The Big Interview - Kevin Nolan
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United captain is staying positive as he recovers from a fractured shoulder
09.09.2014
Kevin Nolan is currently out injured with a fractured shoulder, but the good news is that the No4 is already well down the road to recovery. After a little over two weeks into an estimated six-week stretch on the sidelines, the West Ham United skipper is already itching to be back among the first-team squad.
West Ham TV caught up with the Cub captain to discuss his rehabilitation, playing alongside West Ham's new signings and the importance of bouncing back against Hull City next Monday night.
Unfortunately we haven't seen you for a while because of your injured shoulder. Could you tell us exactly what happened in training two-and-a-half weeks ago?
"Yeah, it was an unfortunate incident really, I've ended up falling straight down on my shoulder and all my weight landed on it which forced it to crack. The added pressure of Carlton Cole falling on top of me didn't help, but you know it's one of those unfortunate incidents. It's been a tough two-and-a-half weeks, I must admit, but it's nice to finally get out of the sling and to be able to do a bit more with the arm."
What exactly did you do to you shoulder?
"It was a fractured shoulder, which could have led to other problems. I might've had to have an operation but thankfully I didn't need that in the end. I had a CT scan on Monday which confirmed that the bone has been healing, so we can move forward to getting the shoulder back to full strength. It might take a couple of weeks, probably."
You just started to be able to do some physical work in the last few days...
"Yeah, Tuesday was the first time I've been able to get out and do a bit of work with my arm. It's feeling a bit weak at the moment, but in the next week or two I'll be building it up. Hopefully I'll be back to the fitness level I was at before."
When players are injured, medical staff don't like to put timelines on when you might be back on the pitch, but presumably you've had a discussion with the medical staff about when you can expect to be back?
"Yeah I have. The normal recovery time for an injury like this is six to eight weeks, I'm only two-and-a-half weeks into it at the moment. But I've only had positive feedback from the specialists so far. I'm sort of hoping in my own head that it won't be eight weeks, I'd rather it be only six. Anything before that would be another bonus.
"I'm just taking it day by day now because I'm seeing different people at different times. As it goes along I'll find out more about what I can do with it. In the end it'll come down to how much pain threshold I can take really."
You're not a player who gets injured very often, so presumably for you it has been difficult?
"It's quite funny because I was speaking to a few friends of mine the other day. In 15 years of my career I don't think I've ever sat out for longer than three weeks. All the lads have been training, and I've missed it. It's been a nightmare, my family have had the miserable Nolan for the last couple of weeks!
"It was good news on Monday when I got the results of the scan back from the specialist. I'm going to see him again on Wednesday where he'll assess me and hopefully continue to get better news and I can start moving on. But it's all about staying positive and making sure I get back as soon as I can, really."
Football-wise, it must have been particularly difficult as the last two games didn't go as we would have liked after such a good result against Crystal Palace?
"Yes, especially the Southampton game. After such a fantastic performance against Crystal Palace, three great goals and a great team performance, everyone was on a high. "I thought the lads who came in against Sheffield United were very good. They were unfortunate not to win that game, especially with the own-goal we scored. But we were really poor against Southampton, we got what we deserved. All the lads were talking about that and I'm sure they'll want to put that right on Monday and I'm sure they will. "We were all disappointed about what happened against Southampton because that's not us. It's been tough because you get that international break and you have to deal with that. But what we can do is get that right on Monday night. "Everyone is in good spirits, it's been good to get back in with the boys, back among the banter because I've been away for two-and-a-half weeks. I've been stuck at home twiddling my thumbs, well one thumb because the other has been strung up! But I'm really looking forward to the game on Monday night."
You were back in the dressing room on Tuesday and you must have had to fight your way through the crowd because we've been busy in the transfer market!
"Yeah, it's brilliant. I'm just hoping the new lads get to the fitness levels that is required of them as quickly as possible. Some won't have had much of a pre-season so we can't throw them in right at the moment but with the resources we've got here and working them hard, I'm sure you'll see the best of them in the coming months. "It's nice just to have a healthy squad, I think we've only got me, Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll injured, everyone else is hopefully going to be back before Hull. So there's a massive competition for places which ensures that the intensity and quality of training gets better. That, in turn, makes sure that the eleven out there on matchday get better. I'm really looking forward to seeing where we go in the next few weeks, with another couple of games that we feel we can go and win."
Alex Song is someone you've played pretty much directly against when you were at Newcastle United. He's a real top-class performer, and if you're in a midfield with him you're going to have a top quality player backing you up?
"Yeah, definitely. Everyone we've added has brought quality with them. The Gaffer has done fantastically well in the transfer market. We need to get them fit as quick as possible. "One thing that Alex has is experience at two top clubs, so that's what he can bring to us. What he achieved at Arsenal and then Barcelona can only be a good thing for us. That's what we're hoping. The professional that he is, he'll want to do well here."
We've got Liverpool at home next, obviously a game you would have been desperate to play in, but a massive one for both clubs nonetheless?
"Obviously I'd loved to have been involved with the matchday squad, but injuries are part and parcel of football. Every game at the Boleyn is special, every game there we go in believing we can win. That's why the game against Southampton was so disappointing because we didn't feel that we turned up.
"We have a chance to put it right against Liverpool, a top club who are going to be tough opposition, but I'd fancy us to beat anyone on our day at the Boleyn. We're just hoping it will be the team that turned up against Tottenham and Crystal Palace. If we perform like that every week we'll win more often than not."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid returns to All Whites duty
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Winston Reid said New Zealand must learn from their 3-1 defeat by Uzbekistan
09.09.2014
West Ham United defender and New Zealand captain Winston Reid described his country's 3-1 defeat by Uzbekistan as a steep learning curve. The match at Pahktakor Stadium in Tashkent was the 26-year-old's first international game back after just over a year away from the national side due to injury. He returned at centre-back for new coach Anthony Hudson's first game in charge of the All Whites, only for the central Europeans to run out comfortable victors
Auckland-born Reid, who returned to his homeland with West Ham in July, told New Zealand Football's official website: "We've got a new team and we're building forward. We met a very good team today but we made some mistakes as a collective group and we were punished."
"The important thing we take from this is that we learn from our mistakes and take the positives with us. Today we had some good performances and we can always take that forward to our next game." In preparation for the match against Uzbekistan, the New Zealand squad held a training camp in Doha, Qatar, where Reid felt he and his national team-mates got to know another better as people and as players. The camp has been very good value," Reid said. "Each time we get together we'll only improve as a team and that's the most important thing. "As a group we will understand more and more as each camp goes on how the manager wants us to play and how we have to play as a collective group."
New Zealand's next fixtures are away to China on 14 November and Malaysia on the 18 November, where skipper Reid hopes to learn even more about his All Whites colleagues after an enforced break from international action. "We're looking forward to the next time we're together because we have to improve each time." Reid is travelling back to re-join his Hammers' teammates as they prepare for their next Premier League match away to Hull City on Monday 15 September. He hopes to enjoy better fortune at the KC Stadium. "I had a major injury last year so it's nice to have been getting out there and playing again week in and week out. Hopefully the next time we meet up again in All Whites camp I'll have a few more points on the board with my Club team!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stuttgart's Vedad Ibisevic claims West Ham interest
Last Updated: 09/09/14 2:47pm
SSN
Stuttgart striker Vedad Ibisevic claims to have been a summer target for West Ham United and admits he could be on the move in January. Sam Allardyce was in the market for goals during the recent transfer window, with Andy Carroll picking up another untimely injury. Former Birmingham City loanee Mauro Zarate was brought back to English football, along with Ecuador international frontman Enner Valencia. Diafra Sakho was also acquired from Metz, but further additions were explored. Bosnian forward Ibisevic is reported to have been among those on West Ham's wish list, with a prolific strike rate in the Bundesliga drawing regular rounds of interest. Stuttgart refused to sanction a sale, though, and the 30-year-old must now wait until the New Year for another opportunity to secure a switch. Ibisevic told turkish-football.com: "I stayed but you never know, if a good offer comes in, I may leave. "Vahid Halilhodzic and Trabzonspor contacted me and offered me great conditions. "West Ham also wanted me, but Stuttgart did not want to sell this summer. "The club had made some changes and the goal is a mid-table position. "I have bigger ambitions so that is why I may yet leave."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SAKHO FEELS AT HOME IN THE EAST END
By Sean Whetstone 9 Sep 2014 at 19:40
West Ham Till I Die
New signing Diafra Sakho has spoken to the club's official website WHUFC.com about his first impressions about the Hammers.
"It's only been a couple of weeks but I feel right at home already,even if I'm struggling a bit with the lingo! It's a real family Club and that's what's really touched me. When you're away from home, family is so important and that's precisely what I've found here at West Ham.I want to achieve things with West Ham and lots of them. I am super motivated and I'm going to give all that I possibly can to help the team. I feel good at the minute with everyone around me doing their utmost to see that I'm in the best shape possible."
"I was thrilled to be in the squad against Crystal Palace and excited to play for the very first time in the Premier League," he confirmed, referring to his debut at Selhurst Park on 23 August. The manager called on me for the final 20 minutes and it did me the world of good. I tried to take the pressure off the boys, though it was a bit tough having not played for a little while. Against Sheffield United, the manager asked me to do a job on the right-hand side and, while it was a new experience for me, I really enjoyed it. It's great to have scored on my home debut and hopefully you'll see plenty more of that.Whenever I turn out at the Boleyn Ground, the minimum I'm aiming for is to score once!"
"The atmosphere is so, so different to France. Here, even when you make a run to win back the ball, perhaps chasing a lost cause, the fans appreciate it and applaud you. It gives you that added incentive to give even more for the supporters and for the Club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EYES DOWN FOR TWO FAT LEGENDS
By Brian Williams 9 Sep 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
I must begin this week with an apology to poster Peter Finke, who asked me to persuade my employers to launch a campaign against the use of clichés in football.
I did try, honestly Peter. But I suspect Guardian emails are being diverted via GCHQ as the security service tries to get to the bottom of our dastardly plot to undermine Western democracy – and I fear they forgot to send mine on to the sports editor after they had finished with it.
But, while we are unable to prevent the TV pundits repeatedly coming up with the likes of cheap corners and working the keeper, I would like to show you a way in which it is possible to use this appalling abuse of the English language for profit and pleasure. More of that later.
When did corners become cheap – likewise free kicks? Work the keeper? You've got to get a shot away first. The film mogul Samuel Goldwyn once famously remarked that he wanted some new clichés. That doesn't seem quite so funny now that he has got his wish. Although some of the other stuff Goldwyn is said to have come up with is distinctly amusing.
I'm now going to gratuitously share with you some of my favourites, for no other reason than Mr Dale commissioned me on the understanding that I would attempt to be humorous from time to time. (I'm trying mate – I really am. But this is a tough crowd … although so far they have confined themselves to heckling: they haven't started throwing things yet.)
It is said that when Goldwyn's secretary asked him if she should destroy files that were more than 10 years old he answered: "Yes, but keep copies." Other great quotes include: "I never liked you and I always will"; "Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined"; and: "I'm willing to admit that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong." I hardly need add that this was the man who reckoned verbal contracts aren't worth the paper they're written on.
Not-so-fat Sam Goldwyn, as far as I know, had no interest in West Ham and our ways (why is that ringing vague bells of recognition with me?) However, another Hollywood legend was a lifelong supporter. Alfred Hitchcock was born in Leytonstone, the son a greengrocer and poulterer. Apparently, he was a chubby kid, which is surprising given all those chickens and vegetables. He was still something of a porker when he applied for military service during the first world war, and was turned down on the grounds of obesity (if only the West Ham recruiting sergeant had been quite so vigilant when Benni McCarthy took the Upton Park shilling.)
After the Great War, he became interested in photography – Hitchcock, not Benni – and then film-making, before finally moving to Hollywood in 1939, shortly before Britain and Germany lined up for the second leg. By all accounts, his childhood love of the Hammers never left him, and he followed the club's fortunes via the English newspapers he had sent directly to his home in Los Angeles.
Fat Alfred, of course, was famed for walk-on cameos in his own films. I'm wondering if we can take this a stage further and cast some Boleyn Ground favourites – past and present – in remakes of Hitchcock classics.
First up has to be Our Karren in The Lady Vanishes. You're a natural for the lead role, Baroness Brady. We'd miss of you of course, but now you're in the House of Lords we will understand if you have to start spending less time in E13.
For my generation, no remake of Psycho would be complete without battling striker David Cross. Always Tell Your Wife appears tailor-made for Alan Pardew; Downhill is perfect for the Icelandic double act of Eggy and his dodgy mate with the unpronounceable name; Murder! could feature the queue for the bar in the Bobby Moore Upper at half time; Number 13 would clearly have to star Adrian; likewise Number Seventeen and Joey O'Brien; then we have Dial M for Morrison (although Dial 999 might be more appropriate in Ravel's case).
The 39 Steps would focus on the awesome Billy Bonds as he climbed the most famous staircase in football, not once but twice, to collect the FA Cup. The Man Who Knew Too Much will be ideal for young Jack Sullivan as soon as he's old enough to start shaving. The Trouble With Harry casts itself. But I'm having more trouble with the 1956 classic, The Wrong Man: any thoughts on that would be much appreciated.
Come to think of it, after the transfer window we've just had, there is one Hitchcock movie that is ideal for the entire senior squad. Yep, you've guessed it: Strangers On A Training Ground.
The Master of Suspense made his name frightening the bejesus out of cinema audiences. But even at his scariest he'd have been hard-pressed to have matched the horror of how the language of Shakespeare, Milton and Wordsworth is being tortured by today's TV commentators and their "expert" sidekicks such as Andy Townsend and Mark Lawrenson. (No, Sir. Shakespeare, Milton and Wordsworth are not the back three in a new Sam Allardyce formation – do try to pay attention.)
Of the former players who now pay the grocery bills by offering their considered opinion on televised football matches, the best is quite plainly Tony Gale – and I'm not just saying that because he's one of my all-time favourite Hammers. If only, in his playing days, his feet had been as quick as his wit, he'd have been an England regular for 10 years.
It's fair to say another of my West Ham heroes left something to be desired as a TV pundit. Before we go on and I do the unthinkable by suggesting Trevor Brooking has a slight imperfection, let me just say I can do this after 50 years of devotion to West Ham – supporters of other clubs are not permitted to utter one word of criticism of Sir Trev. His problem as a pundit was twofold, I believe. First, he himself was so good as a player he was unable to believe others could be so inept. And, secondly, he was too nice to be horrid about anyone. So when some useless lump failed to bring the simplest of balls under control, or fired it over the bar from six yards out, he put it down to a "bobble". In fact, it was Brooking who gave TV commentary "the bobble". Before him, it wasn't a word you heard all that often – unless it was a reference to that knobbly bit on top of woolly hats.
Which leads me on to my substantive point: how to use words such as "bobble" to your advantage.
Below, you will find a list of clichés and platitudes that regularly feature in a TV commentary. It's not exhaustive, so feel free to add some of your own. All you have to do is write three or four of these linguistic monstrosities on a slip of paper, invite a bunch of mates round to watch a game with you, and tell them that you are all going to play Bullshit Bingo. It's a fiver in, and the first person to chalk off the phrases on their piece of paper scoops the pool (although you may want to charge a small "administration" fee if you are providing the refreshments).
So, here's my list to get you started: Tempo (that one's specially for you, Peter); Best league in the world; A cheap corner; He bought a free kick; He bought a ticket; Work the keeper; A brace; He's not saving that; Knew exactly what he was doing; Change it up; Open his legs; A good engine; Get a shot away; Go to ground; Put his laces through it; Final third; Box to box; For me; Didn't do enough; He couldn't keep it down (with this one you get an extra turn if the commentator is referring to a player's lunch, rather than an incompetent effort on goal: it would have won you the jackpot in the lasagne-gate game against Spurs.)
