Morgan spices up Hammers
WHUFC.com
France international midfielder Morgan Amalfitano has become West Ham
United's ninth summer signing
01.09.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of France
international Morgan Amalfitano. The 29-year-old, who can play in a variety
of midfield roles, has linked up with the Hammers from French Ligue 1 club
Olympique de Marseille on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
Amalfitano spent last season on loan at Barclays Premier League side West
Bromwich Albion, for whom he scored four goals in 31 appearances. After
completing his deadline-day move to east London, the Nice-born player told
West Ham TV he is looking forward to his second crack at English football.
"It's very good news and I'm very happy to come to this big club," he began.
"I've waited a long time, but I am very happy to have signed here. The Club
wanted me a lot and for that I waited for West Ham and now I'm here. "The
manager explained to me how the team plays and how he needs me. I explained
to him where I prefer as my position in his team. This is a new team with
very good players with great experience of this league. I think everything
can go well and I hope we have a good season. "I prefer to play behind the
striker, but last year with West Brom I played on the right. I like to cross
the ball too, but I can also give through passes from behind the striker.
The coach will see what happens in every game and if he finds another
position for me in the team, there is no problem for me. "I enjoyed my first
year in English football and for that reason I have come back and hopefully
I can improve again. The first year was good for my experience and I will
try to help West Ham now by giving my best and continue to improve in this
league. I like this country and this is the best league."
Able to play in central midfield, behind the central striker or out wide,
Amalfitano came through the same AS Cannes academy that produced France
internationals Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Gael Clichy. At 18, he
moved to Sedan, where he began his professional career in 2003. In five
seasons, he totalled 137 appearances before moving to Lorient in the summer
of 2008. Amalfitano discovered his goalscoring touch in Brittany, netting 15
goals in 121 games in all competitions and attracting the attention of some
of France's biggest clubs. The summer of 2011 saw Marseille snap him up on a
free transfer. Amalfitano's debut for the club saw him win the Champions'
Trophy as Marseille defeated Ligue 1 champions Lille 5-4 in Morocco. The
2011/12 season also ended with a trophy as he played the full 120 minutes in
a 1-0 extra-time victory over Lyon in the French League Cup final. The same
campaign saw Amalfitano win his first cap for France in a 2-1 friendly
victory over Germany. The 2013/14 campaign saw the midfielder move to The
Hawthorns on a season-long loan. Amalfitano capped an impressive first
season in English football with an outstanding individual goal in West
Brom's 2-1 victory at Manchester United a year ago. He would love nothing
more than to repeat that experience when West Ham travel to Old Trafford on
27 September. "I hope so! It was a fantastic game for our team and if I can
do that again I would do so with pleasure. For the time being, I need to
work with this team and win as many games as I can for West Ham."
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Diame departs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm Mohamed Diame has joined Hull City on a
permanent basis
01.09.2014
West Ham United can confirm that midfielder Mohamed Diame has joined
Barclays Premier League club Hull City on a permanent basis for an
undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old Senegal international departs the Boleyn Ground after a
little more than two years, having made 79 appearances and scored seven
goals in Claret and Blue. With just ten months remaining on Diame's
contract, the Hammers reluctantly accepted an offer from Hull. West Ham
United would like to thank Mohamed for his efforts and wish him all the best
for his future career.
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Potts reflects on six-goal thriller
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts reflects on Saturday's thrilling 3-3 home draw with
Tottenham Hotspur U18s
01.09.2014
West Ham United U18s 3-3 Tottenham Hotspur U18s
West Ham United U18s boss Steve Potts was left with mixed emotions after his
side let a two-goal lead slip before fighting back to draw 3-3 with
Tottenham Hotspur at Little Heath on Saturday. Potts' side have made a
bright start to the Barclays U18 Premier League South Group, having
convincingly beaten West Bromwich Albion 3-1 and drawn 0-0 with Leicester
City. The Hammers initially continued their good run of form against Spurs,
starting brilliantly when striker Jordan Brown and defender Manny Onariase
put the Hammers two goals up after only 17 minutes. However, Tottenham
responded well as Joe Pritchard and Luke Amos scored to level the game.
Spurs made a bright start to the second half as Josh Onomah fired the away
side in front, before Brown netted his second goal of the game to secure the
Hammers a point. "I thought the players were a little bit naive when they
were 2-0 up because Tottenham are a good team and managed to find the gaps
to get the game back to 2-2 by half-time," Potts reflected. "In the second
half, we came out and played much better. When we went 3-2 down, we worked
hard to bring the game back to 3-3, which showed effort and commitment from
the team."
Both sides had several chances to take all three points and Potts feels that
there are areas of their performance that need further attention in
training.
"There were certain areas of the team performance where I thought the boys
played well and other areas where we let ourselves down," he continued. "I
spoke to the lads after the game about ways that we can manage different
parts of our performance and manage certain areas of the pitch, which we
could've managed better but will work on more in training. "There is still
plenty to work on with the lads but there are certain parts in all three
games this season where the lads have played really well, so we will get
back to training and prepare for our next game."
Potts is satisfied with a return of five points from an unbeaten start,
particularly in the light of so many of his regulars being called away to
represent the first team and Development Squad. Speaking about how the U18s'
season has started so far, Potts explained: "We've had quite a few new lads
come into this team, which has been different because we had quite a settled
squad last season. The new players have come in and we have even had
schoolboys featuring for us in the early part of the season which is good
for their development."
Recently, the Academy have seen some of their players push up as far as the
first team, including centre-half Reece Burke, who played the full 120
minutes in the Capital One Cup defeat by Sheffield United, and defenders
Lewis Page and Reece Oxford, who were named as substitutes on the night.
Potts, a former West Ham youth player himself and father of recent Academy
graduate Dan Potts, said proudly, "I'm really pleased for any of the lads
that push on to a higher level. It's a fantastic opportunity for them.
That's what we as an Academy are here for so hopefully they carry on
improving."
U18s: Howes, Pike, Onariase, Akinola, Knoyle, Browne, Sylvestre (Neufville),
Parfitt-Williams, Adebayo (Powell), Diangana, Brown (Sheriff)
Subs not used: Linley, Bogard
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Eight receive international calls
WHUFC.com
Eight West Ham United players have been called-up for international duty
during the current break
01.09.2014
Eight West Ham United players have been called-up by their respective
countries for international duty during the current break.
Winston Reid will be travelling to Qatar - host nation for the 2022 FIFA
World Cup finals - for an international friendly between his New Zealand and
Uzbekistan on Monday 8 September.
Closer to home, Joey O'Brien is in the Republic of Ireland squad for their
friendly meeting with Oman at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Wednesday 3
September and the Boys in Green's opening UEFA Euro 2016 Group D qualifier
with Georgia at the Dinamo Arena in Tblisi on Sunday 7 September.
New boy Enner Valencia is in the Ecuador squad for two friendly
internationals with South American opposition in the United States. Ecuador
will take on Bolivia in Miami on Saturday 6 September and Brazil in New
Jersey on Tuesday 9 September.
Cheikhou Kouyate (pictured) has been included by Senegal, who face their
opening two 2015 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group G qualifiers. Senegal's
campaign opens with a home fixture with Egypt in Dakar on Friday 5 September
before an away match with Botswana in Gaborone on Wednesday 10 September.
The tournament proper will take place in Morocco in January/February 2015.
At age-group level, midfielder Kieran Sadlier is in the Republic of Ireland
U21 squad for their final UEFA European U21 Championship qualifier with
Germany in Magdeburg on Friday 5 September. Unfortunately, Ireland cannot
qualify for the Play-Off round.
Northern Ireland U19s have included defender Jamie Harney in their squad for
a friendly double-header with Iceland. The first fixture will take place in
Dungannon on Wednesday 3 September and the second in Belfast on Friday 5
September.
Josh Cullen is in the Republic of Ireland U19 squad for the first time. The
midfielder has been included in the selection for a friendly with the
Netherlands at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on Monday 8 September.
Finally, Sam Howes has a friendly match for England U18s against the
Netherlands at The JD Stadium, Bury FC on Friday 5 September 2014 at 7.30pm.
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Mohamed Diame leaves West Ham for Hull
BBC.co.uk
Hull have completed the signing of midfielder Mohamed Diame from West Ham
for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old, who scored seven goals in 76
appearances for the Hammers after joining from Wigan two years ago, has
signed a three-year deal with City. "I'm delighted to welcome Mo to the
club," said Hull boss Steve Bruce. "His experience, both at international
level and in the Premier League will be invaluable as we look to cement our
place in the top flight." Diame is Hull's second deadline-day signing along
with the club-record £10m purchase of Uruguay striker Abel Hernandez from
Palermo. They have also sold forward George Boyd to Premier League rivals
Burnley for £3m. Diame, who reportedly has a £3.5m buyout clause in his
contract, has been allowed to leave Upton Park after manager Sam Allardyce
made eight summer signings, including fellow midfielder Alex Song on loan.
West Ham are also looking to bring in a defender before the transfer window
closes.
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Deal complete, Amalfitano a Hammer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have completed their ninth signing of the summer transfer window,
say reports. L'Equipe are reporting this evening that French midfielder
Morgan Amalfitano has completed his move to the Boleyn Ground with just
minutes of the transfer deadline remaining. We'll have a full summary of
West Ham's summer business for you shortly.
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Diame completes Hull switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Senegal international Mo Diame has become the first player to leave the club
on transfer deadline day after joining Hull in a £3.5million switch. Diame,
who was hotly-tipped to leave the Boleyn Ground during the current transfer
window has completed a move to Hull, despite previously insisting that he
would only leave West Ham for "a top six club". West Ham lost patience with
Diame - whose current contract expires next summer - after he failed to
accept terms that would have extended his stay at the club. And the arrival
of Cheikhou Kouyate from Anderlecht and Alex Song from Barcelona had already
pushed him further down the pecking order.
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Oh no! It's not Devo
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Alan Devonshire has been overlooked for the vacant Colchester job, despite
being linked with the post earlier in the day. Former youth team coach Tony
Humes was the surprise choice to success the recently-departed Joe Dunne,
despite former Hammer Devonshire being touted as a potential successor this
morning. According to the Chronicle, Devonshire's current club were not
contacted with view to his availability. Braintree Town chairman Lee Harding
told the paper that he had not heard from the League One club, who have
endured a difficult start to the 2014/15 campaign. Devonshire, now 58, has
been in charge of Braintree for three years. His managerial career began in
1997 at Maidenhead. Following three years with the Magpies, Devo became
manager of Hampton & Richmond Borough with whom he stayed for eight years,
before taking the Braintree role.
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Cech him out, say fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Petr Cech has been made available for loan - sparking interest from Hammers
fans, if not necessarily the club itself. The 32-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper
is currently considered second choice at Stamford Bridge following the
emergence of Belgian international Thibaut Courtois. This morning it was
revealed (Mail) that Chelsea had offered the Czech international to
neighbours Queens Park Rangers, although the two parties failed to agree
terms. And with West Ham still having one loan space in the squad available,
a number of supporters have urged the club to move for Cech - who, it is
understood, will not be offered to clubs competing in Europe or the
Champions League. West Ham's current number one Adrian has had a mixed start
to the 2014/15 season, whilst current number two Jussi Jaaskelainen is
rapidly approaching his 40th birthday. Cech has made more than 450
appearances for Chelsea since joining the club for just £3.75million from
Rennes in 2004
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Arsenal launch Reid bid
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that Arsenal have launched a deadline day
attempt to sign West Ham United's New Zealand international Winston Reid.
The 26-year-old central defender has been hotly tipped as a potential
Arsenal signing and, according to speculation this afternoon (Metro), West
Ham have been offered £3million by the north London club for his services.
Although that would appear to be a paltry offer, Reid has less than a year
of his current contract to run. All offers to extend his current contract
have been rejected, meaning that a bid perhaps double that already on the
table could well be enough to tempt the Board into selling. Elsewhere, the
Guardian are reporting that Morgan Amalfitano - on whom we brought you news
earlier this afternoon - is set to sign a three-year contract with West Ham,
having flown to England in order to complete a move from Marseille.
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Mohamed Diame has signed a three-year deal at Hull
Last Updated: 01/09/14 7:32pm
SSN
Midfielder Mohamed Diame has joined Hull City on a three-year deal. The
Senegal international heads to the KC Stadium - for an undisclosed fee -
after spending two seasons at West Ham. Diame, who worked under Tigers boss
Steve Bruce when the pair were at Wigan, has made 79 appearances for the
Hammers since joining them in the summer of 2012. However, the France-born
player has only started one game for Sam Allardyce's men this season - the
penalty shoot-out defeat to Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup last
week. Bruce has earmarked the recruitment of a midfielder to bolster his
squad before the end of the transfer window and has also been linked with a
move for Manchester United's Tom Cleverley. The former Rayo Vallecano player
has moved further down the pecking order at Upton Park following the summer
arrivals of fellow battle-hardened midfielders Alex Song and Cheikhou
Kouyate. And Bruce is pleased with his latest signing, saying: "I'm
delighted to welcome Mo to the club. "His experience, both at international
level and in the Premier League, will be invaluable as we look to cement our
place in the top-flight."
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Amalfitano set to join on loan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 1, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are tonight closing in on their ninth signing of the transfer
window with Morgan Amalfitano set to sign a year's loan deal with the club.
The Hammers have had the player on their radar all summer and are now
working frantically to ensure that he puts pen to paper by 11pm. The
midfielder was on loan at West Brom last season but was a tad inconsistent –
one of the reasons the Hammers have waited until the very last minute as
they weighed up all options.
But with the player now inside Upton Park, it appears the 29 year old is set
to cross the channel from Marseilles to join the club. Meanwhile co-chairman
David Gold took to Twitter earlier to declare: "This is one of the best
transfer windows in West Ham history."
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One over the eight
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
The summer transfer window has 'slammed shut' - with West Ham completing a
ninth signing minutes before the 11pm deadline.
Marseilles winger Morgan Amalfitano became Sam Allardyce's ninth signing of
a very busy window by joining the Hammers on a season-long loan.
West Ham - who have spent around £30million in transfer fees during the
summer, representing a new club record - have strengthened in several areas
with only one first team squad member, contract rebel Mo Diame leaving for
pastures new (Hull City).
Two of the signings are season-long loans, whilst a further three arrived
for a nominal fees. West Ham's biggest single outlay was the reported
£12million fee paid to CF Pachua for Ecuador international Enner Valencia.
Despite West Ham's business being generally well-received, some supporters
have already expressed concern at the failure to sign a fourth central
defender given the problems experienced last Christmas when injuries to key
personnel left Allardyce without a single fit centre half.
The full list of new arrivals are as follows:
May
Mauro Zarate (Velez Sarsfield): nominal fee
June
Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht): £7million
July
Enner Valencia (CF Pachua): £12.5million
Diego Poyet (Charlton Athletic): nominal, tribunal
Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich Town): £4million
August
Alex Song (Barcelona): season-long loan
Diafra Sakho (FC Metz): £4million
Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal): season-long loan
Morgan Amalfitano (Marseilles): nominal fee
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West Ham sign winger Morgan Amalfitano from Marseille
Last Updated: 01/09/14 11:32pm
SSN
West Ham have signed France international winger Morgan Amalfitano from
Marseille. The 29-year-old becomes the Hammers' ninth summer signing.
Amalfitano, who has earned a solitary cap for France, spent most of last
season on loan at West Brom. He was part of the Marseille side that lifted
the French League Cup in 2012, the same year he made his international debut
by playing 23 minutes against Germany in a friendly. According to the French
club's website he played 87 matches for Olympique Marseille, scoring seven
goals and providing 14 assists. Nice-born Amalfitano said: "I've waited a
long time but I am very happy to have signed here. "The club wanted me a lot
and for that I waited for West Ham and now I'm here. "The manager explained
to me how the team plays and how he needs me. I explained to him where I
prefer as my position in his team. "I prefer to play behind the striker but
last year with West Brom I played on the right. "I enjoyed my first year in
English football and for that reason I have come back and hopefully I can
improve again. "The first year was good for my experience and I will try to
help West Ham."
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HOW DO YOU RATE WEST HAM'S SUMMER TRANSFER BUSINESS?
By S J Chandos 2 Sep 2014 at 00:02
West Ham Till I Die
So, the summer transfer window finally slams shut! However, did you notice
something very different about this window? All our major business was done
early and there was an absence of the usual deadline day desperation, panic
and disappointment. This season, the club did their business the right way,
early! And we generally identified and landed our targets. There was none of
the serial abortive deals, yes we got some rejections along the way, but
arguably these were outweighed by the successes.
In all (as far as we know at this point in time), we made nine signings this
summer and they are as follows:
Zarate, Kouyate, Valencia. Cresswell. Sakho, Poyet, Jenkinson (loan), Song
(loan) and Amalfitano
In terms of exits, we moved out:
Joe Cole, Taylor, McCartney, Collison, Diarra, Maiga and Diame
Personally, I am very happy with the business conducted. We completed the
major overhaul of the squad that was so badly needed. We have brought in
greater quality and increased competition for places in the squad. Moreover,
we have signed skillful players like Zarate, Valencia and Amalfitano, who
added to the likes of Downing, Noble and Morrison, can contribute to
positively transforming our style of play. And this skill must be allied to
the power and competitive edge provided by Kouyate, Song, Reid and Carroll.
I think that even their most strident critics must conceed that the West Ham
Board did a good job in bankrolling the transfer activity and landing the
club's targets. Sam Allardyce now has the tools, but can he do the job that
is required? Can he get the team to gel and make the best of the talent at
his disposal? That is the challenge to the manager. If not, and there are
any repeats of the abject Southampton defeat, then change will become
inevitable. There can be no more excuses, we need to see progress!
How do you rate the transfer business completed? Do we now have the squad to
progress this season?
SJ. Chandos.
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Tuesday, September 2
Monday, September 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st September 2014
Haycock frustrated to see points slip
WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock felt his side could have beaten
Manchester City on Sunday
31.08.2014
The Development Squad opened their Barclays U21 Premier League points
account for the season with a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday
afternoon, but coach Nick Haycock felt his side could, and should, have gone
back down the M6 with all three. Kieran Sadlier's 26th minute goal gave the
Hammers a lead which lasted until the very last minute of the contest, when
City's Olivier Ntcham rifled a shot in from the edge of the box to ensure
the spoils were shared.
West Ham created several chances to add to their advantage before City came
on strongly in the game's final quarter to level, and Haycock knows his team
need to keep improving in the final third. "You don't want to harp on about
games in the past but I think we've been unlucky not to have taken seven
points from the first three games," he explained. "They work hard every day
in training, there are certain things you ask of them and the more they play
together the better they look. I thought the first half was a solid
performance, we got the goal and it wouldn't have flattered us if we had
come in two or three to the good.
"We knew we had to take our chances because otherwise something will fall
for them in the game. We were hoping that we could see it out at 1-0, but
they got the goal and all credit to them because in the last 15 minutes they
looked the likely winners in a game that we were the better team for 75
minutes.
"I said to them afterwards that you can be comfortable in a game thinking
they're going to find it hard to muster a chance, but they have good
players, as all the sides in this top league do, and you have to expect them
to have a rally, especially being coached by someone like Patrick Vieira.
"He actually said to me at the end of the game, very honestly, that he
didn't know how his team got something out of the game, but we didn't get it
over the line and the lads are very disappointed with that."
The Hammers have found the net once in all three of their league games to
date - enough to draw with City, but not against Tottenham Hotspur or
Southampton - but Haycock believes more fruitful times lay just around the
corner. He continued: "We're doing all the work in training, we've now
settled into the working week after pre-season, where we do small-area game
days, then the shape work towards the end of the week. "The boys are getting
plenty of finishing, plenty of combination plays and it will turn if we keep
playing with this attitude and the way we're pressing the ball with
intensity. The players will get fitter and the more they play together the
more they'll mould into a team."
The Hammers faced a moment of concern early in the second period when right
back Sam Westley was stretchered from the field with a knee injury, but
Haycock said the early prognosis was encouraging. He said: "I think Sam is
okay, and I think he had a good first half as well. He was really hungry to
go out in the second half, and I think he got a knock on his knee. "At the
moment I don't think it's too serious but we'll leave him in the good,
capable hands of the physios at the football club and we'll see where he is
tomorrow and the day after."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce will be sharing some stern words with his squad on Monday
morning
31.08.2014
Sam Allardyce will be expecting his players to 'clear their heads' at
Chadwell Heath on Monday as the squad prepare for a two-week break from
Barclays Premier League action. The West Ham United manager pulled no
punches in his post-match analysis of Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Southampton
after he held a full and frank discussion with his players in the dressing
room after the match. The Hammers visit Hull City on Monday 15 September and
it is clear he is expecting the lessons from the Southampton match will have
been learned. "The players were down and out in the dressing room after the
game," the manager said. "I always think it's best to get things said
quickly, in the dressing room. Let's get it out the way. Let's tell the
truth. "Let's get back in on Monday, clear our heads and get going for the
match against Hull City away. It was a poor performance, it wasn't what we
expected. They have to remember as much as they have been praised for
Crystal Palace and Tottenham, two huge, huge performances, in both of those
games. "They have to take the good with the bad. We're all in it together -
I'll accept my part of it and take responsibility. It's a wake-up call.
"There are no excuses. I can pussyfoot around it like lots of us managers
do, unlucky this and unlucky that, we passed the ball well and all that. But
we haven't played well, I can only protect them to a certain degree. You
lads [the press] are not daft, the supporters are certainly not daft. So I'm
not going to try and cover up what has been a poor performance."
The international break should allow several key first-team players to
return from injury, namely Matt Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins.
The trio could be joined by Alex Song, the loan signing from Barcelona that
received such a rapturous welcome from the Boleyn Ground crowd before
kick-off on Saturday.
"We will get a few players back from injury - Jarvis, Jenkinson and Collins
- and Alex Song will be with us. "Hopefully nobody gets injured over the
international break and the squad that we can select for Hull City will be
much bigger than the one we had. But in saying that the same team played
against Southampton played against Crystal Palace brilliantly, but
underperformed sadly in front of their own fans."
The Hull match is followed by a home game with Liverpool and then a trip to
Manchester United, but the manager is more concerned about how his side
perform rather than who they are lining up against. "All of the games are
tough, you got to be 100% at every game to get a result in the Barclays
Premier League, whoever we play. Burnley did an unbelievable job against
Manchester United on Saturday. "Everybody thinks that when we go there or
they come here, that they're going to be fodder, they won't. They're going
to be tough. They're going to be hard to beat, like we were when we were in
the first year in the Premier League. "What worries me more than anything
else is two home games, two defeats. It's really the one that kills me the
most. We didn't deserve to get beat against Tottenham but we did.
Realistically on Saturday we didn't deserve to get anything."
