right and, when we
do, I am sure we will cause problems for everyone we face. "I am sure Sam
and the owners will be looking at strengthening the squad this summer and
improving what is already a decent team. I am sure we can kick on next
season and, to be honest, I can't wait to get started again!"
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Sam Allardyce should not change West Ham, says Gianfranco Zola
Last Updated: 21/05/14 10:03pm
SSN
Gianfranco Zola says Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to change
his playing style - and is interested in the vacant Norwich job. Gianfranco
Zola believes West Ham boss Sam Allardyce should not be under pressure to
change his style, and has admitted his interest in the vacant post at
Norwich. Allardyce has been given backing by the West Ham board despite fan
unrest at Upton Park, citing poor performances and defensive football as
reasons to oust the 59-year-old. The board has, however, echoed the worries
of the supporters by demanding more attacking football at the club, as well
as a top-10 finish and a say in transfers. Former Hammers boss Zola
disagrees with the treatment of Allardyce, telling Sky Sports: "Every
manager has his own style, whether you like it or not. "You don't have to
put pressure on the manager to change the style. "It's something that tends
to come from the manager. I wouldn't ask somebody to do something that it
might be a problem for them to do. "It's a very strange request."
Zola, who was sacked by West Ham in May 2010, has been out of work since
resigning as Watford boss last December. Recent speculation has seen the
Italian linked with the vacant post at recently-relegated Norwich, who are
in the hunt for a manager after caretaker boss Neil Adams took over from
Chris Hughton for the last few games of their doomed season. Asked whether
he would like to return to management at Carrow Road, Zola said: "It's a
possibility. It's a very good club. "I like the way it's structured, so
we'll see how it goes. "I'm looking for a team, so hopefully it will come.
"It's been a few months out, and now I'm ready to start again."
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ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE HARD TO ACHIEVE WITH ONLY £20 MILLION
By Sean Whetstone 21 May 2014 at 21:27
West Ham Till I Die
This afternoon I was asked by Daily Mail Sports to give my thoughts about
Sam Allardyce creating entertainment next season on a budget of £20m.
Sam Allardyce has been ordered to entertain the Hammers faithful next
season, and has reportedly been given a £20million budget, together with a
new attacking coach, to achieve this feat. I have great respect for
Allardyce, simply because of what he has done for West Ham; getting us
promoted at the first time of asking and avoiding relegation in our first
two seasons back in the Premier League. But demanding entertaining football
from him might just be a step too far.
Sam is an excellent survivalist who buys experienced survivalist players
based on statistics. The problem is the board and the fans now want more
than this.
We want to be entertained and push for a top eight league position. Some
people outside of West Ham will say we want our cake and to eat it too, but
the chairmen have invested huge personal sums in the signings of Matt
Jarvis, Modibo Maiga, Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll to push the club on
with very little return.
As the impending move to the Olympic Stadium gets closer, we have to be more
ambitious and Premier League survival is no longer a suitable goal.
The suggestion that someone like Paolo Di Canio will join as an attacking
coach to revolutionise us is frankly comical. I couldn't imagine two people
more ill-fitted to work together.
Sam often complains he is stereotyped in the media and his '19th century'
playing style – as Jose Mourinho calls it – is completely misunderstood. I
agree football has moved on from the so called 'West Ham way' of the
sixties, but we want to enjoy watching our football and that rarely happened
for me last season.
When we look at the proposed £20million budget it appears woefully
inadequate to overhaul an entire first team squad, with our only player
under the age of 25 being Ravel Morrison, who was sent out on loan to QPR
last season.
David Sullivan has a reputation for loan deals and a keen eye for bargain.
He rarely pays inflated prices or competes for players other clubs want.
The massive challenge for the West Ham board, who want a tighter reign on
transfer policy, is how they attract quality, flair players to West Ham who
both want to play for the manager and yet still do so on a restricted
budget.
The objectives set out in Tuesday's statement seem difficult to achieve and
appear to be doomed for failure.
A better and more honest statement might have been: 'Sam is staying… just
get over it! Thank you for your support.'