Give it a try. Trust me, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything that's as much fun while fully clothed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll could return from latest injury sooner than originally anticipated
Sep 09, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Hammers' England striker has started running for the first time since July surgery on torn ankle ligaments and could now be back ahead of initial November target
The Mirror
Andy Carroll has started running for the first time since his ankle surgery at the end of July. West Ham's England striker has taken the first steps towards his recovery after he was confirmed to be out for four months with torn ankle ligaments. Carroll went under the knife in Baltimore after leaving the club's New Zealand tour. The striker is understood to be quietly confident of being back in action ahead of his scheduled return at the end of November. His optimism is being tempered within the club, however, as Carroll missed the first half of last season after failing to recover as quickly as expected from his injury at the time. It is nonetheless a big boost for West Ham who were dumped out of the Capital One Cup by League One Sheffield United at the end of August. They were also beaten by Southampton - the last game before the international break - in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho sets himself a target of scoring in EVERY Hammers home game
Sep 09, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The £4.5million summer signing from Metz wants to improve on the form that saw him score 20 goals in France's second tier last season
The Mirror
New West Ham striker Diafra Sakho insists his minimum target for the club is to score once in every home game. The summer signing from French club Metz netted on his home debut for the Hammers in their Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield United last month. Now, Sakho, 24, says he wants to improve on the form that saw him score 20 goals in France last season. The Ligue 2 Player of the Year for 2013-14 said: "It's great to have scored on my home debut and hopefully you'll see plenty more of that. "Whenever I turn out at the Boleyn Ground, the minimum I'm aiming for is to score once! "The atmosphere is so, so different to France. Here, even when you make a run to win back the ball, perhaps chasing a lost cause, the fans appreciate it and applaud you. It gives you that added incentive to give even more for the supporters and for the club. "I am super motivated and I'm going to give all that I can to help the team.
"It's a real family club and that's what's really touched me. When you're away from home, family is so important and that's precisely what I've found here at West Ham. "I want to achieve things with West Ham and lots of them. I am super motivated and I'm going to give all that I possibly can to help the team.
"I feel good at the minute with everyone around me doing their utmost to see that I'm in the best shape possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
October return date for Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
An Andy Carroll return to action prediction is giving October 25th as his personal D-Day. Most reports are claiming that the striker won't be back until November but the usually highly reliable http://www.physioroom.com reckons he'll be back in time for the home clash with his former club Newcastle!
It's a huge boost for the player who ClaretandHugh has been told is working hard to make the projected date. Co-chairman David Gold told us exclusively: "He's out of the surgical boot which is always a big psychological barrier to players. "He has had major surgery carried out on the ankle which has troubled him for several years and when he returns we will have a player free of all injury worries. "He's been desperately unlucky with injuries but the news is all good and we are all looking forward to his return."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan window opens
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The emergency loan window for the football league opened today and will remain open until November 27th. Premier League teams cannot bring players in, but we can ship some of our youngsters out to aid their development and get valuable experience after being knocked out the Carling cup by Sheffield United on penalties. Sam Allardyce believes the U21 development league is not competitive enough so loans are likely to be the obvious alternative in absence of a cup run. Football League clubs can use this window to their advantage to boost the potential future stars of the Premier League although no overseas players can be brought in during the window. The loan deals can last between 28 days and 93 days. Should clubs agree a three-month deal, it will tie a player down until the New Year and the January window. Players likely to be considered by Sam for loans will probably include Diego Poyet, Sebastian Lletget, Raphael Spiegel, Dan Potts, Reece Burke, Josh Cullen, Paul McCallum,Lewis Page, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo and Elliot Lee. Diego Poyet has been linked with a loan move back to Charlton considering the competition for midfield places.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Acid test looms for Allardyce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has faced what have been billed as many critical games over the last season or so! But I genuinely believe that the clash with Hull City next Monday evening genuinely is an acid test affair for him. Someone, somewhere has a pretty perverse sense of humour to make this Monday night match on Sky given the Upton Park clash between these two teams last season …no let's not go there! But the best way for memories of that appalling night at Upton Park to be buried when we won perhaps the worst game seen at the Boleyn for many a long day would be with a thumping win. And of course we want some style now the owners have backed the manager so comprehensively in the transfer market with options all over the place – except of course at the back! Apart from Nolan and Carroll he will have a fully fit squad so there can – for once be no excuse-finding on that front. Whether or not he will have his long time first lieutenant Neil MacDonald alongside him in the dug-out remains to be seen. That really is an odd one – why would you want to give up a very well paid premier League assistant manager's job for Carlisle United? There's one hell of a difference in the pay levels! The training ground grapevine is buzzing that Macca and a senior member of the coaching staff had a pretty major fall-out and that the 'he's off ' speculation started soon afterwards. There's still a view that with neither he or Allardyce likely to be around this time next year, Macca is looking after business. Whatever the motives, things continue to look fragile around the managerial situation and another defeat with Liverpool and Man U next up, really wouldn't be too clever. Hull will be no pushover and Steve Bruce is likely to parade his four summer signings – Diame, who will need no winding-up, Abel Hernandez, Hatem Ben Arfa and Gaston Ramirez. Monday night will tell us exactly where West Ham United are in September 2014…and more to the point perhaps exactly where Sam Allardyce is likely to be.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham loanee Alex Song reveals he could join Galatasaray
2014-09-09 11:32:29
Turkish-football.com
West Ham loanee Alex Song has revealed that he could be tempted to join Galatasaray at the end of the season. "I could join Galatasaray in the near future," Song told Turkish newspaper AMK when asked about a potential transfer to the Turkish giants. Galatasaray have been closely linked with Song over the last two-seasons. The 26-year-old joined Barcelona from Arsenal for €19 million last season but the 27-year-old struggled for playing time and joined the Hammers on loan over the summer. Song is expected to leave Barcelona at the end of the season after failing to make an impact at the La Liga outfit. The Cameroon international still has three-years left on his contract with Barcelona. Galatasaray are managed by former Italian manager Cesare Prandelli and will compete in the Champions League this season. The Lions finished the Turkish Super Lig as runners-up last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Does this West Ham midfielder deserve England chance after being warned off Ireland?
HITC
Olly Dawes
Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane has voiced his concern over a potential call-up for Mark Noble. Noble, 27, has become a key part of West Ham's team in recent years having come through the club's academy. After joining as a 13-year-old, Noble has gone on to make almost 300 appearances for the Hammers, racking up over 30 goals and over 40 assists during his time as a first team player at Upton Park.
One of the more underrated players in the Premier League, Noble is a tireless midfield with great passing and an eye for goal - leading to some speculating that he should be in Roy Hodgson's plans for the England squad. Despite making 20 appearances for the Under-21 side, Noble is yet to be capped at senior level - and rumours suggest that Noble could now turn his attention to playing for the Republic of Ireland.
Noble's grandparents are from Cork, meaning that he is eligible to play for Martin O'Neill's side. With no England interest forthcoming, speculation last week suggested that Noble was willing to make himself available for selection for Ireland - but former Ireland defender Kevin Kilbane, who was born in Preston, says he's uneasy about the prospect.
"Look at it on face value and he's a good player," said Kilbane. "We know he's played very well in the Premier League over the last 10 years or whatever it is."
"But there are a lot of issues with me personally, growing up in England, desperate to play for Ireland and knowing what it meant to so many others in my situation as well."
"It doesn't sit quite right with me with me knowing that he is still keeping us waiting and he's been keeping us waiting for a number of years, that's been my issue as well. We're like a last resort."
Seemingly unwelcome with Ireland, Noble's international future is in limbo - but should he be handed a chance to impress for England? Manager Hodgson recently called up Fabian Delph to his squad after good performances for Aston Villa, and an argument can certainly be made for the case that Noble has been just as good as Delph over the last 12-18 months. In fact, this graphic from Squawka showed how Noble stacked up against other English midfielders ahead of the World Cup - and in many instances, he was outperforming his rivals, all of whom were more strongly considered for selection.
It seems like a make or break campaign for Noble on the international front. Continue to impress for West Ham and he could at least make it into Hodgson's thinking for a friendly fixture, but if by January there is still little interest, then it may be time to represent Ireland - no matter what Kilbane says.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Wednesday, September 10
Tuesday, September 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th September 2014
AC and Nobby to make Legends visit
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan will visit the Carlsberg Legends Lounge ahead
of the visit of Liverpool
08.09.2014
Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan will be rubbing shoulders with supporters in
the Carlsberg Legends Lounge ahead of the Barclays Premier League visit of
Liverpool on Saturday 20 September. The former Reds centre forward and
Liverpool-born attacking midfielder are unfortunately ruled out of the
mouth-watering fixture through ankle and shoulder injuries respectively.
However, Carroll and Nolan will be joining Hammers fans at the Boleyn Ground
to support their team-mates. Before kick-off, the pair will be appearing*
with host Phil Parkes in the Carlsberg Legends Lounge in what is sure to be
an entertaining build-up to the big game. As well as the opportunity to
spend time with the two West Ham stars, guests will enjoy a delicious
two-course meal and exclusive bar access from 2.30pm. After enjoying the
company of Carroll and Nolan, supporters will be invited to take their VIP
seats in the Alpari Stand for what promises to be a tea-time feast of
football. Both West Ham and Liverpool have been hugely active in the summer
transfer window, each bringing in nine players to strengthen their
respective squads. Both Sam Allardyce and Brendan Rodgers will be seeking
three important points from what should be a thrilling 90 minutes, so what
better way to warm-up for the big game than by spending it in the company of
two Hammers heroes?
VIP hospitality packages in this exclusive area are available for £199 per
person +VAT.
To book your Carlsberg Legends Lounge seats for this or any other fixtures,
please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras),
visit hospitality.whufc.com or email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Captain Little heads Ladies to victory
WHUFC.com
Captain Stacey Little led West Ham United Ladies to a valuable 1-0 league
win at Lewes Ladies on Sunday
08.09.2014
Lewes Ladies 0-1 West Ham United Ladies
FA Women's Premier League Southern Division
West Ham United Ladies got their season back on track with a 1-0 win at
Lewes Ladies on Sunday afternoon. After two defeats within the previous
week, the Hammers recorded a second victory out of three FA Women's Premier
League Southern Division games as captain Stacey Little headed in the only
goal of the game on 16 minutes. The win takes the Hammers to fourth in the
table. Hammers boss Julian Dicks made three changes to the team that started
in the midweek home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. Katie Bottom, Zoe
Lipley-Hinton and Lily Mellors were named in Dicks' starting XI, with
Lindsey Morgan and Kelley Blanchflower dropping to the bench, while Jess
Barling sat out due to injury. West Ham came out for the first half
determined to overturn a tough patch that has seen them crash out of the FA
Women's Premier League Cup at the first hurdle and taste defeat in Dicks'
home competitive debut as manager. The visitors nearly got a shock after
just two minutes when Kirstie Spice's left-wing cross caught Hammers
goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles off guard before bouncing off the top of the
crossbar and out of play. Captain Little led the charge as she went close to
heading the Hammers in front after nine minutes when she timed her run
perfectly to meet Sarah McCrea's corner, but Stacey Parkinson managed to
palm it away to deny the skipper. Lewes came back strong and had two chances
to take the lead, but neither Chloe Howe nor Faye Rabson could beat
Runnacles in the Hammers goal. The hosts had clearly failed to learn from
Little's headed effort minutes earlier as McCrea again whipped in a perfect
corner, Little's powerful header clattered off the underside of the bar and
into the back of the net.
Lewes responded strongly as they picked themselves up and started putting
pressure on the Hammers backline. However, the visiting defence stood firm
to ensure they did not concede in the closing minutes of the first half. The
hosts started the second period well, growing with confidence after several
early chances, but Runnacles was again equal to all their efforts on goal.
Down the other end of the pitch, West Ham had their own chances as Emma
Sherwood, Vicky Kinsman and McCrea all had shots on target which Lewes
goalkeeper Parkinson dealt with comfortably. The Hammers were put under
pressure in the closing minutes, though a looping effort towards the away
goal was the closest the hosts came to equalising as the visitors saw out
the remaining minutes to take all three points. Sunday's victory gives the
Ladies confidence going into a trio of home fixtures over the coming weeks.
On Sunday 14 September, the Hammers host Copeswood Ladies, before welcoming
Plymouth Ladies on the 21 September and Portsmouth Ladies on 28 September.
All of these fixtures are scheduled for 2pm at Aveley FC's Mill Field
Stadium, admission just £4 for Adults and £2 for U16s.
Ladies: Runnacles, King, Baxter, Revell, Bottom, Little, Lipley-Hinton
(Morgan), McCrea, Mellors (Donohoe), Sherwood, Kinsman
Subs not used: Blanchflower, Kelly
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bad news for Reid as All Whites falter
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid's New Zealand were comfortably beaten by Uzbekistan in Tashkent
this afternoon. The central defender played a full 90 minutes in Pakhtahor
as his All Whites side - being managed for the first time by new coach
Anthony Hudson - were beaten 3-1 thanks to goals from Odil Ahmedov (2) and
Seongnam FC's Server Djeparov. Wellington Phoenix's Jeremy Brockie, who
featured in the 2-1 Football United Tour win over West Ham back in July
grabbed a late equaliser for the visitors with four minutes of normal time
remaining. However it was too little too late for captain Reid and New
Zealand, who were comfortably second best on the day.
New Zealand: Glen Moss, Winston Reid (c), Bill Tuiloma (Cameron Howieson
81), Tyler Boyd (Tim Payne 64), Michael McGlinchey, Chris James (Jeremy
Brockie 64), Storm Roux, Kosta Barbarouses (Joel Stevens 81), Chris Wood,
Andrew Durante, Thomas Doyle.
Subs not used: Tamati Williams, Ben Sigmund, Michael Boxall.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Weekend round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's number two, Neil McDonald, has been strongly linked with the
vacant post at Carlisle. The 48-year-old coach is tipped for a return to the
North East after the League Two club's previous manager, Graham Kavanagh,
was sacked last weekend following a poor start to the 2014/15 season.
McDonald previously managed Carlisle between 2006 and 2007 and led the team
to their highest league placing in more than 20 years. However a matter of
months later he was fired, with the club stating they "regret to say that
they have lost confidence in Neil McDonald and are terminating his contract
forthwith." Despite that previous failure, McDonald was present at Brunton
Park on Saturday to watch Carlisle play out an entertaining 4-4 draw with
Wimbledon. As a result the odds on Macca taking the post have been slashed.
* The fan who ran on to the pitch during the Tottenham game has been banned
from the Boleyn Ground for life by West Ham United. Jordan Dunn - who had
been drinking heavily - ran on to the field during a lull in play, took a
shot at goal before running towards the technical area where he directed a
string of obscenities towards the bench. As a result, he has been told by
the club that he had been banned from the Boleyn Ground for life. The BG is
of course due to be demolished in two years time.
* 16-year-old Oscar Borg looks set to stay at West Ham having failed to
agree personal terms with Manchester United. Borg, who has been likened to a
young Gareth Bale spent time with the Red Devils on trial before being
offered a contract. However he is set to shun Man U's interest in favour of
penning a new deal with West Ham, where he has been since the age of 10.
* Enner Valencia was on the scoresheet at Ecuador hammered Bolivia 4-0 in a
friendly on Saturday. Cheikhou Kouyate was also involved at the weekend,
playing a major role in Senegal's 2-0 African Cup of Nations qualifier win
over Egypt.
Youngsters Kieran Sadlier and Sam Howes were also involved in international
action. Sadlier was part of the Irish team that lost 2-0 to Germany, whilst
Howes' England Under 18s enjoyed a morale-boosting 4-1 win over the
Netherlands.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From little acorns
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
It was 56 years ago today that a 17-year-old Bobby Moore took his first step
to becoming England's most feted football hero. The Barking-born youngster
was a late replacement for inside-half Bill Lansdowne, who had been a
constant in the team previously, in what was West Ham's sixth game of the
1958/59 season.
The newly-promoted Hammers, enjoying their first season in the top flight
since the 1930s had enjoyed a great start to the campaign, winning three and
drawing one of their opening five games including a 1-0 win over defending
league champions Wolves. Moore was to make his professional debut against
Manchester United, a club that he would cross swords with countless times
over the ensuing years - most notably in the epic FA Cup semi final at
Hillsborough in 1964, when West Ham beat the Reds 3-2 to book a place at
Wembley. Moore's debut - in which he wore the number six shirt that he was
to become synonymous with - ended with the same scoreline after John Dick,
John Smith and Malcolm Musgrove gave the Hammers a three goal lead before
late strikes from Colin Webster and (the injured) Wilf McGuinness gave the
scoreline some respectability for the visitors. Manchester United manager at
the time was Matt Busby (who became 'Sir Matt' in 1968 following the
European Cup win over Benfica). Hugely impressed by the performance of young
Moore, he spoke effusively about the talented youngster after the game. It
was to be the first of only five appearances Moore was to make that season,
as he lost his place following a 4-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest the week
after the Man Utd triumph. However Hammers boss Ted Fenton - who was to
pass the managerial reigns over to Ron Greenwood two years later - had seen
enough to know that he had a remarkable young talent on his hands.
West Ham Utd 3-2 Manchester Utd
8th September 1958
West Ham Utd: Gregory, Bond, Catwell, Malcolm, Brown, MOORE, Grice, Smith,
Keeble, Dick, Musgrove.
Goals: Dick (8), Smith (36), Musgrove (59); Webster (69), McGunness (82).
Attendance: 35,672.
