Lee treble defeats Woking
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee's hat-trick gave the Development Squad a 3-2 victory over Woking
on Tuesday night
06.08.2014
Elliot Lee's rich vein of pre-season form continued on Tuesday as his hat
trick fired the Development Squad to a 3-2 victory over Vanarama Conference
Premier side Woking. Lee sealed his treble in the final minute to edge a
topsy-turvy match and help the U21s bounce back from defeat to Newport
County last time out. The Hammers started superbly and were 2-0 up by the
18th minute. Lee's first came with 14 on the clock as he pounced on
goalkeeper Aaron Howe's fumble to crash home. Four minutes later it was two
as Matthias Fanimo fed Blair Turgott, who crossed for Lee to finish again.
West Ham held their advantage until the closing stages, when Woking
threatened to turn the game on its head with two goals in as many minutes.
Home trialist Dean Morgan was the man to do the damage, first curling into
the top corner with his left foot, then neatly slotting past Sam Howes after
Woking regained possession from kick-off. West Ham were not done yet,
however, and with just 60 seconds remaining, Lee notched a fine solo effort,
picking up possession in midfield and eventually round Howe to score his
third of the game and ninth of pre-season.
West Ham United: Howes, Westley, Onariase (Makasi 71), Harney, Mavila,
Cullen, Bywater, Turgott, Fanimo (Powell 68), Sadlier (Gordon 78), Lee
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Cole feeling pre-season benefit
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is feeling stronger with every passing day in pre-season
06.08.2014
Carlton Cole is feeling sharper by the day as the start of the 2014/15
season closes in. The striker had a useful 80-minute run out in Saturday's
penalties victory over Schalke 04 and feels ready to make his mark in the
Barclays Premier League again. Having missed out on pre-season last year, he
is reaping the benefits of being able to hit the ground running this time
around. "It was great conditioning for me on Saturday," he explained. "I
needed those minutes under my belt, and we also needed to up the tempo
because Schalke are a Champions League team and we gave a good account of
ourselves. "I played 80 minutes and hopefully I'll get a 90 before it all
starts in twe weeks. We were chuffed with the penalties, we haven't been
practising them but we beat Germans on penalties! For Cole himself, he is
looking to step into Andy Carroll's shoes with a pre-season ankle injury
sidelining the big No9 for four months. He is looking forward to fighting
with new arrivals Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate for a starting berth He
added: "When Andy was out last year, I felt I did a good job in that period
of time, so I know I can do that. It's not a problem for me, it's just about
getting fit. "I have a great opportunity to get fit and get the games under
my belt so I can start the season well. "We've got competition for places
and that's what going's to spur me on to even do better."
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Boleyn Ground immortalised
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 6th August 2014
By: Andy Robinson
The Boleyn Ground is to be immortalised for the first time in the FIFA video
game series - just two years before the real-life stadium is set to be
redeveloped into housing. As part of a renewed licensing agreement with the
Premier League, FIFA 15 creator EA Sports will include all 20 team stadia,
with attention to detail extending to "authentic" fan chants and animated
advertising boards. The company was given access to the Boleyn in order to
build a realistic recreation, it said, which includes capture of the
'ambience' of the ground during match days. The club's famous anthem,
'Bubbles', was added to the game last year. Beyond the 15/16 season, when
the ground is set to be redeveloped into a number of new homes and retail
facilities, the virtual Boleyn will represent fans' only option to revisit
the stadium as they remember it. In addition to new stadia, the FIFA 15
development team claims to have scanned the players of every Barclays
Premier League club to capture their likeness, with over 200 new player
heads promised for FIFA 15. Game-playing West Ham United fans in particular
stand to benefit from the deal, as the club was previously lumped in the
generic 'Forest Park' arena, with a squad of players which often looked
nothing like their real-life counterparts.
FIFA 15 will release on September 26 in the UK on PC, Xbox One and the
PlayStation 4. FIFA 15 will also release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3,
Wii, Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita, although it's not yet clear if these
versions will include the stadia and Premier League updates.
* Did you know? KUMB.com can be heard in the 2010 edition of the world's
best-selling football game. Game announcer Jeremy Nicholas gave us a mention
as one of his 'extra' lines of commentary in that year's edition.
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Mark Noble hoping to enjoy his football at West Ham in 2014/15
Last Updated: 06/08/14 8:46am
SSN
Mark Noble is hoping to see the fun factor return to West Ham United in
2014/15 and a few more fresh faces drafted in. The midfielder admits last
season was testing for all concerned at Upton Park, with long periods spent
looking over their shoulder. A relegation scrap was eventually avoided, with
the club finishing in 13th place. There is, however, plenty of room for
improvement as Sam Allardyce looks to win over his doubters and West Ham aim
to push on into the top 10.
Money has been spent over the summer in an effort to bring about a reversal
in fortune, and Noble hopes that investment will help to lift the mood
around the camp. He said: "I only enjoyed about two months of last season.
We were in the bottom three and then put a few results together. "From 10th
downwards everyone was in a scrap and that's definitely not where we want to
be."
The likes of Enner Valencia and Aaron Cresswell have been added to the ranks
ahead of a Premier League opener against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on
August 16, but Noble feels more additions could be made before the summer
window closes on September 1. He added: "The boss will be doing his best to
get another couple of players in so we can enjoy it this time. "We can try
to produce a more entertaining side – but winning games is entertainment
enough. "If you don't win games then you get relegated. It really is just as
simple as that for us."
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LET'S ALL SING FOR CARLTON COLE - ALWAYS BELIEVING...
By Iain Dale 6 Aug 2014 at 17:00
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Neil Clack
He sneaked in under the radar back in the summer of 06. West Ham had just
thrilled the nation in the most exciting Cup final for years, and now
popular manager Alan Pardew, dressed in Gucchi, explained during a close
season fan forum that he had signed a 5th striker to cover for the
inevitable accumulation of games that the forthcoming UEFA Cup run would
bring. Pardew left that evening to a roaring round of applause before
driving away in a red Ferrari.
A couple of weeks later, and that 5th striker became an even more low-key
figure at the club as West Ham pulled off the most sensational deal in their
history, Tevez and Mascherano. The 5th striker was now 6th choice, hardly
likely to get a game, unlikely to have even been signed had it been known at
the beginning of the summer that Tevez was coming.
But one by one, the 6th striker saw them all off: Record-signing Dean
Ashton, in one of those 'only at West Ham' moments had his ankle smashed at
an England training session that pretty much finished his career. Zamora
struggled with a niggly knee and Sheringham's Zimmer-frame began to limit
him to 15 minute cameos. Harewood, indicative of Pardew's West Ham as a
whole, simply lost all form and confidence on the pitch, while charading as
a painter and decorator in an off the pitch affair. As for Tevez, well, a
whole book could be written about his time at West Ham (lawyers permitting),
but, in a nutshell, what seemed too good to be true at the time, turned out
to be exactly that.
So, one year on from signing on as a fringe player, and now with Alan
Curbishly in charge, Carlton Cole emerged as the club's main striker – and
that's the way it's been for the last 8 years! Others strikers have come and
gone, threatening Carlton's position, but he's seen them all off: Dean
Ashton, Teddy Sheringham, Carlos Tevez, Craig Bellamy, Bobby Zamora, Benni
McCarthy, Robbie Keane, Marlon Harewood, Kepa Blanco, Mido, David Di
Michele, Diego Tristan, Guillermo Franco, Ilan, Piquionne, Obinna, Demba Ba,
Jon Carew, Sam Baldock, Nicky Maynard, and Maiga.
Having dealt with that little lot, the arrival of the 15 million pound
manager's favourite Andy Carroll last summer must have seen like child's
play for Carlton. Even with the indignity of not having his contract
renewed, having no offers from other clubs, and getting out of shape due to
no proper training, come March-time and Carlton was back roaming his natural
habitat, the final third of the Upton Park pitch, surrounded by three
defenders, with no team-mate within 25 metres.
Zarate? Valencia? A possible Eto'o or Connor Wickham? – it's all pointless
kidding yourselves… Carlton Cole will be the striker who once again plays
the most games for West Ham this season. It's written in the stars and
there's nothing anyone can do about it; a little-known Premier League rule
that states West Ham must play Carlton Cole – I think it stems from part of
the Judges ruling on the Tevez punishment?
Tactically, it was Claudio Ranieri at Chelea, followed by Jose Mourinho, who
first introduced the Premier League to the concept of playing with a lone
striker – the tall all-rounder, who disrupts defences with height, power,
and speed, setting up chances for on-rushing midfielders, as well as being a
clinical finisher himself, and they saw in the teenage Carlton Cole, a
natural heir to Torre Andre Flo and Didier Drogba. At Liverpool, Rafa
Benítez also introduced his versión of 4-5-1 when he signed Diego Torres,
and the style then became fashionable throughout the Premier League – Peter
Crouch, Kenwyne Jones, Adebayour, and not least Kevin Davies under Sam
Allardyce at Bolton. Michael Owen said a couple of years ago that he was
glad he was at his peak in the previous era as there were scant
opportunities for his type now. No doubt Tony Cottee and Gary Lineker were
thinking the same.
And that's probably one of the reasons, Carlton infuriates a lot of West Ham
fans; he is at the fulcrum of a style of play that is far removed from the
Greenwood/Lyall template. Those two highly-influential managers were at the
club so long that we can refer to the Greenwood or Lyall eras and fans would
know exactly what we are talking about in terms of style of play, but since
then, no manager has lasted long enough to truly define their period in the
dugout as an 'era'. Redknapp was there for seven seasons (nine if you
include his time as assistant to Billy Bonds), so perhaps that time could be
called 'The Redknapp Years', but it could be argued that Bonds and Redknapp,
having both received their formative coaching under Greenwood and Lyall,
were a continuation, or at least a modern versión, of the same
Greenwood/Lyall eras, tactically speaking, if not in personality.
Managers have come and gone so quickly since Redknapp, and, outside of that
one-cracking season under Pardew, the only real consistency and continuity
at the club has been the sight of Carlton Cole toiling away on his own
up-front, often isolated from the rest of his team. He, more than anyone,
represents the style of play of the last decade, an era as far removed from
the old Greenwood/ Lyall model as you can get.
However, during a very brief period under Zola/Clarke – I'd say it lasted
about 6 weeks at best – from the end of Jan 2009 to the beginning of March
2009, we saw a different Carlton; a player with a good first touch and
awareness, showing perhaps why Ranieri and Mourinho had had such high hopes
of him. And while many fans may dig out Carlton for his lack of control and
nous, the irony is that during that brief golden period, he scored one of
the best West Ham goals ever, skilfully and clinically finishing off a
beautiful team move at Wigan. David Di Micheli played no small part in that
move, and I would say it was the best West Ham goal of the last decade. Best
team goal, anyway.
I wonder how significant it is that goal was scored under Zola? Sometimes
you can't help thinking that maybe Carlton is a better player than he
sometimes looks, but that under the tactics of Curbishly, Grant, and
Allardyce, ie. for the majority of his time at West Ham, he's been played so
isolated from the rest of the team and asked to get his head on the end of
hopeful high balls, which perhaps he is not naturally suited to?
Whatever, let's embrace the madness. Don't forget, we are a silly club, the
club that signed Bury's centre-back Paul Hilton, immediately after we beat
them 10-0, the club where Manny Onoyimni came on for 2 minutes without
touching the ball and got our first Cup final appearance for 17 years wiped
out, the club where fatties like Titi Camara and Benni McCarthy get through
the medicals – where Andy Carroll got through the medical despite not being
able to walk properly! – where Haydn Mullins was preferred to Mascherano.
C'mon, if you didn't laugh, you'd cry.
Embrace the madness. The Carlton Cole era has also coincided with the rise
of social media and ranting radio pone-in, and, of course, you can always
rely on West Ham to put their foot in it on that front, whether it's the
owner undermining the manager live on air while the team's away in New
Zealand, a 14 year old tweeting news of new signings before the official
site, or the other accident-prone chairman agreeing with a tweet that calls
for the sacking of BFS, an acronym for 'Big Fat Sam'.
C'mon, let's have a laugh and embrace the madness. All my West Ham
supporting friends – a bunch of 40 somethings (and their kids) from
Upminster, who've all been going since we were kids, tell me how down they
are with West Ham at the moment (and it's not just West Ham, but part of
something bigger I think, a disillusionment with modern football, in
general), and how they won't renew their season tickets this time (but they
all did – I knew they would, ha,ha!), but C'mon, let's just have a laugh
now…
By a process of elimination, Carlton's my favourite player now, and he
should be our cult figure. More than anything this season (well, apart from
avoiding relegation), I want to hear the crowd cheering Carlton. I want to
hear the song, 'Cole – always believe in your soul'. Ok, it was meant for
Joe originally, but he's gone now, and there's a poetic pathos in singing it
now for Carlton.
Another facet of modern football that's arisen during the Carlton Cole era
is the live screening and scrutinising of pre-season friendlies, with all
the in-depth analysis and opinión afforded a proper match. In my opinión,
these pre-season friendlies mean nothing; they're just glorified training
sessions/physical workouts aimed at gradually getting fitness up to peak
level for the first league match. Have a break from West Ham if they get you
down, enjoy the sunny weather and do something different until the season
starts proper. Tottenham at home in two weeks time is the only thing that
matters. And I think we're going to get a result (probably 0-0, but I'd
settle for that),with Carlton leading the line. Most of all, I want the
banter back.
And here's the really silly thing. Carlton Cole will be due a testimonial at
the end of next season, an era defining 10 years. Don't tell me he's out of
contract at the end of this season. He'll be here, don't worry about that.
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ISLAM SLIMANI - A MISSED OPPORTUNITY!
By S J Chandos 6 Aug 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I DIe
It is self-evident that a good World Cup campaign can greatly augment a
player's reputation and valuation. We have seen that with the club's signing
of Enner Valencia, a striker who joined his former Mexican club only a year
ago for a modest fee of c.£2.5m. Yet, his stand out performances for Equador
saw that valuation increase to over £12m, a price that West Ham gladly paid
to secure a striker who made a real impact in Brazil. Similiarly, Algeria's
Islam Slimani was available for c.£4m prior to the World Cup, but in the
aftermath of his impressive centre forward displays in Brazil, we are
reliably informed that the asking price has rocketed to £10m!
West Ham's board must be absolutely kicking themselves over letting Slimani
slip through their fingers last January. A bid of £4m would likely have
secured Slimani on a permanent contract. However, it appears that we chose
to pushed for an initial loan deal, with a subsequent option to buy in May.
Sporting Lisbon were not keen on loaning the player and rejected West Ham's
approach, which in turn resulted in our focus shifting to alternative
targets. That is very unfortunate, because Slimani is exactly the type of
player that we would do well to add to the squad. He leads the line very
well, has good technique and is a skillful finisher. Moreover, Slimani is
both mobile and surprisingly pacy. In short, he is ideal competition/cover
for Andy Carroll. Indeed, if Slimani was on board would we be nearly so
concerned over Carroll's current injury absence? A forward line of Slimani,
flanked by Valencia and Downing, with either Zarate or Morrison playing
behind them would certainly pose some problems for the opposition next
season.
Unfortunately, at the moment, it is looking more likely that Slimani will
end up elsewhere in the PL, with both Everton and Newcastle Utd reportedly
interested in acquiring the player. The West Ham board must surely be
reproaching themselves that they did not buy him outright for £4m when they
had the chance. While Sporting Lisbon will make a financial killing as a
consequence of West Ham's former reticence; a clear case of the Portugese
club 'laughing all the way to the bank'!. Basically, we had a march on rival
clubs and did not follow through. And that has to be a cause for regret.
Hopefully, the club's appointment of a new Head of Recruitment, at first
team level, will help ensure that similar mistakes are less likely in
future.
SJ. Chandos
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Venezuelan young striker on trial
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A 15 year old Venezuelan young striker is on trial with the Hammers for 15
days. Aitor López from clu Deportivo La Guaira was an un-used sub in the
West Ham XI v Woking FC match on Tuesday night. Speaking to the Venezuelan
media Lopez said "It's a very big chance they are giving me. I must know how
to take advantage of it and not waste it. I've arrived in London well
thanks to the work of West Ham. I feel well physically & I'm very excited to
give it everything" Lopez's 15 day trial started on Saturday 2nd August.