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Reid excited by Song arrival
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender Winston Reid believes new signing will be a Boleyn Ground
hit
31.08.2014
West Ham United defender Winston Reid is looking forward to working
alongside new loan signing Alex Song. Barcelona midfielder Song became the
Hammers eighth summer signing when he finalised a season-long loan move from
the Nou Camp on Saturday before receiving a warm welcome from the Boleyn
Ground crowd. Song possesses six years of Barclays Premier League experience
from his time with Arsenal and Reid is sure the 26-year-old will prove to be
an exciting addition to the squad. He said: "Alex Song is a good player and
will help improve the squad so I'm looking forward to working with him. "The
club has done a massive job to get him here. He's going to be a big player
for us, he's proven himself at Arsenal and Barcelona and it's good that he's
here. "
Reid had no complains over Saturday's result, saying that his team deserved
nothing from the game following a lacklustre display against Southampton.
"We were not at our best and we need to improve," he admitted. "It was
disappointing to concede the second goal from a short corner, but that's
only one goal. We conceded three and that shouldn't happen. It wasn't our
day. "We lost the game - we didn't play very well. We've played a lot better
than that, and now we've lost three home games, so we have to put that
right. "It was a general off day, our passing wasn't there and Southampton
were the better team. That was it."
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Noble 'disappointed' by England snub
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble admitted today that he was disappointed at being overlooked by
Roy Hodgson for the latest England squad - and confirmed earlier reports
that he would give serious consideration to switching loyalties. Back in
2010 it was revealed that Canning Town-born Noble would be able to represent
Ireland through a family link. But at just 23, the midfielder decided to
reject the opportunity in order to wait for an England call-up. Some four
years down the line, Noble was touted as a potential squad replacement for
the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, both of whom have declared
that they no longer wish to be considered for the national team.
However Hodgson chose instead to call up rookies Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
and Newcastle youngster Jack Colbeck, leaving Noble to face the very real
prospect that he has no future with the English national team. "I was a
little bit disappointed not to be involved with the England squad,"
admitted. "But that's only natural if you're an English player and you've
got a chance. It's the pinnacle of every English boys career to play for
England."
And when asked whether he'd consider representing the Irish, he added: "I've
captained the [England] Under 21s in the European Championships where we
lost to an amazing German team who've just gone on to win the World Cup.
"But you never know; football is a strange game. I'll just keep on enjoying
playing for West Ham and playing the way I am - and I'll make a decision
within the next couple of weeks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day: Italian giants join Richards race
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United face stiff opposition in the race to sign Manchester City
defender Micah Richards, after it emerged that Italian club Fiorentina had
expressed an interest. The Hammers are just one of a number of clubs linked
with a move for the England international as the transfer window enters its
final 24 hours.
In addition to la Viola - who are also keen on Genoa midfielder Abdoulay
Konko (DiMarzio) - both Sunderland and Everton are rumoured to be keen on
snapping up Richards, who is being allowed to leave the Citizens having
failed to secure a first team slot. As tonight's 11pm deadline rapidly
approaches, West Ham are expected to be busy with possibilities of further
arrivals - and departures. The introduction of an additional central
defender appears to be a distinct possibility, even though Barcelona's Alex
Song - who became Sam Allardyce's eighth signing of a busy summer on
Saturday - has experience of featuring in that role. Song's arrival - viewed
as a major coup by many - has raised the possibility of Mo Diame's
pre-deadline departure, according to several sources.
Despite having previously ruled out a move to anyone but a 'top six club'
the Senegal international is being strongly linked with both Queens Park
Rangers and Hull City (Mail etc), whose efforts to land Manchester United's
Tom Cleverly appear to have failed with the midfielder set for Aston Villa.
With regards to potential outgoings, Matt Jarvis - who was linked with West
Bromwich Albion last month - is another who could yet feature during the
day. Carlton Cole may be the subject of one or two enquiries whilst Ricardo
Vaz Te, who asked to leave the club a year ago and has failed to impress
this season could also be on the move.
Deadline Day: WIll fans' favourite Carlton Cole be shown the door?
2014/15 New Faces - So Far
May
Mauro Zarate (Velez Sarsfield): nominal fee
June
Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht): £7million
July
Enner Valencia (CF Pachua): £12.5million
Diego Poyet (Charlton Athletic): nominal, tribunal
Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich Town): £4million
August
Alex Song (Barcelona): season-long loan
Diafra Sakho (FC Metz): £4million
Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal): season-long loan
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goals on Sunday: Mark Noble says West Ham fans should back Sam Allardyce
'Boss has improved side'
SSN
The West Ham fans should get behind under-fire Sam Allardyce, Mark Noble
told Goals on Sunday. The Hammers manager has regularly received criticism
from the Upton Park faithful during his three-year tenure and the team were
booed from the pitch after losing 3-1 at home to Southampton on Saturday.
However, Noble says the players enjoy a great relationship with Allardyce
and the good work he's doing at the club is going unnoticed. "He's up there
with the best of the managers I've played under. His man management skills
are second to none," said the midfielder. "You can sit with him in his
office and sometimes you get managers you're not like that with. He'll come
and sit down with the players while they're having their breakfast and 10
minutes later he's opening you up on the pitch but there's no hard feelings.
"Obviously the fans don't know him personally but he came to West Ham with a
philosophy with the way he plays and he's been successful over the years –
he's never been relegated as a manager. "When he came to West Ham it was at
a low point, the club needed a massive change, it needed a figure to lead
and we got that. We got promoted, came 10th in the Premier League and then
last year was a tough year but we still ended up coming 13th."
Style
Allardyce's style of play has often been an issue with West Ham supporters,
who would prefer to see a less direct approach from their team, and the
board even demanded a more 'entertaining' brand of football be played this
term. Noble believes there has been a significant improvement from the team
at the start of this campaign but conceded the criticism of Allardyce after
Saturday's loss was inevitable, given his history at the club. "The
first two games of this season were better than any games we played last
year," he said. "Against Crystal Palace we played really well and against
Spurs we played really, really well but didn't get anything out of it. "But
with the way it's been over the summer for the manager and for the stick he
got last year, he knew and the players knew that as soon as we got a bad
result it was going to come again and it did yesterday, when there were boos
after the game. "But Sam's thick-skinned enough to deal with that and
hopefully we can go to Hull next week and get some more points on the
board."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WELCOME TO ALEX SONG
By Iain Dale 31 Aug 2014 at 10:29
West Ham Till I Die
Amidst all the gloom and doom about yesterday the one bright spot was of
course the unveiling of Alex Song. I can't think anyone will argue that this
isn't an exciting signing, albeit only on loan. According to Claret & Hugh
we are paying a £3 million loan fee but Barcelona will continue paying his
£130,000 a week wages.
He has the advantage of being able to play in a number of positions in
midfield and central defence, and also knocks in the odd goal. He played 138
times for Arsenal, scoring 7 goals. In two seasons he played 39 times for
Barcelona, scoring one goal. He has also played 47 times for Cameroon.
One interesting fact about Song is that he has 17 sisters and 10 brothers.
Quite what he thought about yesterday's game is anybody's guess. I just hope
he had already put pen to paper! I feel rather sorry for David Sullivan, who
I believe was the driving force behind the move and personally persuaded
Song to pick us over other clubs who were interested. I doubt whether he
knew what to say to him at the end of the game.
It will be interesting to see where he fits in. He has been described by
former Cameroon coach Javier Clemente as a "much better player in attack
than he is defensively."
So where would you play him?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
313 games, 26 assists, one dismissal: West Ham's loan signing
Vincent Ralph
HITC
West Ham United have brought in Alex Song on loan, so what are the numbers
behind his career to date? West Ham United completed their latest piece of
summer transfer business on Saturday, announcing that Alex Song would spend
the season on loan from Barcelona. The Cameroon international had been
linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs but ultimately he headed to
Upton Park. It is quite a coup for Sam Allardyce and in the latest in our
series on the numbers behind a player's career to date we take a closer look
at West Ham's new arrival.
313 – The number of appearances Song has made in his club career to date. He
featured 204 times for Arsenal, 65 times for Barcelona, 32 times for Bastia
and 12 times for Charlton Athletic.
11 – The number of club goals he has scored so far. Obviously not signed for
his impact in front of goal, the defensive midfielder has still found the
net a few times over the years. The new West Ham man scored 10 of those
goals for Arsenal, where he became far more of a creative threat.
26 – The number of assists Song has in his club career to date. The
now-26-year-old set up an impressive 23 goals during his time in North
London. He also set up two goals for Barcelona and one for Charlton.
1 – The number of times Song has been sent off in his club career. This
really is an impressive statistic considering the number of games he has
played over the years. His temperament may have been one of the reasons West
Ham were so keen to bring him to the club.
64 – The number of yellow cards he has clocked up for his various clubs.
While that is a tidy sum it is spread over 313 appearances and only once has
he collected two bookings in a single match. Allardyce will hope that
continues for the season ahead.
Verdict – This really is a win-win deal for West Ham and for Song. The
player returns to a country and a league where he previously excelled, while
the Hammers are signing a player with plenty to prove and yet with Premier
League experience in abundance.
The Cameroon star will want to prove his critics wrong and given that there
is no transfer fee involved, and with other clubs reportedly interested, it
is a fine piece of business from the London club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry wants Diame
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There are renewed rumours coming out of West London today that former
Hammers manager Harry Redknapp will be up to his old tricks by making a late
bid for Hammers midfielder Mo Diame on transfer deadline day. Hull City have
already made a bid under the buy out clause despite Steve Bruce denying it.
Hull have yet to come in with a second bid and Bruce did confirm they are
interested. One barrier for Hull could be Diame's wage demands, It is
believed in addition to the £3.5m buy out clause another clause is said to
insist he earns £50,000 per week or more in any transfer deal with Diame's
agents wanting as much as £70,000 per week. We all know Harry loves a
bargain but I am doubtful the West Ham board will sell Diame to QPR under
his buy out clause but that won't Harry from trying. Harry Redknapp's
through the car window interview with Sky Sports News on deadline day has
become an institution but we await the end of the transfer window to see if
we have held on to all our players with baited breath.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton's "God bless" to Twitter abusers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carlton Cole received a torrent of abuse on social media last night after
the 3-1 defeat at home by Southampton. This culminated in Carlton tweeting
"I know I'm easily accessible. It's a team game and I know I had a poor
game. But to take the stick for the whole thing is ludicrous." Carlton
originally seemed to be taking the abuse in his stride by replying 'God
bless!' to his haters before making that statement. It has been a topsy
turvy week for Carlton Cole after scoring the third goal at Crystal Palace
the previous Saturday. He was allegedly told by Allardyce he was surplus to
requirements and wanted by Bournemouth. The manager then had a chance of
heart starting Cole again yesterday after Diafra Sakho suffered an injury
and Enner Valencia remained short of match fitness.
Many Carlton fans took to Twitter to defend the Hammers striker pointing out
his loyalty and the important goals he has has scored in a West Ham shirt
including the Play Off final which won us promotion.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warnock enters Diame race
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
According to the Sunday People today new Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock
is set to leap frog QPR & Hull City to sign Mo Diame on transfer deadline
day tomorrow. The Eagles would have to meet the £3.5m buy out clause price
tag plus be prepared to pay him £50,000 per week or more. Earlier this week
Sam Allardyce was asked about the possibility of Carlton Cole and Mo Diame
leaving the club he said ""I expect both of them to be here next week and
beyond"
However, with Hull, QPR, Palace and possibly Everton after his signature the
chances of keeping after 11pm tomorrow seem slim. Speaking about the
transfer deadline day Sam added: "I think all the managers have the TV on
for the countdown to the end of the window, but what I am hoping is that I
am just sat there watching because all my business is done, I don't want to
be the one of the phone at the last minute trying to make a signing, or the
one losing a player I don't want to lose, because at that stage there is no
time to find a replacement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Richards in, Diame out is Irons Deadline Day hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still on the Micah Richards case. As reported on ClaretandHugh
last week the club are doing all they can to land the Manchester City
defender on loan tomorrow (Mon). With Mohamed Diame being chased by Hull,
QPR, and Palace - Richards' could become the second quality loan signing
in three days following Alex Son's arrival. Irons negotiators were locked
in talks with Manchester City all last week over a loan deal but the
champions were hoping to sell the player rather than let him out on loan.
However, unless there's a late bid a loan move to the Boleyn could happen
during deadline day. A well placed source told ClaretandHugh exclsuively:
"We are still working on the Richards situation. It's fifty fifty. "As far
as Diame is concerned it looks at the moment like Hull still but Palace and
QPR are interested."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock felt his side could have beaten
Manchester City on Sunday
31.08.2014
The Development Squad opened their Barclays U21 Premier League points
account for the season with a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday
afternoon, but coach Nick Haycock felt his side could, and should, have gone
back down the M6 with all three. Kieran Sadlier's 26th minute goal gave the
Hammers a lead which lasted until the very last minute of the contest, when
City's Olivier Ntcham rifled a shot in from the edge of the box to ensure
the spoils were shared.
West Ham created several chances to add to their advantage before City came
on strongly in the game's final quarter to level, and Haycock knows his team
need to keep improving in the final third. "You don't want to harp on about
games in the past but I think we've been unlucky not to have taken seven
points from the first three games," he explained. "They work hard every day
in training, there are certain things you ask of them and the more they play
together the better they look. I thought the first half was a solid
performance, we got the goal and it wouldn't have flattered us if we had
come in two or three to the good.
"We knew we had to take our chances because otherwise something will fall
for them in the game. We were hoping that we could see it out at 1-0, but
they got the goal and all credit to them because in the last 15 minutes they
looked the likely winners in a game that we were the better team for 75
minutes.
"I said to them afterwards that you can be comfortable in a game thinking
they're going to find it hard to muster a chance, but they have good
players, as all the sides in this top league do, and you have to expect them
to have a rally, especially being coached by someone like Patrick Vieira.
"He actually said to me at the end of the game, very honestly, that he
didn't know how his team got something out of the game, but we didn't get it
over the line and the lads are very disappointed with that."
The Hammers have found the net once in all three of their league games to
date - enough to draw with City, but not against Tottenham Hotspur or
Southampton - but Haycock believes more fruitful times lay just around the
corner. He continued: "We're doing all the work in training, we've now
settled into the working week after pre-season, where we do small-area game
days, then the shape work towards the end of the week. "The boys are getting
plenty of finishing, plenty of combination plays and it will turn if we keep
playing with this attitude and the way we're pressing the ball with
intensity. The players will get fitter and the more they play together the
more they'll mould into a team."
The Hammers faced a moment of concern early in the second period when right
back Sam Westley was stretchered from the field with a knee injury, but
Haycock said the early prognosis was encouraging. He said: "I think Sam is
okay, and I think he had a good first half as well. He was really hungry to
go out in the second half, and I think he got a knock on his knee. "At the
moment I don't think it's too serious but we'll leave him in the good,
capable hands of the physios at the football club and we'll see where he is
tomorrow and the day after."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce will be sharing some stern words with his squad on Monday
morning
31.08.2014
Sam Allardyce will be expecting his players to 'clear their heads' at
Chadwell Heath on Monday as the squad prepare for a two-week break from
Barclays Premier League action. The West Ham United manager pulled no
punches in his post-match analysis of Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Southampton
after he held a full and frank discussion with his players in the dressing
room after the match. The Hammers visit Hull City on Monday 15 September and
it is clear he is expecting the lessons from the Southampton match will have
been learned. "The players were down and out in the dressing room after the
game," the manager said. "I always think it's best to get things said
quickly, in the dressing room. Let's get it out the way. Let's tell the
truth. "Let's get back in on Monday, clear our heads and get going for the
match against Hull City away. It was a poor performance, it wasn't what we
expected. They have to remember as much as they have been praised for
Crystal Palace and Tottenham, two huge, huge performances, in both of those
games. "They have to take the good with the bad. We're all in it together -
I'll accept my part of it and take responsibility. It's a wake-up call.
"There are no excuses. I can pussyfoot around it like lots of us managers
do, unlucky this and unlucky that, we passed the ball well and all that. But
we haven't played well, I can only protect them to a certain degree. You
lads [the press] are not daft, the supporters are certainly not daft. So I'm
not going to try and cover up what has been a poor performance."
The international break should allow several key first-team players to
return from injury, namely Matt Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins.
The trio could be joined by Alex Song, the loan signing from Barcelona that
received such a rapturous welcome from the Boleyn Ground crowd before
kick-off on Saturday.
"We will get a few players back from injury - Jarvis, Jenkinson and Collins
- and Alex Song will be with us. "Hopefully nobody gets injured over the
international break and the squad that we can select for Hull City will be
much bigger than the one we had. But in saying that the same team played
against Southampton played against Crystal Palace brilliantly, but
underperformed sadly in front of their own fans."
The Hull match is followed by a home game with Liverpool and then a trip to
Manchester United, but the manager is more concerned about how his side
perform rather than who they are lining up against. "All of the games are
tough, you got to be 100% at every game to get a result in the Barclays
Premier League, whoever we play. Burnley did an unbelievable job against
Manchester United on Saturday. "Everybody thinks that when we go there or
they come here, that they're going to be fodder, they won't. They're going
to be tough. They're going to be hard to beat, like we were when we were in
the first year in the Premier League. "What worries me more than anything
else is two home games, two defeats. It's really the one that kills me the
most. We didn't deserve to get beat against Tottenham but we did.
Realistically on Saturday we didn't deserve to get anything."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid excited by Song arrival
WHUFC.com
Hammers defender Winston Reid believes new signing will be a Boleyn Ground
hit
31.08.2014
West Ham United defender Winston Reid is looking forward to working
alongside new loan signing Alex Song. Barcelona midfielder Song became the
Hammers eighth summer signing when he finalised a season-long loan move from
the Nou Camp on Saturday before receiving a warm welcome from the Boleyn
Ground crowd. Song possesses six years of Barclays Premier League experience
from his time with Arsenal and Reid is sure the 26-year-old will prove to be
an exciting addition to the squad. He said: "Alex Song is a good player and
will help improve the squad so I'm looking forward to working with him. "The
club has done a massive job to get him here. He's going to be a big player
for us, he's proven himself at Arsenal and Barcelona and it's good that he's
here. "
Reid had no complains over Saturday's result, saying that his team deserved
nothing from the game following a lacklustre display against Southampton.
"We were not at our best and we need to improve," he admitted. "It was
disappointing to concede the second goal from a short corner, but that's
only one goal. We conceded three and that shouldn't happen. It wasn't our
day. "We lost the game - we didn't play very well. We've played a lot better
than that, and now we've lost three home games, so we have to put that
right. "It was a general off day, our passing wasn't there and Southampton
were the better team. That was it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble 'disappointed' by England snub
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 31st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble admitted today that he was disappointed at being overlooked by
Roy Hodgson for the latest England squad - and confirmed earlier reports
that he would give serious consideration to switching loyalties. Back in
2010 it was revealed that Canning Town-born Noble would be able to represent
Ireland through a family link. But at just 23, the midfielder decided to
reject the opportunity in order to wait for an England call-up. Some four
years down the line, Noble was touted as a potential squad replacement for
the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, both of whom have declared
that they no longer wish to be considered for the national team.
However Hodgson chose instead to call up rookies Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)
and Newcastle youngster Jack Colbeck, leaving Noble to face the very real
prospect that he has no future with the English national team. "I was a
little bit disappointed not to be involved with the England squad,"
admitted. "But that's only natural if you're an English player and you've
got a chance. It's the pinnacle of every English boys career to play for
England."
And when asked whether he'd consider representing the Irish, he added: "I've
captained the [England] Under 21s in the European Championships where we
lost to an amazing German team who've just gone on to win the World Cup.
"But you never know; football is a strange game. I'll just keep on enjoying
playing for West Ham and playing the way I am - and I'll make a decision
within the next couple of weeks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day: Italian giants join Richards race
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 1st September 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United face stiff opposition in the race to sign Manchester City
defender Micah Richards, after it emerged that Italian club Fiorentina had
expressed an interest. The Hammers are just one of a number of clubs linked
with a move for the England international as the transfer window enters its
final 24 hours.
In addition to la Viola - who are also keen on Genoa midfielder Abdoulay
Konko (DiMarzio) - both Sunderland and Everton are rumoured to be keen on
snapping up Richards, who is being allowed to leave the Citizens having
failed to secure a first team slot. As tonight's 11pm deadline rapidly
approaches, West Ham are expected to be busy with possibilities of further
arrivals - and departures. The introduction of an additional central
defender appears to be a distinct possibility, even though Barcelona's Alex
Song - who became Sam Allardyce's eighth signing of a busy summer on
Saturday - has experience of featuring in that role. Song's arrival - viewed
as a major coup by many - has raised the possibility of Mo Diame's
pre-deadline departure, according to several sources.
Despite having previously ruled out a move to anyone but a 'top six club'
the Senegal international is being strongly linked with both Queens Park
Rangers and Hull City (Mail etc), whose efforts to land Manchester United's
Tom Cleverly appear to have failed with the midfielder set for Aston Villa.
With regards to potential outgoings, Matt Jarvis - who was linked with West
Bromwich Albion last month - is another who could yet feature during the
day. Carlton Cole may be the subject of one or two enquiries whilst Ricardo
Vaz Te, who asked to leave the club a year ago and has failed to impress
this season could also be on the move.
Deadline Day: WIll fans' favourite Carlton Cole be shown the door?
2014/15 New Faces - So Far
May
Mauro Zarate (Velez Sarsfield): nominal fee
June
Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht): £7million
July
Enner Valencia (CF Pachua): £12.5million
Diego Poyet (Charlton Athletic): nominal, tribunal
Aaron Cresswell (Ipswich Town): £4million
August
Alex Song (Barcelona): season-long loan
Diafra Sakho (FC Metz): £4million
Carl Jenkinson (Arsenal): season-long loan
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goals on Sunday: Mark Noble says West Ham fans should back Sam Allardyce
'Boss has improved side'
SSN
The West Ham fans should get behind under-fire Sam Allardyce, Mark Noble
told Goals on Sunday. The Hammers manager has regularly received criticism
from the Upton Park faithful during his three-year tenure and the team were
booed from the pitch after losing 3-1 at home to Southampton on Saturday.
However, Noble says the players enjoy a great relationship with Allardyce
and the good work he's doing at the club is going unnoticed. "He's up there
with the best of the managers I've played under. His man management skills
are second to none," said the midfielder. "You can sit with him in his
office and sometimes you get managers you're not like that with. He'll come
and sit down with the players while they're having their breakfast and 10
minutes later he's opening you up on the pitch but there's no hard feelings.
"Obviously the fans don't know him personally but he came to West Ham with a
philosophy with the way he plays and he's been successful over the years –
he's never been relegated as a manager. "When he came to West Ham it was at
a low point, the club needed a massive change, it needed a figure to lead
and we got that. We got promoted, came 10th in the Premier League and then
last year was a tough year but we still ended up coming 13th."
Style
Allardyce's style of play has often been an issue with West Ham supporters,
who would prefer to see a less direct approach from their team, and the
board even demanded a more 'entertaining' brand of football be played this
term. Noble believes there has been a significant improvement from the team
at the start of this campaign but conceded the criticism of Allardyce after
Saturday's loss was inevitable, given his history at the club. "The
first two games of this season were better than any games we played last
year," he said. "Against Crystal Palace we played really well and against
Spurs we played really, really well but didn't get anything out of it. "But
with the way it's been over the summer for the manager and for the stick he
got last year, he knew and the players knew that as soon as we got a bad
result it was going to come again and it did yesterday, when there were boos
after the game. "But Sam's thick-skinned enough to deal with that and
hopefully we can go to Hull next week and get some more points on the
board."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WELCOME TO ALEX SONG
By Iain Dale 31 Aug 2014 at 10:29
West Ham Till I Die
Amidst all the gloom and doom about yesterday the one bright spot was of
course the unveiling of Alex Song. I can't think anyone will argue that this
isn't an exciting signing, albeit only on loan. According to Claret & Hugh
we are paying a £3 million loan fee but Barcelona will continue paying his
£130,000 a week wages.