Referee: J Hunt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bosnian star wanted West Ham move
WHUFC.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Bosnian World Cup star Vedad Ibisevic admits he was disappointed not to
secure a move to West Ham during the summer transfer window. 30-year-old
Ibisevic was the target of a multi-million pound bid by West Ham last month,
but the offer was rejected by his current club Stuttgart. Yet despite
failing to secure a move away from the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Ibisevic
believes that his future probably lies elsewhere. "I stayed but you never
know - if a good offer comes in, I may leave," he said. "Vahid Halilhodzic
and Trabzonspor contacted me and offered me great conditions. West Ham also
wanted me, but Stuttgart did not want to sell this summer. "The club has
made some changes and the goal is a mid-table position. I have bigger
ambitions so that is why I say I may yet leave."
Ibisevic secured his place in history when scoring against Argentina during
the summer's World Cup Finals. It was Bosnia's first ever goal at the Finals
since becoming independent from Yugoslavia in 1993.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McDonald in Carlisle running
Last Updated: 08/09/14 5:08pm
SSN
Former manager Neil McDonald could return to Carlisle to succeed Graham
Kavanagh seven years after his mysterious departure. McDonald, 48, currently
assistant to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, was a guest in the directors' box
at Brunton Park on Saturday to see the Cumbrians' 4-4 draw with AFC
Wimbledon. Kavanagh was sacked earlier this month after less than a year in
charge following Carlisle's winless start to the season. They were relegated
to Sky Bet League Two in May. McDonald's possible return would be a
controversial appointment given his puzzling departure from the club in
2007. The former Newcastle and Everton midfielder, who replaced Paul Simpson
as manager at Brunton Park in June 2006, was sacked one game into the
2007-08 season with his contract terminated for non-footballing reasons
without full explanation. Carlisle have yet to approach West Ham, it has
been reported, for permission to enter talks with McDonald, who previously
worked alongside Allardyce at Bolton and Blackburn. Cumbrians managing John
Dixon is expected to interview candidates on the club's shortlist on
Wednesday and Thursday this week. Former Rotherham and Tranmere manager
Ronnie Moore, current Airbus UK boss Andy Preece and Huddersfield assistant
Steve Thompson are understood to be in the running. The club's goalkeeping
coach Tony Caig and skipper Paul Thirlwell were appointed caretakers
following Kavanagh's departure and could still be in charge when Carlisle
chase their first league win of the season at Bury on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 'SNUB' TO BOBBY MOORE DENIED
By Sean Whetstone 8 Sep 2014 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
Charles Sale published an article in the Daily Mail today claiming a new
biography of Bobby Moore has revealed that divisions still exist at West Ham
over the legacy around the use of Bobby Moore's name. The Mail claim
Stephanie Moore says she has not been properly consulted on the use of the
Moore name and is quoted her as saying 'There's no ongoing financial
contribution to the Fund.'
I understand the club are confused by the claims made in the Daily Mail and
say they continue to support charities linked with Bobby Moore.
Last season, the Bobby Moore Fund was one of West Ham's two official charity
partners setting a fundraising target of £50k which they surpassed.
This included a pre-season friendly against Pacos de Ferreira at the Boleyn
Ground was also 'in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund' and I am told The Bobby
Moore Fund will get another awareness game this season in the Premier
League, which is in the process of being arranged with the Fund.
Last October, the club put up a story about it's relationship with Bobby
Moore, which includes quotes his daughter Roberta offering her support for
the 'Moore than a Football Club' brand. Roberta said at the time "I think it
is genius and a very inspired and clever piece of branding, I'm really happy
to be a part of it. West Ham do a lot in the community and Dad is the
perfect embodiment of what the club stands for, and vice versa."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BORG TO MANCHESTER UNITED DEAL COLLAPSES
By Sean Whetstone 8 Sep 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
It appears Manchester United's attempt to sign Hammers youngster Oscar Borg
have broken down as West Ham have refused to agree a compensation package
with the Red Devils.The 16 year old had trials with Manchester United
recently after refusing to sign a new contract with West Ham to become a
full scholar. The Academy youngster is said to be dubbed the new 'Gareth
Bale' by Chadwell Heath coaches at West Ham. He has been with the Hammers
since 10 years old but is said to have his heart set on a move up north. It
is claimed a number of Premier League clubs including Aston Villa have
scouted him in addition to Manchester United plus Galatasaray and Beskitas
in Turkey also want him.
With both sides unable to agree a compensation fee it looks inevitable it
will now go to tribunal in the same way our dispute over Robert Hall who
went to Bolton was resolved.
On that occasion, the independent tribunal has ruled that Bolton Wanderers
must pay West Ham an initial sum of £450,000 with the following further
additions:
• £250,000 if Bolton are promoted to the Premier League in the next three
seasons
• £2,500 per appearance for the first 100 appearances (for Bolton) in the
Championship
• or £10,000 per appearance for the first 100 appearances (for Bolton) if in
the Premier League
• 20% of any profit made by Bolton Wanderers in selling the player to
another club at any point in the future.
We could have the same issue with 15 year old Reece Oxford but the club seem
to be doing everything to big the school boy up by handing him a sub bench
spot in the Carling Cup defeat against Sheffield United.
UPDATE: According to the Mail on Sunday yesterday
"Left back Borg, 16, is ready to commit himself to the Hammers for the next
two years."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why I can't help but feel sorry for Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Sean McGuire
Sam Allardyce is currently the bookies favourite to be the next manager out
of a job. I think this is a safe bet but I also, more controversially I
imagine, think this is unfair.
The first article I wrote for KUMB was about sacking Allardyce. At the time
a "Fat Sam Out" banner was hanging at Upton Park after a fourth straight
league loss, the last win having been a 2-1 victory over a ten man Hull City
wherein the squad were booed for a large portion of the second half despite
leading.
We had also suffered recent cup calamities; the double whammy of a crushing
9-0 aggregate defeat to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi-final
and a devastating 5-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.
At the time I argued that if you looked at it objectively he was probably
doing a better job than many thought. For example, the final position in the
league was exactly what you would expect if you ranked clubs by transfer
kitty. However I couldn't resist making my final conclusion that he should
be sacked.
Arguments I made for that were that his transfer market moves were woeful,
the irreconcilable relationship with some of the fans and a poor FA Cup
performance. Looking back on it, this conclusion was probably forced through
on the back of emotional prejudice towards an inherently unlikeable man
leading the club I support through a terrible run of form.
Allardyce survived that brush, he avoided the sack - but wasn't unscathed.
The relationship with the fans is definitely not mended, as yet another poll
conducted in pre-season called for his dismissal. After complaints about his
route one style a new brand of football has been promised repeatedly by the
board.
The requirements issued to him for this season range from top ten in the
league to top six, depending on which David you ask. Personally I think top
six would be an impossible feat for any West Ham manager. That would involve
ousting one of Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham
and as much as I'd love the latter to occur, I don't think it's realistic.
Also, as a fan I would be happy with a top ten finish any day of the week so
I think setting it as the minimum requirement is a tough ask. I understand
the two Davids wanting to see a return on their investment as the
£20-30million war chest they've provided for transfers this season is a lot
for a club of our stature, but I still think they've set the bar high.
After the latest petition to have Allardyce ousted, DS promised a review of
Allardyce's performance after six games. We have a tough opening, in that
the only team we'll face that finished below us last season is Hull next
week - and they will have the home advantage in that fixture. This six also
includes Tottenham (which of course we lost 1-0), Liverpool and Manchester
United.
Given the tough run of games leading into his review and the high bar for
performance set it is already clear to see why Big Sam's job is in jeopardy.
Then there is this new promised system to remember; the introduction of a
new style of football is almost always associated with a lull in form. The
final nail in Allardyce's coffin is team selection, after all the spending
this summer is that Cole and Vaz Te have remained regulars in the team,
whilst Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have barely featured.
It's clear to see why the bookies have him down as their favourite to go
next but, as I mentioned at the start of this article, I think this is
unfair.
I cast my mind back to earlier this year when I was racking my brain for
arguments as to why he should go and the best I could do was his woeful
transfer moves. Well the board have taken on some of the responsibility for
those, and this season's signings - complemented by late moves for Alex Song
and Morgan Amalfitano, who we are yet to see - look very promising.
As far as the above reasons go, Allardyce seems damned if he does and damned
if he doesn't. He is very unlikely to be in a strong position with the board
if he is attempting to radically change playing style in a way that is not
just new to the players but new to him as well - and during a tough run of
games. Even if he does ok in this run of fixtures but does not implement an
attractive, attacking style of football, there is a good chance he will be
sacked regardless.
When it comes to the team sheet I fully agree with not starting the likes of
Valencia until they are fully fit. He is too big an investment to risk
injuring. The only real debate lies in the number 10 slot. That should go to
Mauro Zarate in my opinion, although David Sullivan would like to see Ravel
Morrison in.
Given Allardyce's history with Nolan it is understandable that he started
the season with him, although the captain's shoulder injury enforced the
change many had asked for. Zarate is currently in pole position and given
Morrison's most recent off the pitch antics it's getting harder and harder
to disagree with Allardyce's clear objection to him.
And yes, pre-season was disappointing - but it's pre-season and when it was
clear pressure was building on his job before a ball had even been kicked in
anger, experienced pundit after experienced pundit came out to say how
ludicrous they thought that was.
So in summary, I think betting on Allardyce to be the next manager to get
the chop is as safe a bet as you can get, but despite him having all the
charm of a dirty needle full of smallpox I can't help but feel sorry for him
given the rock and the hard place he has found himself between. Even though
I was baying for his blood myself only a few short months ago...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bonzo's memories of Mooro on his special day!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
It was 56 years ago today that a 17 year old Bobby Moore played his first
game for West Ham United – against Manchester United and we won 3-2. Today –
all these years on we have a new book arriving on the High Street – Bobby
Moore – the man in full! The Moore legend will never die Bill Bonds –
arguably second only to Bob in terms of legendary Hammers status – remembers
Mooro from those days way back even though he was five years his junior.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh Bonzo said:: "I remember Bobby at just
17 and as an England youth international came to my local club to hand
medals out to us.
"Even then he had all the class in the world and on his arm was this lovely
blonde, Tina – who became his first wife. "I would have been about 12 or 13
at the time and of course a few years later – after Charlton – I joined him
at West Ham. "And you want to know the truth? I was star struck by him – I
was in total awe of the man and that never went away over all the years I
played with him. "Bobby was all class. I never heard him shout, I never
heard him swear and in the dressing room he was as calm as they come. "On
the pitch I've seen better headers of the ball and faster players – he'd be
the first to admit he wasn't the quickest. But there was no better passer or
interceptor of the ball. His timing was always immaculate."
Bill remembers the 'class' even stretched to Bob's boozing and he admitted:
"Mooro loved a bevvy – make no mistake about that – but he's stand there
with his little 'pinky' coming up, drinking with great style. "Frank Lampard
snr roomed with Bob and he will tell you that the man was fastidiously tidy.
Everything in it's place. Bobby really was something else."
Bonzo refuses to compare the great man with other players of his era saying
simply: "He was as good as anyone around at the time and better than the
vast majority of them. "He has earned his legendary status – a man who is
the only one ever to captain us to a World Cup victory. It gets no greater.
"But listen above everything he was a gentleman, a down to earth London boy
who had time for absolutely everybody. He was my hero then and he remains my
hero to this day."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca exit would pose Big Sam question
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Neil McDonald's possible departure from West Ham is being seen as the
prelude to a Sam Allardyce's exit at the end of this campaign. News that
'Macca' could be on his way back to the club that sacked him a few years
back – Carlisle United – hasn't exactly surprised club insiders. For there
has been a widespread view for a long time that the manager will need to
have a truly spectacular season to earn another contract which not many
truly see as very likely. And that may well be what is focusing the
assistant manager's mind as he perhaps looks beyond an immediate Upton Park
future. One source gave a pithy summing -up shared by many saying: "The
general view is that Macca is looking after business as new contracts here
would be very much in the balance." The 48 year old MacDonald's move to the
north-east would see him much closer to his family which is also being
mentioned as another possible factor in his Carlisle United thinking
Earlier this year McDonald spoke to the Newham Recorder saying "I want to
have another go at management, I am capable of doing that, but I am really,
really enjoying what I am doing at the moment. "If Sam was to leave for any
reason I would certainly want the West Ham job. Anybody would want to be a
manager of such a fantastic football club. But I am happy in the position I
am in at the moment."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Mag Dog Hammer joins MLS club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
MLS team Columbus Crew have signed 31 -year-old former Hammer Emanuel
Pogatetz. Free agent Pogatetz revealed on his personal website that he has
signed a three and a half year deal with Columbus Crew that would make him
"the 5th highest paid defender in the MLS." Austrian international Emanuel
Pogatetz signed for the Hammers on 28th January 2013, putting pen to a paper
on a loan deal from Vfl Wolfsburg until the end of the season. He made just
six appearances in a West Ham shirt despite a £500,ooo loan fee to
Wolfsburg. He failed to impress Sam Allardyce and was allowed to left at the
end of his loan contract.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan will visit the Carlsberg Legends Lounge ahead
of the visit of Liverpool
08.09.2014
Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan will be rubbing shoulders with supporters in
the Carlsberg Legends Lounge ahead of the Barclays Premier League visit of
Liverpool on Saturday 20 September. The former Reds centre forward and
Liverpool-born attacking midfielder are unfortunately ruled out of the
mouth-watering fixture through ankle and shoulder injuries respectively.
However, Carroll and Nolan will be joining Hammers fans at the Boleyn Ground
to support their team-mates. Before kick-off, the pair will be appearing*
with host Phil Parkes in the Carlsberg Legends Lounge in what is sure to be
an entertaining build-up to the big game. As well as the opportunity to
spend time with the two West Ham stars, guests will enjoy a delicious
two-course meal and exclusive bar access from 2.30pm. After enjoying the
company of Carroll and Nolan, supporters will be invited to take their VIP
seats in the Alpari Stand for what promises to be a tea-time feast of
football. Both West Ham and Liverpool have been hugely active in the summer
transfer window, each bringing in nine players to strengthen their
respective squads. Both Sam Allardyce and Brendan Rodgers will be seeking
three important points from what should be a thrilling 90 minutes, so what
better way to warm-up for the big game than by spending it in the company of
two Hammers heroes?
VIP hospitality packages in this exclusive area are available for £199 per
person +VAT.
To book your Carlsberg Legends Lounge seats for this or any other fixtures,
please call 0871 091 1811 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras),
visit hospitality.whufc.com or email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Captain Little heads Ladies to victory
WHUFC.com
Captain Stacey Little led West Ham United Ladies to a valuable 1-0 league
win at Lewes Ladies on Sunday
08.09.2014
Lewes Ladies 0-1 West Ham United Ladies
FA Women's Premier League Southern Division
West Ham United Ladies got their season back on track with a 1-0 win at
Lewes Ladies on Sunday afternoon. After two defeats within the previous
week, the Hammers recorded a second victory out of three FA Women's Premier
League Southern Division games as captain Stacey Little headed in the only
goal of the game on 16 minutes. The win takes the Hammers to fourth in the
table. Hammers boss Julian Dicks made three changes to the team that started
in the midweek home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. Katie Bottom, Zoe
Lipley-Hinton and Lily Mellors were named in Dicks' starting XI, with
Lindsey Morgan and Kelley Blanchflower dropping to the bench, while Jess
Barling sat out due to injury. West Ham came out for the first half
determined to overturn a tough patch that has seen them crash out of the FA
Women's Premier League Cup at the first hurdle and taste defeat in Dicks'
home competitive debut as manager. The visitors nearly got a shock after
just two minutes when Kirstie Spice's left-wing cross caught Hammers
goalkeeper Nikita Runnacles off guard before bouncing off the top of the
crossbar and out of play. Captain Little led the charge as she went close to
heading the Hammers in front after nine minutes when she timed her run
perfectly to meet Sarah McCrea's corner, but Stacey Parkinson managed to
palm it away to deny the skipper. Lewes came back strong and had two chances
to take the lead, but neither Chloe Howe nor Faye Rabson could beat
Runnacles in the Hammers goal. The hosts had clearly failed to learn from
Little's headed effort minutes earlier as McCrea again whipped in a perfect
corner, Little's powerful header clattered off the underside of the bar and
into the back of the net.
Lewes responded strongly as they picked themselves up and started putting
pressure on the Hammers backline. However, the visiting defence stood firm
to ensure they did not concede in the closing minutes of the first half. The
hosts started the second period well, growing with confidence after several
early chances, but Runnacles was again equal to all their efforts on goal.