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Elliot looks like a young Cottee
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Last night I was at Kingfield Stadium in Surrey to watch a West Ham United
XI take on Woking FC in a pre season friendly. I was there to see Elliot
Lee, knowing he had already managed six goals – three doubles in his pre
season campaign – and I must say he didn't disappoint for my £8 entrance
fee. The Irons Development team worked hard all night and deserved the 3-2
win but the star of the show was undoubtedly Elliot. We were two nil up
after 18 minutes. Lee's first on 14 minutes came from a mistake from their
goal keeper Howe and the second came on 18 minutes from an assist from Blair
Turgott who also had a great game The game went a bit stale after that until
Woking equalised in the 82nd minute after Woking Trialist Dean Morgan two
in two minutes. Step forward the man of the hour Elliot Lee in 89th minute
with a solo effort to get his hat trick and ninth goal of the pre season. I
must say Ellior Lee reminds me of a young Tony Cottee. He knows where the
goal is and his confidence is sky high. Sure it is a massive jump to the
Premier League but what have we got to lose? He could ne just the surprise
striker we are looking for instead of spending tens of thousands per week on
a has been. Give the kid a chance in the first team and lets see what he can
do!
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Irons make their Crouch decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have dropped their interest in Peter Crouch after being quoted
"crazy figures" to sign the 33 year old. Given Sam Allardyce's brand of
football, Crouch was clearly an option but the Hammers have turned their
back on a possible deal given the figures in the frame. Stoke City boss Mark
Hughes had made it clear he didn't want to lose the player as reported on
ClaretandHugh earlier today. But we can now reveal that the Potteries club
wanted between £4-5 million for a 33 years old player who would have no sell
on value at the end of a two year deal. A source told us: The wages were
also crazy with the whole deal working out around £7 million. It made no
sense "The club could somebody tomorrow but whoever they get is going to be
a risk."
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Thursday, August 7
Wednesday, August 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th August 2014
Book your place at the fans' forum
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will hold a fans' forum for Season Ticket Holders at the Circus Tavern on 12 August
05.08.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce ticketing details for an exclusive free fans' forum for Season Ticket Holders at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, Hammer of the Year Mark Noble, winger Stewart Downing and summer signing Aaron Cresswell on Tuesday 12 August at 6.30pm. The quartet will be on hand to talk about all manner of Hammers matters, including the Clubs ambitious plans for the 2014/15 season, how the six new signings are settling in at Chadwell Heath, the work Teddy Sheringham is doing on the training pitch and the hopes and targets for the new season.
This first fans' forum of the season will kick-off a regular series of Q&A events throughout the season, keeping fans abreast of all the goings on at the Boleyn Ground. The Q&A session will kick-off at 7pm prompt, and after there will be an informal opportunity for supporters to meet the manager and players, collect autographs and take photos. Limited parking is available on site and a pay bar will be in operation on the evening. Tickets will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis at a rate of one per successful applicant. Please note, Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult Season Ticket Holder.
To secure one of the places available for this exclusive event, please call the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 3*. The Club will announce, via whufc.com, as and when all spaces are filled. Supporters who have secured tickets for the event can submit questions for consideration by emailing seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk, clearly stating if it is for Sam Allardyce, Mark Noble, Stewart Downing or Aaron Creswell.
If your question is selected we will then come to you on the night so please ensure you remember what you send in! The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 11 August so please make sure your email reaches us by then.
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Blair's buzzing for new season
WHUFC.com
Blair Turgott is ready for Tuesday night's Development Squad game against Newport County
05.08.2014
Blair Turgott says the Development Squad's varied pre-season will stand them in good stead for the challenges that await in the 2014/15 campaign. Nick Haycock's side have gained strong results, playing a mixture of European sides of a similar age to themselves and senior non-league outfits over the summer.
Their latest test takes them to Vanarama Conference Premier side Woking on Tuesday night, with the Young Hammers looking to bounce back from their first defeat of pre-season, having suffered a 3-0 reverse to League Two outfit Newport County on Saturday. Turgott said: "Of course it was tough against Newport, obviously we had a different set of lads out there and a couple of the young boys got a chance. The result wasn't the best, nor what we were looking for but it's definitely another experience gained and everyone can take something from it and that's what pre-season is all about. "It's a different challenge up against senior players, a bit more physical. Their experience comes into play a lot but it's good to play against men. We'll try to reap the benefits from it and hopefully in the season we can become stronger from it. "This pre-season we've played against all different set of age groups and different types of teams and Saturday was probably our toughest test so far. But something that we can all get the benefits from and make us a stronger team in the long run."
Turgott is hoping to gain more minutes on the pitch at Woking, having shrugged off a back injury. He continued: "It's more about getting minutes but it's also good to win, good to get that winning feeling. There's nothing better than winning, no matter what game you play in. We've lost on Saturday, which wasn't the best result, but we can take a lot of the benefits from it. It's been good, we've got some good results, playing against different countries, different philosophies but it's been good. "I've had a back injury, I didn't train that much throughout the week and then I played against Braintree. I was meant to play 45, but I felt alright so I played 60 and it's good to get more minutes on Saturday and hopefully I can push on towards Tuesday night at Woking. I'm feeling better so hopefully I can really kick on from now. "I'm looking forward to the new season. Of course places are up for grabs and Tuesday is another opportunity for us to go out there and show what we're all about."
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Transfer latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has denied reports that he is really to sell Peter Crouch to West Ham United. Amidst ludicrous rumours of a £10million bid for a player worth no more than a fifth of that, Hughes said: "It's just speculation. We're looking to build a strong squad and add to the quality we already have. Peter was very much part of that quality last year and we expect him to stay." The 33-year-old former England international joined Stoke in 2011.
* West Ham are keeping tabs on Cagliari striker Mauricio Pinilla, say TMW. The Chile international is prepared to leave Serie A and is keen on a return to the UK. The former Hearts striker, now 30, has represented his country on 30 occasions and featured on three occasions at this summer's World Cup Finals as a late substitute.
* Atletico Madrid striker Leo Baptistao is another on West Ham's hit list, say reports emanating from Spain. The 21-year-old Brazilian - who also holds an Italian passport and plays in the 'Kevin Nolan' role - made 11 appearances in La Liga last season for the European Champions League finalists before joining Real Betis on loan for the second half of the campaign.
* Sunderland are the latest club to be linked with a move for free agent Samuel Eto'o, who was released on a free by Chelsea at the end of last season. Sam Allardyce hinted at the weekend that Eto'o was a player he is keen on, although that doesn't appear to be a view shared in the boardroom.
* Paraguay international Oscar Cardozo is on the verge of joining Turkish club Trabzonspor. The 31-year-old Benfica forward is said to have rejected the opportunity to move to the Premier League, with both West Ham and new boys Leicester City having previously expressed an interest.
* 29-year-old Jimmy Briand has told Sky Sports that he regrets not having tried his luck in the Premier League. Briand, currently available on a free having been released by Olympique Lyonnais said: "I should have come to England a long time ago as I got the opportunities to go there, but I never went and I regret my decision." West Ham are said to be keeping tabs on the 29-year-old Frenchman's status.
* Further discussions with Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida are reported to have been pencilled in for later this week. Another free agent, the 30-year-old was released by Besiktas at the end of his three-year contract with the Turkish club. Preliminary talks between the player's representatives and West Ham have already taken place, according to the Mail.
* Mischievous rumours suggesting that West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan may be a target for Cardiff City have been dismissed.
* Connor Wickham continues to be linked with a move to West Ham, despite no bid yet having been placed. The Hereford-born Sunderland forward, previously of Ipswich, is entering the final year of his contract at the Stadium of Light and Black Cats manager Gus Poyet has already indicated that he will sell the player should a new deal not be agreed.
* Former Hammer Freddie Piquionne is on the verge of joining Ligue 2 side Creteil. A free agent having been released by Portland Timbers, the French striker will team with again with former Hammer Herita Ilunga, should he complete the move. Piquionne made 62 appearances for West Ham between 2010 and 2013, when he was released.
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Hammers back in Europe
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's development squad will feature in a brand new Premier League European competition this coming season.
The Hammers are one of eight teams selected from England who will be tackling major European competition in the tournament, which will run in conjunction with the 2014/15 Under 21s Premier League campaign.
The 16 teams will be entered into four groups of four, with the winners and runners-up from each of the groups qualifying for the knock-out phases. Additionally, both Sky and BT have indicated they will feature games live on TV.
Nick Hancock's West Ham Utd will be joined in the competition by fellow English teams Chelsea, Fulham, Leicester City, Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Southampton and Sunderland according to the Mail.
The eight European teams entering the tournament are Celtic (Scotland), Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal (Spain), Benfica and FC Porto (Portugal), Borussia Monchengladbach and Schalke (Germany) plus PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands).
West Ham's Under 21s kick off the Under 21 Premier League campaign with a trip to Tottenham on Monday, 18 August, before hosting Southampton at the Boleyn Ground four days later (Friday 22 August).
Dates, times and fixtures for the new format are yet to be released.
West Ham Utd Under 21s: 2014/15 Premier League Fixtures
All games kick-off at 7pm unless otherwise stated.
Mon 18 Aug: Tottenham Hotspur (a)
Fri 22 Aug: Southampton (h)
Fri 12 Sep: Liverpool (h)
Fri 19 Sep: Fulham (a)
Mon 29 Sep: Sunderland (h)
Fri 17 Oct: Manchester City (a)
Fri 24 Oct: Manchester Utd (h)
Wed 5 Nov: Norwich City (a)
Fri 28 Nov: Chelsea (h)
Mon 15 Dec: Everton (a)
Mon 5 Jan: Leicester City (h)
Fri 9 Jan: Tottenham Hotspur (h)
Mon 26 Jan: Southampton (a) 2.30pm
Fri 6 Feb: Fulham (h)
Mon 23 Feb: Liverpool (a)
Mon 9 Mar: Sunderland (a)
Fri 13 Mar: Manchester City (h)
Tue 7 Apr: Manchester Utd (a)
Fri 17 Apr: Norwich City (h)
Sun 3 May: Chelsea (a) 1pm
Fri 8 May: Everton (h)
Mon 18 May: Leicester City (a)
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Premier League plans under-21 league involving English and European clubs
Last Updated: 05/08/14 12:33pm
SSN
The Premier League has unveiled plans for a new under-21 league involving clubs from England and across Europe. The competition, which does not yet have the blessing of UEFA, would include eight under-21 teams from England and eight from other countries, including Scottish champions Celtic. But the Premier League claims the competition would not be a rival to FA chairman Greg Dyke's ambitions for some form of 'B-league' involving top-flight reserve teams.
In May, Dyke's England Commission proposed a B league to operate below League Two which is aimed at giving young players more match experience - something the new Premier League competition also aims to do. Communications director Dan Johnson said the Premier League's proposal had been under consideration for several years and was completely unrelated to Dyke's scheme. "We do believe it would be good for the development of talented young players but it is not an answer to the B league proposal at all. It is something we have wanted to do for a number of years," Johnson said. "We are keen to work with UEFA on what we think is a good development opportunity and there has been a lot of support from clubs on the continent. "Our view is that an under-21 competition with a significant programme of international fixtures at lower age levels is a good opportunity to expose players to this level of competition. "We now need to work with UEFA for their agreement."
The new competition would see 16 clubs split into four groups of four with the top two in each group going through to the knockout stage. Current plans are for the top eight from the Premier League's under-21 development league to take part, although Liverpool have already decided not to take up the chance, allowing West Ham in. Chelsea, Fulham, Leicester, Manchester City, Manchester United, Southampton, Sunderland and West Ham would compete from that league along with Celtic, Athletic Bilbao, Benfica, Borussia Monchengladbach, Schalke, Porto, PSV Eindhoven and Villarreal.
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AM I ALONE IN NOT BEING CONVINCED BY ADRIAN?
By Iain Dale 5 Aug 2014 at 20:32
West Ham Till I Die
Gues Post by Sam Dickeson
It has been obvious to see over the past couple of weeks that more and more West Ham fans are becoming increasingly concerned with the performances of Adrian. I admit myself having watched all of our pre-season games he has hardly filled me with confidence. He seems incapable of holding on to any shots and seems to palm everything back towards his own penalty spot.
It begs the question..
Do we need a new goalkeeper? Big Sam clearly had enough faith in the Spaniard after signing him last year and giving him enough time to settle in to the squad, before handing him his starting spot. Now with the season looming and Adrian in less than sparkling form should we be assessing the situation and looking to make a purchase? Henderson has recently left for Charlton and Jussi isn't the keeper he once was in 2003.
Such options as Ospina (3mil), Vorm (5mil), Ochoa (free) Pantilimon (free) already taken who would be available and seen as decent competition for Adrian? Many rumour mills have suggested Pepe Reina. I don't see the Spaniard prepared to sit on the bench week in week out at Liverpool but also I don't see him being interested in a move to London. I personally think Jack Butland could be worth looking at, he's young and exciting and would really push Adrian. Could even possibly oust him and take his spot?
It's all food for thought, but really does make you think.. Is Adrian really good enough?
Note from Iain – No, Sam, you are not alone in not being convinced…
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WHY I'M DREADING THE SPURS GAME
By Iain Dale 5 Aug 2014 at 17:30
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by IronFish
As the start of a new season draws ever closer, I like most of you, am totally dreading the game at home to Spurs on Saturday 16th August. Let's face it, it has been a terrible pre-season with awful tactics, boring football and even worse luck with injuries. But, it had looked very promising, with our new approach to the transfer window, getting in early bids for Zarate, Kouyate, Cresswell, Poyate, Valencia and then Jenkinson on a loan deal.
Clearly it will take time for new players to fit in with the rest of the squad – will they fit in with Sam's style of play? and does he want them all in the team anyway? These are all the questions that many of us are asking.
The injury to Andy Carroll (yet again) has been terribly unlucky – do we sign a similar style player, in the mould of Crouch or Wickham, or do we go for something different? All will be revealed shortly, I am sure.
But, let me put a slightly different perspective on things…….let me take you all back to the summer of 2010, under the leadership of Avram Grant at that time…………….
16 July: Pablo Barrera signs on a four-year contract, with a one-year option, for a fee of £4 million. He becomes West Ham's second summer signing of 2010.
16 July: Frédéric Piquionne joins West Ham for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract, becoming West Ham's third summer signing.
28 July: West Ham appoint Ċ½eljko Petrovi? as assistant manager.8
3 August: Tal Ben Haim joins West Ham on loan from Championship side Portsmouth until January 2011.
5 August: The signing of New Zealand international Winston Reid is completed. Reid signs a three-year contract for £4 million.
24 August: West Ham sell Alessandro Diamanti to Serie A club Brescia for €2.2m.
27 August: Nigerian international Victor Obinna is signed on a season-long loan from Inter.
31 August: Danish international, Lars Jacobsen signs a one-year contract, moving on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers.
31 August: Belgian goalkeeper Ruud Boffin signs a two-year contract for a nominal fee moving from Dutch side MVV.
We then went on to have a very good pre-season, beating Peterborough 2-1, winning at Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos (2-0 and 1-0 respectively). We beat the mighty MK Dons 2-0, then Ipswich Town 1-0, before drawing at Southend 1-1, with the final pre-season game at Upton Park, drawing 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna, winning 5-3 on penalties.
Everything in the garden was rosey – new manager, new players and a very good pre-season……..BUT, disaster struck – we only get 4 points from the opening 6 games of the new season, losing to Villa, Bolton, Man Utd and Chelsea, before drawing at Stoke and then beating Spurs 1-0……we then had to wait until the end of November, for our next win, a 3-1 victory against Wigan.
The season was a complete disaster, no leadership, no passion and not many wins under our belts, until we crashed out of the Premiership and were relegated to the Championship…….need I say more, a total disaster.
So, my thoughts fellow Hammers, are that we should wait and see what the new season brings……it's been a summer World Cup and I am guessing not many Premiership teams will be at full strength or at full fitness, so for me I think we have to try and put the poor pre-season behind us. We have many positives, in terms of new players, and I am sure they can find their feet quickly and we can build and develop again to have a fairly successful season.
The spot-light is under Sam more than ever, but I feel we have to give him at least 6 games to show what he can do again. Anything less that 6-8 points in those first half dozen games will probably spell the end of the big man's reign, with Messrs Moyes, Laudrup and Mackay waiting in the wings…….whatever happens, it won't be dull and boring, even if it appears that way on the pitch, it will be West Ham, and I for one am always forever blowing bubbles…….Come on you irons !!
What's your prediction for result and starting line-up for that 1st game of the season?
I'm going for a 1-1 draw and I reckon Sam will opt for the following starting 11:
Adrian…..O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell…..Zarate, Kouyate, Noble, Nolan, Downing….C. Cole.
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IS TROY DEENEY WORTH A PUNT?
By S J Chandos 5 Aug 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I DIe
The club are currently casting their nets far and wide to secure an additional striker to cover for the injury absence of Andy Carroll. The latest to be linked with us is Connor Wickham of Sunderland, but the media have also recently linked us with a move for Samuel Eto (a free agent), Peter Couch of Stoke City, Gary Hooper of Norwich City and Hugo Almeida (free agent). However, it appears that the alleged excessive personal terms of Eto are ruling him out of the equation; while you have to seriously question whether Hooper is any better than the strikers that we already have in the squad? Almeida might be the best option available to us, but again personal terms could be a major obstacle to closing a deal. Connor Wickham clearly has significant potential and we can probably sign him for the right price (because he is in the final year of his contract), but might we be better advised targeting a more experienced striker? Then there is Peter Crouch who could be an effective short-term option. However, the latest reports suggest that Mark Hughes wishes to retain him at Stoke City. So, unless Hughes changes his position that move also appears a non-starter.