He has the advantage of being able to play in a number of positions in
midfield and central defence, and also knocks in the odd goal. He played 138
times for Arsenal, scoring 7 goals. In two seasons he played 39 times for
Barcelona, scoring one goal. He has also played 47 times for Cameroon.
One interesting fact about Song is that he has 17 sisters and 10 brothers.
Quite what he thought about yesterday's game is anybody's guess. I just hope
he had already put pen to paper! I feel rather sorry for David Sullivan, who
I believe was the driving force behind the move and personally persuaded
Song to pick us over other clubs who were interested. I doubt whether he
knew what to say to him at the end of the game.
It will be interesting to see where he fits in. He has been described by
former Cameroon coach Javier Clemente as a "much better player in attack
than he is defensively."
So where would you play him?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
313 games, 26 assists, one dismissal: West Ham's loan signing
Vincent Ralph
HITC
West Ham United have brought in Alex Song on loan, so what are the numbers
behind his career to date? West Ham United completed their latest piece of
summer transfer business on Saturday, announcing that Alex Song would spend
the season on loan from Barcelona. The Cameroon international had been
linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs but ultimately he headed to
Upton Park. It is quite a coup for Sam Allardyce and in the latest in our
series on the numbers behind a player's career to date we take a closer look
at West Ham's new arrival.
313 – The number of appearances Song has made in his club career to date. He
featured 204 times for Arsenal, 65 times for Barcelona, 32 times for Bastia
and 12 times for Charlton Athletic.
11 – The number of club goals he has scored so far. Obviously not signed for
his impact in front of goal, the defensive midfielder has still found the
net a few times over the years. The new West Ham man scored 10 of those
goals for Arsenal, where he became far more of a creative threat.
26 – The number of assists Song has in his club career to date. The
now-26-year-old set up an impressive 23 goals during his time in North
London. He also set up two goals for Barcelona and one for Charlton.
1 – The number of times Song has been sent off in his club career. This
really is an impressive statistic considering the number of games he has
played over the years. His temperament may have been one of the reasons West
Ham were so keen to bring him to the club.
64 – The number of yellow cards he has clocked up for his various clubs.
While that is a tidy sum it is spread over 313 appearances and only once has
he collected two bookings in a single match. Allardyce will hope that
continues for the season ahead.
Verdict – This really is a win-win deal for West Ham and for Song. The
player returns to a country and a league where he previously excelled, while
the Hammers are signing a player with plenty to prove and yet with Premier
League experience in abundance.
The Cameroon star will want to prove his critics wrong and given that there
is no transfer fee involved, and with other clubs reportedly interested, it
is a fine piece of business from the London club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry wants Diame
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There are renewed rumours coming out of West London today that former
Hammers manager Harry Redknapp will be up to his old tricks by making a late
bid for Hammers midfielder Mo Diame on transfer deadline day. Hull City have
already made a bid under the buy out clause despite Steve Bruce denying it.
Hull have yet to come in with a second bid and Bruce did confirm they are
interested. One barrier for Hull could be Diame's wage demands, It is
believed in addition to the £3.5m buy out clause another clause is said to
insist he earns £50,000 per week or more in any transfer deal with Diame's
agents wanting as much as £70,000 per week. We all know Harry loves a
bargain but I am doubtful the West Ham board will sell Diame to QPR under
his buy out clause but that won't Harry from trying. Harry Redknapp's
through the car window interview with Sky Sports News on deadline day has
become an institution but we await the end of the transfer window to see if
we have held on to all our players with baited breath.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton's "God bless" to Twitter abusers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carlton Cole received a torrent of abuse on social media last night after
the 3-1 defeat at home by Southampton. This culminated in Carlton tweeting
"I know I'm easily accessible. It's a team game and I know I had a poor
game. But to take the stick for the whole thing is ludicrous." Carlton
originally seemed to be taking the abuse in his stride by replying 'God
bless!' to his haters before making that statement. It has been a topsy
turvy week for Carlton Cole after scoring the third goal at Crystal Palace
the previous Saturday. He was allegedly told by Allardyce he was surplus to
requirements and wanted by Bournemouth. The manager then had a chance of
heart starting Cole again yesterday after Diafra Sakho suffered an injury
and Enner Valencia remained short of match fitness.
Many Carlton fans took to Twitter to defend the Hammers striker pointing out
his loyalty and the important goals he has has scored in a West Ham shirt
including the Play Off final which won us promotion.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warnock enters Diame race
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
According to the Sunday People today new Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock
is set to leap frog QPR & Hull City to sign Mo Diame on transfer deadline
day tomorrow. The Eagles would have to meet the £3.5m buy out clause price
tag plus be prepared to pay him £50,000 per week or more. Earlier this week
Sam Allardyce was asked about the possibility of Carlton Cole and Mo Diame
leaving the club he said ""I expect both of them to be here next week and
beyond"
However, with Hull, QPR, Palace and possibly Everton after his signature the
chances of keeping after 11pm tomorrow seem slim. Speaking about the
transfer deadline day Sam added: "I think all the managers have the TV on
for the countdown to the end of the window, but what I am hoping is that I
am just sat there watching because all my business is done, I don't want to
be the one of the phone at the last minute trying to make a signing, or the
one losing a player I don't want to lose, because at that stage there is no
time to find a replacement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Richards in, Diame out is Irons Deadline Day hope
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 31, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still on the Micah Richards case. As reported on ClaretandHugh
last week the club are doing all they can to land the Manchester City
defender on loan tomorrow (Mon). With Mohamed Diame being chased by Hull,
QPR, and Palace - Richards' could become the second quality loan signing
in three days following Alex Son's arrival. Irons negotiators were locked
in talks with Manchester City all last week over a loan deal but the
champions were hoping to sell the player rather than let him out on loan.
However, unless there's a late bid a loan move to the Boleyn could happen
during deadline day. A well placed source told ClaretandHugh exclsuively:
"We are still working on the Richards situation. It's fifty fifty. "As far
as Diame is concerned it looks at the moment like Hull still but Palace and
QPR are interested."
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Sunday, August 31
Daily WHUFC News - 31st August 2014
West Ham sunk at home by Saints
WHUFc.com
Southampton fight back from a goal down to triumph 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground
on Saturday afternoon
30.08.2014
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-3 Southampton
Southampton came from behind at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to consign
West Ham United to a second home Barclays Premier League defeat in as many
outings. It had all started so well for Sam Allardyce's men, with Mark
Noble finding the bottom corner from distance after 27 minutes. But Morgan
Schneiderlin curled home on the stroke of half-time and then converted a
well-worked short corner to complete the turnaround midway through the
second period. Ronald Koeman's side were rewarded for a fluent second-half
display with a late third courtesy of Graziano Pelle, a goal that leaves the
Hammers still searching for a first home point of the new campaign. The
afternoon had earlier begun with the unveiling of former Arsenal midfielder
Alex Song, who has signed on a season-long loan from FC Barcelona. As for
more matters on the pitch, Allardyce reverted to the XI that did the
business with such style at Crystal Palace last weekend. The Hammers then
had an early sniff of goal, as Carlton Cole's header dropped towards Ricardo
Vaz Te, but skipped off the turf and through to Fraser Forster. A succession
of Saints corners followed, with the second resulting in a Hammers
breakaway. Cheikhou Kouyate released Stewart Downing down the right, whose
cross-field ball was aimed at Mauro Zarate, but cut out en route.
Following a sedate opening, West Ham were within inches of opening the
scoring midway through the half. Downing's free-kick ricocheted off several
a leg and fell invitingly to Vaz Te, whose side-footer hit the inside of
Forster's left leg and somehow squeezed past his right-hand upright. But Big
Sam's men would not have to wait much longer for the opener, as Noble made
amends for his penalty mishap against Tottenham Hotspur with a 27th-minute
strike here. Zarate stole possession in the Saints' half, fed Noble and his
25-yard strike flicked off Maya Yoshida and past the left hand of Forster.
In response, Aaron Cresswell was perfectly placed to block Pelle's header on
the line, before Dusan Tadic's centre fell to Steven Davis on the edge of
the box, but he blasted way over the top. The Saints, however, drew level on
the stroke of half-time, as a left-wing free-kick came all the way through
to France midfielder Schneiderlin at the far post. Though Joey O'Brien did
superbly well to block the midfielder's first effort, Schneiderlin steadied
himself and bent the rebound left-footed into the far corner.
Buoyed by their leveller, the Saints raced out of the traps after the
interval and Adrian had to fling himself to his left to divert Shane Long's
low drive around the post. At the other end, a typically energetic Kouyate
went haring down the right and his low ball across the face of goal fizzed
just beyond Cole. But back came the visitors, with Adrian unable to hold
Tadic's left-foot volley from the left-edge of the box. The resulting corner
flicked off the head of Noble and through to Schneiderlin who, from no more
than eight yards, side-footed over the bar. Moments later and Koeman's men
did indeed have the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman came to
the Hammers' rescue, chalking off Pelle's close-range effort from a James
Ward-Prowse dead ball. A second scare in a matter of minutes prompted Big
Sam to shuffle his pack, with Mohamed Diame and Ravel Morrison introduced
for Vaz Te and Zarate. But the double switch would not stem the tide, as
Southampton completed the turnaround on 68 minutes. A short corner caught
the Hammers unaware and Ward-Prowse's near-post delivery enabled
Schneiderlin to tuck home.
West Ham were soon undone by another smart set-piece, when Pelle was set
free on the right edge of the box, only for Adrian to deny the No19 on this
occasion. But the Hammers' reprieve was short-lived. Nathaniel Clyne burst
beyond Diame on the right and once Adrian had merely parried his centre,
Pelle was on hand to fire high into an ungaurded net and settle the contest.
West Ham United: Adrian, O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate,
Downing, Zarate (Morrison 57), Vaz Te (Diame 58), Cole (Valencia 79)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Sakho, Demel, Poyet
Goal: Noble 27
Booked: Cresswell, O'Brien
Southampton: Forster, Clyne, Yoshida, Schneiderlin, Fonte, Long (Ramirez
66), Davis, Tadic, Ward-Prowse (Cork 71), Pelle, Bertrand
Subs: Davis, Gardos, Wanyama, Cork, Mayuka, Hooiveld
Goals: Schneiderlin 45, 68, Pelle 83
Booked: Pelle
Referee: Mike Dean
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam slams set play setbacks
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce said West Ham United had gifted Southampton a 3-1 Barclays
Premier League victory
30.08.2014
Sam Allardyce said West Ham United only had themselves to blame for their
3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Southampton. The Hammers took a
first-half lead through Mark Noble's deflected effort before two set play
goals from Morgan Schneiderlin allowed the Saints to turn the game on its
head either side of half-time. Southampton frontman Graziano Pelle
emphatically netted a third seven minutes from full-time to complete a
deserved away win and an afternoon to forget for the home side. Speaking to
West Ham TV, Big Sam could not hide his disappointment and frustration at a
performance that nobody of a Claret and Blue persuasion could have
predicted. "I think we were in a pretty confident [going into the game] and
if that spilled into some over-confidence, I don't know," he began. "Tthe
bottom line was under-performance from the team and if you don't perform to
your best in the Barclays Premier League, you get punished.
"That was the big problem - lack of movement, lack of ball retention, simple
passes going astray, the team not being patient and waiting to get into the
opposition half and continually giving the ball back to them, so they could
break and create more and more attacks against us. "Our normal resilience in
defensive areas from open play meant they initially didn't have any shots on
target on our goal, but then we went on to concede from a set play. People
could say we were unlucky because there was a great block in there, but our
starting positions were all wrong and we only ran through them on the field
on Friday at Upton Park. People weren't taking responsibility for taking the
right starting position and it ultimately accumulated into them scoring just
before half-time.
"While we weren't playing well, we could have come in at 1-0 and even at 1-1
I said to the lads 'If you don't start doing this then you will not get
anything from this game'. I made a couple of substitutions to try to rectify
at least getting possession of the ball and keeping it, but we didn't get
too much better. "We then conceded the second goal off a corner, which was
just suicidal from our point of view. We haven't played well, but we could
have battled and got a well-earned point when we hadn't deserved it because
Southampton were better than us. To give it to Southampton off two set plays
was massively disappointing, even though the second goal shouldn't have been
a corner. I am 100 per cent certain it should have been a goal kick. "Our
switch-off time after the corner was awarded was really poor for their short
corner. Players forgot they had to get out there and we paid a heavy price
for that."
When asked if he could put his finger on why West Ham under-performed so
markedly, the manager admitted there was more than one aspect of their
display that left him perplexed. "None of the players performed to their
best, excepted Cheikh Kouyate who went about his job pretty well, but he had
no help from the rest of his mates," he continued. "There wasn't enough
energy, team commitment when the opposition had it or quality and movement
when we had the ball.
"We needed to show some resilience, grit and determination to make sure
Southampton didn't score, but we've gifted them two set play goals. If, with
their good passing and movement, they had rapped one in the top corner like
the third goal, then you can say they've played really well there. But when
you don't do your job right from set pieces, you ulitimately pay a heavy
price at this level. "It's a real blow and hopefully a real wake-up call for
the players for the fact that they cannot do anything but hit 100 per cent
of their game every time they turn out in the Barclays Premier League,
because that's what's needed from this squad to get a result."
One positive on an otherwise miserable afternoon was the unveiling of new
signing Alex Song moments before kick-off. The Cameroon international has
joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona and Big Sam expects the African
to bring both quality and leadership to the Hammers ranks. "I hope he adds
some leadership, because he is a very experienced man who has played for
Arsenal and Barcelona in the Champions League," said the manager. "We are so
pleased that the the Co-Chairmen have worked so hard to get him into the
squad. "It should make us better so I hope he can get straight in there and
inspire us to play more like we did against Crystal Palace and Tottenham and
less like we did against Southampton. "He is a massively talented player,
but the others have to play their best to play with him and he will
definitely add something to us. "The big responsibility for us is that we
need to support the players who have come to us from abroad and have fitted
in quite well. We needed Carl Jenkinson, James Collins, Andy Carroll and
Matt Jarvis back in the squad and, if all four were fit, probably all four
would have played. Maybe that stood out, that we've been caught a little
short of numbers at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonks disappointed with Saints display
WHUFc.com
James Tomkins was frustrated with West Ham United's 3-1 defeat to
Southampton
30.08.2014
James Tomkins admitted Saturday's performance against Southampton was one to
forget after West Ham United failed to build on last weekend's win over
Crystal Palace. Mark Noble fired the Hammers into a first half lead on their
return to the Boleyn Ground, but a Morgan Schneiderlin double and Graziano
Pelle's late goal consigned them to defeat. Tomkins was especially annoyed
to concede two goals from set pieces and he says the Londoners will have to
work hard on the training pitch to ensure it does not happen again. "The
only positive from the game is Nobes' goal," he admitted. "We never really
got going and didn't deserve to win on Saturday. "We should have gone on
from our goal. They had a lot of possession, but I didn't think they were
going to score, but then they've got one from a set play which was
frustrating from our point of view. "We work hard on them, so to let in
another one in the second half is very disappointing. We're going to have
pick ourselves up, because we've got two weeks to get it right for the next
game. "To go from such a high last Saturday and go into today's game with
such confidence, we felt we could win the game, but maybe we thought it
would be easier than it was and they played really well. "We wanted to go
into the international break with a positive and it hasn't worked out that
way. We'll be disappointed for the next couple of days, but we can't lie on
that and we'll have the chance to work on what we did wrong on Saturday."
The Hammers completed their eighth summer signing on the day of the game,
loaning Alex Song from Barcelona for the season, and Tomkins is looking
forward to working with the midfielder. "Alex comes with a great record,
playing for Arsenal and Barcelona," he added. "It's a good signing and it
shows what the club's trying to do here. "Hopefully he can settle in
quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers go for a Song
WHUFc.com
West Ham United have snapped up Cameroon midfielder Alex Song on a
season-long loan deal
30.08.2014
West Ham United are delighted to confirm they have beaten off interest from
some of Europe's biggest clubs to complete the signing of Barcelona
midfielder Alex Song on a season-long loan deal. Song, 26, has spent the
last two seasons at the Nou Camp following his £15million move from Arsenal
in the summer of 2012, playing 39 La Liga matches and winning the title in
2012/13. The Cameroon international, who can also play at centre-back, is
delighted to be returning to London with the Hammers and cannot wait to face
the challenge of Barclays Premier League football again. Song said: "I'm
very happy to be here and very happy to see the guys and the fans today and
to start to do my job for West Ham United. I think this is very important
for me to be coming back to London to West Ham United, which is a club with
ambition to build a new stadium and become a big club. I am very excited to
be part of this project. "For me, when I was in Spain, I always said that if
I was to leave one day I would return to the Premier League. It was a very
hard decision, because when you have options of a lot of clubs who are
playing in the Champions League, but at the end of the day I chose West Ham
because I wanted to come to the Premier League. This is a league which has
given me a lot and I didn't finish what I wanted to achieve here. "For my
family too, it was very important, because my children and my wife wanted to
come back to England. This is an opportunity to do that with West Ham and I
just took it. I am very happy to be here and very proud to be part of the
project at this club."
Song revealed that a long discussion with manager Sam Allardyce about the
Hammers' ambition to rise to the next level convinced him that this is the
right club for him. "When I spoke to the manager, he gave me very good
advice," he continued. "I had a very good chat with him and that's why I am
coming here. We have to do better than last season. I think the club has
very good ambition and I hope we can maybe catch the European positions,
because that would be very good for the club. "I want to be part of that and
that's why I came here. The manager knows what he wants and I know what he
wants and that's why I want to help the team. I want to be part of what the
club wants to achieve this year. "I need some games to be ready and get my
fitness back. When I am 100 per cent, I will bring the experience and I will
make the fans happy, I am sure. I am lucky to be back in London, back in
England and with West Ham. I am looking forward to showing everyone what I
can do. "West Ham is looking to be a very, very big Club in the future. The
Club has a great project and it is a very big project with very big
ambition. I think it's great for the fans that the Club wants to be one of
the biggest in England. That's why I chose to come here."
Born in Douala, Cameroon, Song started his professional career in France
with Bastia on the island of Corsica, where he quickly progressed to the
first team, making his debut as a 16-year-old in the 2003/04 campaign. After
32 Ligue 1 appearances by the age of 17, he earned a move to Arsenal,
initially on loan, before signing a permanent contract with the Gunners in
summer 2006. Despite still being a teenager, Song appeared in the Barclays
Premier League and UEFA Champions League during his debut Arsenal season
and, after returning from a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in 2007,
established himself in Arsene Wenger's side. In October 2010, he scored a
late Barclays Premier League winner against the Hammers at the Emirates -
one of ten goals he netted for the Gunners. By the time he moved on to
Barcelona in 2012, Song had made 138 Premier League appearances for the
Gunners - 206 in all competitions - and was a League Cup runner-up in 2011.
With Barcelona, in addition to his La Liga winners' medal, Song also won the
Supercopa Espana in 2013 and was part of the Barca squad which lost to Real
Madrid in the Copa del Rey final last term.
Internationally, Song has been capped 47 times by Cameroon, finishing second
in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and featuring in the last two FIFA World
Cup finals. The midfielder becomes the third Cameroonian to play for the
Hammers, following cousin and namesake Rigobert and the late Marc-Vivien
Foe.
He is West Ham's eighth summer capture, following the arrivals of Mauro
Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carl Jenkinson,
Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song joins West Ham United on loan from Barcelona
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song on a season-long
loan deal from Barcelona. The 26-year-old Cameroon international, wearing a
Hammers shirt, was introduced to home fans before Saturday's Premier League
game against Southampton. "I think the club has very good ambition and I
hope we can maybe catch the European positions," he said. Song joined
Barcelona in 2012 from Arsenal for about £15m with an 80m euros (£63m)
release clause. He played 206 times for the Gunners between 2005 and 2012
and has made 39 appearances since moving to the Nou Camp. The Hammers
indicated they fought off interest from "some of Europe's biggest clubs" to
seal the deal. And Song said he was impressed by the ambitions of the London
club, which will move from the Boleyn Ground to the Olympic Stadium in time
for the 2016-17 season. "I need some games to be ready and get my fitness
back," he said.
"When I am 100%, I will bring the experience and I will make the fans happy,
I am sure. I am lucky to be back in London, back in England and with West
Ham. I am looking forward to showing everyone what I can do. "West Ham is
looking to be a very, very big club in the future. The club has a great
project and it is a very big project with very big ambition."
Song is West Ham's eighth summer signing, following the arrivals of Mauro
Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carl Jenkinson,
Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on......Southampton
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th August 2014
By: Staff Writer No.2
A disappointed Sam Allardyce gives his thoughts on today's poor performance
against Southampton...
Sam the players seemed to lose their way in the second half – too many
players not on song?
Yeah – you're spot on there. I don't think we were that good in the first
half, to be honest with you. Compared to what we expected and what we were
like in the last two games here against Tottenham and last week against
Crystal Palace, we had a massive under-performance across the board today,
which was a massive blow to us. A massive disappointment to everybody,
particularly at home again.
Two home games. Two defeats. This can't happen it can't carry on. Yes,
against Tottenham a good performance but we still got beat when we should
have won. We didn't even get a point. Today we could have scraped a point.
As good as Southampton were – and we must give them credit – up to the
second goal there were no shots or openings created in open play.
We practice set plays on a regular basis and set them out on the analysis
board. Our defending of set plays was a massive massive disappointment.
Letting them score from two was unacceptable – even though we know the
second goal was a goal kick and not a corner. You can't allow it to punish
you like we allowed it to punish us. We started to get a bit desperate then
and you don't get anything when you're desperate.
Sam do the players play with a bit of pressure here that they don't get
anywhere else?
Well we didn't against Tottenham. I think everyone was looking forward to a
continuation of the good performances. After the result at Palace there's
nothing in the performance today that I can be pleased about. For a long
time our resilience in open play was pretty good. But why do all that hard
work only to give it away on two set pieces? Massively disappointing.
Perhaps it's a reality check here. The new players have seen the ups and
downs and what the Premier League can do to you if you're not 100% and
you're not on top of your game. Certainly a lot of our players were not on
top of their game.
You were screaming at the players before their first goal?
Yes – to get across at the back they had 3 v 1. The players didn't look over
their shoulders to shuffle over. We nearly got away from it with a massive
block from Joey O'Brien but it fell to the spare man again who put it away.
We were 1-0 up but I can't argue that Southampton weren't the better team
today
What do you think Alex Song can bring?
I'm hoping he can bring a bit of leadership. Out on the pitch the lads are
not opening their mouths enough. They all talk about what they should do
before the game and in training. They all talk in the dressing room but when
they get out on the pitch they stop talking to each other. The communication
is zero.
