Jenkinson not afraid of City test
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender says the Hammers will relish Saturday's visit of
Manchester City
22.10.2014
Carl Jenkinson says West Ham United should relish the prospect of hosting
Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday. The Hammers were
defeated four times by Manuel Pellegrini's men last term across the league
and Capital One Cup, but after a start to this campaign which has taken them
to fourth in the table, loan signing Jenkinson is full of confidence. "I
think we've shown we can beat the big clubs already this season with the
Liverpool result," he said. "We know what we're capable of. Man City are
flying at the moment, they're a world class team so nobody is kidding
themselves because we know it is going to be a difficult game. "If we play
to our potential we know we've got more than a good chance of getting a
result. We've just got to be positive and keep playing the football we've
been playing, with the intensity and the confidence."
Jenkinson played a full part in last weekend's victory at Burnley, supplying
the cross for Enner Valencia to nod his team's second past Tom Heaton. The
No18 was delighted with the overall performance and says it bodes well for
the future. "It was a tough game at Burnley to be honest," he added. "They
started at a very high intensity and we had to adjust to that. It did take
us a while to get into the game, but when we did we showed our quality and
we won convincingly in the end. "We're ahead of schedule at the moment -
people would have bitten your arm off to say we're fourth at this stage of
the season, but it's nothing more than this team has deserved for the way
we've played so far this season. "We definitely justify the position we're
in at the moment and we've just got to keep pushing on and keep getting the
results."
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The Big Interview - Ian Hendon
WHUFC.com
First team coach Ian Hendon is delighted with the team's bright start to the
season
21.10.2014
West Ham United first team coach Ian Hendon is delighted with the team's
bright start to the season. Here he talks about the impressive impact the
new strikers have had, Aaron Cresswell's transition to Premier League
football and the young players breaking through into the first team squad.
Ian, are surprised at how well the team is doing this season?
IH: "I wouldn't say I'm surprised, we've got a good group of lads here.
We've made some good additions to the squad from last year and we've
strengthened in each area. I think that has been reflected in the way we've
started the season and it's reflected in our position in the table."
Would you say the impact of the new signings has been the biggest difference
to last season?
IH: "Yeah, I think all you need to do is look at the two lads upfront.
Diafra's already scored five in the league and Enner's added a couple as
well. So from that point of view you'd say definitely the new signings have
been the biggest single difference. "I think we've strengthened all round.
The two lads at full-back are doing really well. Now there's a lot of
competition for places. Now that players are coming back from injury, we've
almost got everyone back, you can really see the strength in depth of the
squad."
As a fellow full-back, how do you think Aaron Cresswell has done since his
move from the Championship?
IH "Aaron's been fantastic. He hasn't changed the way he plays the game in
any way. I watched him play a few times last season at Ipswich, I know Macca
watched him a fair bit as well. We knew what was coming and what we'd get
from Aaron. He's made the transition superbly."
Both Aaron and Carl Jenkinson provided assists against Burnley, that must be
very pleasing?
IH "Yeah I think if you look at the way most teams use their full-backs
these days in the Premier League they have them pushing on forward and
attacking. We've certainly got two athletes who get up and down the pitch.
When asked they get good balls into the box and they've both started very
well for us."
All the new signings have hit the ground running, what have you done to make
this happen?
IH "To be honest, to have everyone gelling together so quickly is a surprise
to everyone. Normally it takes a bit of time but it's been fantastic how
quickly all the lads have settled in. It's just as well that they have
settled in so well because we've had a few injuries to deal with but we
coped with them well."
You were Development Squad coach before becoming first team coach, it must
be pleasing for you to see the likes of Reece Burke and Elliot Lee involved
in the first team squad?
IH "Yeah, there are a lot of young players who could step up and get into
the first team squad on a regular basis. They've got to keep up the hard
work. For Reece, he's a young lad, he's training with us every day and
training well. He's got to keep in his feet on the ground and when the
opportunities come he's got to take them. "As for Elliot, he's playing in
the Development Squad and he's scoring goals. He's also training with the
first team squad and he trains well every day. Like Reece, he needs to keep
doing what he's doing and take the opportunities when they come."