Looking elsewhere, and playing Devil's advocate, what about making a move for Troy Deeney? He has done very well for Watford FC in the Championship, playing in a decidedly average team. In the last two Championship seasons, Deeney has scored a total of 45 goals (25 in 2013-14 and 20 in 2012-13) and has a overall career total of 96 goals in 323 matches. He is 26 years of age, mobile and a decent finisher. At 6 foot tall, he can lead the line, provide a strong physical presence and get on the end of high balls played in to the box. He is also good on the ground, holding up the ball, link-up and bringing others in to play. A number of clubs have been looking at Deeney recently, the latest being QPR and Leicester City. But it appears that they are being put off by the £8m price tag placed on him by Watford FC.
In terms of possible striker reinforcements, I do not think that he would be the first choice of most Hammers fans, but he clearly has ability, is hungary for success and seems to be maturing in to a genuine goal scorer. Even if he pitches in with 10-12 goals in the PL, next season, it would be a useful addition to our underwhelming strike force. If all other striker options lead nowhere, then might Deeney be worth a punt? And that £8m price tag? Go for a part-exchange deal, with Vaz Te moving to Watford FC. After all, they need to replace him and Vaz Te is a proven Championship goal scorer. If you value Vaz Te at £3.5m, that would bring Deeney's fee down to £4.5m, which is a reasonable figure for a Championship striker with the potential to make the step up to PL football.
Is it worth taking a chance on Troy Deeney, as a possible last resort, or should we look elsewhere?
SJ. Chandos.
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LET'S COPY GERMANY AND BRING DOWN THE COST OF SEASONTICKETS AT WEST HAM!
By Iain Dale 5 Aug 2014 at 08:43
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post from DannyUK.com
There was a recent tweet doing the rounds which detailed why a football club in Germany had such low season ticket prices. The tweet was a quote from Uli Hoeness who is president of Bayern Munich – a German team that can rightfully call itself one of the biggest and best in Europe.
Talking about the low cost of their season ticket prices – in particular for a standing season ticket (which we don't have available in the UK) costing just £104 behind the goal, Hoeness said…
"We could charge more than £104, let's say we charged £300. We would get £2m more in income but what is £2m to us? In a transfer discussion you argue about that sum for five minutes but the difference between £104 and £300 is huge for the fan. We don't think that the fans are like cows who you milk. Football has got to be for everybody and that is the biggest difference between us and England."
The quote has got the UK football community talking, and it made me think how it would affect my own club, West Ham. West Ham are – as they will tell everyone and anyone at any given opportunity – a club in debt. The present owners took over a few years ago and vowed to get £100m worth of debt (well, £100m give or take a few million) down over the next few years. To their credit, they have started doing this successfully, while still breaking the club transfer record more than once. In the 2013 accounts the net debt figure for the end of the year was quoted at £77.4m. I should note that all figures hereon in are taken from the same accounts which can be found online here.
However, let's do some maths here. The lowest price Season Ticket at Upton Park is £640. The highest, £910. Obviously we are only talking about adult ticket prices here.
The ground currently holds 36,000 supporters, and is generally a sell out for the majority of games.
West Ham have mentioned in the past that they have 20,000 season ticket holders However the official 2013 accounts show "season ticket and other receipts in advance" brought in £8.5m, which is the figure I will work on.
This season the lowest price season ticket at Upton Park will cost £640, and the highest £910.
My initial thought was that if the cost of these tickets were halved, it would mean that the season tickets would cost between £320 and £455 each – An absolutely vast saving. Naturally this would result in a loss of revenue for the club of around £4.25m.
The club's response to this would be no doubt to restate how much in debt the club currently are. It's interesting to point out that the shareholders (of whom David Sullivan is the sole majority shareholder, and David Gold holds the second highest amount) currently receive £2.3m per year on interest payable from loans.
Now I'm not denying the good that the two Davids have done for the club. I am firmly in the "they are good for West Ham" camp, which I know is the opposite to many fans. I'd be inclined to suggest that if they are in it for the love of the club though – which is another oft-spoken line – are they not able to provide the loans interest free?
I appreciate that the value of the loans (£45.7m) is huge, and that they would be able to make a profit elsewhere had they invested the money wisely. My issue is that they keep saying they aren't in it for the money. That £2.3m per year – if knocked off the price of season ticket prices – could reduce prices down to £397 for the lowest and £565 for the highest.
Although that's not the half-price that I initially thought about, it still makes the season tickets much more affordable to fans. This in turn grows the fan base and protects the long term future of the club.
If you want to look elsewhere for savings, consider that the directors are receiving almost £2m per year, which isn't part of a total of £49.2m paid out in wages and salary. A further £1.36m went towards Olympic Stadium project costs, which you can argue will either not be ongoing, or will be swallowed up by the increase in revenue of taking over the stadium.
This is without touching on the massive Sky sponsorship that comes in. £51.8m was the figure quoted under "Broadcast and central sponsorship deals" – a figure that is set to rise when the new round of Sky sponsorship begins.
I know that this article may come across as a little bit of board-bashing, but it's really not meant to. As I've already said, Gold and Sullivan took the club on when we were extremely down on our luck, and have done extremely well to keep us alive, much less begin to turn the tide.
I'd love to see them turn around and write off interest on loans, and reinvest that money into reduced season ticket costs. I dare say that they could afford to do that whereas the average fan will struggle to pay out the high costs of the tickets.
However, I would much rather see the money diverted away from players and agents to be put towards ticket prices. This would involve a massive undertaking by all professional clubs and the FA. No one club could choose to restrict the wages they offer without running the risk of losing out on players to a team that hasn't taken up that remit.
Financial Fair Play offers a step in the right direction, though already people are questioning how well that will succeed.
In the meantime I'll use this as an open letter to the board. I apologise if my sums are wrong or my assumptions are incorrect. I'm not an accountant and there will be hundreds if not thousands of people far better qualified to look through the accounts and come up with suggestions.
But even if my calculations are out. Even if they are completely and wildly wide of the mark, the sentiment remains. Bringing down the cost of season tickets is – must be! – somehow viable. Doing so would strengthen relationships between fans and board members, encourage people to come along to the ground more often and build our future by doing so.
Until such time that safe standing becomes a real option in the UK, which should see a natural reduction in ticket prices for those areas, the price of tickets needs to be looked at. Season Tickets seem the ideal place to start.
Visit Danny's site at dannyuk.com
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West Ham's Mark Noble dreading another season as miserable as the last one
Aug 05, 2014 22:30 By Marc Isaacs
Midfielder "probably only enjoyed about two months" of 2013-14 campaign as they fought the drop and fans grumbled with key man Carroll crocked
The Mirror
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble admits last season was one of the worst experiences of his career - but is ready to ease the pressure on under-fire boss Sam Allardyce and restore the party atmosphere at Upton Park. The Hammers were involved a relegation dogfight for the majority of the season, angry fans turned on Allardyce over his tactics, their record signing, England striker Andy Carroll, missed much of the campaign through injury and the club's owners demanded a more entertaining team for 2014-15. Noble says he never wants to go through that ordeal again and believes the club are doing everything they can to bring in attacking players who can change the way West Ham play. "I probably only enjoyed about two months of last season," claimed Noble, as the opening game against London rivals Tottenham on August 16 looms. "We were in the bottom three and then put a few results together and jumped to 10th. But from 10th downwards last year everyone was in a relegation scrap and that's not where we want to be. "We've got two weeks to knuckle down and do what we need to do to become a proper team. Hopefully we can get another couple of signings in and enjoy this season. "I hope we can [produce a more entertaining side], but winning games is entertaining enough. If you don't win games, you get relegated, it's as simple as that."
Noble says he would love to help West Ham get to a cup final next season and give the fans a big day out at Wembley. But with the club facing one of the biggest moves in their history when they relocate from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium in nearby Stratford 2016, he has also stressed the importance of retaining their top flight status. He added: "A cup run would be a bonus. For the club, with the new stadium coming, the main concentration will be the league. We want to improve on 13th spot."
West Ham have suffered a poor pre-season campaign and failed to score once from open play in the two games against hosts Schalke and Spain's Malaga at a tournament last weekend in Germany. The players were forced to trek to the other side of the world when the club played two friendlies in New Zealand last month, and they suffered more bad news when Carroll was ruled out for four months with ankle ligament damage. But despite the bad run of results, Noble is convinced they will get things right before Tottenham arrive. He said: "New Zealand was a tough trip, (going to) the other side of the world. It was tough for the lads, we were up until all sorts of hours in the morning. "But you've got to do what you've got to do - when you play in the Premier League now, it's worldwide. The likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United are always all over the world and that seems the way forward. "You don't know [how it has affected you]. As long as you get minutes under your belts then hopefully it won't affect us too much. "I've been through pre-seasons where we've battered everyone and then lost the first three. But you need a good start."
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"Invisible" Elliot Lee bags another 3 goals as Development squad edge past Woking
http://www.westhamfan.net/
The invisible man of West Ham's playing staff, young Elliot Lee, scored a hat-trick tonight as the West Ham Development squad edged a competitive affair against Woking at the Kingfield Stadium. This follows a barrage of goals already this pre-season, and the poor lad must be wondering what he has to do to make it into the first team on a regular basis. Perhaps growing another 12 inches might help, eh Sam?
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Late goal sees Hammers edge past Cards
Alan Worth - 5th August 2014
Late goal sees Hammers edge past Cards Woking 2 West Ham United XI 3
Pre-Season Friendly
5th August 2014
wokingfc.co.uk
The Cards completed their pre-season programme this evening, hosting the West Ham Development Squad. In what proved to be a highly entertaining evening and a game that, at times, defied its billing as a "friendly", the Hammers needed to rely on their captain and hat-trick hero Elliot Lee to see them scrape a win in this competitive affair.
Despite dominating possession for long periods the Cards struggled to test the Hammers keeper Howes. However late into the second period, trialist Dean Morgan lit up Kingfield with a brace of goals inside a minute – both beautifully finished and with all the hallmarks of an experiences goal scorer, his performance certainly had the Woking fans taking notice!
Garry Hill again rang the changes for this game and paired Mark Ricketts and Joey Jones at the centre of defence with Adam Newton and John Nutter starting as full backs. The ubiquitous central midfield duo of Josh Payne and Kieran Murtagh with Theo Lewis and John Goddard on the flanks provided a strong midfield with Scott Rendell and trialist Morgan up front.
Morgan, though clearly not yet match fit, was immediately involved flicking a pass on to Rendell who, tripped by the keeper in the box, was judged to be offside. And it was Morgan again working the ball in from the left – an inviting cross but no one able to benefit.
After fourteen minutes West Ham opened the scoring. The impressive Blair Turgott was too quick for Nutter and his dangerous cross flew across the Cards box. The ball was returned and as Aaron Howe failed to gather Lee was on hand to fire into the roof of the net from six yards.
Woking almost equalised immediately. Nutter's cross from the left was flicked on by Rendell in the box, but just beyond Goddard as the ball flew past the far post.
The Hammers had already shown enough to warn Woking that they were a very pacey side and quick on the break. On eighteen minutes a lightening break by Fanimo saw him set up the ever-dangerous Turgott as the Hammers pressed high up the pitch. The winger's cross again found Lee who made no mistake as he scored his and the visitors' second.
Two down already and now it was the turn of the Cards to press as they began to dominate possession. Jones headed over from Goddard's pinpoint free kick and again Jones headed goalwards from a Nutter free kick but it was straight at Howes.
Woking then had the ball in the net after a deft Morgan cross was met by the head of Rendell. His effort was half saved and the Cards striker buried the rebound but only to see the linesman's flag raised for an offside.
It was now all Woking as they pushed forward. Morgan controlled a long kick out from Howe and played in Rendell but his pass to Goddard ended with the ball fired well over the top. Lewis then set up Payne but his effort was well over. Howes was out quickly to deny Rendell who was attempting to reach Ricketts long clearance and there was still time for Goddard to blaze a shot over the bar before the break.
Half-time: Woking 0 West Ham United XI 2
As so often happens with pre-season games, the second period was disrupted by numerous substitutions. Joe McNerney and trialist Troy Hewitt both started the second half in place of Murtagh and Jones.
But it was the Hammers who made the brighter start with the lightening pace of Turgott causing Woking the most difficulty. His two efforts after five minutes of the restart were both close and the second coming after a mesmerising run through the heart of the Woking midfield.
With ten minutes of the second half gone Kingfield had its first glimpse of signing James Clarke who replaced Josh Payne. The central defender immediately made his presence felt; looking calm and solid in defence and spraying a number of excellent, accurate passes from the back.
As the substitutions continued it was Woking who now looked the most likely to score as they again dominated play.
With ten minutes remaining Dean Morgan opened his and the Cards account after good work on the right by Xapi. The ex Wycombe's delicious curling left foot shot, from outside the box, flew past Howes and into the far corner.
And then straight from the kick off Woking regained possession and there was Morgan repeating the trick again from outside the box. This time a cool finish as he slotted the ball past a despairing Howes into the opposite corner.
The game had been turned on its head! McNerney now up front as Woking strained for what would have been a deserved winner in what was now becoming an almost testy affair. But Elliot Lee was to have the last word. His solo effort after the Cards gave away the ball cheaply in midfield saw him round Howe to finish and then lead the Hammers celebrations.
This again proved to be a very useful workout for the Cards. Certainly Morgan's brace will give the management team something to think about and the first sighting of James Clarke looked extremely positive. Who will start next Saturday at Alfreton is not entirely easy to predict. What is certain is that the football from now on becomes really meaningful.
Woking begin their home fixtures in the league against Dartford on Tuesday 12th August. Come down to Kingfield and get behind the team!
Woking: Aaron Howe, Adam Newton (Xapi* 66), John Nutter (Mike Cestor 56), Joey Jones (Joe McNerney 46), Mark Ricketts, Josh Payne (James Clarke 56), Keiran Murtagh (Troy Hewitt* 46), Theo Lewis (Reece Beccles 74), John Goddard (Ebby Nelson-Abby* 66), Scott Rendell (Giuseppe Sole 66), Dean Morgan* (Adam Brice 86)
Unused subs: Jake Cole
*denotes trialist
West Ham United XI: Sam Howes, Sam Westley, Nathan Mavila, Josh Cullan, Manny Onariase (Moses Makasi 71), Jamie Harney, Blair Turgott, Kieran Bywater, Elliot Lee, Matthias Fanimo (Joe Powell 68), Kieran Sadlier (Jaanai Gordon 78)
Unused subs: Modibo Maiga, Tim Brown, Decarrey Sheriff
Attendance: 1072
MOTM: Dean Morgan – two excellent goals and plenty of promise despite lacking match fitness.
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Sam's six crunch games
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce will get the first six games of the season to prove he is the man to contiue as West Ham United. ClaretandHugh has learned that the opening games against Spurs, Palace, Southampton, Hull, Liverpool and Manchester United will see Sam on Trial. There's never been any danger of the manager losing his job in pre-season but a weak start to the campaign and the axe will fall. Allardyce knows he is under pressure from above to produce results with style and although pre-season has left many unhappy it's seen as wrong to sack during friendly games. However, with the work that has gone into getting the targets the manager wanted there's an expectancy that the team gets away to a good start. We were told: "I guess the crunch could come as soon as the second or third game if things were to go really wrong but the trial period is likely o be extended until the end of November. "They are a good mix of matches on which to make a judgement."
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United will hold a fans' forum for Season Ticket Holders at the Circus Tavern on 12 August
05.08.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce ticketing details for an exclusive free fans' forum for Season Ticket Holders at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce, Hammer of the Year Mark Noble, winger Stewart Downing and summer signing Aaron Cresswell on Tuesday 12 August at 6.30pm. The quartet will be on hand to talk about all manner of Hammers matters, including the Clubs ambitious plans for the 2014/15 season, how the six new signings are settling in at Chadwell Heath, the work Teddy Sheringham is doing on the training pitch and the hopes and targets for the new season.
This first fans' forum of the season will kick-off a regular series of Q&A events throughout the season, keeping fans abreast of all the goings on at the Boleyn Ground. The Q&A session will kick-off at 7pm prompt, and after there will be an informal opportunity for supporters to meet the manager and players, collect autographs and take photos. Limited parking is available on site and a pay bar will be in operation on the evening. Tickets will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served basis at a rate of one per successful applicant. Please note, Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult Season Ticket Holder.