Down the other end of the pitch, West Ham had their own chances as Emma
Sherwood, Vicky Kinsman and McCrea all had shots on target which Lewes
goalkeeper Parkinson dealt with comfortably. The Hammers were put under
pressure in the closing minutes, though a looping effort towards the away
goal was the closest the hosts came to equalising as the visitors saw out
the remaining minutes to take all three points. Sunday's victory gives the
Ladies confidence going into a trio of home fixtures over the coming weeks.
On Sunday 14 September, the Hammers host Copeswood Ladies, before welcoming
Plymouth Ladies on the 21 September and Portsmouth Ladies on 28 September.
All of these fixtures are scheduled for 2pm at Aveley FC's Mill Field
Stadium, admission just £4 for Adults and £2 for U16s.
Ladies: Runnacles, King, Baxter, Revell, Bottom, Little, Lipley-Hinton
(Morgan), McCrea, Mellors (Donohoe), Sherwood, Kinsman
Subs not used: Blanchflower, Kelly
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bad news for Reid as All Whites falter
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid's New Zealand were comfortably beaten by Uzbekistan in Tashkent
this afternoon. The central defender played a full 90 minutes in Pakhtahor
as his All Whites side - being managed for the first time by new coach
Anthony Hudson - were beaten 3-1 thanks to goals from Odil Ahmedov (2) and
Seongnam FC's Server Djeparov. Wellington Phoenix's Jeremy Brockie, who
featured in the 2-1 Football United Tour win over West Ham back in July
grabbed a late equaliser for the visitors with four minutes of normal time
remaining. However it was too little too late for captain Reid and New
Zealand, who were comfortably second best on the day.
New Zealand: Glen Moss, Winston Reid (c), Bill Tuiloma (Cameron Howieson
81), Tyler Boyd (Tim Payne 64), Michael McGlinchey, Chris James (Jeremy
Brockie 64), Storm Roux, Kosta Barbarouses (Joel Stevens 81), Chris Wood,
Andrew Durante, Thomas Doyle.
Subs not used: Tamati Williams, Ben Sigmund, Michael Boxall.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Weekend round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce's number two, Neil McDonald, has been strongly linked with the
vacant post at Carlisle. The 48-year-old coach is tipped for a return to the
North East after the League Two club's previous manager, Graham Kavanagh,
was sacked last weekend following a poor start to the 2014/15 season.
McDonald previously managed Carlisle between 2006 and 2007 and led the team
to their highest league placing in more than 20 years. However a matter of
months later he was fired, with the club stating they "regret to say that
they have lost confidence in Neil McDonald and are terminating his contract
forthwith." Despite that previous failure, McDonald was present at Brunton
Park on Saturday to watch Carlisle play out an entertaining 4-4 draw with
Wimbledon. As a result the odds on Macca taking the post have been slashed.
* The fan who ran on to the pitch during the Tottenham game has been banned
from the Boleyn Ground for life by West Ham United. Jordan Dunn - who had
been drinking heavily - ran on to the field during a lull in play, took a
shot at goal before running towards the technical area where he directed a
string of obscenities towards the bench. As a result, he has been told by
the club that he had been banned from the Boleyn Ground for life. The BG is
of course due to be demolished in two years time.
* 16-year-old Oscar Borg looks set to stay at West Ham having failed to
agree personal terms with Manchester United. Borg, who has been likened to a
young Gareth Bale spent time with the Red Devils on trial before being
offered a contract. However he is set to shun Man U's interest in favour of
penning a new deal with West Ham, where he has been since the age of 10.
* Enner Valencia was on the scoresheet at Ecuador hammered Bolivia 4-0 in a
friendly on Saturday. Cheikhou Kouyate was also involved at the weekend,
playing a major role in Senegal's 2-0 African Cup of Nations qualifier win
over Egypt.
Youngsters Kieran Sadlier and Sam Howes were also involved in international
action. Sadlier was part of the Irish team that lost 2-0 to Germany, whilst
Howes' England Under 18s enjoyed a morale-boosting 4-1 win over the
Netherlands.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
From little acorns
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
It was 56 years ago today that a 17-year-old Bobby Moore took his first step
to becoming England's most feted football hero. The Barking-born youngster
was a late replacement for inside-half Bill Lansdowne, who had been a
constant in the team previously, in what was West Ham's sixth game of the
1958/59 season.
The newly-promoted Hammers, enjoying their first season in the top flight
since the 1930s had enjoyed a great start to the campaign, winning three and
drawing one of their opening five games including a 1-0 win over defending
league champions Wolves. Moore was to make his professional debut against
Manchester United, a club that he would cross swords with countless times
over the ensuing years - most notably in the epic FA Cup semi final at
Hillsborough in 1964, when West Ham beat the Reds 3-2 to book a place at
Wembley. Moore's debut - in which he wore the number six shirt that he was
to become synonymous with - ended with the same scoreline after John Dick,
John Smith and Malcolm Musgrove gave the Hammers a three goal lead before
late strikes from Colin Webster and (the injured) Wilf McGuinness gave the
scoreline some respectability for the visitors. Manchester United manager at
the time was Matt Busby (who became 'Sir Matt' in 1968 following the
European Cup win over Benfica). Hugely impressed by the performance of young
Moore, he spoke effusively about the talented youngster after the game. It
was to be the first of only five appearances Moore was to make that season,
as he lost his place following a 4-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest the week
after the Man Utd triumph. However Hammers boss Ted Fenton - who was to
pass the managerial reigns over to Ron Greenwood two years later - had seen
enough to know that he had a remarkable young talent on his hands.
West Ham Utd 3-2 Manchester Utd
8th September 1958
West Ham Utd: Gregory, Bond, Catwell, Malcolm, Brown, MOORE, Grice, Smith,
Keeble, Dick, Musgrove.
Goals: Dick (8), Smith (36), Musgrove (59); Webster (69), McGunness (82).
Attendance: 35,672.
Referee: J Hunt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bosnian star wanted West Ham move
WHUFC.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Staff Writer
Bosnian World Cup star Vedad Ibisevic admits he was disappointed not to
secure a move to West Ham during the summer transfer window. 30-year-old
Ibisevic was the target of a multi-million pound bid by West Ham last month,
but the offer was rejected by his current club Stuttgart. Yet despite
failing to secure a move away from the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Ibisevic
believes that his future probably lies elsewhere. "I stayed but you never
know - if a good offer comes in, I may leave," he said. "Vahid Halilhodzic
and Trabzonspor contacted me and offered me great conditions. West Ham also
wanted me, but Stuttgart did not want to sell this summer. "The club has
made some changes and the goal is a mid-table position. I have bigger
ambitions so that is why I say I may yet leave."
Ibisevic secured his place in history when scoring against Argentina during
the summer's World Cup Finals. It was Bosnia's first ever goal at the Finals
since becoming independent from Yugoslavia in 1993.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McDonald in Carlisle running
Last Updated: 08/09/14 5:08pm
SSN
Former manager Neil McDonald could return to Carlisle to succeed Graham
Kavanagh seven years after his mysterious departure. McDonald, 48, currently
assistant to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, was a guest in the directors' box
at Brunton Park on Saturday to see the Cumbrians' 4-4 draw with AFC
Wimbledon. Kavanagh was sacked earlier this month after less than a year in
charge following Carlisle's winless start to the season. They were relegated
to Sky Bet League Two in May. McDonald's possible return would be a
controversial appointment given his puzzling departure from the club in
2007. The former Newcastle and Everton midfielder, who replaced Paul Simpson
as manager at Brunton Park in June 2006, was sacked one game into the
2007-08 season with his contract terminated for non-footballing reasons
without full explanation. Carlisle have yet to approach West Ham, it has
been reported, for permission to enter talks with McDonald, who previously
worked alongside Allardyce at Bolton and Blackburn. Cumbrians managing John
Dixon is expected to interview candidates on the club's shortlist on
Wednesday and Thursday this week. Former Rotherham and Tranmere manager
Ronnie Moore, current Airbus UK boss Andy Preece and Huddersfield assistant
Steve Thompson are understood to be in the running. The club's goalkeeping
coach Tony Caig and skipper Paul Thirlwell were appointed caretakers
following Kavanagh's departure and could still be in charge when Carlisle
chase their first league win of the season at Bury on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 'SNUB' TO BOBBY MOORE DENIED
By Sean Whetstone 8 Sep 2014 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
Charles Sale published an article in the Daily Mail today claiming a new
biography of Bobby Moore has revealed that divisions still exist at West Ham
over the legacy around the use of Bobby Moore's name. The Mail claim
Stephanie Moore says she has not been properly consulted on the use of the
Moore name and is quoted her as saying 'There's no ongoing financial
contribution to the Fund.'
I understand the club are confused by the claims made in the Daily Mail and
say they continue to support charities linked with Bobby Moore.
Last season, the Bobby Moore Fund was one of West Ham's two official charity
partners setting a fundraising target of £50k which they surpassed.
This included a pre-season friendly against Pacos de Ferreira at the Boleyn
Ground was also 'in aid of the Bobby Moore Fund' and I am told The Bobby
Moore Fund will get another awareness game this season in the Premier
League, which is in the process of being arranged with the Fund.
Last October, the club put up a story about it's relationship with Bobby
Moore, which includes quotes his daughter Roberta offering her support for
the 'Moore than a Football Club' brand. Roberta said at the time "I think it
is genius and a very inspired and clever piece of branding, I'm really happy
to be a part of it. West Ham do a lot in the community and Dad is the
perfect embodiment of what the club stands for, and vice versa."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BORG TO MANCHESTER UNITED DEAL COLLAPSES
By Sean Whetstone 8 Sep 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
It appears Manchester United's attempt to sign Hammers youngster Oscar Borg
have broken down as West Ham have refused to agree a compensation package
with the Red Devils.The 16 year old had trials with Manchester United
recently after refusing to sign a new contract with West Ham to become a
full scholar. The Academy youngster is said to be dubbed the new 'Gareth
Bale' by Chadwell Heath coaches at West Ham. He has been with the Hammers
since 10 years old but is said to have his heart set on a move up north. It
is claimed a number of Premier League clubs including Aston Villa have
scouted him in addition to Manchester United plus Galatasaray and Beskitas
in Turkey also want him.
With both sides unable to agree a compensation fee it looks inevitable it
will now go to tribunal in the same way our dispute over Robert Hall who
went to Bolton was resolved.
On that occasion, the independent tribunal has ruled that Bolton Wanderers
must pay West Ham an initial sum of £450,000 with the following further
additions:
• £250,000 if Bolton are promoted to the Premier League in the next three
seasons
• £2,500 per appearance for the first 100 appearances (for Bolton) in the
Championship
• or £10,000 per appearance for the first 100 appearances (for Bolton) if in
the Premier League
• 20% of any profit made by Bolton Wanderers in selling the player to
another club at any point in the future.
We could have the same issue with 15 year old Reece Oxford but the club seem
to be doing everything to big the school boy up by handing him a sub bench
spot in the Carling Cup defeat against Sheffield United.
UPDATE: According to the Mail on Sunday yesterday
"Left back Borg, 16, is ready to commit himself to the Hammers for the next
two years."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why I can't help but feel sorry for Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th September 2014
By: Sean McGuire
Sam Allardyce is currently the bookies favourite to be the next manager out
of a job. I think this is a safe bet but I also, more controversially I
imagine, think this is unfair.
The first article I wrote for KUMB was about sacking Allardyce. At the time
a "Fat Sam Out" banner was hanging at Upton Park after a fourth straight
league loss, the last win having been a 2-1 victory over a ten man Hull City
wherein the squad were booed for a large portion of the second half despite
leading.
We had also suffered recent cup calamities; the double whammy of a crushing
9-0 aggregate defeat to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi-final
and a devastating 5-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.
At the time I argued that if you looked at it objectively he was probably
doing a better job than many thought. For example, the final position in the
league was exactly what you would expect if you ranked clubs by transfer
kitty. However I couldn't resist making my final conclusion that he should
be sacked.
Arguments I made for that were that his transfer market moves were woeful,
the irreconcilable relationship with some of the fans and a poor FA Cup
performance. Looking back on it, this conclusion was probably forced through
on the back of emotional prejudice towards an inherently unlikeable man
leading the club I support through a terrible run of form.
Allardyce survived that brush, he avoided the sack - but wasn't unscathed.
The relationship with the fans is definitely not mended, as yet another poll
conducted in pre-season called for his dismissal. After complaints about his
route one style a new brand of football has been promised repeatedly by the
board.
The requirements issued to him for this season range from top ten in the
league to top six, depending on which David you ask. Personally I think top
six would be an impossible feat for any West Ham manager. That would involve
ousting one of Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham
and as much as I'd love the latter to occur, I don't think it's realistic.
Also, as a fan I would be happy with a top ten finish any day of the week so
I think setting it as the minimum requirement is a tough ask. I understand
the two Davids wanting to see a return on their investment as the
£20-30million war chest they've provided for transfers this season is a lot
for a club of our stature, but I still think they've set the bar high.
After the latest petition to have Allardyce ousted, DS promised a review of
Allardyce's performance after six games. We have a tough opening, in that
the only team we'll face that finished below us last season is Hull next
week - and they will have the home advantage in that fixture. This six also
includes Tottenham (which of course we lost 1-0), Liverpool and Manchester
United.
Given the tough run of games leading into his review and the high bar for
performance set it is already clear to see why Big Sam's job is in jeopardy.
Then there is this new promised system to remember; the introduction of a
new style of football is almost always associated with a lull in form. The
final nail in Allardyce's coffin is team selection, after all the spending
this summer is that Cole and Vaz Te have remained regulars in the team,
whilst Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have barely featured.
It's clear to see why the bookies have him down as their favourite to go
next but, as I mentioned at the start of this article, I think this is
unfair.
I cast my mind back to earlier this year when I was racking my brain for
arguments as to why he should go and the best I could do was his woeful
transfer moves. Well the board have taken on some of the responsibility for
those, and this season's signings - complemented by late moves for Alex Song
and Morgan Amalfitano, who we are yet to see - look very promising.
As far as the above reasons go, Allardyce seems damned if he does and damned
if he doesn't. He is very unlikely to be in a strong position with the board
if he is attempting to radically change playing style in a way that is not
just new to the players but new to him as well - and during a tough run of
games. Even if he does ok in this run of fixtures but does not implement an
attractive, attacking style of football, there is a good chance he will be
sacked regardless.
When it comes to the team sheet I fully agree with not starting the likes of
Valencia until they are fully fit. He is too big an investment to risk
injuring. The only real debate lies in the number 10 slot. That should go to
Mauro Zarate in my opinion, although David Sullivan would like to see Ravel
Morrison in.
Given Allardyce's history with Nolan it is understandable that he started
the season with him, although the captain's shoulder injury enforced the
change many had asked for. Zarate is currently in pole position and given
Morrison's most recent off the pitch antics it's getting harder and harder
to disagree with Allardyce's clear objection to him.
And yes, pre-season was disappointing - but it's pre-season and when it was
clear pressure was building on his job before a ball had even been kicked in
anger, experienced pundit after experienced pundit came out to say how
ludicrous they thought that was.
So in summary, I think betting on Allardyce to be the next manager to get
the chop is as safe a bet as you can get, but despite him having all the
charm of a dirty needle full of smallpox I can't help but feel sorry for him
given the rock and the hard place he has found himself between. Even though
I was baying for his blood myself only a few short months ago...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bonzo's memories of Mooro on his special day!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
It was 56 years ago today that a 17 year old Bobby Moore played his first
game for West Ham United – against Manchester United and we won 3-2. Today –
all these years on we have a new book arriving on the High Street – Bobby
Moore – the man in full! The Moore legend will never die Bill Bonds –
arguably second only to Bob in terms of legendary Hammers status – remembers
Mooro from those days way back even though he was five years his junior.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh Bonzo said:: "I remember Bobby at just
17 and as an England youth international came to my local club to hand
medals out to us.
"Even then he had all the class in the world and on his arm was this lovely
blonde, Tina – who became his first wife. "I would have been about 12 or 13
at the time and of course a few years later – after Charlton – I joined him
at West Ham. "And you want to know the truth? I was star struck by him – I
was in total awe of the man and that never went away over all the years I
played with him. "Bobby was all class. I never heard him shout, I never
heard him swear and in the dressing room he was as calm as they come. "On
the pitch I've seen better headers of the ball and faster players – he'd be
the first to admit he wasn't the quickest. But there was no better passer or
interceptor of the ball. His timing was always immaculate."
Bill remembers the 'class' even stretched to Bob's boozing and he admitted:
"Mooro loved a bevvy – make no mistake about that – but he's stand there
with his little 'pinky' coming up, drinking with great style. "Frank Lampard
snr roomed with Bob and he will tell you that the man was fastidiously tidy.
Everything in it's place. Bobby really was something else."
Bonzo refuses to compare the great man with other players of his era saying
simply: "He was as good as anyone around at the time and better than the
vast majority of them. "He has earned his legendary status – a man who is
the only one ever to captain us to a World Cup victory. It gets no greater.