Another addition to the club over the summer was Teddy Sheringham, what do
you think his impact has been at the club?
IH "Teddy's obviously getting the plaudits because the strikers are doing so
well at the moment. He does a lot of finishing work with the players on a
Thursday and Friday. At the moment the strikers are looking sharp so long
may that continue. Teddy is obviously a very experienced player, he's played
at the top level and the players certainly have a lot of respect for him."
You been here a few years now, how does this squad compare to the others
you've worked with?
IH "The added strength in depth from the new signings is important. It's put
the lads in the team under huge pressure to do well and keep their place. If
they don't then there's players that can step straight in. To keep the
players on their toes is always a good thing as that pressure gets the best
out of each player. That can only be a good thing for the team and everybody
involved in the club."
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Olympic Stadium conversion to cost public purse another £35million
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 22nd October 2014
By: Staff Writer
The London Legacy Development Corporation has agreed to pay construction
company Balfour Beatty an extra £35.9million to complete the conversion of
the Olympic Stadium, it was announced this afternoon. Earlier in the week it
was revealed that Balfour Beatty had requested an additional £50million to
finish the job, on top of the previously-agreed £154million cost. And it was
confirmed today that following negotiations, the new figure to convert the
stadium will be some £190million.
The arena, which will serve as West Ham United's new 54,000-capacity
(rented) home from the beginning of the 2016/17 season originally cost
£429million to build, taking the total cost to the public purse well above
the £600million mark.
West Ham, upon moving two miles across the Borough of Newham from Upton Park
to Stratford in 2016 will pay an annual rent of circa £2.5miliion, but all
re-development costs will be met by the taxpayer - something that has caused
a great deal of controversy since the decision to award primary use of the
stadium to the Hammers was announced.
Although West Ham will not own the arena, possessing instead a 99-year
lease, the club may decide - or heavily influence, at the very least - what
else the stadium can be used for during the established football season.
That is why Tottenham's plans to use the Olympic Stadium on a temporary
basis whilst their own home at White Hart Lane is being re-developed were
vetoed recently."No one has asked us for our permission," said West Ham
United vice-chair Karren Brady recently. "If they did, we would probably say
no, depending on who it is – if you get my drift."
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Martin Atkinson gets Boleyn blockbuster
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 22nd October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Capital One Cup Final referee Martin Atkinson will take charge of the this
weekend's big game - the top-four clash between West Ham United and
Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground... Atkinson - who had been refereeing
for nearly 30 years having taken up the profession as a 16-year-old - has
officiated almost 500 professional games and is one of the Premier League's
most experiences referees, having been on the Select Group since 2005. And
the Bradford-born official is no stranger to West Ham or the Boleyn Ground,
having taken charge of several games in Upton Park during recent seasons.
Atkinson's most recent appointment involving West Ham was the 2-2 draw at
Hull last month, a game which passed without notable intervention.
Earlier in the year he was in charge of West Ham's 1-0 home defeat to
Crystal Palace last April (a match preceded with tributes to Dylan
Tombides), when the winning goal came from the penalty spot - and the
humiliating 5-0 FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest. In 2013, the 43-year-old
oversaw the comprehensive 3-0 win over Fulham in November - another game
that passed without major incident as far as he was concerned. However
earlier in the year, KUMB writer Gordon Thrower had accused him of showing
"leniancy" to the opposition in a lively 2-2 FA Cup third round draw with
Man Utd.