To secure one of the places available for this exclusive event, please call the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 3*. The Club will announce, via whufc.com, as and when all spaces are filled. Supporters who have secured tickets for the event can submit questions for consideration by emailing seasonticketholder@westhamunited.co.uk, clearly stating if it is for Sam Allardyce, Mark Noble, Stewart Downing or Aaron Creswell.
If your question is selected we will then come to you on the night so please ensure you remember what you send in! The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 11 August so please make sure your email reaches us by then.
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Blair's buzzing for new season
WHUFC.com
Blair Turgott is ready for Tuesday night's Development Squad game against Newport County
05.08.2014
Blair Turgott says the Development Squad's varied pre-season will stand them in good stead for the challenges that await in the 2014/15 campaign. Nick Haycock's side have gained strong results, playing a mixture of European sides of a similar age to themselves and senior non-league outfits over the summer.
Their latest test takes them to Vanarama Conference Premier side Woking on Tuesday night, with the Young Hammers looking to bounce back from their first defeat of pre-season, having suffered a 3-0 reverse to League Two outfit Newport County on Saturday. Turgott said: "Of course it was tough against Newport, obviously we had a different set of lads out there and a couple of the young boys got a chance. The result wasn't the best, nor what we were looking for but it's definitely another experience gained and everyone can take something from it and that's what pre-season is all about. "It's a different challenge up against senior players, a bit more physical. Their experience comes into play a lot but it's good to play against men. We'll try to reap the benefits from it and hopefully in the season we can become stronger from it. "This pre-season we've played against all different set of age groups and different types of teams and Saturday was probably our toughest test so far. But something that we can all get the benefits from and make us a stronger team in the long run."
Turgott is hoping to gain more minutes on the pitch at Woking, having shrugged off a back injury. He continued: "It's more about getting minutes but it's also good to win, good to get that winning feeling. There's nothing better than winning, no matter what game you play in. We've lost on Saturday, which wasn't the best result, but we can take a lot of the benefits from it. It's been good, we've got some good results, playing against different countries, different philosophies but it's been good. "I've had a back injury, I didn't train that much throughout the week and then I played against Braintree. I was meant to play 45, but I felt alright so I played 60 and it's good to get more minutes on Saturday and hopefully I can push on towards Tuesday night at Woking. I'm feeling better so hopefully I can really kick on from now. "I'm looking forward to the new season. Of course places are up for grabs and Tuesday is another opportunity for us to go out there and show what we're all about."
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Transfer latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has denied reports that he is really to sell Peter Crouch to West Ham United. Amidst ludicrous rumours of a £10million bid for a player worth no more than a fifth of that, Hughes said: "It's just speculation. We're looking to build a strong squad and add to the quality we already have. Peter was very much part of that quality last year and we expect him to stay." The 33-year-old former England international joined Stoke in 2011.
* West Ham are keeping tabs on Cagliari striker Mauricio Pinilla, say TMW. The Chile international is prepared to leave Serie A and is keen on a return to the UK. The former Hearts striker, now 30, has represented his country on 30 occasions and featured on three occasions at this summer's World Cup Finals as a late substitute.
* Atletico Madrid striker Leo Baptistao is another on West Ham's hit list, say reports emanating from Spain. The 21-year-old Brazilian - who also holds an Italian passport and plays in the 'Kevin Nolan' role - made 11 appearances in La Liga last season for the European Champions League finalists before joining Real Betis on loan for the second half of the campaign.
* Sunderland are the latest club to be linked with a move for free agent Samuel Eto'o, who was released on a free by Chelsea at the end of last season. Sam Allardyce hinted at the weekend that Eto'o was a player he is keen on, although that doesn't appear to be a view shared in the boardroom.
* Paraguay international Oscar Cardozo is on the verge of joining Turkish club Trabzonspor. The 31-year-old Benfica forward is said to have rejected the opportunity to move to the Premier League, with both West Ham and new boys Leicester City having previously expressed an interest.
* 29-year-old Jimmy Briand has told Sky Sports that he regrets not having tried his luck in the Premier League. Briand, currently available on a free having been released by Olympique Lyonnais said: "I should have come to England a long time ago as I got the opportunities to go there, but I never went and I regret my decision." West Ham are said to be keeping tabs on the 29-year-old Frenchman's status.
* Further discussions with Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida are reported to have been pencilled in for later this week. Another free agent, the 30-year-old was released by Besiktas at the end of his three-year contract with the Turkish club. Preliminary talks between the player's representatives and West Ham have already taken place, according to the Mail.
* Mischievous rumours suggesting that West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan may be a target for Cardiff City have been dismissed.
* Connor Wickham continues to be linked with a move to West Ham, despite no bid yet having been placed. The Hereford-born Sunderland forward, previously of Ipswich, is entering the final year of his contract at the Stadium of Light and Black Cats manager Gus Poyet has already indicated that he will sell the player should a new deal not be agreed.
* Former Hammer Freddie Piquionne is on the verge of joining Ligue 2 side Creteil. A free agent having been released by Portland Timbers, the French striker will team with again with former Hammer Herita Ilunga, should he complete the move. Piquionne made 62 appearances for West Ham between 2010 and 2013, when he was released.
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Hammers back in Europe
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 5th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's development squad will feature in a brand new Premier League European competition this coming season.
The Hammers are one of eight teams selected from England who will be tackling major European competition in the tournament, which will run in conjunction with the 2014/15 Under 21s Premier League campaign.
The 16 teams will be entered into four groups of four, with the winners and runners-up from each of the groups qualifying for the knock-out phases. Additionally, both Sky and BT have indicated they will feature games live on TV.
Nick Hancock's West Ham Utd will be joined in the competition by fellow English teams Chelsea, Fulham, Leicester City, Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Southampton and Sunderland according to the Mail.
The eight European teams entering the tournament are Celtic (Scotland), Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal (Spain), Benfica and FC Porto (Portugal), Borussia Monchengladbach and Schalke (Germany) plus PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands).
West Ham's Under 21s kick off the Under 21 Premier League campaign with a trip to Tottenham on Monday, 18 August, before hosting Southampton at the Boleyn Ground four days later (Friday 22 August).
Dates, times and fixtures for the new format are yet to be released.
West Ham Utd Under 21s: 2014/15 Premier League Fixtures
All games kick-off at 7pm unless otherwise stated.
Mon 18 Aug: Tottenham Hotspur (a)
Fri 22 Aug: Southampton (h)
Fri 12 Sep: Liverpool (h)
Fri 19 Sep: Fulham (a)
Mon 29 Sep: Sunderland (h)
Fri 17 Oct: Manchester City (a)
Fri 24 Oct: Manchester Utd (h)
Wed 5 Nov: Norwich City (a)
Fri 28 Nov: Chelsea (h)
Mon 15 Dec: Everton (a)
Mon 5 Jan: Leicester City (h)
Fri 9 Jan: Tottenham Hotspur (h)
Mon 26 Jan: Southampton (a) 2.30pm
Fri 6 Feb: Fulham (h)
Mon 23 Feb: Liverpool (a)
Mon 9 Mar: Sunderland (a)
Fri 13 Mar: Manchester City (h)
Tue 7 Apr: Manchester Utd (a)
Fri 17 Apr: Norwich City (h)
Sun 3 May: Chelsea (a) 1pm
Fri 8 May: Everton (h)
Mon 18 May: Leicester City (a)
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Premier League plans under-21 league involving English and European clubs
Last Updated: 05/08/14 12:33pm
SSN
The Premier League has unveiled plans for a new under-21 league involving clubs from England and across Europe. The competition, which does not yet have the blessing of UEFA, would include eight under-21 teams from England and eight from other countries, including Scottish champions Celtic. But the Premier League claims the competition would not be a rival to FA chairman Greg Dyke's ambitions for some form of 'B-league' involving top-flight reserve teams.
In May, Dyke's England Commission proposed a B league to operate below League Two which is aimed at giving young players more match experience - something the new Premier League competition also aims to do. Communications director Dan Johnson said the Premier League's proposal had been under consideration for several years and was completely unrelated to Dyke's scheme. "We do believe it would be good for the development of talented young players but it is not an answer to the B league proposal at all. It is something we have wanted to do for a number of years," Johnson said. "We are keen to work with UEFA on what we think is a good development opportunity and there has been a lot of support from clubs on the continent. "Our view is that an under-21 competition with a significant programme of international fixtures at lower age levels is a good opportunity to expose players to this level of competition. "We now need to work with UEFA for their agreement."
The new competition would see 16 clubs split into four groups of four with the top two in each group going through to the knockout stage. Current plans are for the top eight from the Premier League's under-21 development league to take part, although Liverpool have already decided not to take up the chance, allowing West Ham in. Chelsea, Fulham, Leicester, Manchester City, Manchester United, Southampton, Sunderland and West Ham would compete from that league along with Celtic, Athletic Bilbao, Benfica, Borussia Monchengladbach, Schalke, Porto, PSV Eindhoven and Villarreal.
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AM I ALONE IN NOT BEING CONVINCED BY ADRIAN?
By Iain Dale 5 Aug 2014 at 20:32
West Ham Till I Die
Gues Post by Sam Dickeson
It has been obvious to see over the past couple of weeks that more and more West Ham fans are becoming increasingly concerned with the performances of Adrian. I admit myself having watched all of our pre-season games he has hardly filled me with confidence. He seems incapable of holding on to any shots and seems to palm everything back towards his own penalty spot.
It begs the question..
Do we need a new goalkeeper? Big Sam clearly had enough faith in the Spaniard after signing him last year and giving him enough time to settle in to the squad, before handing him his starting spot. Now with the season looming and Adrian in less than sparkling form should we be assessing the situation and looking to make a purchase? Henderson has recently left for Charlton and Jussi isn't the keeper he once was in 2003.
Such options as Ospina (3mil), Vorm (5mil), Ochoa (free) Pantilimon (free) already taken who would be available and seen as decent competition for Adrian? Many rumour mills have suggested Pepe Reina. I don't see the Spaniard prepared to sit on the bench week in week out at Liverpool but also I don't see him being interested in a move to London. I personally think Jack Butland could be worth looking at, he's young and exciting and would really push Adrian. Could even possibly oust him and take his spot?
It's all food for thought, but really does make you think.. Is Adrian really good enough?
Note from Iain – No, Sam, you are not alone in not being convinced…
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WHY I'M DREADING THE SPURS GAME
By Iain Dale 5 Aug 2014 at 17:30
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by IronFish
As the start of a new season draws ever closer, I like most of you, am totally dreading the game at home to Spurs on Saturday 16th August. Let's face it, it has been a terrible pre-season with awful tactics, boring football and even worse luck with injuries. But, it had looked very promising, with our new approach to the transfer window, getting in early bids for Zarate, Kouyate, Cresswell, Poyate, Valencia and then Jenkinson on a loan deal.
Clearly it will take time for new players to fit in with the rest of the squad – will they fit in with Sam's style of play? and does he want them all in the team anyway? These are all the questions that many of us are asking.
The injury to Andy Carroll (yet again) has been terribly unlucky – do we sign a similar style player, in the mould of Crouch or Wickham, or do we go for something different? All will be revealed shortly, I am sure.
But, let me put a slightly different perspective on things…….let me take you all back to the summer of 2010, under the leadership of Avram Grant at that time…………….
16 July: Pablo Barrera signs on a four-year contract, with a one-year option, for a fee of £4 million. He becomes West Ham's second summer signing of 2010.
16 July: Frédéric Piquionne joins West Ham for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract, becoming West Ham's third summer signing.
28 July: West Ham appoint Ċ½eljko Petrovi? as assistant manager.8
3 August: Tal Ben Haim joins West Ham on loan from Championship side Portsmouth until January 2011.
5 August: The signing of New Zealand international Winston Reid is completed. Reid signs a three-year contract for £4 million.
24 August: West Ham sell Alessandro Diamanti to Serie A club Brescia for €2.2m.
27 August: Nigerian international Victor Obinna is signed on a season-long loan from Inter.
31 August: Danish international, Lars Jacobsen signs a one-year contract, moving on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers.
31 August: Belgian goalkeeper Ruud Boffin signs a two-year contract for a nominal fee moving from Dutch side MVV.
We then went on to have a very good pre-season, beating Peterborough 2-1, winning at Monchengladbach and Panathinaikos (2-0 and 1-0 respectively). We beat the mighty MK Dons 2-0, then Ipswich Town 1-0, before drawing at Southend 1-1, with the final pre-season game at Upton Park, drawing 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna, winning 5-3 on penalties.
Everything in the garden was rosey – new manager, new players and a very good pre-season……..BUT, disaster struck – we only get 4 points from the opening 6 games of the new season, losing to Villa, Bolton, Man Utd and Chelsea, before drawing at Stoke and then beating Spurs 1-0……we then had to wait until the end of November, for our next win, a 3-1 victory against Wigan.
The season was a complete disaster, no leadership, no passion and not many wins under our belts, until we crashed out of the Premiership and were relegated to the Championship…….need I say more, a total disaster.
So, my thoughts fellow Hammers, are that we should wait and see what the new season brings……it's been a summer World Cup and I am guessing not many Premiership teams will be at full strength or at full fitness, so for me I think we have to try and put the poor pre-season behind us. We have many positives, in terms of new players, and I am sure they can find their feet quickly and we can build and develop again to have a fairly successful season.
The spot-light is under Sam more than ever, but I feel we have to give him at least 6 games to show what he can do again. Anything less that 6-8 points in those first half dozen games will probably spell the end of the big man's reign, with Messrs Moyes, Laudrup and Mackay waiting in the wings…….whatever happens, it won't be dull and boring, even if it appears that way on the pitch, it will be West Ham, and I for one am always forever blowing bubbles…….Come on you irons !!
What's your prediction for result and starting line-up for that 1st game of the season?
I'm going for a 1-1 draw and I reckon Sam will opt for the following starting 11:
Adrian…..O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell…..Zarate, Kouyate, Noble, Nolan, Downing….C. Cole.
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IS TROY DEENEY WORTH A PUNT?
By S J Chandos 5 Aug 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I DIe
The club are currently casting their nets far and wide to secure an additional striker to cover for the injury absence of Andy Carroll. The latest to be linked with us is Connor Wickham of Sunderland, but the media have also recently linked us with a move for Samuel Eto (a free agent), Peter Couch of Stoke City, Gary Hooper of Norwich City and Hugo Almeida (free agent). However, it appears that the alleged excessive personal terms of Eto are ruling him out of the equation; while you have to seriously question whether Hooper is any better than the strikers that we already have in the squad? Almeida might be the best option available to us, but again personal terms could be a major obstacle to closing a deal. Connor Wickham clearly has significant potential and we can probably sign him for the right price (because he is in the final year of his contract), but might we be better advised targeting a more experienced striker? Then there is Peter Crouch who could be an effective short-term option. However, the latest reports suggest that Mark Hughes wishes to retain him at Stoke City. So, unless Hughes changes his position that move also appears a non-starter.
Looking elsewhere, and playing Devil's advocate, what about making a move for Troy Deeney? He has done very well for Watford FC in the Championship, playing in a decidedly average team. In the last two Championship seasons, Deeney has scored a total of 45 goals (25 in 2013-14 and 20 in 2012-13) and has a overall career total of 96 goals in 323 matches. He is 26 years of age, mobile and a decent finisher. At 6 foot tall, he can lead the line, provide a strong physical presence and get on the end of high balls played in to the box. He is also good on the ground, holding up the ball, link-up and bringing others in to play. A number of clubs have been looking at Deeney recently, the latest being QPR and Leicester City. But it appears that they are being put off by the £8m price tag placed on him by Watford FC.
In terms of possible striker reinforcements, I do not think that he would be the first choice of most Hammers fans, but he clearly has ability, is hungary for success and seems to be maturing in to a genuine goal scorer. Even if he pitches in with 10-12 goals in the PL, next season, it would be a useful addition to our underwhelming strike force. If all other striker options lead nowhere, then might Deeney be worth a punt? And that £8m price tag? Go for a part-exchange deal, with Vaz Te moving to Watford FC. After all, they need to replace him and Vaz Te is a proven Championship goal scorer. If you value Vaz Te at £3.5m, that would bring Deeney's fee down to £4.5m, which is a reasonable figure for a Championship striker with the potential to make the step up to PL football.
Is it worth taking a chance on Troy Deeney, as a possible last resort, or should we look elsewhere?
SJ. Chandos.
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LET'S COPY GERMANY AND BRING DOWN THE COST OF SEASONTICKETS AT WEST HAM!
By Iain Dale 5 Aug 2014 at 08:43
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post from DannyUK.com
There was a recent tweet doing the rounds which detailed why a football club in Germany had such low season ticket prices. The tweet was a quote from Uli Hoeness who is president of Bayern Munich – a German team that can rightfully call itself one of the biggest and best in Europe.
