Daily WHUFC News - 15TH October 2014

The Big Interview - Neil McDonald
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald is delighted with the Hammers' start to the
season
14.10.2014

West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald is delighted with the
Hammers' start to the season. Here he talks about the impressive impact the
new signings have had, Teddy Sheringham's new role and targeting a top half
finish.

Neil, it's been an impressive start to the season, have you been surprised
how well we've done so far?

NMc: "Not really, it's disappointing that we haven't got a couple more
points on the board. I'm pleased with the points we do have. We've picked up
our first away win of the season and now we've won two on the bounce at home
which is great. That gives confidence to everybody for the rest of the
season."

Fans and media alike have picked up on the positive performances as well as
the results, is that something you've been working on?

NMc: "I think personnel recruitment has been very good over the summer. I've
been at the club for almost four years now, in that time even the way people
come in has changed. We've also changed the formation round a little bit and
the style. I think last season we scored a lot of goals from open play and
then injuries slowed us down. In the end we didn't get as many points as we
should have done.
"I think the new signings have helped bring a freshness in. They can play
the ball well, perhaps better than we've had before. We're creating more
chances than we've done before, we're getting more of the ball and sticking
the chances away more regularly."

We brought in nine new signings in the summer, are you pleased with how
quickly they have settled in?

NMc: "I am because through experience with other signings it usually takes a
couple of months for the new signings to settle in. Certainly if they're
coming from another country that brings more things to deal with such as
getting used to a new culture, buying a house and sorting out schools for
the kids. That's something we do very, very well. We pamper the players if
anything, making sure they're settled, making sure their families are
settled.
"We try and sort it out so they live close together, that helps with the
social side of things and helps them bond as a team. That then helps them to
perform on the training pitch and in the matches.
"All the new signings have taken to the role they've been assigned very,
very well. I've been impressed with how they've dealt with the pace and
physicality of the Premier League. They've taken to it like a duck to water
and long may that continue."

Have you done anything differently on the training pitch?

NMc: "We always work very, very hard in training. We concentrate on the
upcoming games from the Monday and in every single session. The aim is that
come matchday the players are thinking, 'I know what to do.'
"I think our pace in the team has vastly improved because it offers us the
chance to switch things if we can't get through, then we can try and go in
behind the defence. We've got lots of people who can know handle the ball
well. That's no disrespect to the players we've had previously but that's
certainly a big improvement."

Teddy Sheringham has come into the coaching staff as attacking coach. He's
talked about how much he's enjoying it here. What has he added since his
arrival?

NMc: "He's added a great amount of experience. The boys have really taken to
his finishing exercises. He's played at the highest level and he's got a
good eye for coaching. He plays a valuable role and his advice is important.
He comes in twice a week to work on finishing, the boys are enjoying it so
it's going well."

We've got more players to come back from injury, in theory things can only
get better?

NMc: "Well you'd like to think so. We were a bit thin against QPR but now
we've got players coming back from injury. Competition for places is always
good as they put pressure on the starting players.
"Mark Noble has been a staple of the team for a number of years, but Alex
Song has come in. So we've had to make a decision about having one or two
sitting midfielders. Cheikhou Kouyate has come in and also done very well.
We've got Kevin coming back and Stewart playing in a new role. So we've got
lots and lots of options."

The manager has spoken about breaking the season into blocks. When you
review the first section of the season, would you say West Ham have achieved
their targets?

NMc: "Yeah we're there with one game spare. Hopefully we're going to be
ahead of schedule. We'll refocus for the next eight games after Burnley. We
have a whole range of targets, not just a points tally but number of goals
scored from open play, number of goals scored from set pieces etc. It
depends slightly on the opposition we've got in the next eight games. We'll
reassess where we're at after Burnley and go from there.
"So it's a process of concentrating on little targets to reach the overall
target of finishing tenth or even higher."

What is a realistic target for this season, a top half finish?

NMc: "With the personnel we have and the start we've had I think it is
realistic, yes. It's about getting the balance of scoring goals and keeping
clean sheets. We're scoring enough so far but not keeping the clean sheets
yet. If we can get the dynamics right, and use the right formation then
we'll bet set for a very interesting season."

Can you go into a bit of detail about what happened with Carlisle. You're
still our assistant manager, can you shed any light?

NMc: "I got a call from the club asking for permission to speak to me. I
spoke to them and went to one of their games which caused a bit of mayhem.
I'm in a great position here at West Ham, I've got a great job here at West
Ham. I love what I do. My family still live up north but I'm totally
committed down here. I want to get back into management of course, but I'll
bide my time. As I said, I've got a great job that I love. We've had a
successful three or four years so long may that continue."

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Brand of football excites Russell
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fan Russell Brand is excited by the impressive start to the
season
14.10.2014

West Ham United fan Russell Brand has been an avid fan since his early
childhood. Despite a busy schedule which includes considerable amount of
travelling, Brand visits the Boleyn Ground as and when he can. Having taken
ten points from the opening seven games, the outspoken comedian and activist
is excited about the Hammers' good start to the season. Speaking at
half-time in the 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, Brand enthused: "I think
there's a real change in atmosphere at West Ham, I don't know if it's the
addition of Teddy Sheringham or the new signings. Big Sam has radically
altered the way West Ham are playing. "It's definitely for the better.
We're playing out wide on the wings, and little triangles, it's one of the
most exciting times I've had at West Ham for a while."

The Hammers had a busy transfer market signing nine players, all of whom
have contributed well in their short time at the club. "I like Diafra Sakho
a lot. I like Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate. But I really love Cheikhou
Kouyate. I love him and it's a shame he's out for a bit. Song looks pretty
strong today."

Brand continued to voice his concern about the injury fans favourite Mark
Noble suffered just before the Manchester United game: "I miss Nobes, and no
one will ever replace him in my heart, when will he be back?"

The international break has given Noble the opportunity to regain fitness
following his calf injury. The midfielder has now returned to full training
and he could make a return against Burnley this Saturday at Turf Moor.
Summarising the season so far, Brand's passion and enthusiasm is clear:
"It's a brilliant time for us. I thought the Liverpool game was wicked. In
the first game of the season against Tottenham we were deadly unlucky. I
think it's a brilliant time to be a West Ham fan. "All the fans are enjoying
it. I wouldn't be surprised to hear 'Big Sam's Claret and Blue army' ring
out anytime soon!"

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Big Sam handed injury boost
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble moves closer to fitness ahead of Burnley clash
13.10.2014

Sam Allardyce has been handed a welcome injury boost ahead of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League trip to Burnley. The West Ham United manager is
likely to have Hammer of the Year Mark Noble available for selection at Turf
Moor after the midfielder returned to full training at Chadwell Heath on
Monday. Noble suffered a calf injury in training in the week leading up to
the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday 27 September, missing that
game and the 2-0 home win over Queens Park Rangers, but could be set for a
return at Burnley this weekend. Guy Demel (thigh), James Collins (groin) and
Ricardo Vaz Te (thigh) will be re-evaluated later this week and could also
all be back in Big Sam's squad this weekend, while Carl Jenkinson
(hamstring) is hoping to be fit after being withdrawn from England U21 duty
as a precaution. Midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate's rehabilitation is progressing
well as he continues his comeback from a Grade 2 groin muscle injury, which
he suffered in the 3-1 home win over Liverpool on 20 September. The usual
recovery time for such an injury is six weeks, but the Senegal international
hopes to be fit to return ahead of schedule.

Finally, Andy Carroll is working hard, progressing well and ahead of
schedule as he continues his own recovery from ankle surgery in late July.
The England centre forward is hoping to see some game time in November.

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Mum knows best for Song
WHUFC.com
Alex Song said he followed his mother's advice by joining West Ham United
13.10.2014

The old saying that 'Mum knows best' certainly rings true for West Ham
United midfielder Alex Song. Eyebrows were raised in some quarters when Song
swapped Spanish giants Barcelona for the Hammers in August, signing a
season-long loan deal. However, the move has proved hugely successful so
far, with the Cameroon international producing a string of classy
performances and captaining the side on two occasions.
Six weeks into his spell at the Boleyn Ground, the No30 revealed that he was
reaping the rewards of following his mother's advice.
"My Mum always says 'You have to be happy with what you've got, and I am
very happy here'," Song revealed. "I am very happy here. I am enjoying
training every day, there is a good group of players here. "It's important
to fit in to the group you are working in, and I am doing that here.
Everybody has shown me a lot of love, I feel very welcomed here. At the
moment the team is playing very well, we need to continue to do that and
improve at the same time."

Song's outstanding form has helped the Hammers deal with the absences of
Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate, all of whom have suffered
injuries during the opening weeks of the campaign. Nolan is back in action
after a fractured shoulder, while Noble (calf) and Kouyate (groin) both hope
to be involved when West Ham return to action at Burnley on Saturday 18
October. "In a month's time we'll be even better because we have a few
injured players," Song confirmed. "Hopefully the injured players will be
back after the international break. Kevin is coming back which is good. We
have a very good squad."