"But listen above everything he was a gentleman, a down to earth London boy
who had time for absolutely everybody. He was my hero then and he remains my
hero to this day."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca exit would pose Big Sam question
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Neil McDonald's possible departure from West Ham is being seen as the
prelude to a Sam Allardyce's exit at the end of this campaign. News that
'Macca' could be on his way back to the club that sacked him a few years
back – Carlisle United – hasn't exactly surprised club insiders. For there
has been a widespread view for a long time that the manager will need to
have a truly spectacular season to earn another contract which not many
truly see as very likely. And that may well be what is focusing the
assistant manager's mind as he perhaps looks beyond an immediate Upton Park
future. One source gave a pithy summing -up shared by many saying: "The
general view is that Macca is looking after business as new contracts here
would be very much in the balance." The 48 year old MacDonald's move to the
north-east would see him much closer to his family which is also being
mentioned as another possible factor in his Carlisle United thinking
Earlier this year McDonald spoke to the Newham Recorder saying "I want to
have another go at management, I am capable of doing that, but I am really,
really enjoying what I am doing at the moment. "If Sam was to leave for any
reason I would certainly want the West Ham job. Anybody would want to be a
manager of such a fantastic football club. But I am happy in the position I
am in at the moment."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former Mag Dog Hammer joins MLS club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on September 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
MLS team Columbus Crew have signed 31 -year-old former Hammer Emanuel
Pogatetz. Free agent Pogatetz revealed on his personal website that he has
signed a three and a half year deal with Columbus Crew that would make him
"the 5th highest paid defender in the MLS." Austrian international Emanuel
Pogatetz signed for the Hammers on 28th January 2013, putting pen to a paper
on a loan deal from Vfl Wolfsburg until the end of the season. He made just
six appearances in a West Ham shirt despite a £500,ooo loan fee to
Wolfsburg. He failed to impress Sam Allardyce and was allowed to left at the
end of his loan contract.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Monday, September 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th September 2014
Reid ready to lead Kiwis again
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid has returned from a year's absence from international football
to represent New Zealand
07.09.2014
West Ham United defender Winston Reid is set to captain New Zealand on his
return for the All Whites after a year's absence as they prepare to face
Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Reid was a prominent member of the national side
that played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa, playing every
minute of their three group games and scoring in their 1-1 draw with
Slovakia. The 26-year-old has been capped 17 times, taking over the
captaincy after fellow centre-back Ryan Nelsen retired from international
football in 2013. However, the Hammers' commanding defender has not featured
for the Kiwis in just over a year due to a troublesome high ankle sprain.
The All Whites are preparing for the match in Tashkent on Monday 8 September
with a training camp in Doha, Qatar. The game represents a new era for New
Zealand football as it is new coach Anthony Hudson's first game in charge
following the end of Ricki Herbert's eight-year reign. Speaking about
Hudson's vision, Reid said: "He clearly told us what he expected from us
from the beginning. The guys know from day one what's expected from them and
that's very important. I'm sure when the camp is finished we'll have a
better idea of how he wants us to play and what he expects from us as a
group and as individuals. "We want to get to another World Cup, that's going
to be hard and it's going to take a bit, but we want to get there. I also
want to get to another Confederations Cup so those are two goals that I want
to achieve and to get to those two stages will be great."
With New Zealand currently 98th in the FIFA World Rankings, Reid knows it
will be tough. However he is confident that the All Whites are more than
capable of qualifying. Talking about his return to international football,
Reid said: "I haven't played since last year around about this time due to
my injury so it's nice to be back here with the team and not a lot has
changed so it's good." "I want to do my best here and make sure everyone in
and around the squad is here to improve themselves and the team as a whole."
Reid is one of three senior West Ham players on international duty. Enner
Valencia is in the Ecuador squad that will face Bolivia in Miami on Saturday
6 September and Brazil in New Jersey on Tuesday 9 September. Cheikhou
Kouyate has been included by Senegal, who face their opening two 2015 CAF
Africa Cup of Nations Group G qualifiers against Egypt on Friday 5 September
and Botswana on Wednesday 10 September. Joey O'Brien has withdrawn from the
Republic of Ireland squad due to a knee injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's internationals are being kept busy during the current
break from domestic action
04.09.2014
West Ham United's Enner Valencia scored his eighth goal in 14 internationals
for Ecuador in a 4-0 friendly victory over fellow South Americans Bolivia in
Miami, Florida on Saturday. Valencia netted Ecuador's third - his seventh
goal in his last seven international appearances - by latching onto a
through ball from fellow goalscorer Juan Cazares, rounding the goalkeeper
and slotting home. Ecuador face Brazil in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Cheikhou Kouyate enjoyed a winning start to Senegal's 2015 CAF Africa Cup of
Nations qualifying Group G campaign with a 2-0 victory over Egypt in Dakar.
Kouyate played the full 90 minutes and was joined on the pitch in the second
half by substitute Mohamed Diame, who he could face following the latter's
departure to Hull City on transfer deadline day. Senegal travel to Gaborone
to take on Botswana, who lost 2-1 in Tunisia in their own opening tie, on
Tuesday.
Kieran Sadlier played for more than an hour as Republic of Ireland U21s
completed their UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying campaign with a
2-0 defeat by Germany in Magdeburg on Friday 5 September. The attacking
midfielder, who turns 20 on 14 September, was making his second appearance
at that level for his country.
Sam Howes made his England U18 debut in successful fashion as the Young
Lions roared to a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands in Bury. Howes
(pictured), fresh from his Hammers first-team debut in pre-season and
winning the UEFA European U17 Championship with his country in May, lined up
for his first crack at U18 international football on Wednesday 3 September.
And it was another successful occasion for the 16-year-old, who was beaten
only by a close-range strike from Marlon Slabbekoorn early on. England
stormed back from a goal down to win comfortably, with Howes doing his job
by making a fantastic double save to deny Ruben de Jager with the score
still poised at 1-0 to the Dutch. The two nations met again at the same
venue, Bury FC's JD Stadium, on Friday 5 September, when Howes was an unused
substitute in a 3-1 victory over the Dutch.
Elsewhere, Jamie Harney's Northern Ireland U19s came back from a two-goal
deficit to draw 2-2 with their Icelandic counterparts in Dungannon. The
Northern Irish faced the same opposition at Queen's Sport, Belfast, on
Friday, with the hosts running out 3-1 victors.
This page will be regularly updated as West Ham's internationals appear for
their respective countries over the coming days.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
By Iain Dale 7 Sep 2014 at 12:00
WHTID
Guest Post by 'Ray the Hammer'
I was fourteen years old and living in South London when I started my
regular pilgrimages to The Boleyn Ground in the mid seventies. I had a
convoluted journey involving buses and the underground before I arrived at
Upton Park tube station where I'd meet up with my mate. Somewhere along the
line, I'd pull my scarf from its hiding place inside my Harrington jacket (I
lived smack bang in the middle of Millwall territory) and tie it around my
wrist – why did we do that? We'd usually get there a couple of hours before
the game and more often than not, we'd wind up buying one of those manky,
Westlers hamburgers that came out of a can, before continuing our walk down
Green Street, and joining the queue at the entrance to the North Bank.
After handing over the 50p at the turnstiles, we'd find our way to the area
directly behind the goal, about half way up the terrace and stand ourselves
behind one of the barriers. After spending another 5p on a programme, which
I've almost certainly still got in the loft somewhere, I'd always buy a bag
of monkey nuts from a bloke carrying a huge sack up and down the aisles kept
clear by rows of coppers. If the cameras were there we'd all look out for
the BBC or ITV logos, so we'd know if our highlights were going to be on
Match of the Day or The Big Match on Sunday afternoon. Then we'd start
singing. For almost two hours I would sing myself hoarse. Most of those old
songs have been consigned to history now, which is probably just as well to
be honest, although I do miss "Knees up Mother Brown", "Maybe it's Because
I'm a Londoner" (get off me sister) and "Give us a W". OK, maybe not "Give
us a W"
We had a short rest at half time, whilst we 'enjoyed' the marching band and
listened out for the half time scores, cheering or booing accordingly. We
played 'guess the size of crowd' and the loser bought the nuts next time
out. It was usually in the mid 20,000's in those days. The minute the
players ambled out for the second half, the singing started again and didn't
stop until the final whistle, later if we'd won.
After the game, I'd join the queue at Upton Park and set off back to the
Elephant and Castle, hiding my scarf along the way, and I'd pick up a copy
of the Evening Standard by the exit to read on the bus. I'd turn straight to
the back pages to get all the results and match reports for the rest of the
day's games and see where they'd left us in the table.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, there was a football match. Some I can
remember, some I can't (although the memories belonging to some of the
posters on WHTID astound me!). I can remember the rest of it like it was
yesterday. I loved it. It was part of my life and has been ever since
although my match day routine has changed enormously.
I've got a season ticket now, in the Bobby Moore lower, just behind the
goal, about half way back. The seat that I stand in front of is next to my
son's. He's 22 now and probably won't be at home for too much longer. He's
out more often than not and I don't get to spend anywhere near as much time
with him as I used to or I'd like to. Consequently, the four or five hours I
get to spend with him, every other Saturday, are special, every bit as
special as those Saturdays almost 40 years ago when I first started my love
affair with West Ham.
There was a lot of talk about fans not renewing their season tickets this
year, because they weren't happy with the football under Big Sam. I joined
in briefly. There was no way that was ever going to happen though, I'm not
even sure it's the football I go for.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham prospect wants to play for club but hopes 'to catch eye of bigger
teams'
HITC
Mathew Nash
George Moncur admits he would like to play for West Ham United, but is not
limiting his ambition there. West Ham have a proud tradition of bringing
through young talented players. Known by some as the 'academy of football'
the likes of Frank Lampard, Paul Ince and Joe Cole came through the ranks at
West Ham in the past not to mention the likes of John Terry, Michael Carrick
and Glen Johnson. Another is George Moncur, son of the West Ham cult hero
John Moncur. Moncur Sr played for the club between 1994 and 2003 and gained
a reputation as a tough tackling and often volatile character on the field.
John is also a midfielder, and the club have high hopes for his future
development at the club. An England under-18 international, the 21-year-old
has been on loan at AFC Wimbledon and Partick Thistle in the past but is
currently at Colchester United. His time with the Essex club has been
impressive on an individual level. He scored on his debut and he also scored
on his first start against Bristol City. However his personal prowess is in
direct contract to the struggling U's - whose manager Joe Dunne was recently
sacked after a poor start to the campaign.
But Moncur knows he is playing well. And he has been speaking about his loan
spell in an interview with the Daily Star - in which he admitted West Ham is
not the limit of his ambition: "It's hard going to a new team, especially
when you do not know what is going to happen. I am a positive person, I look
to the future and the next match in front of me, and how I can affect it.
Obviously I want to play for West Ham, but I also want to catch the eye of
bigger teams, which is understandable. I really like playing here and enjoy
it. But I am just going to play each game as it comes and see what happens
when my loan is up in January."
It is right for Moncur to be aiming high, even if West Ham fans don't want
to hear such things from one of their shining lights. But Moncur is a good
egg, you can tell by the warm way in which he speaks about Dylan Tombides.
The youngster was a close friend of Moncur. The Australian tragically passed
away earlier this year after a battle with cancer and Moncur, a devout
Christian like his father, admits he always includes Tombides in his
pre-match prayer: "I normally just say thank you to God for this chance and
always include Dylan in it. I know he is watching down on me and is in a
better place now. I had to deal with it, but my faith was a great source of
comfort."
So while he admits he is looking at 'bigger clubs' it is just a part of his
honest and refreshing out look on life. He seems a great character and
Colchester United are very lucky to have him on board.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agent's Noble surprise
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Barry Silkman admits he's 'flabbergasted' that Mark Noble has never been
involved in a major transfer bid from a top club. Stepney-born 'Silky'is
one of the game's Marmite characters – you do or you don't – but as a guy
who has a history of driving a few Irons transfers his views are always
worth a listen. The 62 year old has been involved in many major deals down
the years And raising the subject of Noble completely out of the blue in
conversation he admitted he was dumfounded there had never been a bid for
the Hammers loyalist. He said: "Mark is a great player at what he does and
I'm very surprised none of the big clubs have come for him. "I believe there
was some interest from Fulham at one stage but he's very much a West Ham
boy. "But it doesn't alter the fact that the apparent disinterest really
surprises me – great player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sums add up for permanent Song deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham should have little trouble in finding room within their long term
wage bill to accommodate Alex Song on a permanent basis. The Irons have
negotiated a 'to buy' option in the player's one year loan deal and with
seven players coming out of contract next summer the club will be in a
strong financial bargaining position given the squad's new strength in
depth. The seven players are Guy Demel, Carlton Cole, Ricardo Vaz Te, Jussi
Jaaskalainen, Ravel Morrison, Mark Noble and Winston Reid. The top priority
will be in nailing down another Noble deal and talks on Reid's position are
likely to restart soon with the club looking for an answer on their reported
£60k a week offer. Morrison too will be on the agenda but the other four can
be expected to move on thus freeing up more than sufficient wages to agree a
financial package with Song. The player has already spoken of his enthusiasm
to join the club based in part on our move to the Olympic Stadium and the
Hammers are hopeful of tying him down long term
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy: "Irons must turn on the style"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh's top columnist Leroy Rosenior believes West Ham and Sam
Allardyce are approaching the moment of truth. Leroy – our Number One pundit
– declared in his first columnist that he believes Enner Valencia was a
gamble at £12 million. But he has no such doubts about Mauro Zarate whom he
believes could turn out to be the club's top signing of the summer. And he
reckons that Alex Song's arrival was "inspired business" that could ensure
already that the Hammers enjoy a relatively stress free season. Writing in
ClaretandHugh exclusively he said: "The remainder of the signings are all
unknown quantities to a lesser or greater extent and only time will tell how
good they are. "Chiekhou Kouyate has started well and Aaron Cresswell looks
decent at the back but the jury will have to remain out for a little while."
As a Hammers favourite who knows the Upton Park faithful's mentality and
expectations, Leroy made it clear that he believes the owners and fans are
right to expect to see the style turned on this term. He said: "Everybody
in the game knows what the Hammers are about traditionally. We have always
played a passing game. "Whether you call it the West Ham way or something
else – everybody knows what is expected. "And that's as much a challenge to
Sam Allardyce as anything else. I believe he has done a very good job since
he got to the club in establishing them as a Premier League force. But there
are different expectations now and he will need to play a game which get the
fans back on onside after the troubles of the last campaign. He needs to
take the team to that level. " For me Zarate will play a very important part
in that process. He's a top player and can make it all happen out of his
position in the hole.
"There are a lot of midfielders at the club but for me Zarate is the one who
will make it happen for the team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid has returned from a year's absence from international football
to represent New Zealand
07.09.2014
West Ham United defender Winston Reid is set to captain New Zealand on his
return for the All Whites after a year's absence as they prepare to face
Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Reid was a prominent member of the national side
that played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa, playing every
minute of their three group games and scoring in their 1-1 draw with
Slovakia. The 26-year-old has been capped 17 times, taking over the
captaincy after fellow centre-back Ryan Nelsen retired from international
football in 2013. However, the Hammers' commanding defender has not featured
for the Kiwis in just over a year due to a troublesome high ankle sprain.
The All Whites are preparing for the match in Tashkent on Monday 8 September
with a training camp in Doha, Qatar. The game represents a new era for New
Zealand football as it is new coach Anthony Hudson's first game in charge
following the end of Ricki Herbert's eight-year reign. Speaking about
Hudson's vision, Reid said: "He clearly told us what he expected from us
from the beginning. The guys know from day one what's expected from them and
that's very important. I'm sure when the camp is finished we'll have a
better idea of how he wants us to play and what he expects from us as a
group and as individuals. "We want to get to another World Cup, that's going
to be hard and it's going to take a bit, but we want to get there. I also
want to get to another Confederations Cup so those are two goals that I want
to achieve and to get to those two stages will be great."
With New Zealand currently 98th in the FIFA World Rankings, Reid knows it
will be tough. However he is confident that the All Whites are more than
capable of qualifying. Talking about his return to international football,
Reid said: "I haven't played since last year around about this time due to
my injury so it's nice to be back here with the team and not a lot has
changed so it's good." "I want to do my best here and make sure everyone in
and around the squad is here to improve themselves and the team as a whole."