Talking about the low cost of their season ticket prices – in particular for a standing season ticket (which we don't have available in the UK) costing just £104 behind the goal, Hoeness said…
"We could charge more than £104, let's say we charged £300. We would get £2m more in income but what is £2m to us? In a transfer discussion you argue about that sum for five minutes but the difference between £104 and £300 is huge for the fan. We don't think that the fans are like cows who you milk. Football has got to be for everybody and that is the biggest difference between us and England."
The quote has got the UK football community talking, and it made me think how it would affect my own club, West Ham. West Ham are – as they will tell everyone and anyone at any given opportunity – a club in debt. The present owners took over a few years ago and vowed to get £100m worth of debt (well, £100m give or take a few million) down over the next few years. To their credit, they have started doing this successfully, while still breaking the club transfer record more than once. In the 2013 accounts the net debt figure for the end of the year was quoted at £77.4m. I should note that all figures hereon in are taken from the same accounts which can be found online here.
However, let's do some maths here. The lowest price Season Ticket at Upton Park is £640. The highest, £910. Obviously we are only talking about adult ticket prices here.
The ground currently holds 36,000 supporters, and is generally a sell out for the majority of games.
West Ham have mentioned in the past that they have 20,000 season ticket holders However the official 2013 accounts show "season ticket and other receipts in advance" brought in £8.5m, which is the figure I will work on.
This season the lowest price season ticket at Upton Park will cost £640, and the highest £910.
My initial thought was that if the cost of these tickets were halved, it would mean that the season tickets would cost between £320 and £455 each – An absolutely vast saving. Naturally this would result in a loss of revenue for the club of around £4.25m.
The club's response to this would be no doubt to restate how much in debt the club currently are. It's interesting to point out that the shareholders (of whom David Sullivan is the sole majority shareholder, and David Gold holds the second highest amount) currently receive £2.3m per year on interest payable from loans.
Now I'm not denying the good that the two Davids have done for the club. I am firmly in the "they are good for West Ham" camp, which I know is the opposite to many fans. I'd be inclined to suggest that if they are in it for the love of the club though – which is another oft-spoken line – are they not able to provide the loans interest free?
I appreciate that the value of the loans (£45.7m) is huge, and that they would be able to make a profit elsewhere had they invested the money wisely. My issue is that they keep saying they aren't in it for the money. That £2.3m per year – if knocked off the price of season ticket prices – could reduce prices down to £397 for the lowest and £565 for the highest.
Although that's not the half-price that I initially thought about, it still makes the season tickets much more affordable to fans. This in turn grows the fan base and protects the long term future of the club.
If you want to look elsewhere for savings, consider that the directors are receiving almost £2m per year, which isn't part of a total of £49.2m paid out in wages and salary. A further £1.36m went towards Olympic Stadium project costs, which you can argue will either not be ongoing, or will be swallowed up by the increase in revenue of taking over the stadium.
This is without touching on the massive Sky sponsorship that comes in. £51.8m was the figure quoted under "Broadcast and central sponsorship deals" – a figure that is set to rise when the new round of Sky sponsorship begins.
I know that this article may come across as a little bit of board-bashing, but it's really not meant to. As I've already said, Gold and Sullivan took the club on when we were extremely down on our luck, and have done extremely well to keep us alive, much less begin to turn the tide.
I'd love to see them turn around and write off interest on loans, and reinvest that money into reduced season ticket costs. I dare say that they could afford to do that whereas the average fan will struggle to pay out the high costs of the tickets.
However, I would much rather see the money diverted away from players and agents to be put towards ticket prices. This would involve a massive undertaking by all professional clubs and the FA. No one club could choose to restrict the wages they offer without running the risk of losing out on players to a team that hasn't taken up that remit.
Financial Fair Play offers a step in the right direction, though already people are questioning how well that will succeed.
In the meantime I'll use this as an open letter to the board. I apologise if my sums are wrong or my assumptions are incorrect. I'm not an accountant and there will be hundreds if not thousands of people far better qualified to look through the accounts and come up with suggestions.
But even if my calculations are out. Even if they are completely and wildly wide of the mark, the sentiment remains. Bringing down the cost of season tickets is – must be! – somehow viable. Doing so would strengthen relationships between fans and board members, encourage people to come along to the ground more often and build our future by doing so.
Until such time that safe standing becomes a real option in the UK, which should see a natural reduction in ticket prices for those areas, the price of tickets needs to be looked at. Season Tickets seem the ideal place to start.
Visit Danny's site at dannyuk.com
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West Ham's Mark Noble dreading another season as miserable as the last one
Aug 05, 2014 22:30 By Marc Isaacs
Midfielder "probably only enjoyed about two months" of 2013-14 campaign as they fought the drop and fans grumbled with key man Carroll crocked
The Mirror
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble admits last season was one of the worst experiences of his career - but is ready to ease the pressure on under-fire boss Sam Allardyce and restore the party atmosphere at Upton Park. The Hammers were involved a relegation dogfight for the majority of the season, angry fans turned on Allardyce over his tactics, their record signing, England striker Andy Carroll, missed much of the campaign through injury and the club's owners demanded a more entertaining team for 2014-15. Noble says he never wants to go through that ordeal again and believes the club are doing everything they can to bring in attacking players who can change the way West Ham play. "I probably only enjoyed about two months of last season," claimed Noble, as the opening game against London rivals Tottenham on August 16 looms. "We were in the bottom three and then put a few results together and jumped to 10th. But from 10th downwards last year everyone was in a relegation scrap and that's not where we want to be. "We've got two weeks to knuckle down and do what we need to do to become a proper team. Hopefully we can get another couple of signings in and enjoy this season. "I hope we can [produce a more entertaining side], but winning games is entertaining enough. If you don't win games, you get relegated, it's as simple as that."
Noble says he would love to help West Ham get to a cup final next season and give the fans a big day out at Wembley. But with the club facing one of the biggest moves in their history when they relocate from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium in nearby Stratford 2016, he has also stressed the importance of retaining their top flight status. He added: "A cup run would be a bonus. For the club, with the new stadium coming, the main concentration will be the league. We want to improve on 13th spot."
West Ham have suffered a poor pre-season campaign and failed to score once from open play in the two games against hosts Schalke and Spain's Malaga at a tournament last weekend in Germany. The players were forced to trek to the other side of the world when the club played two friendlies in New Zealand last month, and they suffered more bad news when Carroll was ruled out for four months with ankle ligament damage. But despite the bad run of results, Noble is convinced they will get things right before Tottenham arrive. He said: "New Zealand was a tough trip, (going to) the other side of the world. It was tough for the lads, we were up until all sorts of hours in the morning. "But you've got to do what you've got to do - when you play in the Premier League now, it's worldwide. The likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United are always all over the world and that seems the way forward. "You don't know [how it has affected you]. As long as you get minutes under your belts then hopefully it won't affect us too much. "I've been through pre-seasons where we've battered everyone and then lost the first three. But you need a good start."
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"Invisible" Elliot Lee bags another 3 goals as Development squad edge past Woking
http://www.westhamfan.net/
The invisible man of West Ham's playing staff, young Elliot Lee, scored a hat-trick tonight as the West Ham Development squad edged a competitive affair against Woking at the Kingfield Stadium. This follows a barrage of goals already this pre-season, and the poor lad must be wondering what he has to do to make it into the first team on a regular basis. Perhaps growing another 12 inches might help, eh Sam?
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Late goal sees Hammers edge past Cards
Alan Worth - 5th August 2014
Late goal sees Hammers edge past Cards Woking 2 West Ham United XI 3
Pre-Season Friendly
5th August 2014
wokingfc.co.uk
The Cards completed their pre-season programme this evening, hosting the West Ham Development Squad. In what proved to be a highly entertaining evening and a game that, at times, defied its billing as a "friendly", the Hammers needed to rely on their captain and hat-trick hero Elliot Lee to see them scrape a win in this competitive affair.
Despite dominating possession for long periods the Cards struggled to test the Hammers keeper Howes. However late into the second period, trialist Dean Morgan lit up Kingfield with a brace of goals inside a minute – both beautifully finished and with all the hallmarks of an experiences goal scorer, his performance certainly had the Woking fans taking notice!
Garry Hill again rang the changes for this game and paired Mark Ricketts and Joey Jones at the centre of defence with Adam Newton and John Nutter starting as full backs. The ubiquitous central midfield duo of Josh Payne and Kieran Murtagh with Theo Lewis and John Goddard on the flanks provided a strong midfield with Scott Rendell and trialist Morgan up front.
Morgan, though clearly not yet match fit, was immediately involved flicking a pass on to Rendell who, tripped by the keeper in the box, was judged to be offside. And it was Morgan again working the ball in from the left – an inviting cross but no one able to benefit.
After fourteen minutes West Ham opened the scoring. The impressive Blair Turgott was too quick for Nutter and his dangerous cross flew across the Cards box. The ball was returned and as Aaron Howe failed to gather Lee was on hand to fire into the roof of the net from six yards.
Woking almost equalised immediately. Nutter's cross from the left was flicked on by Rendell in the box, but just beyond Goddard as the ball flew past the far post.
The Hammers had already shown enough to warn Woking that they were a very pacey side and quick on the break. On eighteen minutes a lightening break by Fanimo saw him set up the ever-dangerous Turgott as the Hammers pressed high up the pitch. The winger's cross again found Lee who made no mistake as he scored his and the visitors' second.
Two down already and now it was the turn of the Cards to press as they began to dominate possession. Jones headed over from Goddard's pinpoint free kick and again Jones headed goalwards from a Nutter free kick but it was straight at Howes.
Woking then had the ball in the net after a deft Morgan cross was met by the head of Rendell. His effort was half saved and the Cards striker buried the rebound but only to see the linesman's flag raised for an offside.
It was now all Woking as they pushed forward. Morgan controlled a long kick out from Howe and played in Rendell but his pass to Goddard ended with the ball fired well over the top. Lewis then set up Payne but his effort was well over. Howes was out quickly to deny Rendell who was attempting to reach Ricketts long clearance and there was still time for Goddard to blaze a shot over the bar before the break.
Half-time: Woking 0 West Ham United XI 2
As so often happens with pre-season games, the second period was disrupted by numerous substitutions. Joe McNerney and trialist Troy Hewitt both started the second half in place of Murtagh and Jones.
But it was the Hammers who made the brighter start with the lightening pace of Turgott causing Woking the most difficulty. His two efforts after five minutes of the restart were both close and the second coming after a mesmerising run through the heart of the Woking midfield.
With ten minutes of the second half gone Kingfield had its first glimpse of signing James Clarke who replaced Josh Payne. The central defender immediately made his presence felt; looking calm and solid in defence and spraying a number of excellent, accurate passes from the back.
As the substitutions continued it was Woking who now looked the most likely to score as they again dominated play.
With ten minutes remaining Dean Morgan opened his and the Cards account after good work on the right by Xapi. The ex Wycombe's delicious curling left foot shot, from outside the box, flew past Howes and into the far corner.
And then straight from the kick off Woking regained possession and there was Morgan repeating the trick again from outside the box. This time a cool finish as he slotted the ball past a despairing Howes into the opposite corner.
The game had been turned on its head! McNerney now up front as Woking strained for what would have been a deserved winner in what was now becoming an almost testy affair. But Elliot Lee was to have the last word. His solo effort after the Cards gave away the ball cheaply in midfield saw him round Howe to finish and then lead the Hammers celebrations.
This again proved to be a very useful workout for the Cards. Certainly Morgan's brace will give the management team something to think about and the first sighting of James Clarke looked extremely positive. Who will start next Saturday at Alfreton is not entirely easy to predict. What is certain is that the football from now on becomes really meaningful.
Woking begin their home fixtures in the league against Dartford on Tuesday 12th August. Come down to Kingfield and get behind the team!
Woking: Aaron Howe, Adam Newton (Xapi* 66), John Nutter (Mike Cestor 56), Joey Jones (Joe McNerney 46), Mark Ricketts, Josh Payne (James Clarke 56), Keiran Murtagh (Troy Hewitt* 46), Theo Lewis (Reece Beccles 74), John Goddard (Ebby Nelson-Abby* 66), Scott Rendell (Giuseppe Sole 66), Dean Morgan* (Adam Brice 86)
Unused subs: Jake Cole
*denotes trialist
West Ham United XI: Sam Howes, Sam Westley, Nathan Mavila, Josh Cullan, Manny Onariase (Moses Makasi 71), Jamie Harney, Blair Turgott, Kieran Bywater, Elliot Lee, Matthias Fanimo (Joe Powell 68), Kieran Sadlier (Jaanai Gordon 78)
Unused subs: Modibo Maiga, Tim Brown, Decarrey Sheriff
Attendance: 1072
MOTM: Dean Morgan – two excellent goals and plenty of promise despite lacking match fitness.
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Sam's six crunch games
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce will get the first six games of the season to prove he is the man to contiue as West Ham United. ClaretandHugh has learned that the opening games against Spurs, Palace, Southampton, Hull, Liverpool and Manchester United will see Sam on Trial. There's never been any danger of the manager losing his job in pre-season but a weak start to the campaign and the axe will fall. Allardyce knows he is under pressure from above to produce results with style and although pre-season has left many unhappy it's seen as wrong to sack during friendly games. However, with the work that has gone into getting the targets the manager wanted there's an expectancy that the team gets away to a good start. We were told: "I guess the crunch could come as soon as the second or third game if things were to go really wrong but the trial period is likely o be extended until the end of November. "They are a good mix of matches on which to make a judgement."
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Tuesday, August 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th August 2014
Nobes psyched for Sampdoria
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble cannot wait to get back out on the Boleyn Ground turf on Saturday
04.08.2014
Mark Noble is looking forward to testing himself against more top European
opposition when Sampdoria visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday for the
inaugural Marathonbet Cup. Noble captained West Ham United for Sunday's
conclusion to the Schalke Cup, which saw them come off second best against
Spanish side Malaga following an impressive penalty shoot-out win against
the tournament hosts the day before. With the squad now back in the UK,
Noble's thoughts have quickly turned to the Hammers' final pre-season
friendly against the Italian outfit, which will offer Sam Allardyce a last
chance to test his squad before the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur
in two weeks' time. "It'll be nice to get back out at the Boleyn Ground
against a top European side," Noble said. "It's our last game before the
start of the season and it'll be nice to get back there playing in front of
your own fans. "With so many players coming in and some of the injuries
we've got it'll be interesting to see what starting XI the gaffer will go
with. We've got less than two weeks now to knuckle down and to become a
proper team and hopefully we can get another couple of signings in to
improve the squad and the team."
Malaga's victory meant the Spanish side won the four-team tournament that
also featured fellow Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United. The
Hammers had been in with a chance of winning the trophy following Saturday's
7-6 shoot-out win, but despite not bringing the silverware home, the Hammer
of the Year saw the trip to Germany as a worthwhile exercise. "In Germany
the level was a lot higher and the teams were a lot better and we coped well
in spells. We played Malaga and they had all the ball, but it was a good
work out for the boys. We know the way the Spanish play; you expect that.
"It's hard as I've been through pre-seasons before and we've battered every
team we've come across but then we've lost the first three games of the
season. "So I think in pre-season it's all about fitness, getting to a level
where you want to be at to play in the Premier League. Hopefully we can get
off to a good start as we got 14 points from our first eight games two
seasons ago. We just need to get points on the board early doors and make
life easy for ourselves."
Noble and the rest of the West Ham first-team squad will have a chance to
meet Enner Valencia at training this week after the Ecuador World Cup star
flew into London on Friday night. Noble admits he cannot wait to see what
the Club's second most expensive signing ever can add to the squad as Sam
Allardyce looks to shake up his attacking options. "No pressure on him but
we need him at the moment as we're bit light in that area. We just need our
squad back together for the start of the season. "Hopefully we can entertain
the fans and put on a good show in our home games and then go away and be
solid away from home. We've finished tenth and 13th so the aim will be to
finish better than that this time around."
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Mediawatch - 4 August
WHUFC.com
A round-up of West Ham United in the news today
04.08.2014
The Sun (£) reports that the Hammers are weighing up a move for Sunderland
striker Connor Wickham, as their search for a striker continues. This line
is also carried in the Daily Telegraph.
Another transfer story in Monday's press concerns Manchester United winger
Wilfried Zaha, with the Daily Mail reporting that West Ham would like to
take him on loan.
The Mirror has coverage of the hamstring injury suffered by Carl Jenkinson
in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Malaga.
That same game, in which two goals from the Spanish side in as many first
half minutes gave Malaga the victory, is covered by match reports in the
Mail and The Sun (£).