That strong squad has so far paid dividends, with West Ham climbing to
seventh in the table courtesy of a string of excellent performances. Indeed,
were it not for unfortunate defeats by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester
United, the Hammers could be even higher in the standings. While Song is not
allowing himself to get carried away with their promising start, the former
Arsenal player does believe his new club can challenge for a European place
if they maintain their present level. "We have to try our best, if we do
that we can finish in the top ten," he said. "We might be able to get Europe
if we play very well, it is possible for sure. "For me it is very important
that we aim high. It is also very important for the fans. I'm not saying
we'll get into the top four, but we will try to finish as high as possible
in the league. "Everyone is focused on that. It won't be easy with clubs
like Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal who are very strong, but we have
to stay positive."

Song has used the current international break to return to his home country
to visit family and friends. They, no doubt, will be as impressed as his new
team-mates and supporters have been with his flamboyant fashion sense. Most
mornings, the 27-year-old posts photographs of his outfit for the day on his
official Instagram page, impressing the vast majority of his followers, but
not team-mate Noble! "It's difficult to follow me because I don't have one
style!" he smiled. "Today I can be cool in a suit, or sometimes I can dress
like a crazy guy. "Mark Noble said to the others I had the worst clothes
he'd ever seen in his life but that's me, I like to be fashionable. "I don't
like to have just one style, I have to be different. I want to surprise
people, so they don't know what to expect. I like to play with the fashion.
Some people like it, some people don't. It's my personality and I'll never
change it."

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Mediawatch - 14 October
WHUFC.com
whufc.com's daily round-up of the Hammers stories making the news
14.10.2014

In the Newcastle Journal, 'close pals' of Andy Carroll have laughed off
suggestions that he could return to his hometown club. The story reiterates
Carroll's desire to repay the Hammers for their faith in him by returning
from injury as soon as possible.

The Ilford Recorder's interview with Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald
features his view that the current squad is the best he has worked with
during his time in E13.

The Mirror report that West Ham and QPR will battle it out for the signature
of Lazio's Abdoulay Konko.

The Mail Online carry a video feature on Enner Valencia's stunning goal for
Ecuador against the USA.
Finally, Givemesport run this light-hearted feature, in which they suggest a
young Sam Allardyce resembled One Direction's Harry Styles.

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Etherington on trial at Millwall
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Veteran winger Matthew Etherington is hoping to secure a move to
Championship side Millwall. The 33-year-old wide-man trained with West Ham
earlier in the year in order to maintain his fitness during pre-season, but
having failed to secure a contract with a Premier League club Etherington
has now set his sights further down the pyramid. Etherington - who was
signed by Alan Pardew in August 2004 stayed with West Ham for six seasons
during which time he represented the club at Cardiff in two play off Finals
and an FA Cup Final. He was also part of the squad that took part in the
club's most recent European campaign - a short-lived run in the 2007 UEFA
Cup which began - and ended - in Palermo. He is now set to spend a fortnight
with the Lions as he hopes to earn a permanent contract.

* In other news, MK Dons' Jordan Spence - who left West Ham last summer
after nine years with West Ham - says he is enjoying featuring regularly at
first team level for the first time in his career. Spence played just a
handful of games for West Ham's first team and admits he is happy just to be
playing. "Wherever I'm asked to play I'll play," he told MK Web. "I like
playing at full back and before I came here last season I probably hadn't
played at centre half for two years consistently but I enjoyed that last
season. "I've been affiliated with West Ham for a very long time and never
done a pre-season away from there. "It was hard but mentally it was a good
thing - it allows you to re-evaluate and come back even more hungry. I'm
just glad to be back here and playing now."

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A Song for Europe?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's on-loan midfielder Alex Song believes European qualification is
within reach this season. Song, who is at West Ham for the rest of the
campaign on loan from parent club Barcelona has expressed his pleasure at
the ease in which he and his family have settled back into London life, two
years after the Cameroon international left for Spain. Encouraged by his new
club's decent start to the 2014/15 season, the 27-year-old insists that a
serious push for a top six spot should be the target this year - an aim
echoed by co-owner David Sullivan in an interview for whufc.tv at the
weekend. "We have to try our best, if we do that we can finish in the top
ten," he told whufc.com. "We might be able to get into Europe if we play
very well; it is possible for sure."It is very important that we aim high.
It is also very important for the fans. I'm not saying we'll get into the
top four, but we will try to finish as high as possible in the league."

West Ham entered the international break seventh in the Premier League
following the comfortable 2-0 win against Queens Park Rangers at the Boleyn
Ground nine days ago. Song - who admits that he is yet to reach peak fitness
- was a key factor in the win and was subsequently awarded the sponsors'
Player of the Match award. (If not KUMB's writers, who selected Stewart
Downing and James Tomkins!) He also enjoyed praise for his performance in
the 3-1 win against Liverpool last month, in which he "showed regular
flashes of his undoubted class".

Although used sparingly by Barcelona last season - he made just 25
appearances, many of which were from the bench - Song did feature in
European competition, making four appearances in the Champions League.
However he only started one of those - a surprise 2-1 defeat at Ajax in
November 2013.

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Kelly joins backroom team
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Ex-Hammer David Kelly has been named assistant manager of Scunthorpe United.
Kelly, popularly known as 'Ned' spent two seasons at the Boleyn Ground
between 1988 and 1980, during which he scores seven goals in 41 appearances
for West Ham. Purchased from Walsall, for whom he scored 63 goals in 147
appearances Kelly was signed by John Lyall in the wake of Frank McAvennie's
departure to Celtic but failed to shine during his short stay in east London
and was sold to Leicester at the start of the 1990/91 campaign. The 26-times
capped Irish international went on to play for a further eight clubs,
including Sunderland and Newcastle before hanging up his boots in 2002
having made 606 first team appearances (scoring 194 goals). Scunthorpe boss
Mark Robins, speaking in the wake of Kelly's arrival told the local
Telegraph: "The key for me is to get the right staff in place and make sure
we embrace the staff that are already here and help them develop. "We have
to help the players as much as we possibly can to deliver the performances
we are going to need."

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Relegation Roger out in the cold
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Roger Johnson, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at West Ham
is still searching for a new club - with no prospect of playing for his
current one. The central defender, who made six appearances for West Ham
fell out spectacularly with his current club Wolves some time ago and has
been condemned to train alone since returning from his temporary stint at
the Boleyn Ground. Part of the much-maligned 'Group Three' - ie players at
Wolves on lucrative, long-term, Premier League contracts who have been
frozen out of the first team - Johnson is a free agent next summer but
unable to find a club willing to take him on at present. That has come as
something as a surprise to current Wolves boss Kenny Jackett, who told the
Express & Star: "It's been very quiet with Roger - there are no
developments. But I feel someone, somewhere along the line will need an
experienced defender and give him a break. "I'm surprised he hasn't got
anything fixed up, because he did well at Sheffield Wednesday last season
and well enough to get West Ham to come in. He didn't get many chances at
West Ham, where it always looked like he was going in as a squad player.
"But, at Sheffield, he led the team and played well and I don't know why it
hasn't happened for him."

In the meantime, the 31-year-old - who proved to be a popular figure amongst
the staff and players at West Ham - remains in the football wilderness,
training with fellow outcast Kevin Foley. "They are just generally doing
fitness work and a limited amount of ball work," added Jackett. "It's
frustrating for everyone."

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Carroll: let battle commence
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Andy Carroll says that he is looking forward to winning back a first team
spot when he returns from his latest injury. The England international is
expected to be available for selection again within the next few weeks.
However in order to win back a first team spot he will have to dislodge at
least one of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, who have formed a formidable
partnership at the head of West Ham's attack so far this season. That fight
is a prospect Carroll says he relishes. "I don't mind a battle, and every
team needs competition for places," he told the Standard's Marc Isaacs.
"That is one of the things we have here - everyone is fighting for their
place. "I've had mixed emotions watching the team this season. I am
desperate to be out there on the pitch but I remember the Liverpool game
when I was jumping up and down watching from the box. I think I did enough
work for that day on my ankle! "I know I've had problems with injuries and
I'm not hiding away from that. Hopefully this is the last one and I can get
it out of the way."

At the weekend, both David Sullivan and Alex Song insisted that finishing in
the top six this season was not an impossibility; it's a mantra that Carroll
repeats. "When I first signed for the club the manager said this team could
get into the top six and into Europe," he said. "I can see the plan coming
together now - it is not out of the question. With the players we have I
can't see any reason why we can't do that. The quality is there, and with
the new stadium coming we have everything else going for us."

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West Ham linked with 'the new Suker'
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are one of a series of clubs to be linked with a move for Croatian
Andrej Kramaric. The 23-year-old striker is yet to play outside of his come
country but could be set for a money-spinning move to one of Europe's top
leagues this winter after impressing for his current club Rijeka, with West
Ham just one of a number of clubs monitoring his situation. Kramaric, who
spent 15 years with Dinamo Zagreb before moving to the Riječki bijeli last
year scored more than 450 goals as a youth player for the club he initially
joined as a six-year-old. Having made his Croatian league debut in 2009,
Kramaric spent the 2012/13 season on loan at Lokomotiva for whom he scored
20 goals in 44 appearances. It is form that he had retained at his new club
for whom he scored 30 times last season in 41 games. This season, the
£4million-rated forward - who has been likened to former Croat striker Davor
Suker by current national coach Niko Kovac - has scored an incredible 16
goals in 18 starts including three in the Europa League, a competition in
which West Ham hope to be participating next season. AC Milan, Genoa,
Championship side Fulham plus a number of Russian Premier League clubs are
all said to be keeping tabs on Kramaric, whose existing contract is
scheduled to expire at the end of the current season.