Somebody's got to get a grip and say "it's a short corner – there are two
out there". Somebody needs to say "there's three against one at the back
here." It doesn't appear to me that anyone is taking the responsibility.
Having spoken to [Song] he looks like a bit of a leader to me. He'll go out
there and kick a few backsides on the pitch. That's what we need. Somebody
needs to kick a few backsides on the field and get them motivated.
Will you be bringing any more in before the deadline?
I don't know. We had a massive boost, a massive uplift when I met Alex after
all the hard work put in by David Sullivan, recruitment and everyone to
bring this fantastic player to the club. The big let down is that he arrives
on the pitch and it should have lifted everybody, especially the players
that played today and the players haven't performed. I didn't expect a
performance like this especially after the two we've just given.
He will make us better. Hopefully with the return of Carl Jenkinson, James
Collins, Matt Jarvis and eventually Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll we'll be
more of a force to be reckoned with.
Mark Noble is looking at playing for Ireland now. What would you advise him
to do?
Play. Go play international football. He's clearly not going to get an
opportunity here so if he gets the opportunity through parentage to play for
Ireland he should go – international football is fantastic.
Have you spoken to him about it?
No – I didn't realise he had an Irish parent – not with that cockney accent!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on season-long loan
Last Updated: 30/08/14 3:50pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a
season-long loan deal. The 26-year-old Cameroon international struggled to
hold down a regular place at the Nou Camp following a move from Arsenal in
2012 and returns to the Premier League with the Hammers. He was paraded at
Upton Park ahead of the clash with Southampton on Saturday afternoon. Clubs
throughout Europe were put on alert when it emerged Song would be allowed to
leave Barcelona - with West Ham having won the race to sign him on a
temporary basis despite reported interest from the likes of Napoli and
Galatasaray. Song revealed it was a conversation with Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce that led to his decision to move to east London and he is
targeting European qualification.
"When I spoke to the manager, he gave me very good advice," he told
whufc.com. "I had a very good chat with him and that's why I am coming here.
We have to do better than last season. I think the club has very good
ambition and I hope we can maybe catch the European positions, because that
would be very good for the club. "West Ham is looking to be a very, very big
club in the future. The club has a great project and it is a very big
project with very big ambition.
"I think it's great for the fans that the club wants to be one of the
biggest in England. That's why I chose to come here. I always said that if I
was to leave (Barcelona) one day I would return to the Premier League. "It
was a very hard decision when you have options of a lot of clubs who are
playing in the Champions League, but at the end of the day I chose West Ham
because I wanted to come to the Premier League."
Song, who won one La Liga title during his spell in Spain, is likely to be
West Ham's final summer signing - taking the total of new recruits to eight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-3 Southampton: Morgan Schneiderlin double sees Saints take the
points
By Chris Harvey. Last Updated: 30/08/14 7:00pm
SSN
Two goals from Morgan Schneiderlin and a late Graziano Pelle strike saw
Southampton come from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 at Upton Park. Frenchman
Schneiderlin, who handed in a transfer request earlier in the summer, twice
profited from some sloppy Hammers defending to put the visitors on their way
to three points they thoroughly deserved.
MATCH FACTS
Man of the match - Dusan Tadic. There were a few in Saints colours who could
lay a claim for man of the match but Serb Tadic showed great quality and
tormented the Hammers defence throughout.
Save of the match: Fraser Forster was a virtual spectator in the second half
but in the first he made a wonderful block with his boot to deflect Ricardo
Vaz Te's close-range effort behind
Goal of the match: Saints were inventive throughout but their short corner
routine which allowed Schneiderlin to score his second was a gem
Talking point: Just what did Ronald Koeman say to his side at half-time to
trigger the transformation as Saints swept the home team aside?
The midfielder curled in a sweet left-footer on the stroke of half-time to
cancel out Mark Noble's deflected effort then put the visitors ahead on 69
minutes when the Hammers fell asleep at a corner, allowing him to turn in
James Ward-Prowse's cross at the near post. The points were made safe seven
minutes from time when Pelle got his reward for a fine centre-forward
display, smashing in from close range after Adrian could only parry
Nathaniel Clyne's cross into his path. The third goal sparked a rush to the
exits for the home fans, following a second home defeat in the space of a
week for manager Sam Allardyce whose team were knocked out of the Capital
One Cup on penalties by Sheffield United. Southampton, who won at Millwall
in the cup, started brightly as Pelle and Shane Long, a £12million signing
from Hull, stretched the Hammers' defence.
West Ham paraded new loan signing Alex Song, the former Arsenal man joining
from Barcelona, before kick-off, but took time to get into any sort of
passing rhythm against the well-organised Saints. It was 20 minutes before
the home side were able to create an opening. Southampton boss Ronald Koeman
says his side's late 1st half equaliser against West Ham gave his side the
believe to go on and win the game 3-1. A free-kick from Stewart Downing was
only half cleared, with the ball dropping back to the far post through a
crowded six-yard box where Ricardo Vaz Te turned it goalwards. However,
Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster somehow made a reaction save with his leg
at point-blank range to push the ball wide across the face of goal. There
was, though, little the former Celtic number one could do a few moments
later to prevent West Ham taking the lead in the 27th minute. Noble robbed
Schneiderlin and drove towards the edge of the Saints penalty area. He let
fly from 25 yards, with the ball deflecting off the boot of Maya Yoshida and
into the far corner, just out of Forster's reach.
Southampton looked to make a quick response, with a deep cross from the left
glanced down by Pelle, which Aaron Cresswell guided off the line. To their
credit, the visitors continued to stay composed despite now having to chase
the match, with West Ham dropping an extra man into a packed midfield to
compensate. Pelle missed his kick when Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic found
space on the left for another dangerous cross into the West Ham penalty
area, which Winston Reid gratefully cleared. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
said his side were second best in their 3-1 defeat against Southampton.
Schneiderlin showed the Italian how it should be done when he equalised on
the stroke of half-time. A free-kick on the left touchline was floated in by
Tadic and flicked on to the far post, where Schneiderlin drilled it back
goalwards. Although Joey O'Brien made a brave block, Schneiderlin latched
onto the rebound and curled it inside the far post.
Saints went close to taking the lead at the start of the second half when a
shot by Long at the edge of the penalty area was turned behind by Adrian.
Tadic then had the West Ham goalkeeper scrambling down to his right with a
low shot from 18 yards, and Schneiderlin crashed the ball over from 10 yards
following the corner. Saints had the ball in the net again when Pelle
converted a free-kick from Ward-Prowse at the far post, but was one of three
players ruled offside - although the decision was a tight one. Allardyce had
seen enough, and made a double change on the hour, as Ravel Morrison and
Mohamed Diame replaced Mauro Zarate and Vaz Te. It was no surprise when
Schneiderlin put the Saints ahead midway through the second half. A short
corner caught West Ham asleep, with a cross from Ward-Prowse flicked home at
the near post by the French midfielder, who wheeled away to celebrate in
front of the away fans behind the goal.
West Ham needed inspiration from somewhere, and £12million Ecuador forward
Enner Valencia was sent on with 11 minutes left, replacing the ineffective
Carlton Cole. However, Southampton made sure of the victory in the 83rd
minute when Pelle smashed home after Adrian had palmed out a cross from
Clyne. The boos rang out around the Boleyn Ground at full-time from those
disgruntled fans who had stayed on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'not good enough' in 3-1 defeat to Southampton
Last Updated: 30/08/14 7:16pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said his side were second best in their 3-1
defeat against Southampton. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said his team were
"not good enough" in their 3-1 home defeat to Southampton. The Hammers had
led at Upton Park through Mark Noble's deflected effort, but France
midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin scored twice before Graziano Pelle's maiden
Premier League goal rounded off a fine away day for Saints. A penalty
shoot-out defeat to Sheffield United in midweek saw the Hammers knocked out
of the Capital One Cup at their first hurdle and Allardyce's side were not
at the races once again.
"We weren't good enough," Allardyce said. "Southampton taught us a lesson,
we weren't sharp enough and didn't retain the ball as well as they did,
close down as well as they did and gifted them two goals. "As much as they
were in control and on top of the game, we've lost two very stupid goals
from set-pieces."
One bright point for West Ham was the pre-match announcement that they have
signed Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on loan. The former Arsenal man will
spend the remainder of the campaign at Upton Park and Allardyce wants to see
the Cameroon international "kick a few backside s". "I hope he can bring a
bit of leadership as well as his quality play," Allardyce said. "The lads
are not opening their mouth enough. They all talk about what they should do
before the game in the dressing room and in training, but when they go out
on the pitch they don't talk to each other. It is clear that their
communication is zero. "Somebody has got to get a grip and open their mouth.
If it is a short corner get someone out there. It is not difficult for
someone to look around and organise the team. It doesn't appear that anyone
is analysing what the situation is and not have the desperate defending that
we had. "Having spoken to him he looks a leader to me and will kick a few
backsides on the field. If they are not playing as well as they should do he
will get them motivated."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Season ticket anyone? Good try but no cigar
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The West Ham media department must have believed it was a great day to
produce a sales pitch for 2015-16 season tickets. A nice little win at
Palace had kept the feelgood factor going all week with the Capital One Cup
match result almost being overlooked as we headed for today's game. There
was all the Alex Song hype going on and a planned introduction to the fans
for about 2.50. So at 2.35 this little offering appeared in our e-mail
in-trays: 'Get on the 2015-16 season ticket waiting list!' 'Perfect timing'
were presumably the buzzwords.
Unfortunately, however, Mr Allardyce's latest attempt to win a match at the
ground was in ruins a couple of hours later along, probably, with the latest
marketing push. One or two people working in the media department should
surely remember the oldest cliche in football: "It's a results game." Good
try but no cigar!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan stages a Song loan fee only 'steal'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh has been told tonight that Alex Song will join West Ham under
a deal which sees Barcelona pay his wages in full whilst getting a £3
million loan fee from us for the season. Song was introduced to the West Ham
faithful this afternoon in the one bright spot of our day before we watched
the team crash to a 3-1 defeat by Southampton. The arrival of Song will
tighten things up considerably and give us a hard-to-beat look although
questions are already being raised as to who will make way for the former
Arsenal player in our midfield. Barca have been keen to move Song on for
some months as he doesn't fit their style and both us and Spurs were
interested. But we have been told that when it became clear that the Spanish
giants made it clear they would pay his wages in full the player opted for
the Hammers rather than his old north London rivals. Manager Sam Allardyce
is a big fan of the player's fearsome midfield qualities and led the race to
get him although co-chairman David Sullivan takes the plaudits for arranging
the financials. A source told us exclusively: "There's a few transfer dramas
at Barcelona with an embargo on the horizon. Song was definitely one of
those whom they wanted to allow out given they have the likes of Neymar in
there. "But my understanding is that we got him for just the £3 million loan
fee with Barca paying his wages."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFc.com
Southampton fight back from a goal down to triumph 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground
on Saturday afternoon
30.08.2014
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 1-3 Southampton
Southampton came from behind at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to consign
West Ham United to a second home Barclays Premier League defeat in as many
outings. It had all started so well for Sam Allardyce's men, with Mark
Noble finding the bottom corner from distance after 27 minutes. But Morgan
Schneiderlin curled home on the stroke of half-time and then converted a
well-worked short corner to complete the turnaround midway through the
second period. Ronald Koeman's side were rewarded for a fluent second-half
display with a late third courtesy of Graziano Pelle, a goal that leaves the
Hammers still searching for a first home point of the new campaign. The
afternoon had earlier begun with the unveiling of former Arsenal midfielder
Alex Song, who has signed on a season-long loan from FC Barcelona. As for
more matters on the pitch, Allardyce reverted to the XI that did the
business with such style at Crystal Palace last weekend. The Hammers then
had an early sniff of goal, as Carlton Cole's header dropped towards Ricardo
Vaz Te, but skipped off the turf and through to Fraser Forster. A succession
of Saints corners followed, with the second resulting in a Hammers
breakaway. Cheikhou Kouyate released Stewart Downing down the right, whose
cross-field ball was aimed at Mauro Zarate, but cut out en route.
Following a sedate opening, West Ham were within inches of opening the
scoring midway through the half. Downing's free-kick ricocheted off several
a leg and fell invitingly to Vaz Te, whose side-footer hit the inside of
Forster's left leg and somehow squeezed past his right-hand upright. But Big
Sam's men would not have to wait much longer for the opener, as Noble made
amends for his penalty mishap against Tottenham Hotspur with a 27th-minute
strike here. Zarate stole possession in the Saints' half, fed Noble and his
25-yard strike flicked off Maya Yoshida and past the left hand of Forster.
In response, Aaron Cresswell was perfectly placed to block Pelle's header on
the line, before Dusan Tadic's centre fell to Steven Davis on the edge of
the box, but he blasted way over the top. The Saints, however, drew level on
the stroke of half-time, as a left-wing free-kick came all the way through
to France midfielder Schneiderlin at the far post. Though Joey O'Brien did
superbly well to block the midfielder's first effort, Schneiderlin steadied
himself and bent the rebound left-footed into the far corner.
Buoyed by their leveller, the Saints raced out of the traps after the
interval and Adrian had to fling himself to his left to divert Shane Long's
low drive around the post. At the other end, a typically energetic Kouyate
went haring down the right and his low ball across the face of goal fizzed
just beyond Cole. But back came the visitors, with Adrian unable to hold
Tadic's left-foot volley from the left-edge of the box. The resulting corner
flicked off the head of Noble and through to Schneiderlin who, from no more
than eight yards, side-footed over the bar. Moments later and Koeman's men
did indeed have the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman came to
the Hammers' rescue, chalking off Pelle's close-range effort from a James
Ward-Prowse dead ball. A second scare in a matter of minutes prompted Big
Sam to shuffle his pack, with Mohamed Diame and Ravel Morrison introduced
for Vaz Te and Zarate. But the double switch would not stem the tide, as
Southampton completed the turnaround on 68 minutes. A short corner caught
the Hammers unaware and Ward-Prowse's near-post delivery enabled
Schneiderlin to tuck home.
West Ham were soon undone by another smart set-piece, when Pelle was set
free on the right edge of the box, only for Adrian to deny the No19 on this
occasion. But the Hammers' reprieve was short-lived. Nathaniel Clyne burst
beyond Diame on the right and once Adrian had merely parried his centre,
Pelle was on hand to fire high into an ungaurded net and settle the contest.
West Ham United: Adrian, O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate,
Downing, Zarate (Morrison 57), Vaz Te (Diame 58), Cole (Valencia 79)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Sakho, Demel, Poyet
Goal: Noble 27
Booked: Cresswell, O'Brien
Southampton: Forster, Clyne, Yoshida, Schneiderlin, Fonte, Long (Ramirez
66), Davis, Tadic, Ward-Prowse (Cork 71), Pelle, Bertrand
Subs: Davis, Gardos, Wanyama, Cork, Mayuka, Hooiveld
Goals: Schneiderlin 45, 68, Pelle 83
Booked: Pelle
Referee: Mike Dean
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam slams set play setbacks
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce said West Ham United had gifted Southampton a 3-1 Barclays
Premier League victory
30.08.2014
Sam Allardyce said West Ham United only had themselves to blame for their
3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Southampton. The Hammers took a
first-half lead through Mark Noble's deflected effort before two set play
goals from Morgan Schneiderlin allowed the Saints to turn the game on its
head either side of half-time. Southampton frontman Graziano Pelle
emphatically netted a third seven minutes from full-time to complete a
deserved away win and an afternoon to forget for the home side. Speaking to
West Ham TV, Big Sam could not hide his disappointment and frustration at a
performance that nobody of a Claret and Blue persuasion could have
predicted. "I think we were in a pretty confident [going into the game] and
if that spilled into some over-confidence, I don't know," he began. "Tthe
bottom line was under-performance from the team and if you don't perform to
your best in the Barclays Premier League, you get punished.
"That was the big problem - lack of movement, lack of ball retention, simple
passes going astray, the team not being patient and waiting to get into the
opposition half and continually giving the ball back to them, so they could
break and create more and more attacks against us. "Our normal resilience in
defensive areas from open play meant they initially didn't have any shots on
target on our goal, but then we went on to concede from a set play. People
could say we were unlucky because there was a great block in there, but our
starting positions were all wrong and we only ran through them on the field
on Friday at Upton Park. People weren't taking responsibility for taking the
right starting position and it ultimately accumulated into them scoring just
before half-time.
"While we weren't playing well, we could have come in at 1-0 and even at 1-1
I said to the lads 'If you don't start doing this then you will not get
anything from this game'. I made a couple of substitutions to try to rectify
at least getting possession of the ball and keeping it, but we didn't get
too much better. "We then conceded the second goal off a corner, which was
just suicidal from our point of view. We haven't played well, but we could
have battled and got a well-earned point when we hadn't deserved it because
Southampton were better than us. To give it to Southampton off two set plays
was massively disappointing, even though the second goal shouldn't have been
a corner. I am 100 per cent certain it should have been a goal kick. "Our
switch-off time after the corner was awarded was really poor for their short
corner. Players forgot they had to get out there and we paid a heavy price
for that."
When asked if he could put his finger on why West Ham under-performed so
markedly, the manager admitted there was more than one aspect of their
display that left him perplexed. "None of the players performed to their
best, excepted Cheikh Kouyate who went about his job pretty well, but he had
no help from the rest of his mates," he continued. "There wasn't enough
energy, team commitment when the opposition had it or quality and movement
when we had the ball.
"We needed to show some resilience, grit and determination to make sure
Southampton didn't score, but we've gifted them two set play goals. If, with
their good passing and movement, they had rapped one in the top corner like
the third goal, then you can say they've played really well there. But when
you don't do your job right from set pieces, you ulitimately pay a heavy
price at this level. "It's a real blow and hopefully a real wake-up call for
the players for the fact that they cannot do anything but hit 100 per cent
of their game every time they turn out in the Barclays Premier League,
because that's what's needed from this squad to get a result."
One positive on an otherwise miserable afternoon was the unveiling of new
signing Alex Song moments before kick-off. The Cameroon international has
joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona and Big Sam expects the African
to bring both quality and leadership to the Hammers ranks. "I hope he adds
some leadership, because he is a very experienced man who has played for
Arsenal and Barcelona in the Champions League," said the manager. "We are so
pleased that the the Co-Chairmen have worked so hard to get him into the
squad. "It should make us better so I hope he can get straight in there and
inspire us to play more like we did against Crystal Palace and Tottenham and
less like we did against Southampton. "He is a massively talented player,
but the others have to play their best to play with him and he will
definitely add something to us. "The big responsibility for us is that we
need to support the players who have come to us from abroad and have fitted
in quite well. We needed Carl Jenkinson, James Collins, Andy Carroll and
Matt Jarvis back in the squad and, if all four were fit, probably all four
would have played. Maybe that stood out, that we've been caught a little
short of numbers at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonks disappointed with Saints display
WHUFc.com
James Tomkins was frustrated with West Ham United's 3-1 defeat to
Southampton
30.08.2014
James Tomkins admitted Saturday's performance against Southampton was one to
forget after West Ham United failed to build on last weekend's win over
Crystal Palace. Mark Noble fired the Hammers into a first half lead on their
return to the Boleyn Ground, but a Morgan Schneiderlin double and Graziano
Pelle's late goal consigned them to defeat. Tomkins was especially annoyed
to concede two goals from set pieces and he says the Londoners will have to
work hard on the training pitch to ensure it does not happen again. "The
only positive from the game is Nobes' goal," he admitted. "We never really
got going and didn't deserve to win on Saturday. "We should have gone on
from our goal. They had a lot of possession, but I didn't think they were
going to score, but then they've got one from a set play which was
frustrating from our point of view. "We work hard on them, so to let in
another one in the second half is very disappointing. We're going to have
pick ourselves up, because we've got two weeks to get it right for the next
game. "To go from such a high last Saturday and go into today's game with
such confidence, we felt we could win the game, but maybe we thought it
would be easier than it was and they played really well. "We wanted to go
into the international break with a positive and it hasn't worked out that
way. We'll be disappointed for the next couple of days, but we can't lie on
that and we'll have the chance to work on what we did wrong on Saturday."
The Hammers completed their eighth summer signing on the day of the game,
loaning Alex Song from Barcelona for the season, and Tomkins is looking
forward to working with the midfielder. "Alex comes with a great record,
playing for Arsenal and Barcelona," he added. "It's a good signing and it
shows what the club's trying to do here. "Hopefully he can settle in
quickly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers go for a Song
WHUFc.com
West Ham United have snapped up Cameroon midfielder Alex Song on a
season-long loan deal
30.08.2014
West Ham United are delighted to confirm they have beaten off interest from
some of Europe's biggest clubs to complete the signing of Barcelona
midfielder Alex Song on a season-long loan deal. Song, 26, has spent the
last two seasons at the Nou Camp following his £15million move from Arsenal
in the summer of 2012, playing 39 La Liga matches and winning the title in
2012/13. The Cameroon international, who can also play at centre-back, is
delighted to be returning to London with the Hammers and cannot wait to face
the challenge of Barclays Premier League football again. Song said: "I'm
very happy to be here and very happy to see the guys and the fans today and
to start to do my job for West Ham United. I think this is very important
for me to be coming back to London to West Ham United, which is a club with
ambition to build a new stadium and become a big club. I am very excited to
be part of this project. "For me, when I was in Spain, I always said that if
I was to leave one day I would return to the Premier League. It was a very
hard decision, because when you have options of a lot of clubs who are
playing in the Champions League, but at the end of the day I chose West Ham
because I wanted to come to the Premier League. This is a league which has
given me a lot and I didn't finish what I wanted to achieve here. "For my
family too, it was very important, because my children and my wife wanted to
come back to England. This is an opportunity to do that with West Ham and I
just took it. I am very happy to be here and very proud to be part of the
project at this club."
Song revealed that a long discussion with manager Sam Allardyce about the
Hammers' ambition to rise to the next level convinced him that this is the
right club for him. "When I spoke to the manager, he gave me very good
advice," he continued. "I had a very good chat with him and that's why I am
coming here. We have to do better than last season. I think the club has
very good ambition and I hope we can maybe catch the European positions,
because that would be very good for the club. "I want to be part of that and
that's why I came here. The manager knows what he wants and I know what he
wants and that's why I want to help the team. I want to be part of what the
club wants to achieve this year. "I need some games to be ready and get my
fitness back. When I am 100 per cent, I will bring the experience and I will
make the fans happy, I am sure. I am lucky to be back in London, back in
England and with West Ham. I am looking forward to showing everyone what I
can do. "West Ham is looking to be a very, very big Club in the future. The
Club has a great project and it is a very big project with very big
ambition. I think it's great for the fans that the Club wants to be one of
the biggest in England. That's why I chose to come here."