Reid is one of three senior West Ham players on international duty. Enner
Valencia is in the Ecuador squad that will face Bolivia in Miami on Saturday
6 September and Brazil in New Jersey on Tuesday 9 September. Cheikhou
Kouyate has been included by Senegal, who face their opening two 2015 CAF
Africa Cup of Nations Group G qualifiers against Egypt on Friday 5 September
and Botswana on Wednesday 10 September. Joey O'Brien has withdrawn from the
Republic of Ireland squad due to a knee injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International round-up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's internationals are being kept busy during the current
break from domestic action
04.09.2014
West Ham United's Enner Valencia scored his eighth goal in 14 internationals
for Ecuador in a 4-0 friendly victory over fellow South Americans Bolivia in
Miami, Florida on Saturday. Valencia netted Ecuador's third - his seventh
goal in his last seven international appearances - by latching onto a
through ball from fellow goalscorer Juan Cazares, rounding the goalkeeper
and slotting home. Ecuador face Brazil in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Cheikhou Kouyate enjoyed a winning start to Senegal's 2015 CAF Africa Cup of
Nations qualifying Group G campaign with a 2-0 victory over Egypt in Dakar.
Kouyate played the full 90 minutes and was joined on the pitch in the second
half by substitute Mohamed Diame, who he could face following the latter's
departure to Hull City on transfer deadline day. Senegal travel to Gaborone
to take on Botswana, who lost 2-1 in Tunisia in their own opening tie, on
Tuesday.
Kieran Sadlier played for more than an hour as Republic of Ireland U21s
completed their UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying campaign with a
2-0 defeat by Germany in Magdeburg on Friday 5 September. The attacking
midfielder, who turns 20 on 14 September, was making his second appearance
at that level for his country.
Sam Howes made his England U18 debut in successful fashion as the Young
Lions roared to a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands in Bury. Howes
(pictured), fresh from his Hammers first-team debut in pre-season and
winning the UEFA European U17 Championship with his country in May, lined up
for his first crack at U18 international football on Wednesday 3 September.
And it was another successful occasion for the 16-year-old, who was beaten
only by a close-range strike from Marlon Slabbekoorn early on. England
stormed back from a goal down to win comfortably, with Howes doing his job
by making a fantastic double save to deny Ruben de Jager with the score
still poised at 1-0 to the Dutch. The two nations met again at the same
venue, Bury FC's JD Stadium, on Friday 5 September, when Howes was an unused
substitute in a 3-1 victory over the Dutch.
Elsewhere, Jamie Harney's Northern Ireland U19s came back from a two-goal
deficit to draw 2-2 with their Icelandic counterparts in Dungannon. The
Northern Irish faced the same opposition at Queen's Sport, Belfast, on
Friday, with the hosts running out 3-1 victors.
This page will be regularly updated as West Ham's internationals appear for
their respective countries over the coming days.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
By Iain Dale 7 Sep 2014 at 12:00
WHTID
Guest Post by 'Ray the Hammer'
I was fourteen years old and living in South London when I started my
regular pilgrimages to The Boleyn Ground in the mid seventies. I had a
convoluted journey involving buses and the underground before I arrived at
Upton Park tube station where I'd meet up with my mate. Somewhere along the
line, I'd pull my scarf from its hiding place inside my Harrington jacket (I
lived smack bang in the middle of Millwall territory) and tie it around my
wrist – why did we do that? We'd usually get there a couple of hours before
the game and more often than not, we'd wind up buying one of those manky,
Westlers hamburgers that came out of a can, before continuing our walk down
Green Street, and joining the queue at the entrance to the North Bank.
After handing over the 50p at the turnstiles, we'd find our way to the area
directly behind the goal, about half way up the terrace and stand ourselves
behind one of the barriers. After spending another 5p on a programme, which
I've almost certainly still got in the loft somewhere, I'd always buy a bag
of monkey nuts from a bloke carrying a huge sack up and down the aisles kept
clear by rows of coppers. If the cameras were there we'd all look out for
the BBC or ITV logos, so we'd know if our highlights were going to be on
Match of the Day or The Big Match on Sunday afternoon. Then we'd start
singing. For almost two hours I would sing myself hoarse. Most of those old
songs have been consigned to history now, which is probably just as well to
be honest, although I do miss "Knees up Mother Brown", "Maybe it's Because
I'm a Londoner" (get off me sister) and "Give us a W". OK, maybe not "Give
us a W"
We had a short rest at half time, whilst we 'enjoyed' the marching band and
listened out for the half time scores, cheering or booing accordingly. We
played 'guess the size of crowd' and the loser bought the nuts next time
out. It was usually in the mid 20,000's in those days. The minute the
players ambled out for the second half, the singing started again and didn't
stop until the final whistle, later if we'd won.
After the game, I'd join the queue at Upton Park and set off back to the
Elephant and Castle, hiding my scarf along the way, and I'd pick up a copy
of the Evening Standard by the exit to read on the bus. I'd turn straight to
the back pages to get all the results and match reports for the rest of the
day's games and see where they'd left us in the table.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, there was a football match. Some I can
remember, some I can't (although the memories belonging to some of the
posters on WHTID astound me!). I can remember the rest of it like it was
yesterday. I loved it. It was part of my life and has been ever since
although my match day routine has changed enormously.
I've got a season ticket now, in the Bobby Moore lower, just behind the
goal, about half way back. The seat that I stand in front of is next to my
son's. He's 22 now and probably won't be at home for too much longer. He's
out more often than not and I don't get to spend anywhere near as much time
with him as I used to or I'd like to. Consequently, the four or five hours I
get to spend with him, every other Saturday, are special, every bit as
special as those Saturdays almost 40 years ago when I first started my love
affair with West Ham.
There was a lot of talk about fans not renewing their season tickets this
year, because they weren't happy with the football under Big Sam. I joined
in briefly. There was no way that was ever going to happen though, I'm not
even sure it's the football I go for.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham prospect wants to play for club but hopes 'to catch eye of bigger
teams'
HITC
Mathew Nash
George Moncur admits he would like to play for West Ham United, but is not
limiting his ambition there. West Ham have a proud tradition of bringing
through young talented players. Known by some as the 'academy of football'
the likes of Frank Lampard, Paul Ince and Joe Cole came through the ranks at
West Ham in the past not to mention the likes of John Terry, Michael Carrick
and Glen Johnson. Another is George Moncur, son of the West Ham cult hero
John Moncur. Moncur Sr played for the club between 1994 and 2003 and gained
a reputation as a tough tackling and often volatile character on the field.
John is also a midfielder, and the club have high hopes for his future
development at the club. An England under-18 international, the 21-year-old
has been on loan at AFC Wimbledon and Partick Thistle in the past but is
currently at Colchester United. His time with the Essex club has been
impressive on an individual level. He scored on his debut and he also scored
on his first start against Bristol City. However his personal prowess is in
direct contract to the struggling U's - whose manager Joe Dunne was recently
sacked after a poor start to the campaign.
But Moncur knows he is playing well. And he has been speaking about his loan
spell in an interview with the Daily Star - in which he admitted West Ham is
not the limit of his ambition: "It's hard going to a new team, especially
when you do not know what is going to happen. I am a positive person, I look
to the future and the next match in front of me, and how I can affect it.
Obviously I want to play for West Ham, but I also want to catch the eye of
bigger teams, which is understandable. I really like playing here and enjoy
it. But I am just going to play each game as it comes and see what happens
when my loan is up in January."
It is right for Moncur to be aiming high, even if West Ham fans don't want
to hear such things from one of their shining lights. But Moncur is a good
egg, you can tell by the warm way in which he speaks about Dylan Tombides.
The youngster was a close friend of Moncur. The Australian tragically passed
away earlier this year after a battle with cancer and Moncur, a devout
Christian like his father, admits he always includes Tombides in his
pre-match prayer: "I normally just say thank you to God for this chance and
always include Dylan in it. I know he is watching down on me and is in a
better place now. I had to deal with it, but my faith was a great source of
comfort."
So while he admits he is looking at 'bigger clubs' it is just a part of his
honest and refreshing out look on life. He seems a great character and
Colchester United are very lucky to have him on board.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Agent's Noble surprise
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Barry Silkman admits he's 'flabbergasted' that Mark Noble has never been
involved in a major transfer bid from a top club. Stepney-born 'Silky'is
one of the game's Marmite characters – you do or you don't – but as a guy
who has a history of driving a few Irons transfers his views are always
worth a listen. The 62 year old has been involved in many major deals down
the years And raising the subject of Noble completely out of the blue in
conversation he admitted he was dumfounded there had never been a bid for
the Hammers loyalist. He said: "Mark is a great player at what he does and
I'm very surprised none of the big clubs have come for him. "I believe there
was some interest from Fulham at one stage but he's very much a West Ham
boy. "But it doesn't alter the fact that the apparent disinterest really
surprises me – great player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sums add up for permanent Song deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham should have little trouble in finding room within their long term
wage bill to accommodate Alex Song on a permanent basis. The Irons have
negotiated a 'to buy' option in the player's one year loan deal and with
seven players coming out of contract next summer the club will be in a
strong financial bargaining position given the squad's new strength in
depth. The seven players are Guy Demel, Carlton Cole, Ricardo Vaz Te, Jussi
Jaaskalainen, Ravel Morrison, Mark Noble and Winston Reid. The top priority
will be in nailing down another Noble deal and talks on Reid's position are
likely to restart soon with the club looking for an answer on their reported
£60k a week offer. Morrison too will be on the agenda but the other four can
be expected to move on thus freeing up more than sufficient wages to agree a
financial package with Song. The player has already spoken of his enthusiasm
to join the club based in part on our move to the Olympic Stadium and the
Hammers are hopeful of tying him down long term
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy: "Irons must turn on the style"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh's top columnist Leroy Rosenior believes West Ham and Sam
Allardyce are approaching the moment of truth. Leroy – our Number One pundit
– declared in his first columnist that he believes Enner Valencia was a
gamble at £12 million. But he has no such doubts about Mauro Zarate whom he
believes could turn out to be the club's top signing of the summer. And he
reckons that Alex Song's arrival was "inspired business" that could ensure
already that the Hammers enjoy a relatively stress free season. Writing in
ClaretandHugh exclusively he said: "The remainder of the signings are all
unknown quantities to a lesser or greater extent and only time will tell how
good they are. "Chiekhou Kouyate has started well and Aaron Cresswell looks
decent at the back but the jury will have to remain out for a little while."
As a Hammers favourite who knows the Upton Park faithful's mentality and
expectations, Leroy made it clear that he believes the owners and fans are
right to expect to see the style turned on this term. He said: "Everybody
in the game knows what the Hammers are about traditionally. We have always
played a passing game. "Whether you call it the West Ham way or something
else – everybody knows what is expected. "And that's as much a challenge to
Sam Allardyce as anything else. I believe he has done a very good job since
he got to the club in establishing them as a Premier League force. But there
are different expectations now and he will need to play a game which get the
fans back on onside after the troubles of the last campaign. He needs to
take the team to that level. " For me Zarate will play a very important part
in that process. He's a top player and can make it all happen out of his
position in the hole.
"There are a lot of midfielders at the club but for me Zarate is the one who
will make it happen for the team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Sunday, September 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th September 2014
U18s overcome Real Madrid
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s scored a memorable win to finish third at the Champions
Cup
06.09.2014
West Ham United U18s recorded a memorable victory over Real Madrid as they
secured third place at the Champions Cup invitational tournament. Without a
league game due to the international break, the Hammers were invited to the
two-day tournament by hosts Tottenham Hotspur. Featuring matches of two
30-minute halves, the first day of competition saw West Ham defeat Liverpool
2-0 and lose 1-0 to Portuguese side Benfica in Group B on Friday. In-form
striker Jordan Brown scored both goals against the Reds. However, the
narrow defeat by Benfica left the Hammers second in Group B and paired them
with Group A runners-up Real Madrid. But Steve Potts' squad rose to the
occasion against their illustrious opponents and took the lead through
Marcus Browne's direct free-kick after just two minutes. West Ham dominated
the opening half and could have extended their lead, with Kieran Bailey
twice going close. Into the second half and Madrid came into the game
slightly more, but it was the Hammers who continued to create the better
chances. After Bailey had again been denied, West Ham were rewarded midway
through the second half when Djair Parfitt-Williams' corner was headed into
the net by Emmanuel Onariase. Now in full control, the Londoners relaxed and
could easily have extended their lead, only for Grady Diangana to shoot wide
when well-placed. The final whistle sparked celebrations among those in
Claret and Blue, with the victory completing an encouraging and very
worthwhile two days' work.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Haycock happy with early-season form
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock is hoping a midweek win will inspire his U21s players in their
next league game
06.09.2014
West Ham United's Development Squad have had a tough start to their Barclays
U21 Premier League campaign results-wise. Despite good performances in each
of their three games, Nick Haycock's men have only got one point to show for
their efforts. A cruel equaliser late on away to Manchester City prevented
a deserved first win of the season following defeats by Tottenham Hotspur
and Southampton. The U21s' next game is at 7pm kick-off against Liverpool on
Friday 12 September at the Boleyn Ground. Speaking after the West Ham
United XI 5-1 win over an Ipswich Town XI on Thursday, Haycock said: "The
scoreline wasn't the most important thing, it was the performance and what
each player individually could get out of the game." For everybody it was
about getting minutes on the pitch under their belts, and to put in a good
performance at the same time." Haycock has given his squad the weekend off
to ensure the players come back refreshed and focused, ready to return to
training on Monday in preparation for Friday's match. "The boys are going
to get a few days off, the group will be off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We
will be back on the training field, Monday and Tuesday preparing for the
Liverpool game. "We had a meeting about the Manchester City game and the
first three games as a whole. We know we are a little unlucky in terms of
the amount of points we have, but the performances are improving with a
young side playing together."
When asked if there was anything specific the team needs to work on, Haycock
replied: "It's pretty much more of the same of what we have been doing. We
just need to be a little more clinical at the top end of the pitch, as well
as keeping that defensive security. If we do that, we'll give a good account
of ourselves against Liverpool." Liverpool have started the season well,
securing four points from their opening two games after a 1-0 away win at
Sunderland, followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Little demands Lewes performance
WHUFC.com
Stacey Little has demanded an improvement when West Ham United Ladies head
to Lewes
06.09.2014
Captain Stacey Little has demanded an improvement when West Ham United
Ladies head to Lewes on Sunday. The Hammers began the 2014/15 campaign with
a 2-1 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division victory at Queens Park
Rangers, only to follow that up with a League Cup first-round exit at
Keynsham Town and home league defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
Little, who was the driving force behind Julian Dicks' appointment as Ladies
manager in the summer, has issued a rallying cry her boss would no doubt be
proud of ahead of this weekend's trip to Sussex. "We do a lot of travelling
and we don't want to be going to places like Lewes and not come back with
the three points," said Little, whose side travelled to Somerset last
weekend and face trips to Coventry, Portsmouth and Plymouth in the coming
weeks. "We want and need to start getting points on the board now. "From our
performance against QPR to what we have shown in the past two games, we need
to pick it up massively and we need to get back to the level of performance
we produced at QPR.
On Thursday, Little was disappointed that the Ladies could not produce a
performance or result to mark the occasion of Dicks' first home match in
charge.
Hundreds of fans turned out for the visit of Spurs following a determined
social and digital media campaign to attract more support, only for West Ham
to end up on the losing side. The skipper hopes those supporters will not be
dissuaded from making their way to Aveley FC's Mill Field for future
matches, with home fixtures against Copsewood, Plymouth Argyle and
Portsmouth scheduled for 14, 21 and 28 September respectively. Kick-off for
all three league matches is 2pm.
"West Ham fans are fantastic, whether they are men, women or kids," Little
confirmed. "They have shown their support for us this season already and are
fully behind us. I'm just gutted we couldn't give them the result they came
along and hoped to see on Thursday night."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy Ace - Djair Parfitt-Williams
WHUFC.com
Attacker Djair Parfitt-Williams knows hard work, dedication and ability are
a winning combination
06.09.2014
Djair Parfitt-Williams is determined to fulfil his English football dream
after journeying from across the Atlantic Ocean. Academy forward Djair
Parfitt-Williams' path to West Ham United was not the typical one taken by
the majority of his contemporaries. Parfitt-Williams did not come to the
Club having impressed in the local London or Essex leagues. Instead, his
route into English football came via Hammers legend and former Bermuda
international Clyde Best MBE. Best, who played 219 games for the Hammers
between 1968 and 1976, now lives in the United States and spotted his
countryman Parfitt-Williams when he was playing for San Jose Earthquakes. A
recommendation to his former Club in London later, the youngster found
himself at West Ham for a trial, and three years down the line he is now
starting out on the second year of his scholarship. He explained: "I came
here in summer 2011, and I has been playing at San Jose Earthquakes in
California previously. "Clyde Best had heard about me before and he wanted
to come in and have a look at me. He said as soon as he saw me on the ball,
that he knew I had abilities. "I'm glad that he gave me the opportunity and
hopefully if I make it to where I want to make it, I can give back. That was
a great day, I was just so happy, I was excited to get over here. I just
wanted to come to England so badly. When I got my opportunity I knew I had
to take it."