Andrej Kramaric: Career Stats

2014/15 (Rijeka): Pld 18 Gls 6 Assts 2
2013/14 (Rijeka): Pld 41 Gls 30 Assts 4 Bkd 5
2012/13 (Lokomotiva): Pld 32 Gls 15 Assts 9 Bkd 4
2011/12 (Zagreb): Pld 14 Gls 5 Assts 1
2010/11 (Zagreb): Pld 14 Gls 1 Assts 1
2009/10 (Zagreb): Pld 29 Gls 7 Assts 4
2008/09 (Zagreb): Pld 1

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Noble back in contention
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 14th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Mark Noble is back in contention for a first team spot after being declared
fit to face Burnley at Turf Moor this weekend. The club's vice captain has
been out of action since damaging a calf in the 3-1 win over Liverpool last
month, but has returned to training this week according to whufc.com - all
of which gives Sam Allardyce something of a selection problem. With club
captain Kevin Nolan also fit for purpose once again, Big Sam will have to
decided whether to change a winning team to incorporate either Noble or
Nolan. Whilst Nolan - who made his first team comeback as a late substitute
for Mauro Zarate against QPR - has been feeling his way into the team, Noble
will almost certainly replace Morgan Amalfitano should a reshuffle be deemed
appropriate. Meanwhile there's similarly good news on the injury front where
England Under 21 Carl Jenkinson is concerned; the on-loan full back pulled
out of international duty last week after feeling a hamstring but should be
fit to face the Clarets on Saturday afternoon. Fellow right back Guy Demel
is also hoping to be fit enough to play following his recent thigh injury,
as is centre half James Collins - who also pulled out of international duty
with a groin strain. Elsewhere Cheikhou Kouyate, who limped off the field
following West Ham's 3-1 win over Liverpool three weeks ago is reported to
be ahead of schedule in his fight for fitness and could be involved again
prior to the six-week schedule initially mooted as his recovery period.
November is also when Andy Carroll hopes to be fit enough to be considered
for selection once again; the 25-year-old striker, who is yet to feature
this season and was linked with a return to Newcastle at the weekend is said
to be desperate to play once again. In the opposition camp, Burnley manager
Sean Dyche has a number of injury concerns of his own with top striker Danny
Ings (hamstring) plus midfielders David Jones and Dean Marney all hoping to
recover from recent spells on the sidelines in time to face West Ham. "It's
been good, we will wait and see how things go along this week but they are
going nicely at the minute," said Dyche. "We will see how the training goes
this week."

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Andy Carroll vows to fight for place in West Ham first team
Last Updated: 14/10/14 7:13pm
West Ham striker Andy Carroll has insisted he is ready to fight for a
first-team spot when he makes his long-awaited return from injury.
SSN

The former Liverpool hitman has had to endure a difficult start to life at
Upton Park since making the move to London last summer, with numerous
fitness problems leading to long spells on the treatment table. After
undergoing surgery in America in the summer, the 25-year-old looked set to
be out of action until December, but Carroll has made a speedy recovery, and
could be available for selection in early November. Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce has considerably bolstered his strikeforce in the summer, with
Mauro Zarate, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia already notching six league
goals this campaign. But despite being behind such an in-form attacking
triumvirate in the pecking order, Carroll is adamant he is ready to fight
for a starting berth. "I don't mind a battle, and every team needs
competition for places," Carroll told the London Evening Standard. "That is
one of the things we have here. Everyone is fighting for their place.
"I am desperate to be out there on the pitch." "It has been mixed emotions
for me watching the team this season. "I am desperate to be out there on the
pitch but I remember the Liverpool game when I was jumping up and down
watching from the box. I think I did enough work for that day on my ankle!
"I know I've had problems with injuries and I'm not hiding away from that.
"Hopefully this is the last one and I can get it out of the way. The club
have put a lot of faith in me, paying so much money, but I don't feel like
I've let them down. It's an injury that I couldn't help." Carroll also moved
to play down speculation linking him with a sensational move back to former
club Newcastle, insisting he is excited by the prospect of playing at the
Olympic Stadium with the Hammers. "It looks fantastic and everyone is
looking forward to being there," Carroll added. "We cannot wait to be a part
of it. It's going to be one of the best grounds around - both the inside and
outside look fantastic."

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TWO SONGS - WE'VE ONLY GOT TWO SONGS
By Brian Williams 14 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die

Sorry to keep you waiting – I'll be right with you. Just give me a minute
while I strap on my tin helmet and zip up the flak jacket before I finish
this sentence, but I am yet to be convinced by Alex Song.

It's early days, of course, and I could be wrong (judging by the howls of
protest, many of you clearly think I am). However, there does appear to be a
distinct touch of the headless chicken about the lad. I'm all for a bit of
enthusiasm, but against QPR he lacked the composure expected of a captain.
And some of his frenetic tackling in the first half at Old Trafford made
John Moncur look like Franz Beckenbauer on largactil. Song was fortunate to
stay on the pitch longer than England captain and cult hero Wayne Rooney.
(Rooney, Rooney, You're A Cult.)

In his defence, though, I am prepared to concede on the evidence of what
I've seen so far that he is a far better player than his cousin Rigobert,
who is a central plank of my personal Worst Ham United.

I'm not pretending for one moment that there is anything original about
picking a fantasy team of your favourite failures – but it is certainly much
more of a challenge than selecting the all-time greats which, let's face it,
is relatively simple if you're born to the claret and blue.

My thoughts returned to the subject over the weekend and its dreary
international break. When West Ham aren't playing I get bored, so revising
some of my invitation XIs seemed a good a way as any to fill in the time.
Mrs W thought tidying up the garden might be more productive, but I didn't
think the weather was trustworthy enough for that.

I just wish the concept of a low boredom threshold had been recognised
earlier. That way, when I was a kid at school, I might have got some
sympathy for having a syndrome, rather than being considered a disruptive
influence. Take the unfortunate incident of the teacher and the chair.

He was one of those "call me Chris" teachers – how can you have any respect
for people like that? He was also very fond of leaning back in his chair to
show the class he truly was one cool dude. So I came up with the idea of
bringing in my Dad's Phillips screwdriver and putting some of my limited
woodwork skills to good use. (Not that I got on particularly well with the
woodwork teacher either – I had once used a chisel to shave some of the
bum-fluff from a friend's neck as he bent over his bench and Mr
Whatever-his-name-was had misconstrued the incident as an attempted
stabbing.)

Anyway, before my next lesson with Call Me Chris I got there early and
whipped out all the screws in his chair, replacing them with matchsticks.
The whole thing held together just long enough for him to sit down and lean
back, when it and him collapsed in a heap. From where I was sitting it was
genuinely funny – and would have been funnier still if the idiot hadn't hit
his head on the blackboard behind and rendered himself temporarily
unconscious.

As I explained afterwards, I wasn't being malicious – it's just that I get
bored easily. However, the "butterfly mind" defence was inadmissible in 1971
and I got a serious stretch of detention as a result. But I digress.

This week's column is really about trying to elicit your team of all-time
losers. But before we do, here's mine in my favoured 4-4-2: It's Allen
McKnight, Rigobert Song, Steve Walford, Gary Breen, Mitchell Thomas, Freddie
Ljungberg, Nigel Quashie, Ilie Dumitrescu, Peter Eustace, David Kelly and
Ted MacDougall.

You may well disagree with a number of those selections, and I can
understand why. I don't think anyone can put up a serious argument against
McKnightmare – he truly was in a class of his own. But at the back there are
any number of players making a strong claim for inclusion: Gary Charles,
Ragnvald Soma, Paul Hilton, Calum Davenport and John Cushley all made the
shortlist. Some might even suggest George Parris, but I'm not having that.
Not George!

And what about midfield? No Franz Carr, Andy Impey, Dudley Tyler or Dale
Gordon! I hear you cry. Nor Nigel Reo-Coker? Then there's Matthew Rush [NOTE
FROM IAIN: You have to be joking!!!], Luis Boa Morte and Florin "two bob"
Raducioiu. This isn't easy, although Joey Beauchamp did make the task a
little less tricky by ensuring he never actually turned out for West Ham
during his 58 days at the club, thus ruling himself out of contention today.

Dutchman Marco Boogers, on the other hand, did play for us – making four
appearances as a substitute, which included a sending off for a chest-high
tackle on Gary Neville at Old Trafford that did not go down well with a
red-faced man whose name escapes me at present. Before the hapless Boogers
was finally sent back to the land of his birth permanently there was an
oft-repeated story in the Sun that he had returned to Holland feeling sorry
for himself and was holed up in a caravan. However, it turns out this was
not entirely true and, in fact, the reporter had actually been told he'd
gone on holiday by car again. An easy mistake to make – it could have
happened to any of us.