Born in Douala, Cameroon, Song started his professional career in France
with Bastia on the island of Corsica, where he quickly progressed to the
first team, making his debut as a 16-year-old in the 2003/04 campaign. After
32 Ligue 1 appearances by the age of 17, he earned a move to Arsenal,
initially on loan, before signing a permanent contract with the Gunners in
summer 2006. Despite still being a teenager, Song appeared in the Barclays
Premier League and UEFA Champions League during his debut Arsenal season
and, after returning from a loan spell at Charlton Athletic in 2007,
established himself in Arsene Wenger's side. In October 2010, he scored a
late Barclays Premier League winner against the Hammers at the Emirates -
one of ten goals he netted for the Gunners. By the time he moved on to
Barcelona in 2012, Song had made 138 Premier League appearances for the
Gunners - 206 in all competitions - and was a League Cup runner-up in 2011.
With Barcelona, in addition to his La Liga winners' medal, Song also won the
Supercopa Espana in 2013 and was part of the Barca squad which lost to Real
Madrid in the Copa del Rey final last term.
Internationally, Song has been capped 47 times by Cameroon, finishing second
in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and featuring in the last two FIFA World
Cup finals. The midfielder becomes the third Cameroonian to play for the
Hammers, following cousin and namesake Rigobert and the late Marc-Vivien
Foe.
He is West Ham's eighth summer capture, following the arrivals of Mauro
Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carl Jenkinson,
Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song joins West Ham United on loan from Barcelona
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song on a season-long
loan deal from Barcelona. The 26-year-old Cameroon international, wearing a
Hammers shirt, was introduced to home fans before Saturday's Premier League
game against Southampton. "I think the club has very good ambition and I
hope we can maybe catch the European positions," he said. Song joined
Barcelona in 2012 from Arsenal for about £15m with an 80m euros (£63m)
release clause. He played 206 times for the Gunners between 2005 and 2012
and has made 39 appearances since moving to the Nou Camp. The Hammers
indicated they fought off interest from "some of Europe's biggest clubs" to
seal the deal. And Song said he was impressed by the ambitions of the London
club, which will move from the Boleyn Ground to the Olympic Stadium in time
for the 2016-17 season. "I need some games to be ready and get my fitness
back," he said.
"When I am 100%, I will bring the experience and I will make the fans happy,
I am sure. I am lucky to be back in London, back in England and with West
Ham. I am looking forward to showing everyone what I can do. "West Ham is
looking to be a very, very big club in the future. The club has a great
project and it is a very big project with very big ambition."
Song is West Ham's eighth summer signing, following the arrivals of Mauro
Zarate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carl Jenkinson,
Aaron Cresswell and Diego Poyet.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on......Southampton
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 30th August 2014
By: Staff Writer No.2
A disappointed Sam Allardyce gives his thoughts on today's poor performance
against Southampton...
Sam the players seemed to lose their way in the second half – too many
players not on song?
Yeah – you're spot on there. I don't think we were that good in the first
half, to be honest with you. Compared to what we expected and what we were
like in the last two games here against Tottenham and last week against
Crystal Palace, we had a massive under-performance across the board today,
which was a massive blow to us. A massive disappointment to everybody,
particularly at home again.
Two home games. Two defeats. This can't happen it can't carry on. Yes,
against Tottenham a good performance but we still got beat when we should
have won. We didn't even get a point. Today we could have scraped a point.
As good as Southampton were – and we must give them credit – up to the
second goal there were no shots or openings created in open play.
We practice set plays on a regular basis and set them out on the analysis
board. Our defending of set plays was a massive massive disappointment.
Letting them score from two was unacceptable – even though we know the
second goal was a goal kick and not a corner. You can't allow it to punish
you like we allowed it to punish us. We started to get a bit desperate then
and you don't get anything when you're desperate.
Sam do the players play with a bit of pressure here that they don't get
anywhere else?
Well we didn't against Tottenham. I think everyone was looking forward to a
continuation of the good performances. After the result at Palace there's
nothing in the performance today that I can be pleased about. For a long
time our resilience in open play was pretty good. But why do all that hard
work only to give it away on two set pieces? Massively disappointing.
Perhaps it's a reality check here. The new players have seen the ups and
downs and what the Premier League can do to you if you're not 100% and
you're not on top of your game. Certainly a lot of our players were not on
top of their game.
You were screaming at the players before their first goal?
Yes – to get across at the back they had 3 v 1. The players didn't look over
their shoulders to shuffle over. We nearly got away from it with a massive
block from Joey O'Brien but it fell to the spare man again who put it away.
We were 1-0 up but I can't argue that Southampton weren't the better team
today
What do you think Alex Song can bring?
I'm hoping he can bring a bit of leadership. Out on the pitch the lads are
not opening their mouths enough. They all talk about what they should do
before the game and in training. They all talk in the dressing room but when
they get out on the pitch they stop talking to each other. The communication
is zero.
Somebody's got to get a grip and say "it's a short corner – there are two
out there". Somebody needs to say "there's three against one at the back
here." It doesn't appear to me that anyone is taking the responsibility.
Having spoken to [Song] he looks like a bit of a leader to me. He'll go out
there and kick a few backsides on the pitch. That's what we need. Somebody
needs to kick a few backsides on the field and get them motivated.
Will you be bringing any more in before the deadline?
I don't know. We had a massive boost, a massive uplift when I met Alex after
all the hard work put in by David Sullivan, recruitment and everyone to
bring this fantastic player to the club. The big let down is that he arrives
on the pitch and it should have lifted everybody, especially the players
that played today and the players haven't performed. I didn't expect a
performance like this especially after the two we've just given.
He will make us better. Hopefully with the return of Carl Jenkinson, James
Collins, Matt Jarvis and eventually Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll we'll be
more of a force to be reckoned with.
Mark Noble is looking at playing for Ireland now. What would you advise him
to do?
Play. Go play international football. He's clearly not going to get an
opportunity here so if he gets the opportunity through parentage to play for
Ireland he should go – international football is fantastic.
Have you spoken to him about it?
No – I didn't realise he had an Irish parent – not with that cockney accent!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on season-long loan
Last Updated: 30/08/14 3:50pm
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a
season-long loan deal. The 26-year-old Cameroon international struggled to
hold down a regular place at the Nou Camp following a move from Arsenal in
2012 and returns to the Premier League with the Hammers. He was paraded at
Upton Park ahead of the clash with Southampton on Saturday afternoon. Clubs
throughout Europe were put on alert when it emerged Song would be allowed to
leave Barcelona - with West Ham having won the race to sign him on a
temporary basis despite reported interest from the likes of Napoli and
Galatasaray. Song revealed it was a conversation with Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce that led to his decision to move to east London and he is
targeting European qualification.
"When I spoke to the manager, he gave me very good advice," he told
whufc.com. "I had a very good chat with him and that's why I am coming here.
We have to do better than last season. I think the club has very good
ambition and I hope we can maybe catch the European positions, because that
would be very good for the club. "West Ham is looking to be a very, very big
club in the future. The club has a great project and it is a very big
project with very big ambition.
"I think it's great for the fans that the club wants to be one of the
biggest in England. That's why I chose to come here. I always said that if I
was to leave (Barcelona) one day I would return to the Premier League. "It
was a very hard decision when you have options of a lot of clubs who are
playing in the Champions League, but at the end of the day I chose West Ham
because I wanted to come to the Premier League."
Song, who won one La Liga title during his spell in Spain, is likely to be
West Ham's final summer signing - taking the total of new recruits to eight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1-3 Southampton: Morgan Schneiderlin double sees Saints take the
points
By Chris Harvey. Last Updated: 30/08/14 7:00pm
SSN
Two goals from Morgan Schneiderlin and a late Graziano Pelle strike saw
Southampton come from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 at Upton Park. Frenchman
Schneiderlin, who handed in a transfer request earlier in the summer, twice
profited from some sloppy Hammers defending to put the visitors on their way
to three points they thoroughly deserved.
MATCH FACTS
Man of the match - Dusan Tadic. There were a few in Saints colours who could
lay a claim for man of the match but Serb Tadic showed great quality and
tormented the Hammers defence throughout.
Save of the match: Fraser Forster was a virtual spectator in the second half
but in the first he made a wonderful block with his boot to deflect Ricardo
Vaz Te's close-range effort behind
Goal of the match: Saints were inventive throughout but their short corner
routine which allowed Schneiderlin to score his second was a gem
Talking point: Just what did Ronald Koeman say to his side at half-time to
trigger the transformation as Saints swept the home team aside?
The midfielder curled in a sweet left-footer on the stroke of half-time to
cancel out Mark Noble's deflected effort then put the visitors ahead on 69
minutes when the Hammers fell asleep at a corner, allowing him to turn in
James Ward-Prowse's cross at the near post. The points were made safe seven
minutes from time when Pelle got his reward for a fine centre-forward
display, smashing in from close range after Adrian could only parry
Nathaniel Clyne's cross into his path. The third goal sparked a rush to the
exits for the home fans, following a second home defeat in the space of a
week for manager Sam Allardyce whose team were knocked out of the Capital
One Cup on penalties by Sheffield United. Southampton, who won at Millwall
in the cup, started brightly as Pelle and Shane Long, a £12million signing
from Hull, stretched the Hammers' defence.
West Ham paraded new loan signing Alex Song, the former Arsenal man joining
from Barcelona, before kick-off, but took time to get into any sort of
passing rhythm against the well-organised Saints. It was 20 minutes before
the home side were able to create an opening. Southampton boss Ronald Koeman
says his side's late 1st half equaliser against West Ham gave his side the
believe to go on and win the game 3-1. A free-kick from Stewart Downing was
only half cleared, with the ball dropping back to the far post through a
crowded six-yard box where Ricardo Vaz Te turned it goalwards. However,
Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster somehow made a reaction save with his leg
at point-blank range to push the ball wide across the face of goal. There
was, though, little the former Celtic number one could do a few moments
later to prevent West Ham taking the lead in the 27th minute. Noble robbed
Schneiderlin and drove towards the edge of the Saints penalty area. He let
fly from 25 yards, with the ball deflecting off the boot of Maya Yoshida and
into the far corner, just out of Forster's reach.
Southampton looked to make a quick response, with a deep cross from the left
glanced down by Pelle, which Aaron Cresswell guided off the line. To their
credit, the visitors continued to stay composed despite now having to chase
the match, with West Ham dropping an extra man into a packed midfield to
compensate. Pelle missed his kick when Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic found
space on the left for another dangerous cross into the West Ham penalty
area, which Winston Reid gratefully cleared. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
said his side were second best in their 3-1 defeat against Southampton.
Schneiderlin showed the Italian how it should be done when he equalised on
the stroke of half-time. A free-kick on the left touchline was floated in by
Tadic and flicked on to the far post, where Schneiderlin drilled it back
goalwards. Although Joey O'Brien made a brave block, Schneiderlin latched
onto the rebound and curled it inside the far post.
Saints went close to taking the lead at the start of the second half when a
shot by Long at the edge of the penalty area was turned behind by Adrian.
Tadic then had the West Ham goalkeeper scrambling down to his right with a
low shot from 18 yards, and Schneiderlin crashed the ball over from 10 yards
following the corner. Saints had the ball in the net again when Pelle
converted a free-kick from Ward-Prowse at the far post, but was one of three
players ruled offside - although the decision was a tight one. Allardyce had
seen enough, and made a double change on the hour, as Ravel Morrison and
Mohamed Diame replaced Mauro Zarate and Vaz Te. It was no surprise when
Schneiderlin put the Saints ahead midway through the second half. A short
corner caught West Ham asleep, with a cross from Ward-Prowse flicked home at
the near post by the French midfielder, who wheeled away to celebrate in
front of the away fans behind the goal.
West Ham needed inspiration from somewhere, and £12million Ecuador forward
Enner Valencia was sent on with 11 minutes left, replacing the ineffective
Carlton Cole. However, Southampton made sure of the victory in the 83rd
minute when Pelle smashed home after Adrian had palmed out a cross from
Clyne. The boos rang out around the Boleyn Ground at full-time from those
disgruntled fans who had stayed on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 'not good enough' in 3-1 defeat to Southampton
Last Updated: 30/08/14 7:16pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said his side were second best in their 3-1
defeat against Southampton. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said his team were
"not good enough" in their 3-1 home defeat to Southampton. The Hammers had
led at Upton Park through Mark Noble's deflected effort, but France
midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin scored twice before Graziano Pelle's maiden
Premier League goal rounded off a fine away day for Saints. A penalty
shoot-out defeat to Sheffield United in midweek saw the Hammers knocked out
of the Capital One Cup at their first hurdle and Allardyce's side were not
at the races once again.
"We weren't good enough," Allardyce said. "Southampton taught us a lesson,
we weren't sharp enough and didn't retain the ball as well as they did,
close down as well as they did and gifted them two goals. "As much as they
were in control and on top of the game, we've lost two very stupid goals
from set-pieces."
One bright point for West Ham was the pre-match announcement that they have
signed Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on loan. The former Arsenal man will
spend the remainder of the campaign at Upton Park and Allardyce wants to see
the Cameroon international "kick a few backside s". "I hope he can bring a
bit of leadership as well as his quality play," Allardyce said. "The lads
are not opening their mouth enough. They all talk about what they should do
before the game in the dressing room and in training, but when they go out
on the pitch they don't talk to each other. It is clear that their
communication is zero. "Somebody has got to get a grip and open their mouth.
If it is a short corner get someone out there. It is not difficult for
someone to look around and organise the team. It doesn't appear that anyone
is analysing what the situation is and not have the desperate defending that
we had. "Having spoken to him he looks a leader to me and will kick a few
backsides on the field. If they are not playing as well as they should do he
will get them motivated."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Season ticket anyone? Good try but no cigar
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The West Ham media department must have believed it was a great day to
produce a sales pitch for 2015-16 season tickets. A nice little win at
Palace had kept the feelgood factor going all week with the Capital One Cup
match result almost being overlooked as we headed for today's game. There
was all the Alex Song hype going on and a planned introduction to the fans
for about 2.50. So at 2.35 this little offering appeared in our e-mail
in-trays: 'Get on the 2015-16 season ticket waiting list!' 'Perfect timing'
were presumably the buzzwords.
Unfortunately, however, Mr Allardyce's latest attempt to win a match at the
ground was in ruins a couple of hours later along, probably, with the latest
marketing push. One or two people working in the media department should
surely remember the oldest cliche in football: "It's a results game." Good
try but no cigar!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan stages a Song loan fee only 'steal'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh has been told tonight that Alex Song will join West Ham under
a deal which sees Barcelona pay his wages in full whilst getting a £3
million loan fee from us for the season. Song was introduced to the West Ham
faithful this afternoon in the one bright spot of our day before we watched
the team crash to a 3-1 defeat by Southampton. The arrival of Song will
tighten things up considerably and give us a hard-to-beat look although
questions are already being raised as to who will make way for the former
Arsenal player in our midfield. Barca have been keen to move Song on for
some months as he doesn't fit their style and both us and Spurs were
interested. But we have been told that when it became clear that the Spanish
giants made it clear they would pay his wages in full the player opted for
the Hammers rather than his old north London rivals. Manager Sam Allardyce
is a big fan of the player's fearsome midfield qualities and led the race to
get him although co-chairman David Sullivan takes the plaudits for arranging
the financials. A source told us exclusively: "There's a few transfer dramas
at Barcelona with an embargo on the horizon. Song was definitely one of
those whom they wanted to allow out given they have the likes of Neymar in
there. "But my understanding is that we got him for just the £3 million loan
fee with Barca paying his wages."
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Saturday, August 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th August 2014
Preview - Southampton
WHUFC.com
All the key information ahead of Saturday's visit of the Saints
29.08.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v SOUTHAMPTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MIKE DEAN
West Ham United App West Ham TV
In brief
West Ham United return to Barclays Premier League action on Saturday when
they welcome Southampton to the Boleyn Ground. Having suffered a penalty
shootout defeat to Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup, Sam Allardyce's
men will look to return to their winning league form from last weekend and
go into the international break on a high. The Hammers have not lost to the
Saints since they were promoted to the top flight together in 2012, winning
both Boleyn Ground contests and scoring seven goals in the process.
Southampton come into Saturday's game having drawn against West Bromwich
Albion and lost to Liverpool in their opening fixtures. The Capital One Cup
brought a win over Millwall in midweek, giving Koeman his first victory
since taking the reins in the summer.
Who are they?
Southampton were formed in 1885 and have been known as the Saints ever since
due to their history as a church side, being known as St Mary's YMA in their
early days.
Their high point was winning the FA Cup in 1976, famously beating Manchester
United in the final, while they also reached the final in 1900, 1902 and
2003 - when they were defeated by Arsenal.
The Saints' highest ever league finish is second in 1983/84 and, like the
Hammers, they are in their third season back in the top flight after being
promoted from the Championship in 2012.
Other honours include the Football League Trophy, which they won at Wembley
in 2010, and the Southern League - which they won six times around the turn
of the 20th century prior to becoming a Football League club.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will take a late check on Diafra Sakho's fitness after he
tweaked his back in Tuesday's Capital One Cup defeat by Sheffield United.
Definitely out are Kevin Nolan (shoulder), Carl Jenkinson and James Collins
(both hamstring), Matt Jarvis (thigh) and Andy Carroll (ankle).
Southampton
Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Ramirez could come into Ronald Koeman's thoughts
after being given a late run-out at Millwall in midweek on his return to
fitness.
Meanwhile, strikers Sam Gallagher and Jay Rodriguez (both knee) are
sidelined, and Lloyd Isgrove is out after limping out of the action at The
Den.
Referee
The man in the middle for Saturday's fixture is Mike Dean. Dean last
refereed the Hammers in their 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the end
of last season and he has taken charge of 38 West Ham games, with the
Hammers winning 14, losing eleven and drawing 13 of those matches.
The 45-year-old began refereeing in 1985, starting out his career in senior
football in the Northern Premier League. In 2004, Dean took charge of his
first international match, a friendly between the Netherlands and Republic
of Ireland at Amsterdam ArenA. That same year, he took control of the FA
Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester United.
In May 2006, he refereed the Championship play-off final between Leeds
United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium. In 2008, he was the
man-in-the-middle for the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City
at Wembley Stadium.
One to watch
West Ham United
Mauro Zarate opened his Hammers account in last weekend's victory at Crystal
Palace and will be looking for more against the Saints.
The 27-year-old Argentine forward top scored in his home country for Velez
Sarsfield last term, and his Selhurst Park strike was his first in English
football since a loan spell with Birmingham City six years ago.
He looked lively in his No10 role behind Carlton Cole, linking play between
midfield and attack effectively and is sure to play a big part in the
Hammers' plans on Saturday.
Southampton
New boy Dusan Tadic has made an instant impact since signing for Southampton
and looks to have settled in quickly.
The 25-year-old Serbian international was a summer arrival from Dutch side
Twente, so is well known to new Saints boss Ronald Koeman and has featued in
both Barclays Premier League games so far.
An attacking midfielder with a real eye for goal, West Ham will have to
watch him closely on Saturday.
Tickets
A handful of tickets remain for this fixture, with prices starting at £43
for adults. Kids' tickets are just £1. Click here to buy now.
Travel
The District and Hammersmith & City lines are both scheduled to run a full
service on Saturday. Click here for the latest updates on the Tube network
and here for National Rail.
Weather
Saturday is set to by a dry, if cloudy, day, with temperatures at kick-off
of 19C (66F).
Last meeting
West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Barclays Premier League
22 February 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Collins, Demel, Nolan (Reid
73), Jarvis (Diame 57), Taylor, Noble, Downing, C.Cole
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Colliso, J.Cole, Nocerino
Goals: Jarvis 20, C.Cole 23, Nolan, 71
Southampton: Boruc, Yoshida, Fonte, Chambers, Shaw, Schneiderlin, S.Davis
(Ward-Prowse 78), Cork (Ramirez 68), Lallana, Lambert (Gallagher 78),
Rodriguez
Subs: K.Davis, Clyne, Lovren, Do Prado
Goal: Yoshida 8
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Six of the best: Southampton
WHUFC.com
A look back at six home wins against Saturday's opponents Southampton
29.08.2014
When West Ham United take to the Boleyn Ground pitch on Saturday afternoon
the men in Claret and Blue will be looking for their second consecutive win
in the Barclays Premier League. Here, whufc.com takes a look at six
memorable home wins against the Saints.
West Ham United 4-1 Southampton
Premier League
20 October 2012
Mark Noble scored twice to continue the Hammers' fine start to life back in
the Premier League against fellow new boys Southampton. After a forgettable
45 minutes, the home side sprung into life early in the second with goals
from Noble and captain Kevin Nolan putting them two goals to the good with
just three minutes of the second period played. Adam Lallana pulled one back
for the visitors with a superb half-volley but the hosts pulled clear
through a Noble penalty and Modibo Maiga's fine solo effort.
West Ham United 3-0 Southampton
Premier League
5 May 2001
The Hammers made sure of their Premier League status with a comfortable win
over the top-ten Saints at the Boleyn Ground in 2001. In the penultimate
game of the season it was goals from Joe Cole, Frederic Kanoute and Paolo Di
Canio that propelled the home team to three points. West Ham rounded off the
season with an away defeat to Middlesbrough meaning they finished the season
in 15th place in the table.
West Ham United 2-0 Southampton
Premier League
8 March 2000
West Ham and Southampton met at the Boleyn Ground only four games after the
Saints had recorded a 2-1 triumph in the reverse fixture at St Mary's. Frank
Lampard had netted in that defeat, but on this occasion Trevor Sinclair and
Paulo Wanchope stepped up with the telling contributions in a solid home
win.
The result took the Hammers up to ninth, the position they would end the
season in, six places above the Saints.
West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Division One
6 December 1986
A 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United seven days earlier had put a dampener on
the Hammers' fine start to the season, but they were soon back to winning
ways against Southampton. The Hammers moved up to fifth with this win which
came courtesy of Alan Devonshire, Paul Ince and a Tony Cottee penalty in
front of just over 18,000 fans in east London. This success turned out to be
the last of the year and West Ham faded somewhat in 1987, going onto finish
the season in 15th place, three places below the south coast outfit.
West Ham United 4-2 Southampton
First Division
22 September 1981
The Hammers extended their superb unbeaten start to the 1981/82 season to
six games after edging a six-goal thriller against the Saints. Paul Goddard
stole the show with a superb hat-trick while Geoff Pike bagged the other as
a confident performance ensured victory was had at the Boleyn Ground. John
Lyall's team went on to stretch their unbeaten run to nine games, before
eventually suffering a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
West Ham United 4-1 Southampton
First Division
12 April 1974
This meeting between the two sides was significant in deciding which of them
would face relegation from Division One. It what was expected to be a tight
affair, the Hammers threw caution to the wind and racked up four goals
thanks to a brace each from Clyde Best and Bryan Robson. The Saints ended up
occupying the final relegation place at seasons end having accumulated 36
points, just one less than the Hammers in 18th had accrued.
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O'Brien ready for Saints test
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is eyeing another three points against Southampton on Saturday
30.08.2014
Joey O'Brien wants more of the same from the Hammers when they take on
Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. West Ham United followed a
promising performance against Tottenham by ruthlessly defeating Crystal
Palace 3-1 last weekend and O'Brien believes a similar performance would
yield another three points. He said: "The defeat to Spurs in the first game
was hard to take as they're a local rival. In the game we played pretty well
and if anyone was going to win it I thought it was going to be us. "We
bounced back well against Crystal Palace so we're looking forward to
Southampton and if we get three points we would have taken six from the
nine. "Mauro came into the game and scored the first goal. First goals in
Premier League games are always vital - that put us on the front foot and we
never looked back from there."