Martin Atkinson: West Ham United matches in last five years
2014/15
September: Hull City (a) 2-2 (Y4 R0)
2013/14
April: Crystal Palace (h) 0-1 (Y2 R0)
January: Nottingham Forest (a) 0-5 (Y2 R0)
November: Fulham (h) 3-0
2012/13
January: Manchester United (h) 2-2 (Y3 R0)
December: Chelsea (h) 3-1 (Y3 R0)
August: Swansea City (a) 0-3 (Y6 R0)
2010/11
February: Burnley (h) 5-1 (Y0 R0)
December: Sunderland (a) 0-1 (Y3 R0)
September: Tottenham (h) 1-0 (Y2 R0)
2009/10
March: Arsenal (a) 0-2
February: Hull City (h) 3-0 (Y2 R1)
October: Stoke City (a) 1-2 (Y6 R0)
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Bitter Ferguson mocks 'the West Ham way'
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has provided a not-too-subtle
dig at the club that twice denied his club the league title.
Ferguson, who saw the championship wrestled away from his team's grasp at
the Boleyn Ground in both 1992 and 1995 - the former, a defeat after which
he described "West Ham's effort" as "obscene" - has mocked West Ham's
traditions in an updated version of his autobiography.
"I hope that before I die someone can explain the 'West Ham way'", he wrote.
"What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the FA Cup. I never played
against any West Ham team that played football I was afraid of. They were
always surviving, or lucky as hell against us."
The 72-year-old - who retired from management two years ago having achieved
unprecedented success in the domestic game - also backed current manager Sam
Allardyce's position at West Ham, stressing that merely keeping the club in
the Premier League given the limited resources available has been an
achievement. "There is this pre-conception with West Ham fans that Big Sam
is a survivalist who tells teams to boot the ball up the pitch," he states.
"The truth is that he stayed up with a team of very average players. That's
management. He drew the best from them."
Lucky as Hell? Taggart's defeats to West Ham United
22 Apr 1992: West Ham Utd 1-0 Man Utd (Brown)
28 Jan 2001: Man Utd 0-1 West Ham Utd (Di Canio)
8 Dec 2001: Man Utd 0-1 West Ham Utd (Defoe)
17 Dec 2006: West Ham Utd 1-0 Man Utd (Reo-Coker)
13 May 2007: Man Utd 0-1 West Ham Utd (Tevez)
29 Dec 2007: West Ham Utd 2-1 Man Utd (A Ferdinand, Upson)
30 Nov 2010: West Ham Utd 4-0 Man Utd (Spector 2, C Cole 2)
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MY DAY WITH ALAN TAYLOR
By Sean Whetstone 22 Oct 2014 at 18:30
West Ham Till I Die
Guest post by Nigel Kahn
On Sunday I was treated to an early birthday present of a official guided
tour around the Boleyn Ground. I must admit when I saw the cost (£35) my
first thought was "HOW MUCH?". It seemed a bit pricey for a quick shifty
round the stand with a cup of tea, but I was pleasantly surprised, no
actually I was really happy at the end after nearly five hours of time that
passed quite quickly.
The tour starts with a meet and greet by the two West Ham legend hosts and
generally it is usually Phil Parkes and Alan Taylor. In fact Taylor was
taking the register and checking tickets as you walked into the room where
the press conferences are held. I was paired with Alan Taylor and with
around forty other fans as we made our way around the West stand looking in
some of the nooks and crannies that we ordinary fans never get to see. The
walk round the lounges was informative though did border on a sales pitch as
Alan gave the different prices for every lounge we visited. Some were out of
bounds though, in one lounge was a christening and in another there was a
church which meet every Sunday, except match-day , so the Boleyn ground is
actually a church now.
Trundling through the West stand we entered different boxes and the
Chairman's Lounge with its five round tables. Gold, Sullivan and Brady get a
table each for their guests while visiting directors get another table and
the final table is reserved for Icelandic friends who retain a 10%
shareholding. I was told Tony Fernandes was less than complimentary about
the welcome he received in the directors box when we played QPR, but that is
likely to be a case of sour grapes of the so called life long West Ham fan.
Then on into the Greenwood and Lyall Lounge in the Bobby Moore stand to
experience the view of the ground from a different perspective as corporate
guests see the game. A slightly strange view with the curvature of the Bobby
Moore stand roof but I am sure it doesn't bother them as long as they are
well fed and watered.