That aside, what little anyone saw of him convinced us all he was utterly
useless, which is why he made the shortlist for one of the two places up
front in my Worst Ham side. But, like Mike Small, John Radford, Jimmy
Greaves, Sandy Clark and Lee Chapman he doesn't quite get the nod for the
first team. Sometimes, as a manager, you just have to go with your gut
feeling.

On the subject of guts, I've also put together a team that's not so much an
XI but more of an XL. As a man who carries some excess timber myself, I'd be
perfectly happy to manage a squad that puts up a bit of overweight. (There's
nothing wrong with having a stout manager – just remember to call him "Big"
not "Fat" or, as I have discovered, you can upset a lot of loyal fans.)

The captain's armband for my team of tubbies would, of course, have to go to
Frank "one man and his forklift truck" Lampard Jnr. Waddling out behind him
would be Neil Ruddock, John Hartson, Julian Faubert, Luis Boa Morte, Julian
Dicks (gulp – did I really just say that?), Mido, Titi Camara, Brian Dear,
Jimmy Greaves and – bringing up the rear by quite some way – Benni McCarthy.
You'll notice I haven't bothered with a keeper. Quite honestly, you wouldn't
need one. Just grease 'em up and lever any of those salad-dodgers between
the sticks and no opposition striker is going to be disturbing the onion bag
in a hurry.

If you don't fancy the porkers, how about a team of Alans? Sealey,
Devonshire, Dickens, Curbishley etc. Of course, you'd have to play a few out
of position – the only defender I can think of is Alan Stephenson. And I'd
cheat by including Paul, Martin and Clive Allen (crafty, eh?) But the good
news is you don't have to go with McKnight in goal: there's a guy called
Alan Dickie who turned out in the green jersey a dozen times for us in the
early Sixties and although I never saw him play I just know he's better than
McNit.

As I mentioned earlier, it's now your turn to do some of the work (this
internet malarkey doesn't write itself, you know.) What we want is some or
all of the following:

1. Your Worst Ham XI;
2. A select XI of your own choosing (midgets, maybe – or Tommys
perhaps?) and;
3. The correct names of this nickname fantasy team: Eric, Muffin,
Stretch, Reggie, Pancho, Ticker, Hadleigh (aka Boog), Harpo, Sparrow, Psycho
and Sarge.

There must be no conferring and please write on one side of the web only.
Also, before you attempt Question 3 let me remind you that the punishment
for cheating is severe. Miscreants who this week find themselves in the
Headmaster's office because they peaked at Google will truly learn the
meaning of penitence. Mr Dale has video footage of every penalty shoot-out
in which West Ham have participated, and he is not afraid to use it. You
have been warned.

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It's official – Carroll staying at West Ham
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Well now it really is official – all the 'Andy Carroll back to Newcastle'
stuff has proved to be entirely false – as reported by the newspaper that
started the bandwagon rolling.

The Newcastle Chronicle – which claimed the move was very much on and that
the Hammers were ready to "offer" the striker back to the club for £6
million has now reported 'the deal that never was' won't happen.

And they back it up with a quote from his agent Mark Curtis who when asked
whether it was on said: "Not a chance."

A report on www.chroniclelive .co.uk says that he has told close friends he
has no intention of leaving the east end even if he was made available.

ClaretandHugh has regularly reported – and been the only media source to do
so over the last 48 hours – that Carroll will definitely be staying having
been told by a top club insider: "We don't offer our players to any clubs.

And co chairman David Gold said: "He will come back a new player and is
desperate to do well for his club and is focused too on an England return."

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Macca's media moment has been good news
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

MaccaIt's been very refreshing indeed to read the thoughts of Neil McDonald
over the past couple of days! We've been treated to his thoughts on a range
of issues including the birth of the diamond formation, Stewart Downing's
role within it, how Andy Carroll may or may not fit into things on his
return, the outstanding form of Diafra Sakho, how they found him and took a
chance on him…plus much more.

Alongside that was an entirely honest and lengthy explanation of why he is
still assistant manager of the club after being heavily courted to become he
become boss of Carlisle United – a role now filled by Keith Curle.

And maybe that's the clue as to why he is being given the opportunity to
'meet the media ' in such a big way.

For he made it clear that he is very keen to become a manager at some stage
– in fact the word 'desperate' crept into one interview.

Perhaps Macca is now being given his head to explain how he feels about
everything that's happening at the club and handed a more high profile role
by the manager.

If that is the thinking it's all to the good for as the training ground guru
he has shown just what a good coach he is and not somebody we want to lose
when the first suitable job comes along.

Such has been the quality of his interviews this week I hope we are treated
to a lot more – he puts things simply and doesn't waste words.

And that really is very refreshing indeed at West Ham United management
level!

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Irons to make crucial Reid decision in days
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham are close to making a decision on Winston Reid's future! The
board's hand is being forced to make a decision on 'listening to offers'
given the lack of response on the new contract that's been put in front of
the central defender. ClaretandHugh was told exclusively today that unless
talks re-start within days a decision may have to be made to listen to
offers for the player. This will involve telling Reid's advisers that they
are now free to find a club for the Kiwi should he have decided not to sign
a new deal and alerting their own agents to the player's availability. But
significantly this shows that for all the talk of interest from Liverpool
and Arsenal, the Irons has yet to receive a single inquiry for the player.
We were told: "The truth is there has been no offer or inquiry from
anywhere and quite frankly the club would have expected something to by now
particularly if any of the big clubs were interested."
Our source added that it made no economic to continue paying wages which run
into hundreds of thousands over the February, March, April and May if there
is going to be no return in the summer in terms of a transfer fee. He said:
" There needs to be some talking done over the next few days o decide where
we are going. We are now close to the end game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid contract update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham want Winston Reid to sign a five year deal which would keep him at
the club until he is 31 years old. And their enthusiasm to keep the player
is demonstrated by the £10k a week rise he has received so far and the one
they have now put on offer. Since ClarertandHugh's story earlier today new
details have emerged with our source admitting: "We have still heard
nothing. This is brinkmanship of the most extreme kind. "The club remain
confident of him signing a new deal because there has been no approach from
any of the top six and what we have on the table would more than see off any
club but those. They want him for another five years."
Reid arrived as an unknown 22 year old signing a three year deal – since
extended – on £15k a week before that was raised by £10k a week on the
club's promotion to the Premier League. Now the board has put a bumper new
near £60k a week deal on the table which gives him a 100 per cent rise plus.

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Daily WHUFC News - 14th October 2014

Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
Catch up with how the Hammers on loan fared this weekend
13.10.2014

Sean Maguire continued his good run of form for Accrington Stanley as he
opened the scoring in their 2-1 home defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge on
Saturday. The Irishman scored after 39 minutes of play as he pounced on Kal
Naismith's mishit. Stanley are currently in 16th position in Sky Bet League
Two.

Colchester United's George Moncur played 85 minutes of the U's 2-1 win over
Fleetwood Town. The midfielder has been in fine form since going out on
loan, while ex-West Ham United striker Freddie Sears set up Gavin Massey's
second goal of the afternoon.

Due to the international break Ravel Morrison and Modibo Maiga did not play.
Morrison's Cardiff City host Nottingham Forest on Saturday 18 October in the
Championship's lunchtime kick-off. Meanwhile, Maiga's highflying FC Metz
host Rennes this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hammers youngsters Tim Brown and Ben Marlow helped Canvey Island
defeat Barton Rovers 1-0 in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. They will now
face Havant & Waterlooville for a spot in the competition proper.

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Dev Squad ready for Bilbao bout
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad open their European campaign against Athletic Bilbao
on Wednesday
13.10.2014

West Ham United Development coach manager Nick Haycock is looking forward to
hosting Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday in the newly created Barclays Premier
League International Cup. This is the first year of the tournament after the
restructuring of the Barclays U21 Premier League format last season. Aside
from facing the Basque giants, the Dev Squad will also play PSV Eindhoven
and Fulham in the group stage.
Nick Haycock is excited about Wednesday's fixture, as it provides a new
challenge and a different type of opposition: "Bilbao are a technical team.
I've been out to Bilbao on a study visit so I know a little bit about them.
"They're a fantastic football team, they've got a good reputation in Spain,
a great history and a tradition of producing Basque players. They only sign
Basque players which is a brave philosophy but it works. They work hard for
the shirt, so it'll be a tough test but one we are looking for."

Speaking about the unique opportunities this tournament provides, Haycock
hopes the tournament will be a success. "It's a good idea from the Premier
League. They've worked hard to deliver the tournament. There was a slight
disappointment when it looked like it was off but they've changed it so all
the games will be played in England. "If you look at the Premier League now
I think it's about 60% foreign players now so to play more foreign sides on
a more regular basis is an excellent idea and something we are looking
forward too. "More important to me is the fact that we qualified for it, we
deserve to be in it. It's a nice thing for the players to be involved in.
It's also good for the fans and something slightly different to watch."

The Development Squad face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday 15 October at the
Boleyn Ground, with kick-off at 7pm. Tickets are available on the door,
priced at £3 for adults and £1 for U16s. Admission is FREE for Season Ticket
Holders.