O'Brien has been impressed with how the new signings have bedded into life
with the Hammers so quickly - but hopes the same is not the case for
Southampton's new boys. He added: "It does take time for most players to
adapt, but you get some like Cheikhou who has come in and been brilliant in
the first couple of games. "He looks made for the Premier League and when
those players join you it's great for the team and great for the manager.
"For Mauro too, he'll look at himself as a goalscorer - it was a special
goal against Palace and that'll give him confidence. "Southampton have
brought some top players in. On one side of things you hope that they
haven't really settled in yet, but on the other side they are top players
and can hurt you. "The manager has talked us through how they play and
hopefully we'll get a good win on Saturday."
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Adrian eyes back-to-back wins
WHUFC.com
Adrian wants West Ham United to follow up victory over Crystal Palace with a
win over Southampton
29.08.2014
Adrian wants West Ham United to follow up victory over Crystal Palace with a
win over Southampton on Saturday. The goalkeeper was in fine form as the
Hammers scored a 3-1 Barclays Premier League success at Selhurst Park last
weekend. With the Saints visiting the Boleyn Ground, the No13 is determined
to help his team achieve back-to-back wins for the first time since late
March, when they defeated Hull City and Sunderland. "This is a very
important match for us because we need to keep the same level of performance
which we used to win against Crystal Palace," said Adrian. "In the first
game against Tottenham we also made a good performance but were unlucky with
the result in the end. "The last game against Crystal Palace was a very,
very hard place to go against a tough team, but we showed very well. We need
to keep going at this level and win our first three points at home. "The
Capital One Cup game against Sheffield United was very unlucky, I think,
because we played so well and kept the ball and had some chances, but the
other goalkeeper performed very well. Penalties are a lottery, because
either you win or the other team wins. "We need to keep getting better,
little by little."
Saturday's opponents Southampton have undergone major changes this summer,
with a new manager in Ronald Koeman and a host of players leaving and
arriving at St Mary's Stadium. Whoever lines up in red and white stripes,
Adrian knows he will not have an easy afternoon against the Saints. "I don't
know if anything is good for us or bad for us, because a lot of players have
left and they have a new manager, but the most important thing is us," he
continued. "We need to give a good performance and feel comfortable in Upton
Park and win the three points. After this game, we have the international
break, so it's very important for us. "Last season Southampton were very
strong under Mauricio Pochettino. This season they have a new manager and a
new system, but I repeat that we should only focus on what we can do as a
team and our own performance, and hopefully we can win."
Adrian has also lined-up alongside a number of new colleagues in the West
Ham side this season, including fellow Spanish speakers Mauro Zarate, Diego
Poyet and Enner Valencia and Senegal pair Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho.
The goalkeeper believes the new boys have strengthened the squad for the
2014/15 campaign. "I think this season the squad is very competitive because
have very good players in every position," he observed. "We have more
forwards with Enner, Mauro and Sakho, which gives us very good options in
attack. I think Cheikhou and Poyet can also help us."
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On this day - 30 August
WHUFC.com
West Ham United enjoyed a feast of goals on this day 56 years ago
30.08.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 7-2 Aston Villa
Division One
30 August 1958
West Ham United went goal crazy on this day 56 years ago, with Aston Villa
their victims in an early-season Division One fixture. Ernie Gregory's goal
was breached twice, but it was not to matter as the Hammers stuck seven in
Nigel Sims' net at the other end. Three home players notched braces - Vic
Keeble, Malcolm Musgrove and John Dick - with Billy Lansdowne also on
target. The Hammers were second in the table following this win, their third
in a row, as they returned to top division football in creditable style with
a sixth place finish.
Complete record - 30 August
2008 West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
2004 Coventry City 2-1 West Ham United (Championship)
2003 Ipswich Town 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1997 West Ham United 3-1 Wimbledon (Premier League)
1995 West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
1986 Oxford United 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1980 West Ham United 4-0 Notts County (Division Two)
1975 Queens Park Rangers 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1971 West Ham United 4-0 Coventry City (Division One)
1969 Nottingham Forest 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1963 Ipswich Town 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1958 West Ham United 7-2 Aston Villa (Division One)
1954 West Ham United 2-5 Blackburn Rovers (Division Two)
1952 Bury 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1950 Luton Town 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1948 West Ham United 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday (Division Two)
1947 West Ham United 2-1 Nottingham Forest (Division Two)
1937 West Ham United 2-1 Swansea Town (Division Two)
1933 Plymouth Argyle 4-4 West Ham United (Division Two)
1930 West Ham United 2-1 Huddersfield Town (Division Two)
1924 West Ham United 1-0 Preston North End (Division One)
1920 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1919 West Ham United 1-1 Lincoln City (Division Two)
Played 23, Won 11, Drawn 9, Lost 3, Scored 49, Conceded 30
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U18s prepared for London derby
WHUFC.com
The Under-18s take on Tottenham Hotspur at LIttle Heath on Saturday
29.08.2014
West Ham United Under-18s will look to extend their unbeaten start to the
Barclays U18 Premier League season when they host Tottenham Hotspur at
Little Heath on Saturday morning. The Hammers have four points from their
opening two games, having defeated Leicester City 3-1 and drawn 0-0 with
West Bromwich Albion. Now, they face their first London opposition of the
season, with Spurs coming to east London and Steve Potts' men will be
confident of maintaining their solid start. Tottenham also have four points
to their name, and they drew with Southampton last week after beating
Norwich City 4-2 in their opener.
Kick-off at Little Heath is at 11am, with admission and parking free of
charge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Southampton
KO 15:00
29 August 2014
Last updated at 12:19
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 30 August
West Ham could be without six first-team players, with midweek goalscorer
Diafra Sakho potentially among them because of a back complaint. Matt
Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins have all joined long-term injury
absentees Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has a near fully fit squad available to
him. The only likely absentee is midfielder Lloyd Isgrove, who lasted just
30 minutes against Millwall on Tuesday.
MATCH PREVIEW
The manner of West Ham's victory over Crystal Palace quite rightly won them
plenty of plaudits, but I can't help but think Sam Allardyce needs a
similarly impressive home victory this weekend. "I think West Ham look a
better side without big target-man Andy Carroll - they try to play a bit
more. "And both new forward signings, Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia, are
ball players."
Big Sam had a frosty relationship - to put it mildly - with the home crowd
last season at times, even getting booed after a victory at one stage.
Nearly 30,000 fans saw them get knocked out of the League Cup this week on
home turf by League One Sheffield United. With that in mind I think the
Upton Park faithful will still need a bit of convincing that their stylish
victory at Palace wasn't a one-off. Whether the passing style they showed at
Selhurst Park is a result of absentee Andy Carroll - whose presence lends
itself to a longer-ball approach - remains to be seen. But with the likes of
the impressive fresh face Mauro Zarate there did seem to be a change in
attitude in how they passed the ball. Earlier this summer, Southampton
looked like relegation contenders. The pillaging of last season's standout
names such as Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw - plus the departure of manager
Mauricio Pochettino - looked ominous. While they haven't secured a Premier
League victory yet, in contrast to the Hammers they won comfortably in the
League Cup this week at Millwall. Ronald Koeman has certainly slowed the
panic down and looks to have spent wisely. Dusan Tadic can come in off the
line in the style of the departed Lallana. And in Shane Long, they have got
a player who can produce 10-12 goals a season. It wouldn't surprise me in
the long run if he and Graziano Pelle make a pair up front. I think their
different styles mesh well. Koeman doesn't strike me as a man with a
defeatist look on his face. Despite the difficult summer that Saints have
had, they might well surprise a few people this season. Big Sam- and the
Hammers fans - will be hoping it's not them this weekend.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches against
Southampton (W2, D3).
The Hammers have won 4-1 and 3-1 in the last two meetings at Upton Park.
West Ham
West Ham have lost three of their last four Premier League games at home.
The Hammers have conceded just eight goals in their last nine league
fixtures at Upton Park.
It is 17 Premier League games since West Ham featured in a draw (W8, L9).
Stewart Downing has scored two goals in his last five games after failing to
score in his previous 44 league and cup matches.
Carlton Cole has scored four goals in five Premier League games against
Southampton.
Southampton
Ronald Koeman has yet to win a Premier League game in charge of Southampton,
but he did get off the mark with a 2-0 midweek League Cup win over Millwall.
Saints have only lost one of their last six league matches (W2, D3).
Twelve of their 15 league wins last season came against bottom-half
opposition.
Shane Long has scored only two goals in his last 14 Premier League
appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song on course, Diame bid denied
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham continue to be linked with a move for Barcelona's Alex Song, as the
transfer deadline draws ever closer. Cameroon international Song is surplus
to requirements at Nou Camp and has been linked with a move to London, with
Tottenham also cited as a potential destination for the 26-year-old
defensive ex-Arsenal midfielder who can also operate at centre half. Song
joined the Spanish giants in a £15million deal in the summer of 2012,
following six years at Highbury/The Emirates. Arsenal had previously signed
the combative midfielder from French club Bastia for just £1million in 2006.
Liverpool and AC Milan are also understood to be interested in signing the
player, although West Ham are currently considered favourites to land the
cousin of former Hammer Rigobert Song.
* In other news, Hull City boss Steve Bruce has denied reports that he had
made a bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame. The Tigers were linked with a
move for the Senegal international but Bruce has told the Hull Mail that
rumours of a bid being made were wide of the mark.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble considering switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Mark Noble is once again considering defecting to the
Republic of Ireland after being overlooked for the latest England squad. The
27-year-old midfielder is said to be considering giving up the chance to
feature for England - whom he has previously captained at under 21 level on
20 occasions - in order to play for the Irish, according to the Mail.
Canning Town-born Noble qualifies to play for Ireland via one of his
grandparents and is able to do so since a 2009 FIFA ruling declared players
who have represented one country at youth and under-21 level can change
their allegiance. He first considered representing the Irish four years ago
when still only 23-years-old, but decided against making himself available
at that time. Noble - who made his final appearance for England's under 21s
at the 2009 European Championships, in which he captained the side beaten in
the final by Germany - has never been picked at senior level for England.
Despite the careers of regular central midfielders such as Frank Lampard and
Steven Gerrard having come to an end, Noble was this week overlooked by Roy
Hodgson in favour of players such as Newcastle's Jack Colback and Fabian
Delph of Aston Villa.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
January date for Morrison
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been bailed until January after he entered not guilty
pleas to a string of charges relating to an incident that occurred in
Manchester in July.
The 21-year-old midfielder denied charges relating to assault and actual
bodily harm at a preliminary hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.
And he was ordered to return for trial early 2015, with a provisional trial
date of 26 January set by Judge David Stockdale QC during the short hearing.
Conditional to the bail agreement is that the England under 21 international
refrains from returning to Manchester unless on club duty or under order of
the court. Morrison, who made his first appearance of the season in the
Capital One Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday was
arrested on 27 July and remanded in custody for a week. However he was
released on bail just four days later.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce pleased to have Carlton Cole at West Ham
Last Updated: 29/08/14 8:48pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is pleased to have seen interest in Carlton Cole come to
nothing, freeing him to remain at West Ham United. The experienced frontman
was reported to have been the subject of a bid from Sky Bet Championship
side Bournemouth. No deal was agreed, though, and Cole remains at Upton
Park.
"I think all the managers have the TV on for the countdown to the end of the
window, but what I am hoping is that I am just sat there watching because
all my business is done."
Allardyce is now expecting the 30-year-old to stay put, with the summer
transfer window set to close at 11pm on Monday. He said: "Carlton is not
going out. I thought the prospect was there, but it wasn't. "I didn't
particularly want him to go, but there is a price for everybody and if there
is an offer that everyone considers to be the right one, then the business
is done, but he is still here I am glad to say."
Allardyce has also revealed that he intends to keep combative midfielder
Mohamed Diame in east London, adding: "I expect both of them to be here next
week and beyond."
The West Ham boss claims he would be happy to see the deadline pass with no
more business done, with his squad in good shape. He said: "I think all the
managers have the TV on for the countdown to the end of the window, but what
I am hoping is that I am just sat there watching because all my business is
done. "I don't want to be the one of the phone at the last minute trying to
make a signing, or the one losing a player I don't want to lose, because at
that stage there is no time to find a replacement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in talks to sign Alex Song from Barcelona
Last Updated: 29/08/14 11:04pm
SSN
West Ham are closing on a loan deal for Alex Song, according to Sky sources.
The Barcelona midfielder has been linked with Tottenham and Liverpool this
summer, but West Ham are now clear favourites for his signature. And the
former Arsenal man is expected to return to the Premier League before the
end of the weekend. Under the terms of the proposed deal Barca would
continue to pay a portion of Song's wages.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham host Southampton at Upton Park
Last Updated: 29/08/14 8:31pm
SSN
West Ham host Southampton at Upton Park as they look to bounce back from
their midweek Capital One Cup exit at the hands of League One side Sheffield
United. Sam Allardyce's men were held to a 1-1 draw after extra-time but
crashed out on penalties as summer signing Enner Valencia missed the
decisive spot-kick. However, Allardyce made it clear his priorities lie with
league matters as he made nine changes from the side that recorded an
emphatic 3-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Opta stats:
Saints have scored exactly one goal in five of their last six Premier League
games against West Ham.
Last weekend, Carlton Cole scored in his 12th separate Premier League
campaign.
Southampton have used only 14 players so far this season; only Swansea have
used as few.
Southampton enjoyed better fortunes against lower league opposition during
the week as Jack Cork and Graziano Pelle were on target in a 2-0 win at
Millwall.
Ronald Koeman's side are still searching for their first Premier League
victory, though, having suffered defeat in their opening game at Liverpool
before drawing with West Brom last weekend. Their recent record against the
Hammers will hardly fill them with confidence either having failed to
collect three points in any of their last five meetings. The Saints' most
recent win over West Ham came in the Championship as Jos Hooiveld scored the
only goal in 2011, while their last win at Upton Park was back in December
2002 courtesy of a last minute James Beattie strike. West Ham also had the
better of last season's meetings as they were 3-1 winners in this fixture
after drawing 0-0 at St Mary's.
Team News
Allardyce has a number of injuries to contend with and is expected to make
wholesale changes from Tuesday night's team. Captain Kevin Nolan (shoulder)
has been ruled out for up to six weeks, defender James Collins (hamstring)
also misses out, as does winger Matt Jarvis (thigh). Diafra Sakho (back) is
a doubt.
Carl Jenkinson (hamstring) is still a few weeks away from his return to
fitness, while striker Andy Carroll (ankle) remains out of action.
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman feels it will be difficult to bring in Andros
Townsend before the end of the transfer window Koeman revealed midfielder
Lloyd Isgrove is "not in a good physical way" after coming off during the
first half at Millwall with a knee injury. Sam Gallagher (knee) is still
recovering from injury and this game may come too soon for his return, while
fellow striker Jay Rodriguez (also knee) remains sidelined. Otherwise,
Southampton have no fresh injury concerns.
Paul Merson's prediction:
I watched the Harlem Globetrotters last week and they were wearing a West
Ham kit. I thought they were very good in the way they passed and moved
against Crystal Palace and they mixed up their play nicely; I was very
impressed. Southampton had a free swing against Liverpool and did very well,
but when they were expected to win at home against West Brom, things weren't
very good. I expect West Ham to win this game fairly comfortably.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SOUTHAMPTON MATCH PREVIEW
By Dan Coker 29 Aug 2014 at 12:00
West Ham Till I Die
Blast from the past
Allow me to take you back forty-one years, to Good Friday, 20th April 1973.
Edward Heath was Prime Minister and 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak
Tree' was number one. An 11am kick-off saw West Ham United take on
Southampton in front of 33,039 at The Boleyn Ground – it was to be a
particularly good Friday for the Hammers and a great one for Bryan 'Pop'
Robson as the Sunderland-born striker netted a hat-trick to lead West Ham to
a 4-3 win over the Saints in the old First Division.
Two goals in four minutes early on from Robson put the Hammers in a
commanding position but, rather typically, the lead had been thrown away by
half-time as Paul Gilchrist scored a brace of his own to level the match.
Robson completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, leaping high to head in a
Trevor Brooking cross and restore the hosts' lead. Brooking turned from
goal-maker to goal-taker to effectively clinch the game for the Irons in the
83rd minute, but there was still time for Mick Channon to net a further
consolation for the visitors in this seven-goal thriller.
The win put West Ham level with Ipswich in joint-fourth place, with three
matches to play. It was to prove the Hammers' final victory of 1972/73
however, as we closed the campaign with two draws and a defeat. In doing so,
West Ham equalled their (at the time) highest-ever position of sixth in a
campaign that saw Bobby Moore overtake Jimmy Ruffell's record number of
league appearances for the club, a record that had stood unbeaten since
1936.
'Pop' Robson, the hat-trick hero against the Saints (pictured with the
matchball from the game), finished 1972/73 as the leading goal-scorer in
England's top four divisions, with twenty-eight goals from forty-two
appearances, winning him the Adidas-sponsored Golden Boot award. Twenty-six
of these goals were from open play, with only two from the penalty spot. He
was also, unsurprisingly, that season's recipient of the Hammer of the Year
award.
West Ham United: Peter Grotier, John McDowell (Bertie Lutton), Kevin Lock,
Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Billy Bonds, Pat Holland, Trevor Brooking, Clyde
Best, Bryan Robson, Ted McDougall.
Southampton: Eric Martin, Jim Steele (Billy Beaney), Dave Walker, Paul
Bennett, Joe Kirkup, Brian O'Neil, Wayne Talkes, Hugh Fisher, Terry Paine,
Mick Channon, Paul Gilchrist.
Club Connections
An array of West Ham United's good, bad and ugly have also turned out for
Southampton: Vic Watson, Paul Allen, Richard Hall, Joe Kirkup, Wayne Bridge,
Justin Fashanu, Nigel Quashie, Christian Dailly, David Speedie, Iain Dowie,
Eyal Berkovic, Richard Wright, Neil Ruddock and Robbie Slater have all
appeared for both clubs. In addition, Harry Redknapp and Alan Pardew have
managed both the Hammers and the Saints.
While we're on the subject of diminutive goalscorers though, today's focus
will fall on David Connolly. The "angry ant", as Glenn Roeder tagged him,
signed for the Hammers for a bargain £285,000 in the aftermath of relegation
from the Premier League in August 2003. Following spells with Watford and
Feyenoord, along with loan stints at Wolves and Excelsior, West Ham United
signed Connolly from Wimbledon, for whom he had bagged an impressive
forty-two goals in sixty-three appearances over two seasons.
Connolly was controversially left out of the starting line-up for the
season-opener at Preston North End after the West Ham team coach had
collected loan signing Neil Mellor at a service station the day before the
game. Connolly came off the bench to strike the winner on his debut in a 2-1
victory before threatening to leave the club following his omission from the
XI. He stayed and went on to score fourteen goals for the Hammers in
forty-eight appearances in all competitions. After a single season in east
London had ended in play-off final defeat, Connolly left for Leicester in a
£500,000 deal.
Connolly had spells in the Premier League at both Wigan and Sunderland
before signing for his former West Ham manager Alan Pardew at League One
Southampton in October 2009. Connolly's career with the Saints began in the
same fashion as it did with the Hammers, with a debut goal after appearing
from the bench – this time in a 3-1 win at Oldham in a Southampton side
containing Morgan Schneiderlin, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert. The
Republic of Ireland international was to stay at St Mary's for three
seasons, which included a promotion to the Championship, scoring seventeen
goals in sixty-seven appearances in all competitions. He signed for Saints'
local rivals Portsmouth in December 2012 and remains part of their squad
today, although he is yet to appear for the club in 2014/15. He enjoyed a
successful loan spell at Oxford United last season.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Mike Dean; 2014/15 is Dean's fifteenth as a
Premier League referee. Since West Ham United achieved promotion back to the
top flight in 2012 Dean has refereed eight of our league matches,
officiating in five wins for the Hammers, two draws and just the one defeat.
Dean was the man in the middle for an away victory for Swansea at Old
Trafford on the opening day of this season and a draw at Villa Park between
Aston Villa and Newcastle last weekend – let's hope he completes the set of
results with a home win this weekend!
Possible line-ups
Sam Allardyce is unlikely to make many changes from the side that played so
well in earning victory at Selhurst Park last Saturday. Ricardo Vaz Te has
struggled in the opening fixtures, while Matt Jarvis, according to the
manager, remains unavailable. As a result, I would not be surprised to see
Mo Diame played out of position on the left flank. Enner Valencia would
perhaps have been in line for a starting spot this weekend if he had not
been involved in an unplanned 120 minutes against Sheffield United in
midweek following the withdrawal of Diafra Sakho through injury. Carlton
Cole, fresh from his first goal of the season against Crystal Palace, may
therefore start again but I would expect to see Valencia given at least
thirty minutes from the bench.
Southampton could name an unchanged starting XI from their goalless home
draw with West Brom last Saturday. Wales Under-21 midfielder Lloyd Isgrove,
who was an unnamed substitute for that game, has picked up a knee injury and
will miss out, alongside long-term injury victim Jay Rodriguez. The Saints
are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell;
Kouyate, Noble; Downing, Zarate, Diame; Cole.
Possible Southampton XI: Forster; Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Bertrand; Wanyama,
Schneiderlin; Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadic; Pelle.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham practising shooting TOO MUCH under attacking coach Teddy
Sheringham, say club scientists
Aug 29, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
Despite an impressive three-goal haul at struggling Crystal Palace last
week, some at the club think too much target practice could cause injuries
The Mirror
West Ham's sports scientists have complained the forwards are doing too much
shooting under new attacking coach Teddy Sheringham. Boss Sam Allardyce said
the former England star had been brought in this summer to teach the
forwards the art of finishing. And new signing Mauro Zarate said extra
training sessions with Sheringham led to his stunning volley against Crystal
Palace last weekend. Before hosting Southampton tomorrow, Allardyce said:
"He is a different voice. He can talk more about the thought- process about
where to run and how to run, what do you feel, how do you feel when you are
striking a ball. "The only thing is that the sports scientists are saying
they are doing too much kicking and getting tight thighs! "But we know when
you are a goalscorer, being calm is the ultimate in terms of getting the
technique right. "If you are a little tense or panicky, then you are more
likely to miss. You talk about all those things and do a little bit of
practice on technique and the goal and hopefully in the long term it will
help the players to score more goals. "It is more about the information and
what he has done in his life, how he has found himself in the positions to
score goals."
This time last season, with Andy Carroll again out injured, the Hammers had
Modibo Maiga, Mladen Petric and an unfit Carlton Cole as forwards. They now
have new signings Zarate, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia along with Cole.
West Ham scored 40 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season and
Allardyce wants 50 to finish in the top 10. "Our options are pretty good,"
said the Upton Park boss. "We are a team that creates chances, we always
have been. And their responsibility is to score."
Allardyce has been given the remit of providing more entertaining football
this season – and that was achieved in the 3-1 win at Selhurst Park. "The
owners were pleased – there is no doubt about that," he said. "But we are
all in it together and our main focus has been on who is the next player we
are going to try and get in."