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Ladies add five new players
WHUFC.com
Julian Dicks' West Ham United Ladies have been busy bolstering their ranks
in recent weeks
04.08.2014
West Ham United Ladies' new manager Julian Dicks has strengthened his squad
with five new additions already this summer. The Hammers have recruited some
new talent in goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles and striker Emma Sherwood from
Millwall, defender Ruby Baxter from Bristol Academy, midfielder Vicky
Kinsman from Barking Ladies and attacker Alma Donohoe from KIKK United. The
new girls have all got down to work with their new club and are relishing
the 2014/15 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division season. "The
decision to leave Millwall was never going to be an easy one," admitted
Runnacles. "I wish them all the best for the rest of their season, but the
move to West Ham made sense in so many ways. "Since joining the club, I feel
that I've been given great support and the training that I need. "It's been
intense and I'm sure that will carry on throughout the season but, with the
group of girls and staff we have here, I'm sure it will result in a positive
future at the club!"
Also joining from Millwall is striker Sherwood, who said the presence of
Dicks in the dugout was a big factor in her swapping south London for east
London.
"It was an easy decision to join West Ham from Millwall after meeting the
girls and Julian," revealed Sherwood. "The girls have got so much banter and
it already feels like I'm part of the family here. "Julian is a great
manager and is an absolute pleasure to play for. He manages to get the best
out of us and everyone has great respect for him and the ambition that he
has with the Ladies squad. "I'm looking forward to the season ahead and know
that we can challenge for silverware this season."
Two of the Hammers' new additions are returning to West Ham Ladies after
several years away from the club. One of those is midfielder Kinsman, who
has featured for Barking Ladies since leaving the Hammers ten years ago. "I
couldn't be prouder putting on a West Ham shirt than I am right now,"
confirmed Kinsman. "Ten years ago, I played for West Ham but decided to
leave to have a few years out. I'm finally back where I belong and I can't
wait to get stuck in and win some trophies with the girls!"
The other returning Hammer is defender Baxter, who featured for West Ham
Ladies at Under-12 level at the same time as playing for Leyton Orient,
before The FA introduced a 'one club rule', where Orient's Centre of
Excellence status was enough to persuade her away from the Hammers. Now back
in the Claret and Blue shirt, Baxter couldn't be happier. "Since leaving
Bristol Academy and returning home, it feels so good to be back wearing the
West Ham shirt and playing for the club that has and will always be closest
to my heart," said Baxter. "I feel privileged to have been selected for the
upcoming season with Julian and the girls. "I am extremely excited for the
season to commence and am relishing the thought of success in the league and
other competitions this year."
The final addition to the Ladies squad is striker, former Cambridge
University Women's Football captain and Harvard Business School graduate
Donohoe, who has joined the Hammers from Mile End-based KIKK United. "I'm
very excited about joining West Ham Ladies," said Donohoe (pictured with
manager Julian Dicks). "I think it will be a great challenge and I am
prepared to work hard for the team and the manager. I'm hoping to have a
good season and see the team finish in the top half of the table."
The Ladies, who finished second from bottom in the Southern Division last
season before appointing Dicks as manager this summer, continued their
pre-season with a 3-2 defeat at C&K Basildon on Sunday. Vicki Bruce and
Vicki King twice put the Hammers in front in the first half, only for the
home side to level the match at 2-2 by half-time. A winning goal ten minutes
after the break condemned Dicks to his first defeat as Ladies manager. West
Ham will kick-off their 2014/15 Southern Division season by travelling to
Uxbridge FC to take on Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 24 August at 2pm.
Dicks' first home league game in charge will be against Tottenham Hotspur at
Aveley FC at 7.45pm on Thursday 4 September.
Ladies: Runnacles, Baxter, King, Powels, Bottom, Morgan, Little, Hinton,
Donohoe, Sherwood, Bruce
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U19s show strongly at Eurofoot
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Academy side finished sixth at the Yale Eurofoot
Tournament
04.08.2014
West Ham United's Academy side performed strongly in Belgium over the
weekend to take sixth place in the annual Yale Eurofoot Tournament. The
tournament features U19 sides from across Europe, with the likes of
Anderlecht, Standard Liege, Utrecht and Tottenham Hotspur also in
attendance.
West Ham began superbly on Thursday, winning their opening two group games
against Belgian opposition. Jerry Amoo (pictured) and Jordan Brown were on
target to down Anderlecht 2-0, and the pair were on the scoresheet again,
alongside Djair Parfitt-Williams, to secure a 3-1 victory over Oostende,
which meant the Hammers had a perfect six points from six at the end of day
one. Friday gave the Hammers a three-game schedule, and the winning habit
was maintained as Standard Liege were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline
first up - with Amoo taking his tournament tally to four. A 1-1 draw against
Danish outfit Nordsjaelland continued the unbeaten run, although a 2-0
defeat to eventual tournament winners Paranaense, of Brazil, meant the
Hammers had to settle for third in the group, missing out to Nordsjaelland
for a semi-final spot on goal difference. Third meant a play-off for fifth
place against Club Brugge on Sunday, and the Belgians prevailed to take the
honours with a 2-0 scoreline. Paranaense saw off Genk 1-0 in the final to
lift the trophy
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West Ham's Ravel Morrison released on bail over assault
BBC.co.uk
West Ham footballer Ravel Morrison has been released on bail after three
days in custody on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother.
Mr Morrison faces two charges of common assault after an alleged incident
involving Reah Mansoor, 19, and Parveen Mansoor, 39, on 27 July. He was
remanded in custody on Thursday, but his bail was approved at a Manchester
Crown Court hearing earlier. The 21-year-old from Urmston is next due before
magistrates on Thursday. After starting his career with Manchester United's
youth teams, he was sold to West Ham in January 2012. The midfielder, who
has also played on loan for QPR and Birmingham City, has four England
Under-21 caps.
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Sam on the move
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Academy goalkeeper Sam Cowler has joined Vanarama Conference
side Barnet. 21-year-old Cowler spent three years at the club without making
a single first team appearance, although he was an unused substitute for the
2-1 defeat against Aldershot in the 2011/12 Carling Cup. Upon leaving West
Ham, Cowler joined Barnet but found his opportunities limited due to the
steady form of regular number one Graham Stack. A year ago this month he
moved to Bishop's Stortford before another former Hammer, Martin 'Mad Dog'
Allen, took him back to the Bees, as confirmed by the player himself this
afternoon. Cowler was part of the same youth team that included the likes of
Danny Potts, Seb Lletget and Matthias Fanimo, all of whom represented the
club in Germany last weekend. He was also in the same squad as Dylan
Tombides, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
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Ravel Morrison released on bail
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been released from custody three days before he is due in
court to answer an assault charge. Judge Michael Henshall this morning
agreed to release the West Ham midfielder on bail, four days after he was
remanded in custody after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend and her
mother, reports the Manchester Evening News. Morrison, who wasn't appear in
court this morning for the bail application hearing will appear at
Manchester magistrates court this coming Thursday (August 7) after being
arrested in the early hours of last Sunday morning. He stands accused of
assaulting former girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother Parveen
Mansoor, 39.
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West Ham's Ravel Morrison granted bail after spending weekend in custody
Last Updated: 04/08/14 12:35pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been freed after a judge granted him
bail following a private court hearing. The 21-year-old was in custody and
not present at Manchester Crown Court to hear the bail application made by
his lawyers. Morrison is accused of two counts of common assault on his
ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19 and her mother Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the
early hours of last Sunday morning. He was refused bail by District Judge
James Prowse at his first court appearance at Manchester Magistrates' Court
on Thursday and spent the weekend in custody. Judge Michael Henshall granted
Morrison bail on Monday, but his conditions were not given by the court
following a request from the press. Morrison was sold by Manchester United
to West Ham for a fee of £650,000 in January 2012, but has since spent loan
spells at Birmingham and QPR. He is next due to appear at Manchester
Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
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West Ham wait on Carl Jenkinson injury news
Last Updated: 04/08/14 3:11pm
SSN
Carl Jenkinson is set to miss the start of the new Premier League season
with West Ham after picking up an injury in Sunday's friendly against
Malaga.
Jenkinson, who has signed for the Hammers on a season-long loan from
Arsenal, injured a hamstring in the 2-0 defeat and will have a scan to
determine the extent of the damage. West Ham midfielder Mark Noble told Sky
Sports News: "Hopefully it is not too bad because we need players like that
fit for the start of the season. New signing Carl Jenkinson suffered a
hamstring injury but Mark Noble says it isn't serious. Noble is however,
concerned about Andy Carroll's injury. "It was a precaution to take him off
and we have two more games before we start the season with a tough one
against Tottenham." With first-choice right-back Guy Demel also injured,
manager Sam Allardyce will be hoping that Jenkinson's injury does not prove
to be too serious. The defeat to Malaga was West Ham's third loss in four
pre-season games and they are next in action against Sampdoria at Upton Park
on Saturday.
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BIG SAM: STICK OR TWIST?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 17:43
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by David Cutting
I've been watching West Ham for 37 years, since I was 7 years old (North
Bank Bar standing on a milk crate). My old man used to play for West Ham
Boys and played semi-pro for Barking, Leytonstone, etc. To be honest I never
rated myself much as a player, let's say a mediocre at best right-back. The
old man was a bit tasty, playing centre forward for Barking (when they were
decent). But I have spent a lot of my time around senior football since the
age of 8. The old man started Eldon Black Lion many years ago, based out of
The Black Lion PH (West Ham Boxing Club) in Plaistow. He was Aveley FC's
Coach when they played Oxford City and I got to meet Bobby Moore and Harry.
I'll be honest, I remember meeting BM6 but I couldn't remember meeting Aitch
until I heard some Radio 5 Live broadcast about it last year. Enough Already
– name-dropping or just real life football related experience?
I listen to the reported 80% or so wanting Sam out every week and I
understand it, I get it, I want it (sort of) – from a 'fan' point of view,
from an 'entertainment' point of view, from a 'this is how football should
be played' point of view. If I was ever good enough to play for Big Sam, I'm
sure I would be the first player out the door – "Don't pass it around the
edge of the penalty box, just get rid of it" – I assure you, I have
absolutely no reason to like him or admire him. I'm bored and uninspired
too!
Yet, West Ham United have probably the 2 most important years of their
modern history ahead of them. This isn't a time for looking good (my own
personal football philosophy goes flying out the window). So yeah come on,
let's kick Big Sam out. It'll make us all feel much better about ourselves.
I'm sure we will all celebrate, but maybe only temporarily?
When push comes to shove, look at our squad: Adrian, Jussi, Jenkinson,
O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis,
Downing, Zarate, Valencia, Carroll – Zaha (wildcard?)
Personally, I think that's good enough to be where we need to be next year.
No Drama (Hopefully). No Crisis (Hopefully). No Sackings (TBC) End of
Contract (Hopefully) and then 'at last' time to move on and grow OUR beloved
Football Club.
Oh yeah, and a whole 12 months to find a top manager to take us to the next
level
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WHAT HAS KEVIN NOLAN EVER DONE FOR US?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 12:39
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Appy Ammer
This has been hammered home so many times but the facts are, Kevin Nolan
will probably start the season, so rather than whine about it, I wanted to
talk about the things Kevin brings to the club.
There are things off the pitch that clearly Nolan deals in, from what I can
gather he handles club fines (Discipline?) and helps with the integration of
new players he takes under his wing. And he is the player others go to if
they want to talk to Sam, so away from the pitch he has a big influence and
is very important, arguably as a captain one of the better ones we have had
for a while. (I would argue the last captain we had who was as good was
maybe Steve Lomas)
But, therein lies a bit of a dilemma. If Sam drops Nolan, which many have
argued he should, myself included, then how does that effect the dressing
room? To some extent Sam's inability (whatever the reason) of not wanting to
get his hands dirty with the squad has created his own problems.
Nolan, as captain and everything else he brings to the squad makes him also
undroppable, but is he the same player as he was when he joined us? I would
argue he isn't, and no matter how good a captain off the pitch he doesn't do
enough on it. But again, does he have too much power with the other lads?
If so, what do you do with him? We all know he will not be dropped and we
also know he is an excellent captain, so how do you deal with it? Nolan in a
new position? Maybe due to lack of pace push him as a virtual out and out
striker, alongside Carroll/Cole, relieving him of all defensive duties? Or
drop him deeper, maybe as an anchor and allow Noble/Koyate more chances to
get forward.
All I know is he will almost certainly play (unless he gets red carded for
Christmas! Not that I'm cynical!) and his current abilities do not allow him
to play the way he wants to or Sam wants him to.
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IS CONNOR WICKHAM REALLY THE ANSWER TO OUR STRIKER PROBLEMS?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 08:48
West Ham Till I DIe
The Telegraph suggest that West Ham are looking to Sunderland's Connor
Wickham to plug our attacking hole. Really? It is said he would be an ideal
replacement for Andy Carroll. Well, he's 6' foot three and doesn't score
many goals, but that has to be where the similarities end.
Wickham looked the business when he left Ipswich for Sunderland, but since
going to the North East he hasn't exactly set the world alight with his
exploits. Now admittedly he is only 21 years old and maybe he would fulfill
his promise if he moved to Upton Park, but if you look at his record so far
it isn't exactly stellar, although admittedly he came good towards the end
of last season and scored five goals in the run-in, which contributed hugely
to Sunderland staying up. But whatever his merits he is not the 15-20 goal a
season striker we so desperately need. At Ipswich he scored 13 in 65 and at
Sunderland he's only got 6 in 40. Overall, including loan spells and cup
games he has scored 33 goals in 143 games. Carlton Cole is more prolific.
It seems from the pre-season games so far that Sam Allardyce has barely
modified his style of play and that he will continue to play one up front.
Quite why the club has bought Zarate is anyone's guess as he certainly can't
play in that position, and I doubt whether Valencia would fancy it either.
Only at West Ham, eh?
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Former United footballer Ravel Morrison jogs away from prison after being
bailed on assault charges
Aug 04, 2014 19:23 By Paul Britton
This is the moment former Manchester United footballer Ravel Morrison,
charged with two assaults, was released on bail from Strangeways prison
Manchester Evening News
This is the moment former Manchester United footballer Ravel Morrison,
charged with two assaults, was released on bail from Strangeways prison.
The 21-year-old was freed from HMP Manchester seven hours after a judge had
granted a bail application after a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.
Morrison, had been remanded in custody last month after he was charged with
two counts of common assault. The charges relate to his ex-girlfriend Reah
Mansoor, 19, and her mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor. Midfielder
Morrison, who moved to West Ham United from Manchester United in 2012, was
arrested on Sunday July 27 after police were called to an address in Peel
Green, Salford, in the early hours. It followed reports that a 19-year-old
woman had been assaulted outside a nightclub in Manchester city centre and
at an address on Alexandra Road in Peel Green. A 39-year-old woman also
claimed she had been attacked there. Morrison, who spent the end of last
season on loan at QPR, was remanded in custody by a district judge at
Manchester magistrates court during an initial hearing last month. No pleas
have been entered.
A bail application hearing was heard in private before judge Michael
Henshall at Manchester Crown Court. Morrison, of Welwyn Close, Urmston,
wasn't produced from custody to attend but bail was granted in his absence
at the end of the 15-minute hearing. No conditions of bail were revealed.
His mother turned up outside Strangeways in mid-afternoon but Morrison was
not released until about 5.30pm. Wearing a white t-shirt, cream jogging
pants and grey shell-toed trainers, Morrison was not met by anyone. He ran
off down Bury New Road towards the city centre. He is due to appear at
Manchester magistrates court again on Thursday. West Ham United have refused
to comment.
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Hammers hope Rav can train after getting bail
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are hoping they can get Ravel Morrison back into training following
him receiving bail this morning! The 21 year old midfielder clearly remains
part of the club's plans despite being remanded in custody by a district
judge at Manchester magistrates court during an initial hearing last month.
He was charged with two counts of common assault but today at a private
hearing before judge Michael Henshall at Manchester Crown Court, the 21 year
old was granted bail.
He wasn't produced from custody but was bail granted ahead of an appearance
before magistrates again on Thursday. A highly placed Hammers source told
Claretandhugh exclsuively: "Hopefully he can now get back and start
training. Maybe things are turning our way."
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EXCLUSIVE: Sullivan hopes Rav's back asap
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has told Ravel Morrison he's looking forward to seeing him
back in training as quickly as possible. Sullivan was relieved to see the
player's bail application succeed in private chambers this morning and made
it clear there's still a place for the player at Upton Park. Speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh, the co-chairman said: ""I hope Ravel gets back
into training as soon as possible and concentrates on his football. Sullivan
had made it clear ahead of the incident last week that the board were keen
to offer the midfielder a new deal. And manager Sam Allardyce has since said
that if the player can get the discipline side of his game correct then he
is in his plans. The 21 year old will appear before magistrates in
Manchester on Thursday after being charged with two counts of common
assault. The charges relate to his ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her
mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor. No pleas have been entered.
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THE ALLARDYCE SITUATION NEEDS SORTING & SORTING NOW
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 21:41
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Heedsy
On the face of it, it doesn't seem to make any sense as to why we still have
Allardyce as our manager. I have no "well placed sources" to let me know
what is really going on at Upton Park but wonder whether it panned out
something like this.