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Skipper Nolan thrilled to be back
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has been delighted to return from a shoulder injury ahead of
schedule
12.10.2014

With two substitute appearances and two 90 minute run-outs for the
Development Squad under his belt since returning from a fractured shoulder,
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan is already well ahead of schedule. When
he suffered the injury in training in mid-August, he was told to expect at
least a six week spell before being able to return. But having already
featured in two Barclays Premier League matches, his hard work has been
rewarded and now he is looking forward to being able to contribute more. He
told whufc.com: "When I first suffered the injury, the timeframe was six to
eight weeks before I could get on the pitch and do anything, so I'm three or
four weeks ahead of it in that respect. "At the end of the day I've got
every confidence in myself - I work hard at everything I do and I've got a
great team around me in the physios and coaching staff who have supported
me. "That makes it easier, with the boys' support too, and it makes you want
to be back as quickly as possible and I'm delighted to be back amongst it."

With no first team game at the weekend owing to the international break,
Nolan has been glad of the opportunity to get the other injured players,
such at Matt Jarvis, up to speed ahead of the 18 October trip to Burnley. He
added: "The international break was timed well for us, especially after the
result we got last weekend. Coming into Burnley next week we're going to
have virtually everybody training.
"That's fantastic and it's going to raise everything for us, so the future's
looking good."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Stadium Newsletter - No.3
WHUFC.com
Edition three of West Ham United's Stadium newsletter
13.10.2014

Club London Calling

West Ham United fans have been racing to secure their place in Club London,
the world-class hospitality facilities that will sit within the West Stand
of the newly-reconfigured Stadium.

The invite only BM6 lounge is already over-subscribed and, after a rush of
enquiries, we expect to sell the last six remaining Executive Boxes soon.
There has also been a big response from new supporters, with well over a
thousand fans now registered on the Club London waiting list.

The Club London launch event was held at the Club's bespoke Reservation
Centre in Westfield Stratford City, just a short walk from the new Stadium,
where - over the coming months - every Season Ticket Holder will be offered
a dedicated appointment with an advisor to help them choose the right seat
for their needs and budget.

Speaking at the launch, West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady explained
how the Club have employed an innovative piece of technology never seen
before in this country to aid the seat selection process.

"The new CGI system, which is the first of its kind in the UK, has been
invested in so that every single fan can see exactly the view they can
expect from their seat, and see what will be around them. They will then be
able to hand-pick their seat and look forward to being in the new Stadium in
2016," the Vice-Chairman said.

"The launch of Club London shows supporters that we hope to exceed their
expectations in all the things that we do at our new home."
SIGN UP TO THE STADIUM NEWSLETTER HERE
Sir Trevor Brooking joined the Board and first-team players at the launch
and shared his optimism about the future move.

He said: "When the opportunity arose of moving to the Olympic Stadium, I
don't think there would have been many in the Board's position who would
have said it wasn't the right move.

"With almost 4,000 corporate seats, and with Canary Wharf and the city so
accessible, people can come regularly to the Olympic Stadium and host
clients.

"And with a total capacity of 54,000, it gives the Club the opportunity to
offer a really good pricing structure and flexibility."

Each of Club London's restaurants, lounges and bars has been refined with
bespoke interiors inspired by West Ham's rich heritage along with the
triumphs that have taken place in the East of London.

While space within Club London is limited, existing Season Ticket Holders
wishing to apply for membership can join the waiting list for free by
calling the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 and selecting option three.

Other supporters can join for a £10 registration fee, redeemable against
purchase, either by visiting www.whufcboxoffice.com or by calling the Ticket
Office.

Construction update

Construction work at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park continues apace, and the
latest stage in the redevelopment has begun with the installation of the
Stadium's magnificent new roof.
After extensive reinforcement to the structure of the stadium 11,500 metres
of steel cabling has been raised to form the inner face of the roof. Over
the coming months steel cladding will be added to the inner section with
translucent cladding in the outer section allowing natural and flood
lighting through.

When complete this cutting-edge tensile roof will lock in the matchday
atmosphere creating a cauldron of noise for Hammers home games.

Don't forget, you can follow the progress of the roof and the general
transformation of the Stadium by following our special time-lapse camera
feed.

Supporters are already jumping at the chance to book their spot for the
final farewell to our home of 110 years, with thousands having put their
name down on the Final Season waiting list.

The 2015/16 season will be like no other. Our plans are beginning to take
shape and we intend to make sure that the Boleyn bows out in style. This is
history in the making and you have a unique chance to be a part of it. A
Season Ticket is the one and only way to guarantee a seat for the entirety
of the campaign, including the last ever game at the Boleyn Ground and a
suitably spectacular closing ceremony.

Crucially, 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will be our priority when it comes
to seats in the new Stadium. So this is the one and only way to experience a
brilliant Boleyn send-off, before taking your seat in our stunning new
Stratford home. Two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss!

For those wishing to join, a £10 registration fee is payable, which is then
redeemable against your Season Ticket purchase. (Supporters should note that
existing Season Ticket Holders will naturally retain priority and do not,
therefore, need to join the waiting list).

To book your place in history, join the waiting list here.
Your Stadium Questions

Thanks to the many hundreds of you who have been responding to our
invitation to send in questions about the new stadium. Unsurprisingly, a
frequent topic this month has been the launch of Club London and the new
Stadium's hospitality facilities. The four most frequently asked are:
Q: When will I get my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
A: The Club can confirm that by April 2015, all Season Ticket Holders will
have been contacted with details of their individual appointment, during
which dedicated advisors will help them select the optimum seat at the new
Stadium.
Any fan interested in looking at the exclusive options in Club London can
join the waiting list either by visiting www.whufcboxoffice.com or by
calling the Ticket Office.

Q. What happens if I can't make my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
A: With over 40,000 supporters expected through the Reservation Centre
doors, the logistics are naturally finely balanced and so it is really
important that you try to stick to your allocated time slot to avoid losing
your priority place.
In the event that you are unable to make your appointment, we ask that you
contact the Reservation Centre in good time. The contact details will be
included in your appointment notification.
While we will be doing our utmost to accommodate each individual and group
appointment, last-minute cancellations or missed appointments will likely
result in them being rescheduled at a later priority window.
Q. Is the whole West Stand being turned over to hospitality?
A: Club London does not account for the whole West Stand, far from it, in
fact. There will still be many thousands of seats available for general
admission. However, the best seats on the halfway line are being allocated
for Club London members so if you want to secure the best views from the
West Stand a Club London seat is the one for you.

More importantly, situating our hospitality together on one side of the
Stadium has enabled us to create the East Stand 'Kop' on the other side,
which is so crucial to our general admission Season Ticket Holders and
supporters, whose needs are also paramount.
Q. Are corporate Season Tickets Holders going to get all the best seats?
A: As we have always promised, our existing Season Ticket Holders and
Corporate Seasonal Members will be given priority when it comes to choosing
the best seats. Therefore, to ensure that every Season Ticket Holder is
given the opportunity to upgrade their existing seat if they wish to do so,
we have start with sales of the premium packages to enable the widest
selection of seats available.
As we work through the migration process every Season Ticket Holder will
receive their own appointment to select their seat.
Please keep your questions coming by emailing
newstadium@westhamunited.co.uk. We'll answer more of the most popular
questions in the next newsletter.

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Valencia to make history
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Enner Valencia will play a part in football history tomorrow when Ecuador
face El Salvador in New Jersey. Team mate Ivan Hurtado, who last featured
for Ecuador in 2010 will make an emotional return to the team to win his
168th and last international cap - the fifth highest total in the history of
football.

The 40-year-old, who has declared his intention to retire from football will
end a 22-year professional career against El Salvador, where he will line up
alongside West Ham's Valencia at the Red Bull Arena, Harrison NJ.

"I could not have imagined a better chance like this and I think I've been
blessed with everything football has given to me, to be at the door and
experience a moment like this and feel really happy for this opportunity,"
Hurtado told a pre-match press briefing.

"On October 14th I will have the opportunity to suit up for the last time to
play for my national team, in an official manner, and I really appreciate
them for giving me this opportunity."

Only four players in history have bettered Hurtado's number of international
appearances; Egypt's Hossam Hassan (169 caps), Claudio Suarez (Mexico, 177),
Mohamed Al-Deayea (Saudi Arabia, 168) and Ahmed Hassan (Egyot), who holds
the record with 184 won between 1995 and 2012.

The highest-capped European player is Latvian midfielder Vitalijs Astafjevs
with 165 caps. Goalkeeper Peter Shilton is England's most-capped player with
125 - 17 more than West Ham's Bobby Moore, the long-time record-holder who
now lies fourth in the record books behind David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.

West Ham's recent signing will be hoping to repeat his heroics of Friday
night, when he scored an incredible swerving effort in the closing stages of
the friendly with the United States

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Faubert on target again as Martinique qualify for Finals
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Julien Faubert continued his prolific run of goalscoring for his new country
Martinique over the weekend. Last week KUMB revealed how the former Hammer,
who spent five years at the Boelyn Ground has become one of a select group
of professional players to represent two countries (or more) at
international level when he made his debut for Martinique in a 1-1 draw with
Curacao. And over the weekend Faubert increased his tally for his new
country with a brace in Martinique's 2-1 win over Guadeloupe. The winger
opened the scoring in Abymes on Friday after just four minutes, before
adding his second of the night with 66 minutes on the clock (see highlights
below). Last night, Martinique secured a third win in seven days with a 4-3
win over St Vincent & The Grenadines, meaning they qualify for November's
Caribbean Cup Finals - which are being held in Jamaica next month - as
winners of Group 9 having taken maximum points form their three qualifying
matches. And Faubert added to his impressive three-goal haul from his first
two outings for Martinique with another brace against St Vincent, taking his
tally to five in three games. By contrast, during his five years at West Ham
he managed to score just twice...