Sakho (back) is doubtful while Valencia is unlikely to feature after playing
120 minutes in his first game since the World Cup in the defeat to Sheffield
United.
The Hammers will today look for their first home win of the campaign at the
third attempt. "We're looking pretty good as a team in the way we're
playing," said Allardyce. "What we haven't done at home is turn the two good
performances into results and that's a little concern, because we need to be
more ruthless and finish teams off, as we did against Crystal Palace."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce only in for ''one quality player'' despite West Ham injury
crisis
Aug 28, 2014 12:06 By Neil McLeman
Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins are
all out for the home clash against Southampton at the weekend
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is in the market for "one quality player" before the transfer
window shuts on Monday. Before Saturday's home match with Southampton, the
Hammers already have a long injury list with Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Matt
Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins ruled out. And new signing Enner
Valencia is unlikely to feature after playing his first match since the
World Cup in the Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday
night. Allardyce said he has the money to strengthen his squad - and keep
all his current players. "It is not so much about the injuries but more the
budget I have left - that is the key," he said. "I have been speaking to the
chairman and bringing in one quality player before the window shuts is a
possibility. I can't see anyone going out the other way. I think one more
player in the squad and we will have a good squad this year."
Mo Diame and Carlton Cole have both been linked with moves away from Upton
Park this week. "At the moment I would expect both of them to be here next
week," Allardyce added. West Ham have lost their first two home matches this
season and the Irons boss said: "We have played well but need to be more
ruthless in front of goal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull transfer bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame rejected by the Hammers
Aug 28, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Steve Bruce's Tigers fail with move for the Senegal international but QPR
are also interested PLUS: Carlton Cole's future will be reviewed in the
winter window
The Mirror
Hull have had a £3million bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame rejected. The
Hammers are also set to review the future of striker Carlton Cole in
January.
Mirror Sport understands that, despite claiming Cole is an important member
of the side, manager Sam Allardyce told him last weekend that he was surplus
to requirements and that a bid had been accepted for him from Bournemouth.
Stunned Cole called the Championship club's boss Eddie Howe, only to be told
by the confused Cherries chief that he had not made a move for him. Cole
will now stay, but the future of Diame is now unclear with QPR also
interested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bruce and Irons play cat and mouse on Diame
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Hull City boss Steve Bruce has this afternoon admitted for the first times
he is interested in signing West Ham's Mo Diame. However, in a typically
summer transfer window cat and mouse game, he declared that he has yet to
make a bid. West Ham sources have told ClaretandHugh that a bid of £3
million has been lodged which is £500,000 short of the trigger figure. And
another aspect to the clause says that Diame will need to be paid £50,000 a
week which represents a £10k rise on his current salary. Bruce declared:
""We haven't made a bid but we are interested and we will keep on
progressing. "We have one or two things in the pipeline and lets see if we
can push them over the line." However, at the Boleyn we were again told
there had in fact been a bid and that City were expected to make another.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons Update: Cleverly link
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports that the Hammers made a £8m bid Manchester United for Tom Cleverly
are simply not true. The chairman's son Jack Sullivan took to twitter to
confirm West Ham have not made a bid and Tom Cleverly will not be coming to
West ham. The rumour surfaced earlier this afternoon on the Internet after a
commercial sport radio station made the claim through one of their
reporters.
However young Sullivan did give hope to thousands of Hammers fans by adding
"We hope to have news of a top signing within 48 hours if not sooner" That
news is thought to be the announcement of agreement of a loan deal between
Barcelona and West Ham for for Alex Song who is rumoured to be traveling to
London for a medical. Song is said to be wanted by Spurs, Liverpool and AC
Milan but it is West Ham who have emerged the favourites to capture the loan
deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam was on Song case weeks ago
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has been very much the prime mover in the bid to bring Alex
Song from Barcelona to Upton Park. ClaretandHugh has learned that whilst
David Sullivan has been heading up the vast majority of deals this summer,
Allardyce was the man who beavered away on the Song possibilities before
anyone else at the club knew a move was a possibility. A senior source at
Upton Park told us this evening the manager moved very quickly several weeks
ago "involving nobody else at the club" when he learned the player may be
available. We were told: "He was on the case about six weeks ago – he made
contact with the various parties and got the whole thing going. There have
been talks going on since then. "It became a team thing later but if the
club land Song, Sam can take enormous credit for his part in it."
The Hammers are hoping to tie up a year's loan deal for the former Arsenal
man tomorrow (Sat) but nobody is taking anything for granted. Our source
explained: "It could still go wrong. We are very hopeful and there's been a
huge amount of work gone in over the last few weeks. "We are also grateful
that we have managed to keep it under wraps until now!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons closing on Song…Richards a target too
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are in talks with both Alex Song and Micah Richards as they bid to
bring their summer transfer dealings to a fantastic climax. ClaretandHugh
has learned this evening that soonest talks with Song could be concluded
will be by tomorrow afternoon although a source said: "A lot can go wrong in
18 hours."
Meanwhile talks with Manchester City over Richards were going on all last
week but the champions want to sell the player rather than loan him.
However, Hammers insiders believe the champions could come back to us and
agree a loan deal if there is no buyer. A top Boleyn source told
ClaretandHugh: "All the balls are in the air. We could finish up with one,
both or neither. Neither is an unlikely scenario – an awful lot is going on
at the moment. We are hopeful."
In a perfect world the Irons would love to get the two but for that to
happen a player needs to leave Upton Park to ease the pressure on wages.
That could easily be Mohamed Diame whom the Hammers again confirmed this
evening has been the subject of a bid from Hull City. Our source said: "They
have been in and could be back again. We note that Steve Bruce has admitted
his interest publicly today. He added: "I Mo leaves that releases wages for
new players and that may see both Richards and Song arrive but we'd like to
think we will get one or the other regardless."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis on road to recovery
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has confirmed Matt Jarvis is on the road to recovery after
missing the start of the season with a thigh injury. The manager said: "I
would have though Matt will be with us to play some part after the
international break. "He may not be able to play in the Hull City game, but
certainly if he gets fit during the break and we can perhaps put on a couple
of small games on behind closed doors for him to catch up and get some match
practice, then we will be able to decide on whether he can come back into
the squad."
Although the 28-year-old winger has failed to live up to his £10.75million
price-tag since joining us from Wolves in 2012Allardyce has issued a
hands-off warning. After being linked with West Bromwich Albion earlier in
the transfer window Allardyce insisted "Matt Jarvis will not be leaving
us.'
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Matty continues to train with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has confirmed that former Hammer Matty Etherington continues to
train with West Ham. The 32-year-old was released by Stoke at the end of
last season and is now in the hunt for a new club. When asked about
Etherington, David Gold said yesterday "I saw him at the training ground
today" He is thought to be looking for a short term deal with the Hammers.
Etherington, played for the Hammers between 2003 and 2009. joining at the
beginning of our two-year spell in the second-tier of English football,
playing the final season of the first division and the first season of the
re-branded Championship.
Etherington was a fan's favourite, scoring several goals including a
hat-trick in a 5–0 win over Wimbledon. He won the "Hammer of the Year" award
in his first season at the club and played a huge part in helping the club
get to the 2004 Championship play-off final by scoring in the 2–0 win over
Ipswich Town in the play-off semi final second leg. He completed 195 games
for West Ham, in all competitions, scoring 18 goals, before being sold to
Stoke City for £2m in January 2009. Etherington later revealed to the press
he would get on the West Ham team coach for away games and by the journey's
end he would have gambled away that week's £20,000 wages. He revealed he
estimated he lost £1.5million on greyhounds, horses and poker through his
gambling addiction.
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WHUFC.com
All the key information ahead of Saturday's visit of the Saints
29.08.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v SOUTHAMPTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MIKE DEAN
West Ham United App West Ham TV
In brief
West Ham United return to Barclays Premier League action on Saturday when
they welcome Southampton to the Boleyn Ground. Having suffered a penalty
shootout defeat to Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup, Sam Allardyce's
men will look to return to their winning league form from last weekend and
go into the international break on a high. The Hammers have not lost to the
Saints since they were promoted to the top flight together in 2012, winning
both Boleyn Ground contests and scoring seven goals in the process.
Southampton come into Saturday's game having drawn against West Bromwich
Albion and lost to Liverpool in their opening fixtures. The Capital One Cup
brought a win over Millwall in midweek, giving Koeman his first victory
since taking the reins in the summer.
Who are they?
Southampton were formed in 1885 and have been known as the Saints ever since
due to their history as a church side, being known as St Mary's YMA in their
early days.
Their high point was winning the FA Cup in 1976, famously beating Manchester
United in the final, while they also reached the final in 1900, 1902 and
2003 - when they were defeated by Arsenal.
The Saints' highest ever league finish is second in 1983/84 and, like the
Hammers, they are in their third season back in the top flight after being
promoted from the Championship in 2012.
Other honours include the Football League Trophy, which they won at Wembley
in 2010, and the Southern League - which they won six times around the turn
of the 20th century prior to becoming a Football League club.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will take a late check on Diafra Sakho's fitness after he
tweaked his back in Tuesday's Capital One Cup defeat by Sheffield United.
Definitely out are Kevin Nolan (shoulder), Carl Jenkinson and James Collins
(both hamstring), Matt Jarvis (thigh) and Andy Carroll (ankle).
Southampton
Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Ramirez could come into Ronald Koeman's thoughts
after being given a late run-out at Millwall in midweek on his return to
fitness.
Meanwhile, strikers Sam Gallagher and Jay Rodriguez (both knee) are
sidelined, and Lloyd Isgrove is out after limping out of the action at The
Den.
Referee
The man in the middle for Saturday's fixture is Mike Dean. Dean last
refereed the Hammers in their 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the end
of last season and he has taken charge of 38 West Ham games, with the
Hammers winning 14, losing eleven and drawing 13 of those matches.
The 45-year-old began refereeing in 1985, starting out his career in senior
football in the Northern Premier League. In 2004, Dean took charge of his
first international match, a friendly between the Netherlands and Republic
of Ireland at Amsterdam ArenA. That same year, he took control of the FA
Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester United.
In May 2006, he refereed the Championship play-off final between Leeds
United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium. In 2008, he was the
man-in-the-middle for the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City
at Wembley Stadium.
One to watch
West Ham United
Mauro Zarate opened his Hammers account in last weekend's victory at Crystal
Palace and will be looking for more against the Saints.
The 27-year-old Argentine forward top scored in his home country for Velez
Sarsfield last term, and his Selhurst Park strike was his first in English
football since a loan spell with Birmingham City six years ago.
He looked lively in his No10 role behind Carlton Cole, linking play between
midfield and attack effectively and is sure to play a big part in the
Hammers' plans on Saturday.
Southampton
New boy Dusan Tadic has made an instant impact since signing for Southampton
and looks to have settled in quickly.
The 25-year-old Serbian international was a summer arrival from Dutch side
Twente, so is well known to new Saints boss Ronald Koeman and has featued in
both Barclays Premier League games so far.
An attacking midfielder with a real eye for goal, West Ham will have to
watch him closely on Saturday.
Tickets
A handful of tickets remain for this fixture, with prices starting at £43
for adults. Kids' tickets are just £1. Click here to buy now.
Travel
The District and Hammersmith & City lines are both scheduled to run a full
service on Saturday. Click here for the latest updates on the Tube network
and here for National Rail.
Weather
Saturday is set to by a dry, if cloudy, day, with temperatures at kick-off
of 19C (66F).
Last meeting
West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Barclays Premier League
22 February 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Collins, Demel, Nolan (Reid
73), Jarvis (Diame 57), Taylor, Noble, Downing, C.Cole
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Colliso, J.Cole, Nocerino
Goals: Jarvis 20, C.Cole 23, Nolan, 71
Southampton: Boruc, Yoshida, Fonte, Chambers, Shaw, Schneiderlin, S.Davis
(Ward-Prowse 78), Cork (Ramirez 68), Lallana, Lambert (Gallagher 78),
Rodriguez
Subs: K.Davis, Clyne, Lovren, Do Prado
Goal: Yoshida 8
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Six of the best: Southampton
WHUFC.com
A look back at six home wins against Saturday's opponents Southampton
29.08.2014
When West Ham United take to the Boleyn Ground pitch on Saturday afternoon
the men in Claret and Blue will be looking for their second consecutive win
in the Barclays Premier League. Here, whufc.com takes a look at six
memorable home wins against the Saints.
West Ham United 4-1 Southampton
Premier League
20 October 2012
Mark Noble scored twice to continue the Hammers' fine start to life back in
the Premier League against fellow new boys Southampton. After a forgettable
45 minutes, the home side sprung into life early in the second with goals
from Noble and captain Kevin Nolan putting them two goals to the good with
just three minutes of the second period played. Adam Lallana pulled one back
for the visitors with a superb half-volley but the hosts pulled clear
through a Noble penalty and Modibo Maiga's fine solo effort.
West Ham United 3-0 Southampton
Premier League
5 May 2001
The Hammers made sure of their Premier League status with a comfortable win
over the top-ten Saints at the Boleyn Ground in 2001. In the penultimate
game of the season it was goals from Joe Cole, Frederic Kanoute and Paolo Di
Canio that propelled the home team to three points. West Ham rounded off the
season with an away defeat to Middlesbrough meaning they finished the season
in 15th place in the table.
West Ham United 2-0 Southampton
Premier League
8 March 2000
West Ham and Southampton met at the Boleyn Ground only four games after the
Saints had recorded a 2-1 triumph in the reverse fixture at St Mary's. Frank
Lampard had netted in that defeat, but on this occasion Trevor Sinclair and
Paulo Wanchope stepped up with the telling contributions in a solid home
win.
The result took the Hammers up to ninth, the position they would end the
season in, six places above the Saints.
West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Division One
6 December 1986
A 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United seven days earlier had put a dampener on
the Hammers' fine start to the season, but they were soon back to winning
ways against Southampton. The Hammers moved up to fifth with this win which
came courtesy of Alan Devonshire, Paul Ince and a Tony Cottee penalty in
front of just over 18,000 fans in east London. This success turned out to be
the last of the year and West Ham faded somewhat in 1987, going onto finish
the season in 15th place, three places below the south coast outfit.
West Ham United 4-2 Southampton
First Division
22 September 1981
The Hammers extended their superb unbeaten start to the 1981/82 season to
six games after edging a six-goal thriller against the Saints. Paul Goddard
stole the show with a superb hat-trick while Geoff Pike bagged the other as
a confident performance ensured victory was had at the Boleyn Ground. John
Lyall's team went on to stretch their unbeaten run to nine games, before
eventually suffering a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
West Ham United 4-1 Southampton
First Division
12 April 1974
This meeting between the two sides was significant in deciding which of them
would face relegation from Division One. It what was expected to be a tight
affair, the Hammers threw caution to the wind and racked up four goals
thanks to a brace each from Clyde Best and Bryan Robson. The Saints ended up
occupying the final relegation place at seasons end having accumulated 36
points, just one less than the Hammers in 18th had accrued.
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O'Brien ready for Saints test
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is eyeing another three points against Southampton on Saturday
30.08.2014
Joey O'Brien wants more of the same from the Hammers when they take on
Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. West Ham United followed a
promising performance against Tottenham by ruthlessly defeating Crystal
Palace 3-1 last weekend and O'Brien believes a similar performance would
yield another three points. He said: "The defeat to Spurs in the first game
was hard to take as they're a local rival. In the game we played pretty well
and if anyone was going to win it I thought it was going to be us. "We
bounced back well against Crystal Palace so we're looking forward to
Southampton and if we get three points we would have taken six from the
nine. "Mauro came into the game and scored the first goal. First goals in
Premier League games are always vital - that put us on the front foot and we
never looked back from there."
O'Brien has been impressed with how the new signings have bedded into life
with the Hammers so quickly - but hopes the same is not the case for
Southampton's new boys. He added: "It does take time for most players to
adapt, but you get some like Cheikhou who has come in and been brilliant in
the first couple of games. "He looks made for the Premier League and when
those players join you it's great for the team and great for the manager.
"For Mauro too, he'll look at himself as a goalscorer - it was a special
goal against Palace and that'll give him confidence. "Southampton have
brought some top players in. On one side of things you hope that they
haven't really settled in yet, but on the other side they are top players
and can hurt you. "The manager has talked us through how they play and
hopefully we'll get a good win on Saturday."
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Adrian eyes back-to-back wins
WHUFC.com
Adrian wants West Ham United to follow up victory over Crystal Palace with a
win over Southampton
29.08.2014
Adrian wants West Ham United to follow up victory over Crystal Palace with a
win over Southampton on Saturday. The goalkeeper was in fine form as the
Hammers scored a 3-1 Barclays Premier League success at Selhurst Park last
weekend. With the Saints visiting the Boleyn Ground, the No13 is determined
to help his team achieve back-to-back wins for the first time since late
March, when they defeated Hull City and Sunderland. "This is a very
important match for us because we need to keep the same level of performance
which we used to win against Crystal Palace," said Adrian. "In the first
game against Tottenham we also made a good performance but were unlucky with
the result in the end. "The last game against Crystal Palace was a very,
very hard place to go against a tough team, but we showed very well. We need
to keep going at this level and win our first three points at home. "The
Capital One Cup game against Sheffield United was very unlucky, I think,
because we played so well and kept the ball and had some chances, but the
other goalkeeper performed very well. Penalties are a lottery, because
either you win or the other team wins. "We need to keep getting better,
little by little."
Saturday's opponents Southampton have undergone major changes this summer,
with a new manager in Ronald Koeman and a host of players leaving and
arriving at St Mary's Stadium. Whoever lines up in red and white stripes,
Adrian knows he will not have an easy afternoon against the Saints. "I don't
know if anything is good for us or bad for us, because a lot of players have
left and they have a new manager, but the most important thing is us," he
continued. "We need to give a good performance and feel comfortable in Upton
Park and win the three points. After this game, we have the international
break, so it's very important for us. "Last season Southampton were very
strong under Mauricio Pochettino. This season they have a new manager and a
new system, but I repeat that we should only focus on what we can do as a
team and our own performance, and hopefully we can win."
Adrian has also lined-up alongside a number of new colleagues in the West
Ham side this season, including fellow Spanish speakers Mauro Zarate, Diego
Poyet and Enner Valencia and Senegal pair Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho.
The goalkeeper believes the new boys have strengthened the squad for the
2014/15 campaign. "I think this season the squad is very competitive because
have very good players in every position," he observed. "We have more
forwards with Enner, Mauro and Sakho, which gives us very good options in
attack. I think Cheikhou and Poyet can also help us."
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On this day - 30 August
WHUFC.com
West Ham United enjoyed a feast of goals on this day 56 years ago
30.08.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 7-2 Aston Villa
Division One
30 August 1958
West Ham United went goal crazy on this day 56 years ago, with Aston Villa
their victims in an early-season Division One fixture. Ernie Gregory's goal
was breached twice, but it was not to matter as the Hammers stuck seven in
Nigel Sims' net at the other end. Three home players notched braces - Vic
Keeble, Malcolm Musgrove and John Dick - with Billy Lansdowne also on
target. The Hammers were second in the table following this win, their third
in a row, as they returned to top division football in creditable style with
a sixth place finish.
Complete record - 30 August
2008 West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
2004 Coventry City 2-1 West Ham United (Championship)
2003 Ipswich Town 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1997 West Ham United 3-1 Wimbledon (Premier League)
1995 West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
1986 Oxford United 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1980 West Ham United 4-0 Notts County (Division Two)
1975 Queens Park Rangers 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1971 West Ham United 4-0 Coventry City (Division One)
1969 Nottingham Forest 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1963 Ipswich Town 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1958 West Ham United 7-2 Aston Villa (Division One)
1954 West Ham United 2-5 Blackburn Rovers (Division Two)
1952 Bury 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1950 Luton Town 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1948 West Ham United 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday (Division Two)
1947 West Ham United 2-1 Nottingham Forest (Division Two)
1937 West Ham United 2-1 Swansea Town (Division Two)
1933 Plymouth Argyle 4-4 West Ham United (Division Two)
1930 West Ham United 2-1 Huddersfield Town (Division Two)
1924 West Ham United 1-0 Preston North End (Division One)
1920 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1919 West Ham United 1-1 Lincoln City (Division Two)
Played 23, Won 11, Drawn 9, Lost 3, Scored 49, Conceded 30
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U18s prepared for London derby
WHUFC.com
The Under-18s take on Tottenham Hotspur at LIttle Heath on Saturday
29.08.2014
West Ham United Under-18s will look to extend their unbeaten start to the
Barclays U18 Premier League season when they host Tottenham Hotspur at
Little Heath on Saturday morning. The Hammers have four points from their
opening two games, having defeated Leicester City 3-1 and drawn 0-0 with
West Bromwich Albion. Now, they face their first London opposition of the
season, with Spurs coming to east London and Steve Potts' men will be
confident of maintaining their solid start. Tottenham also have four points
to their name, and they drew with Southampton last week after beating
Norwich City 4-2 in their opener.
Kick-off at Little Heath is at 11am, with admission and parking free of
charge.
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West Ham v Southampton
KO 15:00
29 August 2014
Last updated at 12:19
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 30 August
West Ham could be without six first-team players, with midweek goalscorer
Diafra Sakho potentially among them because of a back complaint. Matt
Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins have all joined long-term injury
absentees Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has a near fully fit squad available to
him. The only likely absentee is midfielder Lloyd Isgrove, who lasted just
30 minutes against Millwall on Tuesday.
MATCH PREVIEW
The manner of West Ham's victory over Crystal Palace quite rightly won them
plenty of plaudits, but I can't help but think Sam Allardyce needs a
similarly impressive home victory this weekend. "I think West Ham look a
better side without big target-man Andy Carroll - they try to play a bit
more. "And both new forward signings, Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia, are
ball players."
Big Sam had a frosty relationship - to put it mildly - with the home crowd
last season at times, even getting booed after a victory at one stage.
Nearly 30,000 fans saw them get knocked out of the League Cup this week on
home turf by League One Sheffield United. With that in mind I think the
Upton Park faithful will still need a bit of convincing that their stylish
victory at Palace wasn't a one-off. Whether the passing style they showed at
Selhurst Park is a result of absentee Andy Carroll - whose presence lends
itself to a longer-ball approach - remains to be seen. But with the likes of
the impressive fresh face Mauro Zarate there did seem to be a change in
attitude in how they passed the ball. Earlier this summer, Southampton
looked like relegation contenders. The pillaging of last season's standout
names such as Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw - plus the departure of manager
Mauricio Pochettino - looked ominous. While they haven't secured a Premier
League victory yet, in contrast to the Hammers they won comfortably in the
League Cup this week at Millwall. Ronald Koeman has certainly slowed the
panic down and looks to have spent wisely. Dusan Tadic can come in off the
line in the style of the departed Lallana. And in Shane Long, they have got
a player who can produce 10-12 goals a season. It wouldn't surprise me in
the long run if he and Graziano Pelle make a pair up front. I think their
different styles mesh well. Koeman doesn't strike me as a man with a
defeatist look on his face. Despite the difficult summer that Saints have
had, they might well surprise a few people this season. Big Sam- and the
Hammers fans - will be hoping it's not them this weekend.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches against
Southampton (W2, D3).