Allardyce has served us not too badly up to recent times ( in spite of his
style not being liked by many fans). Last season was pretty shocking but in
spite of everything we survived. Then the fans found their voice and the
board new something must be done. It would not be unreasonable to assume
they looked at alternative managers and indicated they would prefer a home
based one? With Moyes probably proving too expensive and not many other
worthy prospects around (McKay etc) unless they wanted to take a real chance
on ex spud Hoddle or someone from a lower division, they were faced with
buying someone out of their contract. Together with Allardyce's payout that
could amount to significant dosh. So perhaps that did not look the best
business decision. Particularly if they could just get Allardyce to change
things a bit to appease the fans. Paying out possibly £6-£8 million for a
management change now against hanging in for one more year is a tough call
on shareholder funds.
Taking the transfer chequebook away from Allardyce was a must and new young
talented players would be put at his disposal.
I am sure the Board didn't say that Allardyce would play more attractive
attacking football this year and not expect to see some change. They know
the fans are not fools and have a voice.
So I can only assume Allardyce has agreed to the changes but had no
intention of following them through. It seems hard to believe that a
professional manager in the Premier League in this day and age would
actively go against his employers wishes and force them to back down or sack
him , but what other scenario can you come up with based on pre-season?
The soap opera that is now being played out in public does the club no good
at all. But I feel sure this was not the Board's original intention.
Nevertheless it needs sorting now. Surely the Board must call on Allardyce
to either do what he agreed to do or sack him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Peter Crouch not for sale as Stoke City boss Mark Hughes fends off West Ham
interest
Aug 04, 2014 22:30 By Alan Nixon
The Potters boss is determined to stand by the big target man despite
signing Mame Biram Diouf and with Hammers' Sam Allardyce on the prowl
The Mirror
Mark Hughes has put a 'hands off' notice on Stoke City striker Peter Crouch
– as West Ham look at an emergency deal. Hughes is determined to stand by
the big target man despite signing Mame Biram Diouf and with Hammers' Sam
Allardyce on the prowl. The Potters chief said: "Crouchie has been linked
with moves since I have come to the club. "I take it all with a pinch of
salt. "Peter was great for me last year and he is a player we want to keep.
"We have got good options and we want to keep it that way. "It's a long
tough season and you need good quality players over the place."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Miserable Andy Carroll hits rock bottom following latest injury and abuse
from West Ham fans
Aug 04, 2014 22:30 By Simon Bird
The Gerodie is struggling to deal with being out of action for the first
four months of the season and has sunk to a new low, according to manager
Sam Allardyce
The Mirror
Three years ago he was riding high having completed a £35million dream
transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, a record for a British player. Now,
Andy Carroll has hit rock bottom, sidelined yet again from the latest in his
catalogue of injuries and facing abuse from West Ham fans. The Geordie is
struggling to deal with being out of action for the first four months of
the season and has sunk to a new low, according to Hammers manager Sam
Allardyce. Carroll is a week into his rehabilitation after surgery in the
United States to fix damaged ankle ligaments, his fourth bad injury since
joining the Londoners. And it has left the former England forward "miserable
and upset". He has made only 16 appearances for West Ham since signing for
£15m a year ago following a previous loan spell at the club. And Allardyce
has revealed the torment and frustration his target man is feeling. To make
matters worse, some Hammers fans have turned on Carroll. He has had messages
on social media telling him he is a "permanent crock with an average
record". Others simply advised him to "retire", and one critic wrote: "Fed
up this bloke has taken no care of himself".
Another responded to a picture of Carroll after his surgery with the
message: "They should put you down". The 25-year-old is adamant he will
bounce back from the abuse, but it has added to his distress because he
desperate to be a hit at Upton Park. And he still yearns for a return to the
England set-up, with the injuries also having wrecked his chances of going
to the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Allardyce said: "He is pretty
miserable. He is not very happy with life at the moment because it's a
massive blow to him again. "We just have to pick his spirits up. "Hopefully
when the boot comes off and the specialist gives him the OK to start working
again he will feel a lot happier with himself. "But he is certainly very
upset and very miserable at this moment in time."
Question marks remain over Carroll's fragile body and his ability to
recapture the threat that saw Liverpool pay Newcastle £35m in January 2011
for a player who once fell off a bar stool and pulled a thigh muscle. As a
youngster at Newcastle he became the marauding, near unplayable pivot of the
attack until manager Alan Pardew decided to cash in and move to a different
style of football at St James' Park. His value plunged at Liverpool even
though he made 52 appearances for club and country in the 2011-12 season,
scoring 10 goals. A year on loan with the Hammers ended with seven goals in
24 games, a decent return amid the injuries. He was sidelined for a month
with a hamstring problem in September 2012 and two months from December with
a twisted knee. In May last year he was crocked for seven months with a
complicated heel problem that meant he did not play again until January
this year. To need and operation and be ruled out for the start of this
campaign has been a bitter blow. Carroll is getting support from his
team-mates. James Collins knows exactly what he is going through as he was
also forced to spend a lengthy period out of the side through injury last
year. The Wales defender managed to make a full recovery, and has no doubts
that Carroll can do the same as he has the right people to help him come
back quickly. Collins said: "It is devastating for him, I had a similar
situation last year and it is tough for him. "Injuries happen and he has had
two bad ones early in his career. "He is a good character and has got good
people around him. "I am sure he will be back as quick as he can."
Despite his past reputation of liking a party, Carroll is a charming
character who is anxious to do well. At the end of last season he was
encouraged to see that the likes of Rickie Lambert were in the Three Lions
squad and has not given up hope of adding to his nine caps. He enjoys his
gym work and physical training, and will look at everything possible
strengthen his big frame. Carroll used the word "devastated" to describe
his feelings when the extent of his latest injury was revealed on the
club's tour of New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pressure building on 'Untouchable' Nolan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Kevin Nolan's role in the West Ham United team is coming under more and more
pressure from inside the club. Big questions are being asked by powerful
insiders as to why the highly skilled Mauro Zarate was deployed as a lone
front man Sunday. And they are convinced he will be given little chance of
competing for the Nolan position – which looks his natural role..
The manager is facing a backlash should he ignore the Argentine with
ClaretandHugh sources saying: "He and the other players were brought in to
put the pressure on places. "Nolan appears to have become a Sam Allardyce
'Untouchable.' Zarate is a natural replacement for Nolan and that's what
should happen.
"In the Schalke game Nolan's biggest contribution was talking to the
referee. "Everybody felt so sorry for Mauro being used as a lone striker.
"It's so hard for a player who does what he does to play in that position
if we hump the ball. "Given the opportunity, Mauro can become a real star
and pressure is building to ensure that he gets his chances in the Nolan
role. The captain has to be treated in exactly the same way as every other
player – if he is off form he should be dropped. Simple"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Mark Noble cannot wait to get back out on the Boleyn Ground turf on Saturday
04.08.2014
Mark Noble is looking forward to testing himself against more top European
opposition when Sampdoria visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday for the
inaugural Marathonbet Cup. Noble captained West Ham United for Sunday's
conclusion to the Schalke Cup, which saw them come off second best against
Spanish side Malaga following an impressive penalty shoot-out win against
the tournament hosts the day before. With the squad now back in the UK,
Noble's thoughts have quickly turned to the Hammers' final pre-season
friendly against the Italian outfit, which will offer Sam Allardyce a last
chance to test his squad before the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur
in two weeks' time. "It'll be nice to get back out at the Boleyn Ground
against a top European side," Noble said. "It's our last game before the
start of the season and it'll be nice to get back there playing in front of
your own fans. "With so many players coming in and some of the injuries
we've got it'll be interesting to see what starting XI the gaffer will go
with. We've got less than two weeks now to knuckle down and to become a
proper team and hopefully we can get another couple of signings in to
improve the squad and the team."
Malaga's victory meant the Spanish side won the four-team tournament that
also featured fellow Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United. The
Hammers had been in with a chance of winning the trophy following Saturday's
7-6 shoot-out win, but despite not bringing the silverware home, the Hammer
of the Year saw the trip to Germany as a worthwhile exercise. "In Germany
the level was a lot higher and the teams were a lot better and we coped well
in spells. We played Malaga and they had all the ball, but it was a good
work out for the boys. We know the way the Spanish play; you expect that.
"It's hard as I've been through pre-seasons before and we've battered every
team we've come across but then we've lost the first three games of the
season. "So I think in pre-season it's all about fitness, getting to a level
where you want to be at to play in the Premier League. Hopefully we can get
off to a good start as we got 14 points from our first eight games two
seasons ago. We just need to get points on the board early doors and make
life easy for ourselves."
Noble and the rest of the West Ham first-team squad will have a chance to
meet Enner Valencia at training this week after the Ecuador World Cup star
flew into London on Friday night. Noble admits he cannot wait to see what
the Club's second most expensive signing ever can add to the squad as Sam
Allardyce looks to shake up his attacking options. "No pressure on him but
we need him at the moment as we're bit light in that area. We just need our
squad back together for the start of the season. "Hopefully we can entertain
the fans and put on a good show in our home games and then go away and be
solid away from home. We've finished tenth and 13th so the aim will be to
finish better than that this time around."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 4 August
WHUFC.com
A round-up of West Ham United in the news today
04.08.2014
The Sun (£) reports that the Hammers are weighing up a move for Sunderland
striker Connor Wickham, as their search for a striker continues. This line
is also carried in the Daily Telegraph.
Another transfer story in Monday's press concerns Manchester United winger
Wilfried Zaha, with the Daily Mail reporting that West Ham would like to
take him on loan.
The Mirror has coverage of the hamstring injury suffered by Carl Jenkinson
in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Malaga.
That same game, in which two goals from the Spanish side in as many first
half minutes gave Malaga the victory, is covered by match reports in the
Mail and The Sun (£).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies add five new players
WHUFC.com
Julian Dicks' West Ham United Ladies have been busy bolstering their ranks
in recent weeks
04.08.2014
West Ham United Ladies' new manager Julian Dicks has strengthened his squad
with five new additions already this summer. The Hammers have recruited some
new talent in goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles and striker Emma Sherwood from
Millwall, defender Ruby Baxter from Bristol Academy, midfielder Vicky
Kinsman from Barking Ladies and attacker Alma Donohoe from KIKK United. The
new girls have all got down to work with their new club and are relishing
the 2014/15 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division season. "The
decision to leave Millwall was never going to be an easy one," admitted
Runnacles. "I wish them all the best for the rest of their season, but the
move to West Ham made sense in so many ways. "Since joining the club, I feel
that I've been given great support and the training that I need. "It's been
intense and I'm sure that will carry on throughout the season but, with the
group of girls and staff we have here, I'm sure it will result in a positive
future at the club!"
Also joining from Millwall is striker Sherwood, who said the presence of
Dicks in the dugout was a big factor in her swapping south London for east
London.
"It was an easy decision to join West Ham from Millwall after meeting the
girls and Julian," revealed Sherwood. "The girls have got so much banter and
it already feels like I'm part of the family here. "Julian is a great
manager and is an absolute pleasure to play for. He manages to get the best
out of us and everyone has great respect for him and the ambition that he
has with the Ladies squad. "I'm looking forward to the season ahead and know
that we can challenge for silverware this season."
Two of the Hammers' new additions are returning to West Ham Ladies after
several years away from the club. One of those is midfielder Kinsman, who
has featured for Barking Ladies since leaving the Hammers ten years ago. "I
couldn't be prouder putting on a West Ham shirt than I am right now,"
confirmed Kinsman. "Ten years ago, I played for West Ham but decided to
leave to have a few years out. I'm finally back where I belong and I can't
wait to get stuck in and win some trophies with the girls!"
The other returning Hammer is defender Baxter, who featured for West Ham
Ladies at Under-12 level at the same time as playing for Leyton Orient,
before The FA introduced a 'one club rule', where Orient's Centre of
Excellence status was enough to persuade her away from the Hammers. Now back
in the Claret and Blue shirt, Baxter couldn't be happier. "Since leaving
Bristol Academy and returning home, it feels so good to be back wearing the
West Ham shirt and playing for the club that has and will always be closest
to my heart," said Baxter. "I feel privileged to have been selected for the
upcoming season with Julian and the girls. "I am extremely excited for the
season to commence and am relishing the thought of success in the league and
other competitions this year."
The final addition to the Ladies squad is striker, former Cambridge
University Women's Football captain and Harvard Business School graduate
Donohoe, who has joined the Hammers from Mile End-based KIKK United. "I'm
very excited about joining West Ham Ladies," said Donohoe (pictured with
manager Julian Dicks). "I think it will be a great challenge and I am
prepared to work hard for the team and the manager. I'm hoping to have a
good season and see the team finish in the top half of the table."
The Ladies, who finished second from bottom in the Southern Division last
season before appointing Dicks as manager this summer, continued their
pre-season with a 3-2 defeat at C&K Basildon on Sunday. Vicki Bruce and
Vicki King twice put the Hammers in front in the first half, only for the
home side to level the match at 2-2 by half-time. A winning goal ten minutes
after the break condemned Dicks to his first defeat as Ladies manager. West
Ham will kick-off their 2014/15 Southern Division season by travelling to
Uxbridge FC to take on Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 24 August at 2pm.
Dicks' first home league game in charge will be against Tottenham Hotspur at
Aveley FC at 7.45pm on Thursday 4 September.
Ladies: Runnacles, Baxter, King, Powels, Bottom, Morgan, Little, Hinton,
Donohoe, Sherwood, Bruce
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U19s show strongly at Eurofoot
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Academy side finished sixth at the Yale Eurofoot
Tournament
04.08.2014
West Ham United's Academy side performed strongly in Belgium over the
weekend to take sixth place in the annual Yale Eurofoot Tournament. The
tournament features U19 sides from across Europe, with the likes of
Anderlecht, Standard Liege, Utrecht and Tottenham Hotspur also in
attendance.
West Ham began superbly on Thursday, winning their opening two group games
against Belgian opposition. Jerry Amoo (pictured) and Jordan Brown were on
target to down Anderlecht 2-0, and the pair were on the scoresheet again,
alongside Djair Parfitt-Williams, to secure a 3-1 victory over Oostende,
which meant the Hammers had a perfect six points from six at the end of day
one. Friday gave the Hammers a three-game schedule, and the winning habit
was maintained as Standard Liege were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline
first up - with Amoo taking his tournament tally to four. A 1-1 draw against
Danish outfit Nordsjaelland continued the unbeaten run, although a 2-0
defeat to eventual tournament winners Paranaense, of Brazil, meant the
Hammers had to settle for third in the group, missing out to Nordsjaelland
for a semi-final spot on goal difference. Third meant a play-off for fifth
place against Club Brugge on Sunday, and the Belgians prevailed to take the
honours with a 2-0 scoreline. Paranaense saw off Genk 1-0 in the final to
lift the trophy
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison released on bail over assault
BBC.co.uk
West Ham footballer Ravel Morrison has been released on bail after three
days in custody on charges of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother.
Mr Morrison faces two charges of common assault after an alleged incident
involving Reah Mansoor, 19, and Parveen Mansoor, 39, on 27 July. He was
remanded in custody on Thursday, but his bail was approved at a Manchester
Crown Court hearing earlier. The 21-year-old from Urmston is next due before
magistrates on Thursday. After starting his career with Manchester United's
youth teams, he was sold to West Ham in January 2012. The midfielder, who
has also played on loan for QPR and Birmingham City, has four England
Under-21 caps.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam on the move
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham Academy goalkeeper Sam Cowler has joined Vanarama Conference
side Barnet. 21-year-old Cowler spent three years at the club without making
a single first team appearance, although he was an unused substitute for the
2-1 defeat against Aldershot in the 2011/12 Carling Cup. Upon leaving West
Ham, Cowler joined Barnet but found his opportunities limited due to the
steady form of regular number one Graham Stack. A year ago this month he
moved to Bishop's Stortford before another former Hammer, Martin 'Mad Dog'
Allen, took him back to the Bees, as confirmed by the player himself this
afternoon. Cowler was part of the same youth team that included the likes of
Danny Potts, Seb Lletget and Matthias Fanimo, all of whom represented the
club in Germany last weekend. He was also in the same squad as Dylan
Tombides, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison released on bail
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 4th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been released from custody three days before he is due in
court to answer an assault charge. Judge Michael Henshall this morning
agreed to release the West Ham midfielder on bail, four days after he was
remanded in custody after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend and her
mother, reports the Manchester Evening News. Morrison, who wasn't appear in
court this morning for the bail application hearing will appear at
Manchester magistrates court this coming Thursday (August 7) after being
arrested in the early hours of last Sunday morning. He stands accused of
assaulting former girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother Parveen
Mansoor, 39.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison granted bail after spending weekend in custody
Last Updated: 04/08/14 12:35pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been freed after a judge granted him
bail following a private court hearing. The 21-year-old was in custody and
not present at Manchester Crown Court to hear the bail application made by
his lawyers. Morrison is accused of two counts of common assault on his
ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19 and her mother Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the
early hours of last Sunday morning. He was refused bail by District Judge
James Prowse at his first court appearance at Manchester Magistrates' Court
on Thursday and spent the weekend in custody. Judge Michael Henshall granted
Morrison bail on Monday, but his conditions were not given by the court
following a request from the press. Morrison was sold by Manchester United
to West Ham for a fee of £650,000 in January 2012, but has since spent loan
spells at Birmingham and QPR. He is next due to appear at Manchester
Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham wait on Carl Jenkinson injury news
Last Updated: 04/08/14 3:11pm
SSN
Carl Jenkinson is set to miss the start of the new Premier League season
with West Ham after picking up an injury in Sunday's friendly against
Malaga.