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Friend or foe?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Kevin Friend has been named as referee for this weekend's trip to Premier
League newcomers Burnley. The Bristol-born official - now based in Leicester
- is yet to officiate a match involving West Ham United this season but took
control of three fixtures in 2013/14; the pre-season friendly against Pacos
de Ferreira (a 2-1 win) and the 1-0 and 3-1 defeats at Hull and Arsenal
respectively.

Although the Pacos and Arsenal games passed without major incident, KUMB
writer Trevor Twohig - reporting on the narrow defeat at the KC Stadium last
September - wrote of the penalty awarded to Hull by Friend: "I don't think I
have ever seen a softer penalty in my life".

Prior to that, you have to go back to the 2011/12 season for a Hammers
fixture involving the 43-year-old official; that being the 1-0 win at
Portsmouth in January 2012, a game won by a Mark Noble penalty that was
awarded when Tal Ben-Haim wrestled Winston Reid to the floor inside the
penalty area midway through the first half.

The home side also ended with only ten men that day after David Norris was
issued an instant red card on 57 minutes for an ugly challenge on the
unfortunate Kiwi.

Goals in matches refereed by Mr Friend proved as difficult to come by for
West Ham in the previous season (2010/11), with the home encounters with
Deportivo and Blackpool ending goalless.

Once again contentious penalty decisions had a major part to play, with
KUMB's Gordon Thrower accusing the referee of failing two award either of
two blatant fouls committed by the Seasiders.

Kevin Friend: Season Stats

2009/10
Games: 34
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.91
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.21

2010/11
Games: 33
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.52
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.21

2011/12
Games: 33
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.64
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.09

2012/13
Games: 34
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.53
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.09

2013/14
Games: 18
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.28
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.11

2014/15
Games: 4
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.75
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.00

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West Ham eye young 'Boro star
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United are understood to be keeping an eye on Middlesbrough's
exciting young winger, Adam Reach. The Hammers are one of a number of clubs
to have recently sent scouts to keep tabs on the 21-year-old England youth
international, who has represented his country at both Under 19 and Under 20
level. Reach, a left-sided player who can also operate at full back made his
debut for Middlesbrough on the final day of the 2010/11 season in a 3-0 win
over Doncaster (in which he scored the third and final goal). However it
wasn't until the start of the current season - following spells on loan at
Darlington, Shrewsbury and Bradford - that he became an integral part of
Middlesbrough's first team.

Thus far, Reach - who scored in the epic 14-13 Capital One Cup penalty
shoot-out defeat at Liverpool last month - has featured in all 11 of 'Boro's
Championship fixtures. His considerable input has helped the club rise to
fifth place in the table, making them an early contender for a play-off
spot. Fellow Premier League clubs Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and
Stoke are amongst others to have shown an interest in the player, who has
received rave reviews for his performances this season.

* Representatives of West Ham are also reported to have been present at last
weekend's Modena v Brescia Serie B encounter. The match, hosted at Stadio
Alberto Braglia ended in a 1-1 draw.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Busy bee Brady
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham vice chair Karren Brady's burgeoning personal portfolio continues
to grow with the news that she has been hired as a non-executive director by
entertainment company SyCo. Brady, who was awarded a CBE for 'services to
entrepreneurship and women in business' in the 2014 New Year Honours list
already has a number of business interests outside of West Ham United, where
she has been vice chair since David Sullivan and David Gold purchased the
club in January 2010. Last weekend it was revealed that Ms Brady, who is
also the Government's Small Business Ambassador has taken on the additional
role with TV tycoon Simon Cowell's company in order to advise on strategy.
SyCo, a joint venture between Cowell and publishing giant Sony Entertainment
are behind two of the world's most popular light entertainment franchises,
the TV series' The X Factor and ...Got Talent. The former chairman of
Birmingham City also returns to our TV screens later this month as sidekick
to Alan Sugar in long-running TV series the Apprentice. Later this year, the
Conservative Party Life Peer is set to be inducted into the House of Lords
as Baroness Brady.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former owner facing fraud charge
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

The former owner of West Ham United, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, is one of ten
people being investigated by a French court for fraud. The 74-year-old
former banker, who lost his entire fortune in the world banking collapse of
2008 has been indicted by judge Renaud van Ruymbeke with regard to mortgages
granted by Landsbanki, then Iceland's second-largest bank, before the market
collapsed six years ago. It is claimed that between 2006 and 2008 Landsbanki
mortgaged hundreds of homes and businesses in exchange for cheap loans.
However those individuals who took up the bank's generous offer were left
high and dry in 2008 when Landsbanki went bust, leaving them out of pocket -
and many "financially ruined". Consequently, Gudmundsson and several other
partners involved in Landsbanki at the time are being investigated for
potential fraud - a charge that Gudmundsson's lawyer, Felix de Belloy,
rejects. "Nothing in the records suggests that the parent company was
following this type of financial product sold by the Luxembourg subsidiary,"
he said.

Gudmundsson - along with partner Eggert Magnusson - purchased West Ham
United FC from former main shareholder Terrence Brown in December 2006. They
promptly fired present managerial incumbent Alan Pardew, replacing him with
Alan Curbishley who kept the club in the Premier League by virtue of 'the
Great Escape'.

Gudmundsson was forced to relinquish control of the club in June 2009 when
he handed control to Straumur-Burdaras, who promptly appointed former Legal
Director Scott Duxbury at West Ham United's CEO.

Gudmundsson was previously found guilty of five fraud-related offences back
in the 1980s when chief executive of Icelandic shipping line Hafskip.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neil McDonald says he's working with best West Ham squad
Last Updated: 13/10/14 6:08pm
SSN

The Upton Park outfit have invested steadily since Allardyce inherited the
managerial reins in the summer of 2011. Those funds have been put to good
use, with further quality additions made during the recent transfer window.
The likes of Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell, Alex Song, Cheikhou Kouyate
and Diafra Sakho were added to the ranks, and they have helped to raise the
bar another notch in east London.
"I think this is our best squad. We have been here three years and in the
third year your team should be a lot stronger and I think that is proving to
be right at the moment."

McDonald said in the Newham Recorder: "The new players have come in and
settled well which is a real bonus. "I think this is our best squad. We have
been here three years and in the third year your team should be a lot
stronger and I think that is proving to be right at the moment. "We have
great competition for places. Whoever the manager picks, it is going to be a
good team and if a player gets in, he will keep his place if he is playing
well." He added: "It creates good problems because everyone has to play
well and consistently to keep hold of the shirt. "If they don't, it is not a
question of them thinking a young kid is not going to take their place,
behind them are experienced professionals. "Mark Noble has dropped out
because he has a calf injury and Alex Song has come in and Mark must be
thinking 'am I going to get my position back?'

"Cheikhou Kouyate took the place by storm when he first came, now he has
dropped out through injury, is he going to get his place back?
"It is a fantastic situation to be in. It does create problems in trying to
keep everybody happy. That is a situation we have dealt with in the past
wherever me and Sam have been. "It is a lovely problem to have rather than
last season when we struggled because we didn't have enough players."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANDY CARROLL - WE WANT YOU TO PLAY
By HamburgHammer 13 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die

It is strange for a club record signing to simply fall off the radar of a
football club, but this is exactly what happened to our favourite ponytailed
Geordie at West Ham.
Funny what a few goals and solid performances from some recently acquired
healthy strikers can do in that respect.

The Chronicle, apparently on the pulse of all news concerning England's
North East, are running a story that West Ham will be looking to cut their
losses and offer Carroll back to his hometown club Newcastle in January,
presumably for a bargain transfer fee provided that Newcastle take Carroll's
90K a week wages away from our wage bill.


Hugh Southon again claims that it will be difficult for West Ham to find a
role for Carroll when he's back from injury, due to Sakho and Valencia
playing so well together, all this according to assistant manager Neil
McDonald. All this makes a lot of sense when you read and hear it like that.
But at this point in time it is all academical as Carroll is not even back
from injury. Optimistic estimations put his return date at the end of
November, but we all know it takes players a while to get themselves match
fit and in top condition, especially 'wor' (Geordie slang for 'our') Andy.
We've heard all the unhealthy rumours of clubbing, boozing, falling off
table tennis tables while under the influence, about bones made of porcelain
and tissue made of pudding. While also hearing from the West Ham board that
this time finally they are confident that Carroll's injury problems will be
under control and he should be able to have a lengthy injury-free spell on
the pitch soon.