Growing up in Bermuda, then moving to the United States, and now pitching up
in England, Parfitt-Williams has certainly covered the miles in chasing his
football dream, but every sacrifice has been worth it to get him to this
stage. He explained: "At times, you miss your people, you miss your family,
your boys. You miss everybody, but in the back of your head you know that
you've got to make sacrifices to get to where you want to get. You've got to
be mentally strong, if this is what you really want to do then you've got to
get on with it."
Parfitt-Williams is grateful to the Academy staff for helping him settle
with the Hammers and he is keen to repay them with a strong campaign. He
continued: "When I first came here Paul Heffer helped me a lot, he spoke to
me after my games, spoke to me after training. He would tell me what I need
to do and then there's Steve Potts, who I've been with since I came here. Me
and Steve have a good relationship. It has helped because I can talk to them
sometimes. It's good. "
The forward managed nine goals in 28 games last season and is already off
the mark for the current campaign. He has the appetite for more, too. "I
would say last season's performance was good overall, but I think it could
have been betterI wanted to get more goals, I wanted to get more assists. It
just means that I need to work harder. Overall it was good but there's room
for more."
As for his own abilities, Parfitt-Williams says he has become a better
all-round player since coming to the Hammers. He explained: "When I first
came here I would say I was more of a skilful player and didn't really like
defending. Those are more English sides of the game and I'm getting better
at them, I can still improve. I need to bring these things together with
tricks and all the skills. There's Joga Bonito, play beautiful, have fun
with it, but at the same time you need to do some hard work. If you can
bring those things together then there's no stopping you."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WOULD PAOLO HAVE BECOME A LEGEND UNDER ALLARDYCE?
By Iain Dale 7 Sep 2014 at 08:08
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Josh
Perhaps my favourite West Ham player of all time, Paolo Di Canio, is quite
rightly a modern West Ham legend, an icon who was adored by our own fans and
at the same time gained tremendous respect from opposition supporters for
his passionate and hugely entertaining playing style. At times, he was as
frustrating as he was resplendent, but perhaps it was this unpredictability
that made him so endearing. The man oozed passion, charisma, and had an
unquenchable thirst for victory. He knew he was loved, but most importantly,
the love was reciprocated - Paolo had, and still does have, a genuine love
for West Ham.
But my question is this - if Paolo had been born 15 years later and signed
for us this summer (for a bargain 1.5m), would he have gone on to achieve
the same legendary status under our current manager?
Whilst not wanting to cover old ground, Sam Allardyce is well known for
being a statistics loving, conservative manager. He likes players that he
knows what to expect from every week, often giving preference to a 'grafter'
rather than someone who is more skilful but less consistent. You can argue
whether these are positive or negative traits as long as you like, but
whichever way you look at it, this selection policy would not cater to 'Mr
Unpredictable' Paolo Di Canio.
Whilst we all loved him for it, would Paolo's character have been deemed
acceptable by Allardyce? It could be argued that he wasn't much of a team
player, and he certainly wasn't the best at following instructions. Who can
forget the demands to be substituted after failing in three penalty appeals
against Bradford? Or him pushing over the referee, albeit when in Sheffield
Wednesday colours? Whilst his ability on the pitch was unquestionable, these
eccentricities that we loved as fans would not have been well received by
Big Sam. Indeed, would he have seen him as too much of a risk to play in
important games? Would Paolo's tendency to crack a speculative shot away
from outside the box, or his attempts to dribble past four people rather
than play the simple pass be frowned upon? Or worse still, would these be
elements of his game that Allardyce would try to 'iron out'?
Another thing that makes me doubt whether Paolo would have made it under Sam
Allardyce is his preference for 4 - 3 - 3 / 4 - 5 - 1. Whilst capable of
playing on the left of a front three, it certainly wasn't his best position,
and Paolo certainly wasn't a target man. He thrived in a 4-4-2 formation,
his best form for us coming in a partnership with Kanoute or Defoe, with the
likes of Joe Cole, Trevor Sinclair and Michael Carrick supplying the
ammunition. If Paolo were to sign today, where would he fit in the side? And
if he did, would he be supplied with the through balls he craved, or would
he have to rely on floated crosses from Jarvis and Downing?
Whilst this is very much a rhetorical question, there may be one way to tell
whether or not Paolo would have gone down in history if he had played in
this current era - Mauro Zarate. From my short glimpses of him so far, and
from the stories we read about his 'character', I think Mauro could be
considered a player of a similar mould to Paolo. Only time will tell what
sort of impact he will make at the club, but if he leaves me with even a
quarter of the memories Paolo did, he will arguably achieve 'legend' status
himself.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOLD & SULLIVAN: INNOCENT OF 'MUGGING US OFF'!
By Iain Dale 6 Sep 2014 at 21:35
West Ham till I Die
Guest Post by 'DC'
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, I put it to you that the defendants, Gold,
Sullivan, Brady and Allardyce are innocent of the alleged crime
'mugging-us-off'. Let us look at the evidence.
This summer, the defendants claimed they would employ a new attacking coach
(20/5/14). They recruited a one Mr. Edward 'Teddy' Sheringham, a reputable
striker of his day.
They claimed they would employ a new Director of Player Recruitment. They
recruited a one Mr. Tony Henry (currently in transit somewhere near
Spaghetti Junction).
They claimed they would continue to value The Academy and Youth Player
Development. They are currently developing and offering opportunities to
young players such as Reece Oxford, Reece Burke, Leo Chambers, Daniel Potts,
Diego Poyet, Ravel Morrison and Elliott Lee, among others.
They claimed they would adopt a Summer Transfer Policy in which players aged
27 or under would be recruited - Cresswell (24), Jenkinson (22), Kouyate
(24), Poyet (19), Sakho (24), Song (26), Valencia (24), Zarate (27). Only
the acquisition of Morgan Amalfitano (29) on Transfer Deadline Day breached
that policy.
They claimed they would begin a recruitment drive to sign quality attacking
players. Mauro Zarate, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho were recruited. Ravel
Morrison was also reintegrated back into the club.
They claimed they were pursuing a talented 6ft 4" midfielder (being tracked
by various clubs across Europe). Cheikhou Kouyate, a talented 6ft 4"
midfielder was recruited.
They claimed they would place a greater emphasis on playing attacking
football. For this, the Jury is still out, if you pardon the pun.
During what has been a lengthy trial, the defendant Allardyce claimed that
he was looking to bring in one more defender. As we now know, Allardyce
turned Queen's Evidence as a contingency against the defendant Sullivan
getting 'a bit carried away' on Transfer Deadline Day (31/08/14). May I
remind you of Allardyce's final statement: "For the record, we've done all
our business [.] with the exception of one more player of quality"
(29/08/14). The one player of quality? Alex Song, a central midfielder come
central defender from a club called Barcelona.
Now yes, the Prosecution will rightly argue 'but what about Mo Diame being
sold?' and 'what about Amalfitano being bought?' They'll tell you how on
Football Focus (30/08/14), Allardyce nearly rubbed his own chin off when
answering the tricky question 'so who did actually hire Teddy Sheringham?'
Nevertheless, I ask that you the jury, focus on a much more significant
question. On Monday the 15th September at 8.00pm, which team's football
shirt will Winston Reid be wearing?
Members of the Jury, I put it to you that the defendants have done exactly
(more or less) what they claimed they would do and are therefore innocent of
the alleged crime 'mugging-us-off'.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ONE WINDOW CLOSES AS ANOTHER OPENS
By Sean Whetstone 6 Sep 2014 at 17:32
West Ham Till I Die
The summer transfer window is now closed but another window opens next
Tuesday, that is the Football league loan window which opens on 9th
September and closes on the 27th November. Although Premier League can't
loan players in during this window, they are permitted to loan players out.
Following our Carling cup defeat Sam Allardyce said in his post match
interview:
.bq "There's nowhere else to get members of my 25-man squad football at a
very competitive level. Only the Capital One Cup that can do that. The rest
of the time we can only train them and play amongst each other because the
Under 21 league is not where you play them, because that's not competitive
enough. It's a disappointment that when you have a 25-man squad - which
we're going to name two days after the window shuts - a lot of them are
going to have to keep themselves fit by training and training alone rather
than getting a game in the Capital One Cup and making a statement to me. The
reason Adrian got the goalkeeping number one slot in the end was because of
his performances in the Capital One Cup last year and a few others. So it's
a disappointing night to go out of the competition."
It is clear from that interview that in Sam's eyes he doesn't consider the
Premier U21 (development) league competitive enough and many of these young
players will now need to go out to Championship or lower league clubs on
loan to prove themselves to catch the manager's eye.
In early speculation it is Diego Poyet who captained the West Ham XI beat an
Ipswich XI 5-1 midweek is being rumoured for a return back to Charlton on
loan, although both Brentford and Huddersfield are said to also want to sign
him.
Elliot Lee also looks set to be sent out on loan to a Championship club
although I am told West Ham are struggling to find a team that will
guarantee him regular starts as they want him played week in week out.
George Moncur is already on loan to Colchester United and scored 2 goals
from his first two starts.
It remains to be seen whether Sebastian Lletget, Raphael Spiegel, Dan Potts,
Reece Burke, Josh Cullen, Paul McCallum,Lewis Page and Blair Turgott will
also be sent out on temporary loans.
With his four goal tally midweek Matthias Fanimo might be another name sent
out on a one or three month loan to experience competitive football.
Earlier this week the Premier League published West Ham's list of under 21s
under contract and scholars listed below. Some new names in there. Reece
Oxford is not included as he is still 15 so remains on school boy forms.
Remains to seen which ones will make the grade from the Academy.
Adebayo, Fatai Ololade Akanni
Amoo, Jeremiah
Bailey, Kieran
Bogard, Clarke Ellis
Brown, Jordan Antonio
Brown, Tim
Browne, Marcus Alexander
Burke, Reece
Bywater, Kieran
Carter, Matthew James
Chambers, Leo Alexander
Cullen, Joshua Jon
Diangana, Grady
Elsom, Ross
Fanimo, Matthias Olubori
Gordon, Jaanai Derece
Harney, Jamie
Howes, Samuel Scott
Knoyle, Kyle
Lee, Elliot Robert
Linley, Joseph
Maguire, Sean
Makasi, Kusu Moses
Marlow, Ben John
Mavila, Nathan
McCallum, Paul Leon Miller
Moncur, George
Morrison, Ravel Ryan
Nasha, Amos Lawrence
Page, Lewis Robert
Parfitt-Williams, Djair Terraii Carl
Pask, Joshua David
Pike, Alexander George
Potts, Daniel
Poyet Gonzalez, Diego
Sadlier, Kieran Paul
Sheriff, Decarrey
Sylvestre, Noha
Tombides, Taylor James
Turgott, Blair Sebastian
Westley, Samuel Edward
Whitehead, Daniel
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ecuador beats Bolivia 4-0 in exhibition
By Associated Press September 6 at 11:19 PM
Washington Post
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Christian Noboa, Juan Cazares, Enner Valencia and
Junior Sornoza scored goals in Ecuador's 4-0 victory over Bolivia in an
exhibition game Saturday night. Cazares also had an assist. Ecuador opened
the scoring in the ninth minute on Noboa's goal. Renato Ibarra made a cross
to Noboa in the center of the box and his shot went off the hands of
goalkeeper Daniel Vaca and rolled slowly into the goal. Ecuador made it 2-0
when Cazares took a shot from 25 yards out curled to the far post and into
the net in the 33rd minute. Valencia scored in the 65th minute. Valencia
found an opening in the left corner of the net after taking a pass from Joao
Rojas. Sornoza's shot from the center of the box beat Vaca in the 83rd
minute. Ecuador outshot Bolivia 13-5 and leads the series 6-0-1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Runaway winner in Player of Month poll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2014 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
Cheikhou Kouyate has been a runaway winner of the ClaretandHugh Player of
the Month poll for August. The Senegal midfielder collected 287 votes (68.33
per cent) in our poll which closed this afternoon. Mark Noble was in second
place a long way behind with 38 votes and 9.05 per cent of the vote. Another
new boy Aaron Cresswell was in third place - 31 votes and 7.38 per cent of
vote with Mauro Zarate fourth - 26 votes and 6.19 per cent of the vote.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GROW UP MO AND SHOW SOME CLASS
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There's really no other way of putting this! I truly am becoming a little
irritated about how regularly Mo Diame reminds us that he's a top four or
six club player! But more importantly, were I his new manager Steve Bruce
this morning I'd be pretty upset about his latest self indulgent outburst.
No sooner does the bloke join his new club than he's whinging on about how -
had circumstances been different at West Ham - he would be at a better club.
That really does show a lack of class - a bit like any of us leaving one
job, going to another and telling everybody around: "Yeah but of course I'm
better than this."
Two words for Mo Diame this morning: Grow up! There may of course be
something in his claim that had Sam Allardyce not shifted him around to a
variety of positions he would have been shown off to better advantage. There
were times when it did seem odd that the manager decided to play him wide
but Mo Diame's game is well known and were a top manager to have come for
him he would have done his homework and would know what he's getting. Here's
the nub of what Diame is saying in his quotes: ".At least with Hull I will
be certain of playing in my favoured role. "I should have left West Ham a
long time ago, as with them I wasn't permitted to play in central midfield."
AT LEAST? These are two words which suggest Mr Diame is about to make the
best of a bad job. As I say that really does lack class. And perhaps he
needs to remember that even when he was playing to the peak of his form in
his favoured role, nobody came in for him. Mo Diame needs to realise his
position in life - a middle of the road midfielder playing at about the
right level. Hopefuly that's the last we'll here from him on this rather
tired old issue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s scored a memorable win to finish third at the Champions
Cup
06.09.2014
West Ham United U18s recorded a memorable victory over Real Madrid as they
secured third place at the Champions Cup invitational tournament. Without a
league game due to the international break, the Hammers were invited to the
two-day tournament by hosts Tottenham Hotspur. Featuring matches of two
30-minute halves, the first day of competition saw West Ham defeat Liverpool
2-0 and lose 1-0 to Portuguese side Benfica in Group B on Friday. In-form
striker Jordan Brown scored both goals against the Reds. However, the
narrow defeat by Benfica left the Hammers second in Group B and paired them
with Group A runners-up Real Madrid. But Steve Potts' squad rose to the
occasion against their illustrious opponents and took the lead through
Marcus Browne's direct free-kick after just two minutes. West Ham dominated
the opening half and could have extended their lead, with Kieran Bailey
twice going close. Into the second half and Madrid came into the game
slightly more, but it was the Hammers who continued to create the better
chances. After Bailey had again been denied, West Ham were rewarded midway
through the second half when Djair Parfitt-Williams' corner was headed into
the net by Emmanuel Onariase. Now in full control, the Londoners relaxed and
could easily have extended their lead, only for Grady Diangana to shoot wide
when well-placed. The final whistle sparked celebrations among those in
Claret and Blue, with the victory completing an encouraging and very
worthwhile two days' work.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Haycock happy with early-season form
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock is hoping a midweek win will inspire his U21s players in their
next league game
06.09.2014
West Ham United's Development Squad have had a tough start to their Barclays
U21 Premier League campaign results-wise. Despite good performances in each
of their three games, Nick Haycock's men have only got one point to show for
their efforts. A cruel equaliser late on away to Manchester City prevented
a deserved first win of the season following defeats by Tottenham Hotspur
and Southampton. The U21s' next game is at 7pm kick-off against Liverpool on
Friday 12 September at the Boleyn Ground. Speaking after the West Ham
United XI 5-1 win over an Ipswich Town XI on Thursday, Haycock said: "The
scoreline wasn't the most important thing, it was the performance and what
each player individually could get out of the game." For everybody it was
about getting minutes on the pitch under their belts, and to put in a good
performance at the same time." Haycock has given his squad the weekend off
to ensure the players come back refreshed and focused, ready to return to
training on Monday in preparation for Friday's match. "The boys are going
to get a few days off, the group will be off Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We
will be back on the training field, Monday and Tuesday preparing for the
Liverpool game. "We had a meeting about the Manchester City game and the
first three games as a whole. We know we are a little unlucky in terms of
the amount of points we have, but the performances are improving with a
young side playing together."