The ground is quite splendid when empty and it takes on a splendor. I think
it is the quietness when standing by the edge of the pitch when no sound is
to be heard. One room that was missed out, I don't know why, was where they
keep all the trophies. That cupboard must have been hidden somewhere. Part
of the tour package is photos with your legend's guide, one snap by the
pitch and another snap in the dugout plus the chance to walk around the
tunnel area together with both dressing rooms, which differ in facilities
and size.
The day is ended with both groups back in the press room for a Hammers
general knowledge quiz (with a prize) and then a Q&A session with the two
former Hammers hosts. Both are great and enlightening regarding not only
their own careers but the way they see football now days. Both mixed well
with the crowd but Taylor's friendliness shone out for me. He really made
the day. Perhaps it's the fact that he worked in his newsagent shop for many
years dealing with the public has made him seem so down to earth. I did help
him out with one question on his career by a fan, I reminded him that he
played in European Cup Winners Cup final in Brussels.
I have deliberately not revealed many of the interesting things learned on
the tour as the reason for this review is to encourage as many of you as
possible to take the tour for yourselves. With less than two years remaining
till the bulldozers move in and they don't run that many tours currently I
am confident every one that takes the tour will be glad they did so. At the
end the cost was neglible to the good time that was had. I will give two
things away, Karren Brady only will have white flowers, and after every home
game the players must eat Pizza which is delivered at 4:30pm to main
reception while the game is going on.
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WHU DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
By HamburgHammer 22 Oct 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
It's preseason 2017. West Ham have brought their first season in the OS
behind them, every home game being a sellout. For the first time in their
history West Ham have qualified for the Champions League by coming fourth,
led by skipper Alex Song and the Premier League's topscorer Diafra Sakho (24
goals). West Ham's first opponents in the CL will be Juventus, Sparta Prague
and PSV Eindhoven. West Ham have also brought in some new exciting signings
for a total rumoured transfer fee of 50 million.
The fans are thrilled about the prospects of their team which is playing a
wonderful brand of dynamic, attacking football, passing the ball on the
deck.
But get this, the rest of the world doesn't seem to care. Or notice. Not the
BBC. Not Sky Sports. Not BT.
Now let's wake up again, wipe the sleep from our eyes and adjust back to the
reality of October 2014: Of course West Ham are not playing in the Champions
League, they are not in the Europa League and the OS is still a massive
playground for dozens of real life versions of Bob the Builder ('Can we fix
the OS ?' – Reply 'Dunno boss, we may need more cash!'). But the truth after
eight games of the season is also this: West Ham are in fourth place, above
football superpowers Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.
Yeah, I know, only eight bloody games and only six points above a relegation
place, but still quite a feat at this stage.
It's good to have a dream. What is frustrating is the total fixation the
media and press have with the big clubs, ignoring the rest of the league
completely, I also haven't heard a lot of praise given to Southampton lately
who are sitting nicely in third place at the moment. No matter what other
teams are doing on the pitch, Sky Sports would rather let us know that a bag
of rice has fallen over in the Arsenal canteen, that Jose Mourinho's dog
isn't feeling too well and that Manchester United have just had new tiles
delivered for the showers in their training complex. I know they are just
catering for the needs of the majority of their viewers as obviously the
Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and to a degree even Tottenham
probably have a bigger fanbase than the other clubs. Still it infuriates me.
And while we're at it: The arrogance of those bigger clubs drives me up the
wall too. They maybe don't know any other way after years of sporting and
financial success, but everytime another (smaller) club finds a gem, a real
talent, the next big thing it is kind of accepted and common practise that
this player 'really should be at United (meaning the Manchester version of
course, not West Ham) or Chelsea'. Like it is an utter sin and unthinkable
that a really good player should dare and play somewhere else.
Watch it happen with Sakho, Valencia, Kouyate and Cresswell soon.
How very dare West Ham beating Liverpool comfortably at home ? Who do West
Ham think they are, making the famous Olympic Stadium their home for 99
years ?