I've been a fierce critic on here in the past, admittedly only feeding off
rumours and having to witness like the rest of you Carroll being out for the
majority of his reign at West Ham. It's frustrating to see your club record
signing out injured all the time and the frustration doubles when you choose
to believe rumours of Carroll leading an unhealthy lifestyle not expected of
a professional athlete. On top of all that Carroll isn't even what you could
call a prolific goalscorer (except during his spell at Newcastle where he
scored 31 from 80 appearances), at West Ham he has scored a measly nine
goals in just 39 appearances spanning two seasons. Which about equals the
goal ratio of a certain often ridiculed Carlton Cole. Putting all of this
together I should be happy about rumours indicating an impending transfer to
Newcastle.

The truth is: I want Carroll to stay, I want him to play and I want him to
turn his career at West Ham on its head and start afresh. A healthy Carroll,
fingers crossed, knock on wood, all rabbits' feet over here now please, is
still undoubtedly one of the best British strikers. Period. He is 6ft 4in of
concentrated power and strength. It's hard for defenders to win a header
against Carroll without fouling him. Defenders all around the league hate
playing against him. Carroll makes every teammate playing with him better,
everybody seems to run a little bit faster, try that little bit harder to
win the ball and if defenders employ two players to deal with Carroll it
creates space for other West Ham teammates to exploit and cause havoc. I'm
100% positive that Carroll will thrive playing within our current setup,
with guys like Sakho, Zarate, Valencia, Downing, Jarvis.

Having so many other weapons out there will make Carroll's threat only that
much more lethal.

I've even heard rumours Carroll might probably play in some kind of
formation with Sakho and Valencia on the pitch at the SAME time. I'm not
sure it would work, but I'm itching to find out. A healthy Carroll with even
slightly above average form is almost unplayable.

It's time that Carroll paid West Ham back for the patience shown by the club
so far. Let's not get impatient now. With this squad Carroll no longer has
to carry the burden of being our saviour on the pitch – instead he is just
another very nasty weapon the opposition can NOT look forward to facing. We
can afford to show some more patience, bed Carroll in slowly, give him
playing time from the bench, try him out with different players alongside
him and see what works best.

Either way selling him in January would be sheer stupidity. Why should we
buy high and sell low ? Have we learned nothing from Liverpool ?

It's a bit of a gamble, but it should be well worth it. I still think it is
entirely possible that Carroll turns his career around at West Ham.

If we have to eventually sell him we should increase his market value first.
And that can only happen if we still find a playing role for him that allows
him to score goals and create goals for us.

Competition for places at West Ham is the best thing that could ever have
happened for Carroll. It should bring out the best in him. It should make
our team even better.
And it may ultimately help us to attract more good players coming to West
Ham next summer. I am confident that our Christmas Carroll will make sure
that West Ham finally won't come down with the christmas decorations again.
Another change at West Ham I'd love to see happening.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham won't improve Winston Reid offer
DUNCAN JOHNSTONE
Last updated 07:34 14/10/2014
Stuff.co.nz

West Ham United aren't getting into a bidding war over All Whites defender
Winston Reid with the latest reports in Britain suggesting the London club
won't improve their current "outstanding" over. Reid's future continues to
grab constant headlines in the UK with glamour clubs Liverpool, Manchester
United and Arsenal sniffing around the 26-year-old who comes off contract at
the Hammers at the end of the season. One report last week suggested Reid's
preference was Liverpool in a deal as high as $30 million. The latest
developments see West Ham and Reid's agents in a standoff. Specialist
football website Goal.com reported West Ham's owners were standing firm in
their contract negotiations with Reid. In a report, widely followed by major
news agencies there, they said West Ham "consider the offer 'outstanding'
and will not be increasing terms should Reid continue to play hardball".
It's believed the offer would make Reid, West Ham's player of the year in
2013, one of the club's highest paid players. Reid can walk away at the end
of the season as a free agent. He could also be snapped up in January's
transfer window if West Ham decide to try to make some money off him. But
the report said the Hammers "would only consider a January sale if the offer
is too good to refuse". West Ham manager Sam Allardyce doesn't want to sell
Reid cheaply given his strength to the club over the back half of the
season. West Ham are currently seventh in the English premier League with
three wins, a draw and three losses.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll not interested in playing for Newcastle United
Oct 13, 2014 14:00 By Lee Ryder
Former Newcastle United number 9 Andy Carroll rules out January move - even
if West Ham try to offload him
The chronicle

Andy Carroll will not return to Newcastle United to play under Alan Pardew.
The former Magpies striker has been linked with a January move from West Ham
United but has told close pals he has no intention of quitting the Hammers -
even if they did make him available for transfer in January. Carroll is
pencilled in for a return to first team action on the day Newcastle visit
Upton Park at the end of November. And he has told close pals that he wants
to give everything for West Ham after sustaining an ankle injury in
pre-season in order to repay Sam Allardyce for his support during tough
times. His agent Mark Curtis has also played down any talk of a return to
Newcastle and when asked about the possibility of a move he said: "Not a
chance." Instead Carroll, 25, wants to get back in form with West Ham and
reclaim his England place.

A source close to Carroll also said: "Andy is really happy in London. "He's
settled and he just wants to get back to scoring goals for West Ham. "He's
working very hard on fitness and hopes to be back on the pitch soon."
Allardyce said earlier this year: "He's got a partner and they have decided
to buy a house close to the training ground. "The big disappointment for me
and the sad thing for Andy is how depressed he's going to feel about his
injury." Carroll is currently in relationship with former TOWIE star Billi
Mucklow and has told friends how content he is in London. Carroll is
contracted to stay at West Ham until 2019.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho…Valencia AND Carroll? YES PLEASE
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The name provokes extreme reactions and the Twitter keyboard warriors in
particular have posted some pretty shameful stuff about the lad since his
West Ham arrival. So let me say this straightaway: I don't give a toss about
scurrilous rumour-mongering, only what happens when he's on the pitch. And
yes I am aware of the charges touched on in the media and answered by the
player that his lifestyle doesn't affect his attitude or physical
attributes. The latest round of rumours – denied hotly by insiders to this
site – are that the Davids are ready to sell him at up to a £12 million loss
to Newcastle. Nonsense of course! But the purpose of this article is to
study why the player wasn't too effective last season and why he may be a
200 per cent better striker when he returns. Let's start by reminding
ourselves that football in the 21st century is a SQUAD game and those who
claim that because Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have started the season
so well we can wave goodbye to AC are, in my view talking rubbish.
Suspension, injury, loss of form will come into the equation eventually but
there's another top reason for keeping Carroll and it is this: When he was
used in the one up system last season – the big lump providing knock downs
and flick-ons – there was absolutely nobody following up!

Indeed he spent most of his time chasing them himself at times resembling
the headless chicken and thus reducing his effectiveness by around 50 per
cent minimum. Imagine the ammunition he may provide for either of the other
two strikers or both because let's not rule out playing three strikers.
Don't listen to me on that. Here's what Neil McDonald says: "When he does
become fit, will we keep the same formation? We'll wait and see, but it
would be interesting to play two up top with Andy." So the idea of getting
rid is a non starter at both financial and playing levels. I'm with the
assistant manager on this and looking forward to an even more attacking and
potent Irons when AC is fit again.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenkinson injury poses big question
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh

It really is quite worrying that Carl Jenkinson was sent home by England
under 21 coach Gareth Southgate last week. And it certainly leaves some
possibly awkward questions to be answered as the 'injury was simply a
re0ccurence of the hamstring injury which has blighted his season so far..
The on loan right back from Arsenal missed the start of the season after
suffering a hamstring injury on his debut in a pre season friendly Germany.
After a lengthy lay-off he appeared in the QPR game and all looked well
until Southgate announced:"Carl has gone back to West Ham "He had had a
hamstring injury before last weekend and after the game against Queens Park
Rangers it had not quite settled down – he has not been able to train with
us this week." If Southgate and his medical team's view is correct it's
worrying that he appeared in the QPR game before being allowed to join up
with England in the first place. Let's hope we are returning to the old days
where injuries blight our season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons eye Lazio defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The Irons are today being linked with a January move for Lazio right back
Abdoulaye Konko Faye. The 30 year old Frenchman is an attacking right back
of Senegalese and Moroccan descent and is believed to be on the wanted list
as a long term replacement for Guy Demel. Although the Hammers have on loan
Carl Jenkinson in place for this season, the club is covering its back
should Arsenal refuse to do business on a permanent basis. Konko signed a
five year deal with Lazio in 2011 at a fee of four million euros anc could
be available for around half that should the Italian decide to sell.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons join Man City…WBA on Babacar trail
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham were among three clubs who sent a scout to watch Modena 20-goal top
scorer Khouma Babacar at the weekend. The player has now returned to his
club Fiorentina since but Irons scout George Dixon was inside the stadium to
watch the player. Also in attendance was Manchester City's Roberto Fattori
and West Bromwich Albion's Leonardo Masieri. The three watched the Serie B
game end in a 1-1 draw before the Modena club twitter account alerted the
world the trio were at the game! Babacar has spent the last two seasons out
on loan first with Padova in 2012/13 when he scored just one goal from 16
appearances before bursting into life at Modena last term with 20 goals from
41.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Julien Faubert makes history
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Former Hammer Julien Faubert, who now plays for Bordeaux has used a legal
loophole to make his Martinique debut despite having previously represented
France. Faubert will now feature in football's history books and the odd pub
quiz. This is because he has joined the select group of players to have
turned out for two or more international teams. Faubert, born in Le Havre
but of Martinican descent, scored on second international debut, scoring the
equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Curaçao. He enjoyed a similar debut on his one
and only France cap (against Bosnia in August 2006), marking the occasion by
scoring the winner. The Martinican Football Association is not a FIFA member
thus allowing him to play for a second national team.