The Hammers have won 4-1 and 3-1 in the last two meetings at Upton Park.
West Ham
West Ham have lost three of their last four Premier League games at home.
The Hammers have conceded just eight goals in their last nine league
fixtures at Upton Park.
It is 17 Premier League games since West Ham featured in a draw (W8, L9).
Stewart Downing has scored two goals in his last five games after failing to
score in his previous 44 league and cup matches.
Carlton Cole has scored four goals in five Premier League games against
Southampton.
Southampton
Ronald Koeman has yet to win a Premier League game in charge of Southampton,
but he did get off the mark with a 2-0 midweek League Cup win over Millwall.
Saints have only lost one of their last six league matches (W2, D3).
Twelve of their 15 league wins last season came against bottom-half
opposition.
Shane Long has scored only two goals in his last 14 Premier League
appearances.
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Song on course, Diame bid denied
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham continue to be linked with a move for Barcelona's Alex Song, as the
transfer deadline draws ever closer. Cameroon international Song is surplus
to requirements at Nou Camp and has been linked with a move to London, with
Tottenham also cited as a potential destination for the 26-year-old
defensive ex-Arsenal midfielder who can also operate at centre half. Song
joined the Spanish giants in a £15million deal in the summer of 2012,
following six years at Highbury/The Emirates. Arsenal had previously signed
the combative midfielder from French club Bastia for just £1million in 2006.
Liverpool and AC Milan are also understood to be interested in signing the
player, although West Ham are currently considered favourites to land the
cousin of former Hammer Rigobert Song.
* In other news, Hull City boss Steve Bruce has denied reports that he had
made a bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame. The Tigers were linked with a
move for the Senegal international but Bruce has told the Hull Mail that
rumours of a bid being made were wide of the mark.
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Noble considering switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Mark Noble is once again considering defecting to the
Republic of Ireland after being overlooked for the latest England squad. The
27-year-old midfielder is said to be considering giving up the chance to
feature for England - whom he has previously captained at under 21 level on
20 occasions - in order to play for the Irish, according to the Mail.
Canning Town-born Noble qualifies to play for Ireland via one of his
grandparents and is able to do so since a 2009 FIFA ruling declared players
who have represented one country at youth and under-21 level can change
their allegiance. He first considered representing the Irish four years ago
when still only 23-years-old, but decided against making himself available
at that time. Noble - who made his final appearance for England's under 21s
at the 2009 European Championships, in which he captained the side beaten in
the final by Germany - has never been picked at senior level for England.
Despite the careers of regular central midfielders such as Frank Lampard and
Steven Gerrard having come to an end, Noble was this week overlooked by Roy
Hodgson in favour of players such as Newcastle's Jack Colback and Fabian
Delph of Aston Villa.
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January date for Morrison
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been bailed until January after he entered not guilty
pleas to a string of charges relating to an incident that occurred in
Manchester in July.
The 21-year-old midfielder denied charges relating to assault and actual
bodily harm at a preliminary hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.
And he was ordered to return for trial early 2015, with a provisional trial
date of 26 January set by Judge David Stockdale QC during the short hearing.
Conditional to the bail agreement is that the England under 21 international
refrains from returning to Manchester unless on club duty or under order of
the court. Morrison, who made his first appearance of the season in the
Capital One Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday was
arrested on 27 July and remanded in custody for a week. However he was
released on bail just four days later.
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Sam Allardyce pleased to have Carlton Cole at West Ham
Last Updated: 29/08/14 8:48pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce is pleased to have seen interest in Carlton Cole come to
nothing, freeing him to remain at West Ham United. The experienced frontman
was reported to have been the subject of a bid from Sky Bet Championship
side Bournemouth. No deal was agreed, though, and Cole remains at Upton
Park.
"I think all the managers have the TV on for the countdown to the end of the
window, but what I am hoping is that I am just sat there watching because
all my business is done."
Allardyce is now expecting the 30-year-old to stay put, with the summer
transfer window set to close at 11pm on Monday. He said: "Carlton is not
going out. I thought the prospect was there, but it wasn't. "I didn't
particularly want him to go, but there is a price for everybody and if there
is an offer that everyone considers to be the right one, then the business
is done, but he is still here I am glad to say."
Allardyce has also revealed that he intends to keep combative midfielder
Mohamed Diame in east London, adding: "I expect both of them to be here next
week and beyond."
The West Ham boss claims he would be happy to see the deadline pass with no
more business done, with his squad in good shape. He said: "I think all the
managers have the TV on for the countdown to the end of the window, but what
I am hoping is that I am just sat there watching because all my business is
done. "I don't want to be the one of the phone at the last minute trying to
make a signing, or the one losing a player I don't want to lose, because at
that stage there is no time to find a replacement."
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West Ham in talks to sign Alex Song from Barcelona
Last Updated: 29/08/14 11:04pm
SSN
West Ham are closing on a loan deal for Alex Song, according to Sky sources.
The Barcelona midfielder has been linked with Tottenham and Liverpool this
summer, but West Ham are now clear favourites for his signature. And the
former Arsenal man is expected to return to the Premier League before the
end of the weekend. Under the terms of the proposed deal Barca would
continue to pay a portion of Song's wages.
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West Ham host Southampton at Upton Park
Last Updated: 29/08/14 8:31pm
SSN
West Ham host Southampton at Upton Park as they look to bounce back from
their midweek Capital One Cup exit at the hands of League One side Sheffield
United. Sam Allardyce's men were held to a 1-1 draw after extra-time but
crashed out on penalties as summer signing Enner Valencia missed the
decisive spot-kick. However, Allardyce made it clear his priorities lie with
league matters as he made nine changes from the side that recorded an
emphatic 3-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend.
Opta stats:
Saints have scored exactly one goal in five of their last six Premier League
games against West Ham.
Last weekend, Carlton Cole scored in his 12th separate Premier League
campaign.
Southampton have used only 14 players so far this season; only Swansea have
used as few.
Southampton enjoyed better fortunes against lower league opposition during
the week as Jack Cork and Graziano Pelle were on target in a 2-0 win at
Millwall.
Ronald Koeman's side are still searching for their first Premier League
victory, though, having suffered defeat in their opening game at Liverpool
before drawing with West Brom last weekend. Their recent record against the
Hammers will hardly fill them with confidence either having failed to
collect three points in any of their last five meetings. The Saints' most
recent win over West Ham came in the Championship as Jos Hooiveld scored the
only goal in 2011, while their last win at Upton Park was back in December
2002 courtesy of a last minute James Beattie strike. West Ham also had the
better of last season's meetings as they were 3-1 winners in this fixture
after drawing 0-0 at St Mary's.
Team News
Allardyce has a number of injuries to contend with and is expected to make
wholesale changes from Tuesday night's team. Captain Kevin Nolan (shoulder)
has been ruled out for up to six weeks, defender James Collins (hamstring)
also misses out, as does winger Matt Jarvis (thigh). Diafra Sakho (back) is
a doubt.
Carl Jenkinson (hamstring) is still a few weeks away from his return to
fitness, while striker Andy Carroll (ankle) remains out of action.
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman feels it will be difficult to bring in Andros
Townsend before the end of the transfer window Koeman revealed midfielder
Lloyd Isgrove is "not in a good physical way" after coming off during the
first half at Millwall with a knee injury. Sam Gallagher (knee) is still
recovering from injury and this game may come too soon for his return, while
fellow striker Jay Rodriguez (also knee) remains sidelined. Otherwise,
Southampton have no fresh injury concerns.
Paul Merson's prediction:
I watched the Harlem Globetrotters last week and they were wearing a West
Ham kit. I thought they were very good in the way they passed and moved
against Crystal Palace and they mixed up their play nicely; I was very
impressed. Southampton had a free swing against Liverpool and did very well,
but when they were expected to win at home against West Brom, things weren't
very good. I expect West Ham to win this game fairly comfortably.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
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SOUTHAMPTON MATCH PREVIEW
By Dan Coker 29 Aug 2014 at 12:00
West Ham Till I Die
Blast from the past
Allow me to take you back forty-one years, to Good Friday, 20th April 1973.
Edward Heath was Prime Minister and 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak
Tree' was number one. An 11am kick-off saw West Ham United take on
Southampton in front of 33,039 at The Boleyn Ground – it was to be a
particularly good Friday for the Hammers and a great one for Bryan 'Pop'
Robson as the Sunderland-born striker netted a hat-trick to lead West Ham to
a 4-3 win over the Saints in the old First Division.
Two goals in four minutes early on from Robson put the Hammers in a
commanding position but, rather typically, the lead had been thrown away by
half-time as Paul Gilchrist scored a brace of his own to level the match.
Robson completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, leaping high to head in a
Trevor Brooking cross and restore the hosts' lead. Brooking turned from
goal-maker to goal-taker to effectively clinch the game for the Irons in the
83rd minute, but there was still time for Mick Channon to net a further
consolation for the visitors in this seven-goal thriller.
The win put West Ham level with Ipswich in joint-fourth place, with three
matches to play. It was to prove the Hammers' final victory of 1972/73
however, as we closed the campaign with two draws and a defeat. In doing so,
West Ham equalled their (at the time) highest-ever position of sixth in a
campaign that saw Bobby Moore overtake Jimmy Ruffell's record number of
league appearances for the club, a record that had stood unbeaten since
1936.
'Pop' Robson, the hat-trick hero against the Saints (pictured with the
matchball from the game), finished 1972/73 as the leading goal-scorer in
England's top four divisions, with twenty-eight goals from forty-two
appearances, winning him the Adidas-sponsored Golden Boot award. Twenty-six
of these goals were from open play, with only two from the penalty spot. He
was also, unsurprisingly, that season's recipient of the Hammer of the Year
award.
West Ham United: Peter Grotier, John McDowell (Bertie Lutton), Kevin Lock,
Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Billy Bonds, Pat Holland, Trevor Brooking, Clyde
Best, Bryan Robson, Ted McDougall.
Southampton: Eric Martin, Jim Steele (Billy Beaney), Dave Walker, Paul
Bennett, Joe Kirkup, Brian O'Neil, Wayne Talkes, Hugh Fisher, Terry Paine,
Mick Channon, Paul Gilchrist.
Club Connections
An array of West Ham United's good, bad and ugly have also turned out for
Southampton: Vic Watson, Paul Allen, Richard Hall, Joe Kirkup, Wayne Bridge,
Justin Fashanu, Nigel Quashie, Christian Dailly, David Speedie, Iain Dowie,
Eyal Berkovic, Richard Wright, Neil Ruddock and Robbie Slater have all
appeared for both clubs. In addition, Harry Redknapp and Alan Pardew have
managed both the Hammers and the Saints.
While we're on the subject of diminutive goalscorers though, today's focus
will fall on David Connolly. The "angry ant", as Glenn Roeder tagged him,
signed for the Hammers for a bargain £285,000 in the aftermath of relegation
from the Premier League in August 2003. Following spells with Watford and
Feyenoord, along with loan stints at Wolves and Excelsior, West Ham United
signed Connolly from Wimbledon, for whom he had bagged an impressive
forty-two goals in sixty-three appearances over two seasons.
Connolly was controversially left out of the starting line-up for the
season-opener at Preston North End after the West Ham team coach had
collected loan signing Neil Mellor at a service station the day before the
game. Connolly came off the bench to strike the winner on his debut in a 2-1
victory before threatening to leave the club following his omission from the
XI. He stayed and went on to score fourteen goals for the Hammers in
forty-eight appearances in all competitions. After a single season in east
London had ended in play-off final defeat, Connolly left for Leicester in a
£500,000 deal.
Connolly had spells in the Premier League at both Wigan and Sunderland
before signing for his former West Ham manager Alan Pardew at League One
Southampton in October 2009. Connolly's career with the Saints began in the
same fashion as it did with the Hammers, with a debut goal after appearing
from the bench – this time in a 3-1 win at Oldham in a Southampton side
containing Morgan Schneiderlin, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert. The
Republic of Ireland international was to stay at St Mary's for three
seasons, which included a promotion to the Championship, scoring seventeen
goals in sixty-seven appearances in all competitions. He signed for Saints'
local rivals Portsmouth in December 2012 and remains part of their squad
today, although he is yet to appear for the club in 2014/15. He enjoyed a
successful loan spell at Oxford United last season.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Mike Dean; 2014/15 is Dean's fifteenth as a
Premier League referee. Since West Ham United achieved promotion back to the
top flight in 2012 Dean has refereed eight of our league matches,
officiating in five wins for the Hammers, two draws and just the one defeat.
Dean was the man in the middle for an away victory for Swansea at Old
Trafford on the opening day of this season and a draw at Villa Park between
Aston Villa and Newcastle last weekend – let's hope he completes the set of
results with a home win this weekend!
Possible line-ups
Sam Allardyce is unlikely to make many changes from the side that played so
well in earning victory at Selhurst Park last Saturday. Ricardo Vaz Te has
struggled in the opening fixtures, while Matt Jarvis, according to the
manager, remains unavailable. As a result, I would not be surprised to see
Mo Diame played out of position on the left flank. Enner Valencia would
perhaps have been in line for a starting spot this weekend if he had not
been involved in an unplanned 120 minutes against Sheffield United in
midweek following the withdrawal of Diafra Sakho through injury. Carlton
Cole, fresh from his first goal of the season against Crystal Palace, may
therefore start again but I would expect to see Valencia given at least
thirty minutes from the bench.
Southampton could name an unchanged starting XI from their goalless home
draw with West Brom last Saturday. Wales Under-21 midfielder Lloyd Isgrove,
who was an unnamed substitute for that game, has picked up a knee injury and
will miss out, alongside long-term injury victim Jay Rodriguez. The Saints
are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell;
Kouyate, Noble; Downing, Zarate, Diame; Cole.
Possible Southampton XI: Forster; Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Bertrand; Wanyama,
Schneiderlin; Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadic; Pelle.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham practising shooting TOO MUCH under attacking coach Teddy
Sheringham, say club scientists
Aug 29, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
Despite an impressive three-goal haul at struggling Crystal Palace last
week, some at the club think too much target practice could cause injuries
The Mirror
West Ham's sports scientists have complained the forwards are doing too much
shooting under new attacking coach Teddy Sheringham. Boss Sam Allardyce said
the former England star had been brought in this summer to teach the
forwards the art of finishing. And new signing Mauro Zarate said extra
training sessions with Sheringham led to his stunning volley against Crystal
Palace last weekend. Before hosting Southampton tomorrow, Allardyce said:
"He is a different voice. He can talk more about the thought- process about
where to run and how to run, what do you feel, how do you feel when you are
striking a ball. "The only thing is that the sports scientists are saying
they are doing too much kicking and getting tight thighs! "But we know when
you are a goalscorer, being calm is the ultimate in terms of getting the
technique right. "If you are a little tense or panicky, then you are more
likely to miss. You talk about all those things and do a little bit of
practice on technique and the goal and hopefully in the long term it will
help the players to score more goals. "It is more about the information and
what he has done in his life, how he has found himself in the positions to
score goals."
This time last season, with Andy Carroll again out injured, the Hammers had
Modibo Maiga, Mladen Petric and an unfit Carlton Cole as forwards. They now
have new signings Zarate, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia along with Cole.
West Ham scored 40 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season and
Allardyce wants 50 to finish in the top 10. "Our options are pretty good,"
said the Upton Park boss. "We are a team that creates chances, we always
have been. And their responsibility is to score."
Allardyce has been given the remit of providing more entertaining football
this season – and that was achieved in the 3-1 win at Selhurst Park. "The
owners were pleased – there is no doubt about that," he said. "But we are
all in it together and our main focus has been on who is the next player we
are going to try and get in."
Sakho (back) is doubtful while Valencia is unlikely to feature after playing
120 minutes in his first game since the World Cup in the defeat to Sheffield
United.
The Hammers will today look for their first home win of the campaign at the
third attempt. "We're looking pretty good as a team in the way we're
playing," said Allardyce. "What we haven't done at home is turn the two good
performances into results and that's a little concern, because we need to be
more ruthless and finish teams off, as we did against Crystal Palace."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce only in for ''one quality player'' despite West Ham injury
crisis
Aug 28, 2014 12:06 By Neil McLeman
Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins are
all out for the home clash against Southampton at the weekend
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is in the market for "one quality player" before the transfer
window shuts on Monday. Before Saturday's home match with Southampton, the
Hammers already have a long injury list with Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Matt
Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins ruled out. And new signing Enner
Valencia is unlikely to feature after playing his first match since the
World Cup in the Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday
night. Allardyce said he has the money to strengthen his squad - and keep
all his current players. "It is not so much about the injuries but more the
budget I have left - that is the key," he said. "I have been speaking to the
chairman and bringing in one quality player before the window shuts is a
possibility. I can't see anyone going out the other way. I think one more
player in the squad and we will have a good squad this year."
Mo Diame and Carlton Cole have both been linked with moves away from Upton
Park this week. "At the moment I would expect both of them to be here next
week," Allardyce added. West Ham have lost their first two home matches this
season and the Irons boss said: "We have played well but need to be more
ruthless in front of goal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull transfer bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame rejected by the Hammers
Aug 28, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Steve Bruce's Tigers fail with move for the Senegal international but QPR
are also interested PLUS: Carlton Cole's future will be reviewed in the
winter window
The Mirror
Hull have had a £3million bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame rejected. The
Hammers are also set to review the future of striker Carlton Cole in
January.
Mirror Sport understands that, despite claiming Cole is an important member
of the side, manager Sam Allardyce told him last weekend that he was surplus
to requirements and that a bid had been accepted for him from Bournemouth.
Stunned Cole called the Championship club's boss Eddie Howe, only to be told
by the confused Cherries chief that he had not made a move for him. Cole
will now stay, but the future of Diame is now unclear with QPR also
interested.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bruce and Irons play cat and mouse on Diame
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Hull City boss Steve Bruce has this afternoon admitted for the first times
he is interested in signing West Ham's Mo Diame. However, in a typically
summer transfer window cat and mouse game, he declared that he has yet to
make a bid. West Ham sources have told ClaretandHugh that a bid of £3
million has been lodged which is £500,000 short of the trigger figure. And
another aspect to the clause says that Diame will need to be paid £50,000 a
week which represents a £10k rise on his current salary. Bruce declared:
""We haven't made a bid but we are interested and we will keep on
progressing. "We have one or two things in the pipeline and lets see if we
can push them over the line." However, at the Boleyn we were again told
there had in fact been a bid and that City were expected to make another.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons Update: Cleverly link
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports that the Hammers made a £8m bid Manchester United for Tom Cleverly
are simply not true. The chairman's son Jack Sullivan took to twitter to
confirm West Ham have not made a bid and Tom Cleverly will not be coming to
West ham. The rumour surfaced earlier this afternoon on the Internet after a
commercial sport radio station made the claim through one of their
reporters.
However young Sullivan did give hope to thousands of Hammers fans by adding
"We hope to have news of a top signing within 48 hours if not sooner" That
news is thought to be the announcement of agreement of a loan deal between
Barcelona and West Ham for for Alex Song who is rumoured to be traveling to
London for a medical. Song is said to be wanted by Spurs, Liverpool and AC
Milan but it is West Ham who have emerged the favourites to capture the loan
deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam was on Song case weeks ago
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has been very much the prime mover in the bid to bring Alex
Song from Barcelona to Upton Park. ClaretandHugh has learned that whilst
David Sullivan has been heading up the vast majority of deals this summer,
Allardyce was the man who beavered away on the Song possibilities before
anyone else at the club knew a move was a possibility. A senior source at
Upton Park told us this evening the manager moved very quickly several weeks
ago "involving nobody else at the club" when he learned the player may be
available. We were told: "He was on the case about six weeks ago – he made
contact with the various parties and got the whole thing going. There have
been talks going on since then. "It became a team thing later but if the
club land Song, Sam can take enormous credit for his part in it."
The Hammers are hoping to tie up a year's loan deal for the former Arsenal
man tomorrow (Sat) but nobody is taking anything for granted. Our source
explained: "It could still go wrong. We are very hopeful and there's been a
huge amount of work gone in over the last few weeks. "We are also grateful
that we have managed to keep it under wraps until now!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons closing on Song…Richards a target too
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are in talks with both Alex Song and Micah Richards as they bid to
bring their summer transfer dealings to a fantastic climax. ClaretandHugh
has learned this evening that soonest talks with Song could be concluded
will be by tomorrow afternoon although a source said: "A lot can go wrong in
18 hours."
Meanwhile talks with Manchester City over Richards were going on all last
week but the champions want to sell the player rather than loan him.
However, Hammers insiders believe the champions could come back to us and
agree a loan deal if there is no buyer. A top Boleyn source told
ClaretandHugh: "All the balls are in the air. We could finish up with one,
both or neither. Neither is an unlikely scenario – an awful lot is going on
at the moment. We are hopeful."
In a perfect world the Irons would love to get the two but for that to
happen a player needs to leave Upton Park to ease the pressure on wages.
That could easily be Mohamed Diame whom the Hammers again confirmed this
evening has been the subject of a bid from Hull City. Our source said: "They
have been in and could be back again. We note that Steve Bruce has admitted
his interest publicly today. He added: "I Mo leaves that releases wages for
new players and that may see both Richards and Song arrive but we'd like to
think we will get one or the other regardless."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis on road to recovery
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has confirmed Matt Jarvis is on the road to recovery after
missing the start of the season with a thigh injury. The manager said: "I
would have though Matt will be with us to play some part after the
international break. "He may not be able to play in the Hull City game, but
certainly if he gets fit during the break and we can perhaps put on a couple
of small games on behind closed doors for him to catch up and get some match
practice, then we will be able to decide on whether he can come back into
the squad."
Although the 28-year-old winger has failed to live up to his £10.75million
price-tag since joining us from Wolves in 2012Allardyce has issued a
hands-off warning. After being linked with West Bromwich Albion earlier in
the transfer window Allardyce insisted "Matt Jarvis will not be leaving
us.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matty continues to train with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has confirmed that former Hammer Matty Etherington continues to
train with West Ham. The 32-year-old was released by Stoke at the end of
last season and is now in the hunt for a new club. When asked about
Etherington, David Gold said yesterday "I saw him at the training ground
today" He is thought to be looking for a short term deal with the Hammers.
Etherington, played for the Hammers between 2003 and 2009. joining at the
beginning of our two-year spell in the second-tier of English football,
playing the final season of the first division and the first season of the
re-branded Championship.
Etherington was a fan's favourite, scoring several goals including a
hat-trick in a 5–0 win over Wimbledon. He won the "Hammer of the Year" award
in his first season at the club and played a huge part in helping the club
get to the 2004 Championship play-off final by scoring in the 2–0 win over
Ipswich Town in the play-off semi final second leg. He completed 195 games
for West Ham, in all competitions, scoring 18 goals, before being sold to
Stoke City for £2m in January 2009. Etherington later revealed to the press
he would get on the West Ham team coach for away games and by the journey's
end he would have gambled away that week's £20,000 wages. He revealed he
estimated he lost £1.5million on greyhounds, horses and poker through his
gambling addiction.
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