What is a goalscoring striker like Sakho doing in claret and blue, he's
surely just wasting his time in East London ?
For far too long we have been stuck in second gear, in unambitious mode so
to speak, being happy to stay up or giving one of the bigger clubs the odd
scare on the pitch. Everyone's second favourite team. The likeable losers
from East London, playing beautiful, but ultimately unsuccessful football.
The cheaters who drove Sheffield United into the Championship.
Let's face it, West Ham haven't had a lot of good press in the last few
years. Do we as fans care about what the press say or think about West Ham ?
I think deep down we all do. It feels good if your club is being praised for
doing the right things on and off the pitch. It's still early in the season
though, there will be bumps along the road, we will still lose games, maybe
starting on Saturday against Man City.
Thing is: If West Ham were to start delivering on the pitch on a regular
basis, if West Ham were to qualify for the Europa League or someday even the
Champions League and maybe not just once as an exception to the mediocre
rule, but time and time again, could the common West Ham fan in the street
cope ?
Would this still be the club we all fell in love with ?
Could we handle the media suddenly taking an interest in a more successful
West Ham ?
Can West Ham fans deal with good times if they happen more often than just
occasionally ?
I'm really not sure. But I'd like to see us give it a try and develop some
confidence and swagger.The whole club is doing a fine job right now, giving
hope and excitement to Hammers fans all over the globe. And to answer the
question from the title of the thread: WHU do you think you are ? The
answer's easy.
We are West Ham United – we play on the floor! Until we score from the heads
of Sakho and Valencia of course…:-)
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LAST SEASON'S FAN CRITICISM WAS BOTH JUSTIFIED AND A FACTOR IN BRINGING
ABOUT CHANGE!
By S J Chandos 22 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I DIe
It has been reported that Sir Alex Ferguson has updated his autobiography to
include some amendments/additions, including one in which he jumps on the
pro-Allardyce (and anti-West Ham Way) band wagon, hitherto ridden by the
likes of MoTD's Alan Shearer. Ferguson allegedly states: 'before I die I
hope that someone can explain the West Ham Way …. I never came up against a
Hammers side who played football I was afraid of.' In addition, he adds that
all of the West Ham sides he faced in his 26 years at Man Utd were either
'negative in their approach or lucky as hell against us.'
Now, two wrongs do not make a right and it has to be freely acknowledged
that Alex Ferguson was a hugely successful manager domestically and in
European competition. There is no disputing that, but it is also a fact that
West Ham Utd were responsible for inflicting some notable reverses on
Ferguson's Man Utd over the years. Including those two memorable victories
at Upton Park (in 1992 and 1995) that were instrumental in twice denying
them the title, respectively handing it to Leeds Utd and Blackburn Rovers;
the unforgettable Di Canio 0-1 FA Cup victory at Old Trafford and the PL
double victory over them in the 2006-07 season of the 'Great Escape. They
are just five such results, there are others and it is not an exaggeration
to state that the Hammers were often a real bogey team to Ferguson.
One can only speculate why Ferguson has chosen to include such disrespectful
references our club. It is certainly not something that one would expect of
such a legendary figure and elder statesman of the game. The answer is at
least partly that Ferguson is reputed to be close to Sam Allardyce and
presumably saw it as an opportunity to publicly defend our present manager's
philosophy and methods. My response is that the West Ham fans were perfectly
justified in their criticism of the quality of the football produced last
season. The Hammers board recognised that, last May, and subsequently
imposed the changes/recruitment policy that are now bearing such impressive
fruit. So, one could legitimately argue that last season's fan
disaffection/criticism was an important factor in bringing those changes
about. What would the reaction have been from Manchester Utd fans if they
had to endure the one-dimensional fayre dished up to us last season? Of
course we have an idea, because part of David Moyes Old Trafford downfall
was not just about the poor results, but also the dour playing style. in
fact, I well remember a Man Utd fan stating in a SSN vox pop interview that
Moyes was not upholding the 'Man Utd Way' of playing. That says it all
really!