Faubert was signed by West Ham for £6.1 million on a five-year contract in
2007. He suffered a ruptured achilles tendon during a pre-season friendly
against Czech Republic side Sigma Olomouc, which was expected to take six
months to heal. In 2009 he entered the West Ham hall of fame when he went
on loan to Real Madrid for £1.5m loan fee. TV cameras caught him napping on
the subs bench and he returned in at the end of the loan period after making
2 sub appearances in a white shirt. He was released in May 2012 at the end
of his contract. He made 100 appearances scoring two goals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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Daily WHUFC News - 13th October 2014

Ex-Hammer relishing A-League season
WHUFC.com
Richard Garcia helped his Perth Glory side defeat Wellington Phoenix in
their season opener
12.10.2014

Former West Ham United striker Richard Garcia helped his Perth Glory side
get their A-League season off to a flyer with a 2-1 victory at Wellington
Phoenix on Sunday. Phoenix hosted the Hammers in their summer tour to New
Zealand, and although they got the better of West Ham in July, they were
unable to see off Perth. Garcia, who moved to his hometown club this year
after a brief spell in America with Minnesota United, played 80 minutes of
the Westpac Stadium clash. The 33-year-old, who came through the Hammers
Academy to play 16 league games in claret and blue, is relishing the season
ahead, while still keeping an eye on his old Club in England. He told
whufc.com: "I've been really looking forward to the start of the season,
it's such a long pre season here and I think everyone is itching to get the
league under way. "I'm hoping to have a great year with my home town team,
I'm very happy to be back in Perth playing in front of friends and family.
"I didn't catch West Ham's games on tour here but saw the highlights. It's
great for the league whenever big teams come play A-League teams. Football
has really grown a lot and is getting stronger every year. "As for West Ham
now I have been watching and they have had a decent start to the season.
Hopefully they can continue improving and have a strong season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle to be offered Andy Carroll in January as West Ham look to offload
injury-prone striker
Oct 12, 2014 11:19 By Simon Bird, Darren Lewis
Alan Pardew made enquiries about bringing the striker back to St. James'
Park in the summer but a January transfer could be favourable for all
parties
The Mirror

Andy Carroll could be set for a sensational cut-price return to the club
where he made his name. Newcastle sold the England striker to Liverpool in
January 2011 for a British player record £35million. But injuries and loss
of form saw his career at Anfield fail to ignite, and a £15.5m move to West
Ham has been plagued by a catalogue of similar problems. Newcastle will now
be offered the chance to sign Carroll in January for as little as £6m, with
West Ham prepared to cut their losses. The Geordie striker is close to
making a come back after a serious ankle injury that ruined his pre season.
But West Ham are considering all options over Carroll's future, with
Newcastle willing to consider a deal. Magpies chief Alan Pardew has had
Carroll on his target list for 18 months, but could succeed at the third
attempt to bring him home. Pardew is demanding experienced new recruits, and
a striker is top of his list of targets in the New Year. Carroll has no
burning desire to quit London, but regularly returns to Tyneside. Newcastle
need reinforcements up front to help Papiss Cisse and new boy Emanuel
Rivière. Newcastle are attracted by the idea of buying players cheaply and
rebuilding their reputation again, and Carroll fits the bill. Carroll is
almost ready to return from his latest injury blow but his future at
high-flying West Ham seems to be limited. He is due back at the end of
October, around a month ahead of schedule. But Newcastle face competition,
with a number of clubs aware that the 25-year-old target man could be
available in the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old frontman is understood to be seen as an impact player now
rather than an automatic starter at Upton Park. It follows the explosive
impact of £4.7million Diafra Sakho who has scored five goals in his last
five games. World Cup star Enner Valencia has also impressed since his
£12million arrival while Mauro Zarate is another option. All three are
believed to offer more variety to the Hammers' play than Carroll. West Ham
have stood by £100,000-a-week Carroll over the past two seasons because of
the faith that manager Sam Allardyce had in the striker. But Carroll scored
just two League goals in 15 games after missing half of last season. He was
then ruled out for four months after tearing ankle ligaments in July.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid and Carroll rumours nonsense – The ExWHUemployee Column
By ExWHUemployee on October 12, 2014 in ExWHUemployee column
Ironviews.com

I really don't enjoy International break weekends and this one hasn't been
any exception. I know this comment annoys some people but when it comes to
football it is definitely club over country for me. I think I find it hard
to support players who I do not like which has been the case with the
national team; I hate the preference for players at big clubs over players
who are in form (Downing!) and West Ham feel like your family whereas I
don't have that feeling for the national team. Don't get me wrong; I am very
patriotic and in any other sport cheer the national team on with pride
(hoping to attend as many of England's Rugby World Cup games as my ticket
ballot decides) but not just not with the football national team.

I did enjoy seeing Valencia's goal for Ecuador against the USA. I really
believe we haven't seen the best out of him yet and there is more to come.
The same thing has been said about Kouyate and Song as well so the potential
those three players have is frightening. Reports said that we had contacted
Barcelona and expressed that we are very keen to sign Alex permanently. I
suspect that there will be other clubs interested in him but they cannot
sign him until his loan finishes with us at the end of the season. We have
to just hope that he enjoys his spell so much here that he wants to stay, it
is thought that his wife and him love London so at least that is a start.

Keeping on the international theme, we are due to lose Sakho, Song and
Kouyate to the African Cup of Nations. These are arguably our three most
important players so we could really do without it, however the squad depth
we have at our disposal this year means it will hopefully not cause our
season to fall apart.

Talk has resurfaced of Andy Carroll being offered to Newcastle again. This
story is quite frankly getting ridiculous how often it is reported. Another
poor excuse of journalism was the piece on Winston Reid joining Liverpool
for 15m. The player's contract expires at the end of the season so with a
little research the reporter would known that a club wouldn't pay £15m for a
player who they could sign for free at the end of the season. Negotiations
are still continuing with his contract and if we continue with our current
style of football and success I hope he will sign. Both articles show the
lack of news making it out of the club.

The club has adopted a very strict policy for information being leaked in
recent months and it appears that this is working as no stories are really
emerging which means that newspapers and websites are struggling for news
and so recycle stories. I have seen some of the most read websites just
repeat the same stories that another newspaper/website has reported, or turn
other people's Twitter conversations into articles. The word "exclusive"
seems to have a very lose meaning in the Twitter world. My understanding of
the word is that it is something that has not been read elsewhere but the
majority of the times this isn't the case.

We really need to be going into the Burnley game with a lot of confidence.
We are likely to have all players fit for that game except Andy Carroll and
while I don't want to tempt fate Burnley do look to be one of the weaker
teams in the league. It was refreshing to hear Sam say that he wants to take
the FA Cup seriously as I believe the tournament deserves the respect of
that and it could be a chance for glory.

On the topic of Sam I think it is fair to say that his popularity seems to
have risen a lot recently due to the good football being played. It would be
nice for this positivity to continue even if we do have the odd bad result
or performance. So let us hope the positivity continues as I am sure we will
all agree it is more fun to support the club in that way than to be
negative.

Come on you Irons.

ExWHUemployee

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New doubts over Carroll role
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 12, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Andy Carroll's first team future is again under the spotlight as the Irons
prepare for a return to action following the international break. Although –
according to the best predictions – the Geordie striker won't be ready
until November 29, many inside the club are questioning how he can dislodge
either of goal-scoring Diafra Sakho or the often magical Enner Valencia. Co
chairman David Gold has made it clear to ClaretandHugh in various interviews
the striker faces huge competition. There has even been talk of a possible
sale to Newcastle United and although that has been denied, were an offer to
be made we might find ourselves in an entirely different ball game.
Now Sam Allardyce's Number Two Neil McDonald has agreed that it's going to
be difficult for the record signing shift either of the present front two
admitting the team will keep the same formation. He said in a recent
interview: "We'll wait and see, but it would be interesting to play two up
top with Andy. "They (Sakho and Valencia) have got the shirt at the moment
and it will be difficult to get it off them when the team is playing the way
it is." It's such a far cry from last season that it's almost unrecognisable
– long may it continue.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons outrage at Newcastle Carroll reports
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 12, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham are incensed at reports in today's Tyneside press that they are
ready to offer Newcastle "ANOTHER chance to sign Andy Carroll in January."
Speculation has been rife in the city for weeks that the Hammers are making
the running in trying to to offload the striker claiming he is surplus to
requirements at Upton Park. Carroll is nearing a return with the Hammers but
a report in one paper says: "His injury problems seem to have sparked fears
at the East London outfit that they need to plan for life without him. "And
the club believe that Newcastle would consider Carroll in January as they
ponder options for the future." However that immediately brought an outraged
response from a top Hammers insider who snapped: "This club doesn't offer
it's players to anybody. "Only Newcastle know if they will bid. Do they even
know who their manager will be in January!"

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