Jenkinson, who has signed for the Hammers on a season-long loan from
Arsenal, injured a hamstring in the 2-0 defeat and will have a scan to
determine the extent of the damage. West Ham midfielder Mark Noble told Sky
Sports News: "Hopefully it is not too bad because we need players like that
fit for the start of the season. New signing Carl Jenkinson suffered a
hamstring injury but Mark Noble says it isn't serious. Noble is however,
concerned about Andy Carroll's injury. "It was a precaution to take him off
and we have two more games before we start the season with a tough one
against Tottenham." With first-choice right-back Guy Demel also injured,
manager Sam Allardyce will be hoping that Jenkinson's injury does not prove
to be too serious. The defeat to Malaga was West Ham's third loss in four
pre-season games and they are next in action against Sampdoria at Upton Park
on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SAM: STICK OR TWIST?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 17:43
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by David Cutting
I've been watching West Ham for 37 years, since I was 7 years old (North
Bank Bar standing on a milk crate). My old man used to play for West Ham
Boys and played semi-pro for Barking, Leytonstone, etc. To be honest I never
rated myself much as a player, let's say a mediocre at best right-back. The
old man was a bit tasty, playing centre forward for Barking (when they were
decent). But I have spent a lot of my time around senior football since the
age of 8. The old man started Eldon Black Lion many years ago, based out of
The Black Lion PH (West Ham Boxing Club) in Plaistow. He was Aveley FC's
Coach when they played Oxford City and I got to meet Bobby Moore and Harry.
I'll be honest, I remember meeting BM6 but I couldn't remember meeting Aitch
until I heard some Radio 5 Live broadcast about it last year. Enough Already
– name-dropping or just real life football related experience?
I listen to the reported 80% or so wanting Sam out every week and I
understand it, I get it, I want it (sort of) – from a 'fan' point of view,
from an 'entertainment' point of view, from a 'this is how football should
be played' point of view. If I was ever good enough to play for Big Sam, I'm
sure I would be the first player out the door – "Don't pass it around the
edge of the penalty box, just get rid of it" – I assure you, I have
absolutely no reason to like him or admire him. I'm bored and uninspired
too!
Yet, West Ham United have probably the 2 most important years of their
modern history ahead of them. This isn't a time for looking good (my own
personal football philosophy goes flying out the window). So yeah come on,
let's kick Big Sam out. It'll make us all feel much better about ourselves.
I'm sure we will all celebrate, but maybe only temporarily?
When push comes to shove, look at our squad: Adrian, Jussi, Jenkinson,
O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis,
Downing, Zarate, Valencia, Carroll – Zaha (wildcard?)
Personally, I think that's good enough to be where we need to be next year.
No Drama (Hopefully). No Crisis (Hopefully). No Sackings (TBC) End of
Contract (Hopefully) and then 'at last' time to move on and grow OUR beloved
Football Club.
Oh yeah, and a whole 12 months to find a top manager to take us to the next
level
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT HAS KEVIN NOLAN EVER DONE FOR US?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 12:39
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Appy Ammer
This has been hammered home so many times but the facts are, Kevin Nolan
will probably start the season, so rather than whine about it, I wanted to
talk about the things Kevin brings to the club.
There are things off the pitch that clearly Nolan deals in, from what I can
gather he handles club fines (Discipline?) and helps with the integration of
new players he takes under his wing. And he is the player others go to if
they want to talk to Sam, so away from the pitch he has a big influence and
is very important, arguably as a captain one of the better ones we have had
for a while. (I would argue the last captain we had who was as good was
maybe Steve Lomas)
But, therein lies a bit of a dilemma. If Sam drops Nolan, which many have
argued he should, myself included, then how does that effect the dressing
room? To some extent Sam's inability (whatever the reason) of not wanting to
get his hands dirty with the squad has created his own problems.
Nolan, as captain and everything else he brings to the squad makes him also
undroppable, but is he the same player as he was when he joined us? I would
argue he isn't, and no matter how good a captain off the pitch he doesn't do
enough on it. But again, does he have too much power with the other lads?
If so, what do you do with him? We all know he will not be dropped and we
also know he is an excellent captain, so how do you deal with it? Nolan in a
new position? Maybe due to lack of pace push him as a virtual out and out
striker, alongside Carroll/Cole, relieving him of all defensive duties? Or
drop him deeper, maybe as an anchor and allow Noble/Koyate more chances to
get forward.
All I know is he will almost certainly play (unless he gets red carded for
Christmas! Not that I'm cynical!) and his current abilities do not allow him
to play the way he wants to or Sam wants him to.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS CONNOR WICKHAM REALLY THE ANSWER TO OUR STRIKER PROBLEMS?
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 08:48
West Ham Till I DIe
The Telegraph suggest that West Ham are looking to Sunderland's Connor
Wickham to plug our attacking hole. Really? It is said he would be an ideal
replacement for Andy Carroll. Well, he's 6' foot three and doesn't score
many goals, but that has to be where the similarities end.
Wickham looked the business when he left Ipswich for Sunderland, but since
going to the North East he hasn't exactly set the world alight with his
exploits. Now admittedly he is only 21 years old and maybe he would fulfill
his promise if he moved to Upton Park, but if you look at his record so far
it isn't exactly stellar, although admittedly he came good towards the end
of last season and scored five goals in the run-in, which contributed hugely
to Sunderland staying up. But whatever his merits he is not the 15-20 goal a
season striker we so desperately need. At Ipswich he scored 13 in 65 and at
Sunderland he's only got 6 in 40. Overall, including loan spells and cup
games he has scored 33 goals in 143 games. Carlton Cole is more prolific.
It seems from the pre-season games so far that Sam Allardyce has barely
modified his style of play and that he will continue to play one up front.
Quite why the club has bought Zarate is anyone's guess as he certainly can't
play in that position, and I doubt whether Valencia would fancy it either.
Only at West Ham, eh?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former United footballer Ravel Morrison jogs away from prison after being
bailed on assault charges
Aug 04, 2014 19:23 By Paul Britton
This is the moment former Manchester United footballer Ravel Morrison,
charged with two assaults, was released on bail from Strangeways prison
Manchester Evening News
This is the moment former Manchester United footballer Ravel Morrison,
charged with two assaults, was released on bail from Strangeways prison.
The 21-year-old was freed from HMP Manchester seven hours after a judge had
granted a bail application after a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.
Morrison, had been remanded in custody last month after he was charged with
two counts of common assault. The charges relate to his ex-girlfriend Reah
Mansoor, 19, and her mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor. Midfielder
Morrison, who moved to West Ham United from Manchester United in 2012, was
arrested on Sunday July 27 after police were called to an address in Peel
Green, Salford, in the early hours. It followed reports that a 19-year-old
woman had been assaulted outside a nightclub in Manchester city centre and
at an address on Alexandra Road in Peel Green. A 39-year-old woman also
claimed she had been attacked there. Morrison, who spent the end of last
season on loan at QPR, was remanded in custody by a district judge at
Manchester magistrates court during an initial hearing last month. No pleas
have been entered.
A bail application hearing was heard in private before judge Michael
Henshall at Manchester Crown Court. Morrison, of Welwyn Close, Urmston,
wasn't produced from custody to attend but bail was granted in his absence
at the end of the 15-minute hearing. No conditions of bail were revealed.
His mother turned up outside Strangeways in mid-afternoon but Morrison was
not released until about 5.30pm. Wearing a white t-shirt, cream jogging
pants and grey shell-toed trainers, Morrison was not met by anyone. He ran
off down Bury New Road towards the city centre. He is due to appear at
Manchester magistrates court again on Thursday. West Ham United have refused
to comment.
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Hammers hope Rav can train after getting bail
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are hoping they can get Ravel Morrison back into training following
him receiving bail this morning! The 21 year old midfielder clearly remains
part of the club's plans despite being remanded in custody by a district
judge at Manchester magistrates court during an initial hearing last month.
He was charged with two counts of common assault but today at a private
hearing before judge Michael Henshall at Manchester Crown Court, the 21 year
old was granted bail.
He wasn't produced from custody but was bail granted ahead of an appearance
before magistrates again on Thursday. A highly placed Hammers source told
Claretandhugh exclsuively: "Hopefully he can now get back and start
training. Maybe things are turning our way."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: Sullivan hopes Rav's back asap
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has told Ravel Morrison he's looking forward to seeing him
back in training as quickly as possible. Sullivan was relieved to see the
player's bail application succeed in private chambers this morning and made
it clear there's still a place for the player at Upton Park. Speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh, the co-chairman said: ""I hope Ravel gets back
into training as soon as possible and concentrates on his football. Sullivan
had made it clear ahead of the incident last week that the board were keen
to offer the midfielder a new deal. And manager Sam Allardyce has since said
that if the player can get the discipline side of his game correct then he
is in his plans. The 21 year old will appear before magistrates in
Manchester on Thursday after being charged with two counts of common
assault. The charges relate to his ex-girlfriend Reah Mansoor, 19, and her
mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor. No pleas have been entered.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE ALLARDYCE SITUATION NEEDS SORTING & SORTING NOW
By Iain Dale 4 Aug 2014 at 21:41
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Heedsy
On the face of it, it doesn't seem to make any sense as to why we still have
Allardyce as our manager. I have no "well placed sources" to let me know
what is really going on at Upton Park but wonder whether it panned out
something like this.
Allardyce has served us not too badly up to recent times ( in spite of his
style not being liked by many fans). Last season was pretty shocking but in
spite of everything we survived. Then the fans found their voice and the
board new something must be done. It would not be unreasonable to assume
they looked at alternative managers and indicated they would prefer a home
based one? With Moyes probably proving too expensive and not many other
worthy prospects around (McKay etc) unless they wanted to take a real chance
on ex spud Hoddle or someone from a lower division, they were faced with
buying someone out of their contract. Together with Allardyce's payout that
could amount to significant dosh. So perhaps that did not look the best
business decision. Particularly if they could just get Allardyce to change
things a bit to appease the fans. Paying out possibly £6-£8 million for a
management change now against hanging in for one more year is a tough call
on shareholder funds.
Taking the transfer chequebook away from Allardyce was a must and new young
talented players would be put at his disposal.
I am sure the Board didn't say that Allardyce would play more attractive
attacking football this year and not expect to see some change. They know
the fans are not fools and have a voice.
So I can only assume Allardyce has agreed to the changes but had no
intention of following them through. It seems hard to believe that a
professional manager in the Premier League in this day and age would
actively go against his employers wishes and force them to back down or sack
him , but what other scenario can you come up with based on pre-season?
The soap opera that is now being played out in public does the club no good
at all. But I feel sure this was not the Board's original intention.
Nevertheless it needs sorting now. Surely the Board must call on Allardyce
to either do what he agreed to do or sack him.
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Peter Crouch not for sale as Stoke City boss Mark Hughes fends off West Ham
interest
Aug 04, 2014 22:30 By Alan Nixon
The Potters boss is determined to stand by the big target man despite
signing Mame Biram Diouf and with Hammers' Sam Allardyce on the prowl
The Mirror
Mark Hughes has put a 'hands off' notice on Stoke City striker Peter Crouch
– as West Ham look at an emergency deal. Hughes is determined to stand by
the big target man despite signing Mame Biram Diouf and with Hammers' Sam
Allardyce on the prowl. The Potters chief said: "Crouchie has been linked
with moves since I have come to the club. "I take it all with a pinch of
salt. "Peter was great for me last year and he is a player we want to keep.
"We have got good options and we want to keep it that way. "It's a long
tough season and you need good quality players over the place."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Miserable Andy Carroll hits rock bottom following latest injury and abuse
from West Ham fans
Aug 04, 2014 22:30 By Simon Bird
The Gerodie is struggling to deal with being out of action for the first
four months of the season and has sunk to a new low, according to manager
Sam Allardyce
The Mirror
Three years ago he was riding high having completed a £35million dream
transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, a record for a British player. Now,
Andy Carroll has hit rock bottom, sidelined yet again from the latest in his
catalogue of injuries and facing abuse from West Ham fans. The Geordie is
struggling to deal with being out of action for the first four months of
the season and has sunk to a new low, according to Hammers manager Sam
Allardyce. Carroll is a week into his rehabilitation after surgery in the
United States to fix damaged ankle ligaments, his fourth bad injury since
joining the Londoners. And it has left the former England forward "miserable
and upset". He has made only 16 appearances for West Ham since signing for
£15m a year ago following a previous loan spell at the club. And Allardyce
has revealed the torment and frustration his target man is feeling. To make
matters worse, some Hammers fans have turned on Carroll. He has had messages
on social media telling him he is a "permanent crock with an average
record". Others simply advised him to "retire", and one critic wrote: "Fed
up this bloke has taken no care of himself".
Another responded to a picture of Carroll after his surgery with the
message: "They should put you down". The 25-year-old is adamant he will
bounce back from the abuse, but it has added to his distress because he
desperate to be a hit at Upton Park. And he still yearns for a return to the
England set-up, with the injuries also having wrecked his chances of going
to the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Allardyce said: "He is pretty
miserable. He is not very happy with life at the moment because it's a
massive blow to him again. "We just have to pick his spirits up. "Hopefully
when the boot comes off and the specialist gives him the OK to start working
again he will feel a lot happier with himself. "But he is certainly very
upset and very miserable at this moment in time."
Question marks remain over Carroll's fragile body and his ability to
recapture the threat that saw Liverpool pay Newcastle £35m in January 2011
for a player who once fell off a bar stool and pulled a thigh muscle. As a
youngster at Newcastle he became the marauding, near unplayable pivot of the
attack until manager Alan Pardew decided to cash in and move to a different
style of football at St James' Park. His value plunged at Liverpool even
though he made 52 appearances for club and country in the 2011-12 season,
scoring 10 goals. A year on loan with the Hammers ended with seven goals in
24 games, a decent return amid the injuries. He was sidelined for a month
with a hamstring problem in September 2012 and two months from December with
a twisted knee. In May last year he was crocked for seven months with a
complicated heel problem that meant he did not play again until January
this year. To need and operation and be ruled out for the start of this
campaign has been a bitter blow. Carroll is getting support from his
team-mates. James Collins knows exactly what he is going through as he was
also forced to spend a lengthy period out of the side through injury last
year. The Wales defender managed to make a full recovery, and has no doubts
that Carroll can do the same as he has the right people to help him come
back quickly. Collins said: "It is devastating for him, I had a similar
situation last year and it is tough for him. "Injuries happen and he has had
two bad ones early in his career. "He is a good character and has got good
people around him. "I am sure he will be back as quick as he can."
Despite his past reputation of liking a party, Carroll is a charming
character who is anxious to do well. At the end of last season he was
encouraged to see that the likes of Rickie Lambert were in the Three Lions
squad and has not given up hope of adding to his nine caps. He enjoys his
gym work and physical training, and will look at everything possible
strengthen his big frame. Carroll used the word "devastated" to describe
his feelings when the extent of his latest injury was revealed on the
club's tour of New Zealand.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pressure building on 'Untouchable' Nolan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Kevin Nolan's role in the West Ham United team is coming under more and more
pressure from inside the club. Big questions are being asked by powerful
insiders as to why the highly skilled Mauro Zarate was deployed as a lone
front man Sunday. And they are convinced he will be given little chance of
competing for the Nolan position – which looks his natural role..
The manager is facing a backlash should he ignore the Argentine with
ClaretandHugh sources saying: "He and the other players were brought in to
put the pressure on places. "Nolan appears to have become a Sam Allardyce
'Untouchable.' Zarate is a natural replacement for Nolan and that's what
should happen.
"In the Schalke game Nolan's biggest contribution was talking to the
referee. "Everybody felt so sorry for Mauro being used as a lone striker.
"It's so hard for a player who does what he does to play in that position
if we hump the ball. "Given the opportunity, Mauro can become a real star
and pressure is building to ensure that he gets his chances in the Nolan
role. The captain has to be treated in exactly the same way as every other
player – if he is off form he should be dropped. Simple"
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