When asked if there was anything specific the team needs to work on, Haycock
replied: "It's pretty much more of the same of what we have been doing. We
just need to be a little more clinical at the top end of the pitch, as well
as keeping that defensive security. If we do that, we'll give a good account
of ourselves against Liverpool." Liverpool have started the season well,
securing four points from their opening two games after a 1-0 away win at
Sunderland, followed by a 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Little demands Lewes performance
WHUFC.com
Stacey Little has demanded an improvement when West Ham United Ladies head
to Lewes
06.09.2014
Captain Stacey Little has demanded an improvement when West Ham United
Ladies head to Lewes on Sunday. The Hammers began the 2014/15 campaign with
a 2-1 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division victory at Queens Park
Rangers, only to follow that up with a League Cup first-round exit at
Keynsham Town and home league defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.
Little, who was the driving force behind Julian Dicks' appointment as Ladies
manager in the summer, has issued a rallying cry her boss would no doubt be
proud of ahead of this weekend's trip to Sussex. "We do a lot of travelling
and we don't want to be going to places like Lewes and not come back with
the three points," said Little, whose side travelled to Somerset last
weekend and face trips to Coventry, Portsmouth and Plymouth in the coming
weeks. "We want and need to start getting points on the board now. "From our
performance against QPR to what we have shown in the past two games, we need
to pick it up massively and we need to get back to the level of performance
we produced at QPR.
On Thursday, Little was disappointed that the Ladies could not produce a
performance or result to mark the occasion of Dicks' first home match in
charge.
Hundreds of fans turned out for the visit of Spurs following a determined
social and digital media campaign to attract more support, only for West Ham
to end up on the losing side. The skipper hopes those supporters will not be
dissuaded from making their way to Aveley FC's Mill Field for future
matches, with home fixtures against Copsewood, Plymouth Argyle and
Portsmouth scheduled for 14, 21 and 28 September respectively. Kick-off for
all three league matches is 2pm.
"West Ham fans are fantastic, whether they are men, women or kids," Little
confirmed. "They have shown their support for us this season already and are
fully behind us. I'm just gutted we couldn't give them the result they came
along and hoped to see on Thursday night."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Academy Ace - Djair Parfitt-Williams
WHUFC.com
Attacker Djair Parfitt-Williams knows hard work, dedication and ability are
a winning combination
06.09.2014
Djair Parfitt-Williams is determined to fulfil his English football dream
after journeying from across the Atlantic Ocean. Academy forward Djair
Parfitt-Williams' path to West Ham United was not the typical one taken by
the majority of his contemporaries. Parfitt-Williams did not come to the
Club having impressed in the local London or Essex leagues. Instead, his
route into English football came via Hammers legend and former Bermuda
international Clyde Best MBE. Best, who played 219 games for the Hammers
between 1968 and 1976, now lives in the United States and spotted his
countryman Parfitt-Williams when he was playing for San Jose Earthquakes. A
recommendation to his former Club in London later, the youngster found
himself at West Ham for a trial, and three years down the line he is now
starting out on the second year of his scholarship. He explained: "I came
here in summer 2011, and I has been playing at San Jose Earthquakes in
California previously. "Clyde Best had heard about me before and he wanted
to come in and have a look at me. He said as soon as he saw me on the ball,
that he knew I had abilities. "I'm glad that he gave me the opportunity and
hopefully if I make it to where I want to make it, I can give back. That was
a great day, I was just so happy, I was excited to get over here. I just
wanted to come to England so badly. When I got my opportunity I knew I had
to take it."
Growing up in Bermuda, then moving to the United States, and now pitching up
in England, Parfitt-Williams has certainly covered the miles in chasing his
football dream, but every sacrifice has been worth it to get him to this
stage. He explained: "At times, you miss your people, you miss your family,
your boys. You miss everybody, but in the back of your head you know that
you've got to make sacrifices to get to where you want to get. You've got to
be mentally strong, if this is what you really want to do then you've got to
get on with it."
Parfitt-Williams is grateful to the Academy staff for helping him settle
with the Hammers and he is keen to repay them with a strong campaign. He
continued: "When I first came here Paul Heffer helped me a lot, he spoke to
me after my games, spoke to me after training. He would tell me what I need
to do and then there's Steve Potts, who I've been with since I came here. Me
and Steve have a good relationship. It has helped because I can talk to them
sometimes. It's good. "
The forward managed nine goals in 28 games last season and is already off
the mark for the current campaign. He has the appetite for more, too. "I
would say last season's performance was good overall, but I think it could
have been betterI wanted to get more goals, I wanted to get more assists. It
just means that I need to work harder. Overall it was good but there's room
for more."
As for his own abilities, Parfitt-Williams says he has become a better
all-round player since coming to the Hammers. He explained: "When I first
came here I would say I was more of a skilful player and didn't really like
defending. Those are more English sides of the game and I'm getting better
at them, I can still improve. I need to bring these things together with
tricks and all the skills. There's Joga Bonito, play beautiful, have fun
with it, but at the same time you need to do some hard work. If you can
bring those things together then there's no stopping you."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WOULD PAOLO HAVE BECOME A LEGEND UNDER ALLARDYCE?
By Iain Dale 7 Sep 2014 at 08:08
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Josh
Perhaps my favourite West Ham player of all time, Paolo Di Canio, is quite
rightly a modern West Ham legend, an icon who was adored by our own fans and
at the same time gained tremendous respect from opposition supporters for
his passionate and hugely entertaining playing style. At times, he was as
frustrating as he was resplendent, but perhaps it was this unpredictability
that made him so endearing. The man oozed passion, charisma, and had an
unquenchable thirst for victory. He knew he was loved, but most importantly,
the love was reciprocated - Paolo had, and still does have, a genuine love
for West Ham.
But my question is this - if Paolo had been born 15 years later and signed
for us this summer (for a bargain 1.5m), would he have gone on to achieve
the same legendary status under our current manager?
Whilst not wanting to cover old ground, Sam Allardyce is well known for
being a statistics loving, conservative manager. He likes players that he
knows what to expect from every week, often giving preference to a 'grafter'
rather than someone who is more skilful but less consistent. You can argue
whether these are positive or negative traits as long as you like, but
whichever way you look at it, this selection policy would not cater to 'Mr
Unpredictable' Paolo Di Canio.
Whilst we all loved him for it, would Paolo's character have been deemed
acceptable by Allardyce? It could be argued that he wasn't much of a team
player, and he certainly wasn't the best at following instructions. Who can
forget the demands to be substituted after failing in three penalty appeals
against Bradford? Or him pushing over the referee, albeit when in Sheffield
Wednesday colours? Whilst his ability on the pitch was unquestionable, these
eccentricities that we loved as fans would not have been well received by
Big Sam. Indeed, would he have seen him as too much of a risk to play in
important games? Would Paolo's tendency to crack a speculative shot away
from outside the box, or his attempts to dribble past four people rather
than play the simple pass be frowned upon? Or worse still, would these be
elements of his game that Allardyce would try to 'iron out'?
Another thing that makes me doubt whether Paolo would have made it under Sam
Allardyce is his preference for 4 - 3 - 3 / 4 - 5 - 1. Whilst capable of
playing on the left of a front three, it certainly wasn't his best position,
and Paolo certainly wasn't a target man. He thrived in a 4-4-2 formation,
his best form for us coming in a partnership with Kanoute or Defoe, with the
likes of Joe Cole, Trevor Sinclair and Michael Carrick supplying the
ammunition. If Paolo were to sign today, where would he fit in the side? And
if he did, would he be supplied with the through balls he craved, or would
he have to rely on floated crosses from Jarvis and Downing?
Whilst this is very much a rhetorical question, there may be one way to tell
whether or not Paolo would have gone down in history if he had played in
this current era - Mauro Zarate. From my short glimpses of him so far, and
from the stories we read about his 'character', I think Mauro could be
considered a player of a similar mould to Paolo. Only time will tell what
sort of impact he will make at the club, but if he leaves me with even a
quarter of the memories Paolo did, he will arguably achieve 'legend' status
himself.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GOLD & SULLIVAN: INNOCENT OF 'MUGGING US OFF'!
By Iain Dale 6 Sep 2014 at 21:35
West Ham till I Die
Guest Post by 'DC'
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, I put it to you that the defendants, Gold,
Sullivan, Brady and Allardyce are innocent of the alleged crime
'mugging-us-off'. Let us look at the evidence.
This summer, the defendants claimed they would employ a new attacking coach
(20/5/14). They recruited a one Mr. Edward 'Teddy' Sheringham, a reputable
striker of his day.
They claimed they would employ a new Director of Player Recruitment. They
recruited a one Mr. Tony Henry (currently in transit somewhere near
Spaghetti Junction).
They claimed they would continue to value The Academy and Youth Player
Development. They are currently developing and offering opportunities to
young players such as Reece Oxford, Reece Burke, Leo Chambers, Daniel Potts,
Diego Poyet, Ravel Morrison and Elliott Lee, among others.
They claimed they would adopt a Summer Transfer Policy in which players aged
27 or under would be recruited - Cresswell (24), Jenkinson (22), Kouyate
(24), Poyet (19), Sakho (24), Song (26), Valencia (24), Zarate (27). Only
the acquisition of Morgan Amalfitano (29) on Transfer Deadline Day breached
that policy.
They claimed they would begin a recruitment drive to sign quality attacking
players. Mauro Zarate, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho were recruited. Ravel
Morrison was also reintegrated back into the club.
They claimed they were pursuing a talented 6ft 4" midfielder (being tracked
by various clubs across Europe). Cheikhou Kouyate, a talented 6ft 4"
midfielder was recruited.
They claimed they would place a greater emphasis on playing attacking
football. For this, the Jury is still out, if you pardon the pun.
During what has been a lengthy trial, the defendant Allardyce claimed that
he was looking to bring in one more defender. As we now know, Allardyce
turned Queen's Evidence as a contingency against the defendant Sullivan
getting 'a bit carried away' on Transfer Deadline Day (31/08/14). May I
remind you of Allardyce's final statement: "For the record, we've done all
our business [.] with the exception of one more player of quality"
(29/08/14). The one player of quality? Alex Song, a central midfielder come
central defender from a club called Barcelona.
Now yes, the Prosecution will rightly argue 'but what about Mo Diame being
sold?' and 'what about Amalfitano being bought?' They'll tell you how on
Football Focus (30/08/14), Allardyce nearly rubbed his own chin off when
answering the tricky question 'so who did actually hire Teddy Sheringham?'
Nevertheless, I ask that you the jury, focus on a much more significant
question. On Monday the 15th September at 8.00pm, which team's football
shirt will Winston Reid be wearing?
Members of the Jury, I put it to you that the defendants have done exactly
(more or less) what they claimed they would do and are therefore innocent of
the alleged crime 'mugging-us-off'.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ONE WINDOW CLOSES AS ANOTHER OPENS
By Sean Whetstone 6 Sep 2014 at 17:32
West Ham Till I Die
The summer transfer window is now closed but another window opens next
Tuesday, that is the Football league loan window which opens on 9th
September and closes on the 27th November. Although Premier League can't
loan players in during this window, they are permitted to loan players out.
Following our Carling cup defeat Sam Allardyce said in his post match
interview:
.bq "There's nowhere else to get members of my 25-man squad football at a
very competitive level. Only the Capital One Cup that can do that. The rest
of the time we can only train them and play amongst each other because the
Under 21 league is not where you play them, because that's not competitive
enough. It's a disappointment that when you have a 25-man squad - which
we're going to name two days after the window shuts - a lot of them are
going to have to keep themselves fit by training and training alone rather
than getting a game in the Capital One Cup and making a statement to me. The
reason Adrian got the goalkeeping number one slot in the end was because of
his performances in the Capital One Cup last year and a few others. So it's
a disappointing night to go out of the competition."
It is clear from that interview that in Sam's eyes he doesn't consider the
Premier U21 (development) league competitive enough and many of these young
players will now need to go out to Championship or lower league clubs on
loan to prove themselves to catch the manager's eye.
In early speculation it is Diego Poyet who captained the West Ham XI beat an
Ipswich XI 5-1 midweek is being rumoured for a return back to Charlton on
loan, although both Brentford and Huddersfield are said to also want to sign
him.
Elliot Lee also looks set to be sent out on loan to a Championship club
although I am told West Ham are struggling to find a team that will
guarantee him regular starts as they want him played week in week out.
George Moncur is already on loan to Colchester United and scored 2 goals
from his first two starts.
It remains to be seen whether Sebastian Lletget, Raphael Spiegel, Dan Potts,
Reece Burke, Josh Cullen, Paul McCallum,Lewis Page and Blair Turgott will
also be sent out on temporary loans.
With his four goal tally midweek Matthias Fanimo might be another name sent
out on a one or three month loan to experience competitive football.
Earlier this week the Premier League published West Ham's list of under 21s
under contract and scholars listed below. Some new names in there. Reece
Oxford is not included as he is still 15 so remains on school boy forms.
Remains to seen which ones will make the grade from the Academy.
Adebayo, Fatai Ololade Akanni
Amoo, Jeremiah
Bailey, Kieran
Bogard, Clarke Ellis
Brown, Jordan Antonio
Brown, Tim
Browne, Marcus Alexander
Burke, Reece
Bywater, Kieran
Carter, Matthew James
Chambers, Leo Alexander
Cullen, Joshua Jon
Diangana, Grady
Elsom, Ross
Fanimo, Matthias Olubori
Gordon, Jaanai Derece
Harney, Jamie
Howes, Samuel Scott
Knoyle, Kyle
Lee, Elliot Robert
Linley, Joseph
Maguire, Sean
Makasi, Kusu Moses
Marlow, Ben John
Mavila, Nathan
McCallum, Paul Leon Miller
Moncur, George
Morrison, Ravel Ryan
Nasha, Amos Lawrence
Page, Lewis Robert
Parfitt-Williams, Djair Terraii Carl
Pask, Joshua David
Pike, Alexander George
Potts, Daniel
Poyet Gonzalez, Diego
Sadlier, Kieran Paul
Sheriff, Decarrey
Sylvestre, Noha
Tombides, Taylor James
Turgott, Blair Sebastian
Westley, Samuel Edward
Whitehead, Daniel
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ecuador beats Bolivia 4-0 in exhibition
By Associated Press September 6 at 11:19 PM
Washington Post
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Christian Noboa, Juan Cazares, Enner Valencia and
Junior Sornoza scored goals in Ecuador's 4-0 victory over Bolivia in an
exhibition game Saturday night. Cazares also had an assist. Ecuador opened
the scoring in the ninth minute on Noboa's goal. Renato Ibarra made a cross
to Noboa in the center of the box and his shot went off the hands of
goalkeeper Daniel Vaca and rolled slowly into the goal. Ecuador made it 2-0
when Cazares took a shot from 25 yards out curled to the far post and into
the net in the 33rd minute. Valencia scored in the 65th minute. Valencia
found an opening in the left corner of the net after taking a pass from Joao
Rojas. Sornoza's shot from the center of the box beat Vaca in the 83rd
minute. Ecuador outshot Bolivia 13-5 and leads the series 6-0-1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Runaway winner in Player of Month poll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 6, 2014 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
Cheikhou Kouyate has been a runaway winner of the ClaretandHugh Player of
the Month poll for August. The Senegal midfielder collected 287 votes (68.33
per cent) in our poll which closed this afternoon. Mark Noble was in second
place a long way behind with 38 votes and 9.05 per cent of the vote. Another
new boy Aaron Cresswell was in third place - 31 votes and 7.38 per cent of
vote with Mauro Zarate fourth - 26 votes and 6.19 per cent of the vote.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GROW UP MO AND SHOW SOME CLASS
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on September 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There's really no other way of putting this! I truly am becoming a little
irritated about how regularly Mo Diame reminds us that he's a top four or
six club player! But more importantly, were I his new manager Steve Bruce
this morning I'd be pretty upset about his latest self indulgent outburst.
No sooner does the bloke join his new club than he's whinging on about how -
had circumstances been different at West Ham - he would be at a better club.
That really does show a lack of class - a bit like any of us leaving one
job, going to another and telling everybody around: "Yeah but of course I'm
better than this."
Two words for Mo Diame this morning: Grow up! There may of course be
something in his claim that had Sam Allardyce not shifted him around to a
variety of positions he would have been shown off to better advantage. There
were times when it did seem odd that the manager decided to play him wide
but Mo Diame's game is well known and were a top manager to have come for
him he would have done his homework and would know what he's getting. Here's
the nub of what Diame is saying in his quotes: ".At least with Hull I will
be certain of playing in my favoured role. "I should have left West Ham a
long time ago, as with them I wasn't permitted to play in central midfield."
AT LEAST? These are two words which suggest Mr Diame is about to make the
best of a bad job. As I say that really does lack class. And perhaps he
needs to remember that even when he was playing to the peak of his form in
his favoured role, nobody came in for him. Mo Diame needs to realise his
position in life - a middle of the road midfielder playing at about the
right level. Hopefuly that's the last we'll here from him on this rather
tired old issue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