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West Ham target Jack Colback transfer as his Sunderland contract runs out
May 21, 2014 23:16 By James Nursey
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is close to clinching his first summer signing
by snapping up Jack Colback. The Sunderland midfielder,24, is
out-of-contract and has failed to agree terms with the Black Cats. And the
Hammers are now in pole position to beat Swansea to his signature. Colback
made 42 appearances for the Sunderland last season, scoring three goals. He
has been at the Stadium of Light all of his career, but had two spells on
loan with Championship side Ipswich Town early in his career. It will be
another boost to Allardyce after the Upton Park board opted to keep him this
week.
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Obinna's West Ham return imminent
Hereisthecity.com
West Ham United look set to bring back Nigerian marksman Victor Obinna, who
is currently on loan at Serie A side Chievo. Victor Obinna spent the 2010-11
season with West Ham and latest reports suggest the East London side will
turn to the unsettled marksman again. The 27-year-old's big professional
break came at Serie A minnows Chievo where he played between 2005 and 2008
and scored 19 goals in 82 games, although his primary role was in providing
assists. Known for his acrobatic goal celebrations and his relentless
energy, Obinna caught the attention of Inter who signed him but never really
needed another striker. Inter loaned Obinna out to Malaga and then to West
Ham where he acquitted himself well, especially at the start of the season.
Obinna managed the unusual feat of providing four assists in a 4-0 League
Cup win over Manchester City and scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 FA Cup fourth
round win over Nottingham Forest. But the Hammers didn't exercise the option
to sign Obinna permanently in the summer of 2011 and he ended up signing for
Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow. The talented forward has spent the second
half of the season at Chievo on loan and was greeted very warmly by fans at
the Stadio Bentegodi. But a longer term solution needs to be found and that
could be where West Ham step in. According to Talksport.com, West Ham are
preparing to launch a bid to sign Obinna, who is seen as surplus to
requirements in Moscow and a deal could happen very shortly. It is likely
that Obinna would welcome to chance to return to London and he seems to be
looking for a way to leave Lokomotiv this summer. West Ham often struggled
with a lack of striking options last season and Obinna could be an
affordable solution who is a known quantity.
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Argentina striker agrees to West Ham move
Brad Pinard
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
9:45 AM
London24.com
West Ham are on the verge of signing Argentine striker Mauro Zarate,
according to his agent. The 27-year-old has a good reputation in Europe,
although his record shows he isn't the lethal striker Hammers fans may have
been after. Zarate enjoyed a loan spell with Birmingham City back in 2008
and is now set to return to England having played for the likes of Lazio and
Inter since then. West Ham announced yesterday than Sam Allardyce will be
staying on at Upton Park as manager – although co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan will now have a bigger say in transfers. The club have wasted
no time and Zarate's agent brother Rolando has admitted that a deal is
all-but done with compensation and contracts agreed. "We have almost
everything sorted out with West Ham, they asked him not to play against San
Lorenzo but he wanted to play." "Mauro Zarate and his family's love for
Velez is huge, but the club receive a good financial compensation." Zarate
is not in the Argentina squad for the World Cup this summer – although he
did notch 19 times last season for hometown club Velez.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans voice disappointment at board's decision to retain Sam
Allardyce
Tom Allnutt
Published: 21 May 2014
Updated: 09:21, 21 May 2014
Standard.co.uk
Sam Allardyce's brand of football will never be 'the West Ham Way' and fans
are "disappointed" he will be manager at the start of next season, says the
editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday
Allardyce will remain as manager but that he must accept a handful of
"improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A
statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from
supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the
playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment
next season." Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has
been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at
least a top-10 finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "Gold
and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at
it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham
Way'," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "There
is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been
listened to. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has
been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season
they can call the board out on it." He added: "At the moment we don't have
the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing.
"Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I
doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing
their concerns again." West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a
number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy
Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen
his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which
players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision
of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership.
"Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect
it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a
philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos
that surrounds the club."
Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first
attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year
back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season,
however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of
relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the
table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about
the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park
booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to
which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining
status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given
the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in
2016.
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