Ferguson undoubtedly still harbours some deep seated bitterness concerning
the key results/defeats that he suffered at West Ham's hands? But there is
also probably a commercial explanation for his his comments, namely the need
to freshen up a stale publication, by injecting a bit of controversy, to
reinvigorate sales. And West Ham and the club's fans have presumably been
mis-used for that purpose.
In the final analysis, Ferguson was a great manager, but be is retired now
and who really cares what he has to say about our club, past or present. The
best response is to rise above it and squarely focus on the performances
being produced by this exciting Hammers squad. Hopefully, the players will
prove a point for us when we next meet Manchester Utd on the field of play.
After all, that is where it really counts!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate ready to return a month ahead of schedule
against Man City
Oct 22, 2014 16:43 By Darren Witcoop
Senegalese midfielder who was not expected to be fit until mid-November
following a hamstring injury could now face the champions on Saturday
The Mirror
Cheikhou Kouyate is ready to hand West Ham an injury boost by returning
ahead of schedule. The Senegal midfielder has been out for the last month
with a hamstring injury, and was not expected to be fit until the middle of
next month. But Kouyate, 24, is already back in full training and could face
Manchester City on Saturday. The Hammers have proved surprise-packages after
marching into fourth spot, and James Collins plans to continue the
feel-good-factor by sinking the champions. The Wales defender said: "We know
it's going to be tough game. But it's been a great season so far. The table
is good viewing at the minute and it's down to the way we are playing."
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Mark Noble for England: Why West Ham's Mr Reliable deserves a call from Roy
Hodgson
Oct 22, 2014 16:33
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
The midfielder ran more than any other player in the win over Burnley and
may feel recognition is long overdue
The Mirror
There was one significant statistic that emerged from West Ham's 3-1 win at
Burnley last Saturday. No – not the three headed goals from the
hugely-impressive Diafra Sahko, the ever-improving Enner Valencia and the
re-vitalised Carlton Cole. It was the amount of effort and running put in by
Mark Noble. He in fact ran more and covered more ground than anyone else.
When it is taken into account that he has missed two matches because of a
calf injury and the match at Turf Moor was his return, that is worth noting.
And, by the way, he lasted the whole 90 minutes. Naturally, human nature
dictates that the summer arrivals at Upton Park – Sahko, Valencia, Cheikhou
Kouyate, Alex Song among them – have played key roles in the resurgence
under Sam Allardyce. But it would be wrong to under-estimate the
contribution of Noble. He is very much the unsung hero at Upton Park this
season. Over the years, Noble has seen it all – relegation, promotion, the
unease among the fans at the type of football produced by the team. He was,
after all, in the team that beat Hull 2-1 back in March and were jeered off
the field.
But Noble has stuck by West Ham through it all. Born in Canning Town he was
destined to play for the team he supported as a boy.He has played in a host
of positions from midfield anchor man to supporting the attack. And in no
season has influence been greater than in the present campaign which has
seen West Ham recover from an inept performance against Southampton when
they lost 3-1 to the heady heights of the top half of the Premier League.
Relegation is not on the agenda at Upton Park this season and that is in no
small way thanks to the efforts of Mark Noble. At 27, it would seem that the
chances of representing his country at full international level are fading.
It would seem the graduation from Under-21 football – he played 20 times for
England – to the senior team is not to be.
And yet...
On November 18, England play Scotland in a friendly. England manager Roy
Hodgson may use that game to give many of his regular first choice players a
break. And that could be the opportunity to give Noble the reward his
consistency has deserved. An impressive performance against Manchester City
at Saturday lunch-time would do his chances the world of good.
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Irons eye Brighton boy as Reid replacement
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are keeping a close check on Brighton and Hove Albion central
defender Lewis Dunk as the Winston Reid 'soap opera' rumbles on.
The Hammers will refuse to be held to ransom in talks this week with the
central defender's advisers and are very keen on the Brighton-born 6ft 4in
22 year old . A Hammers source confirmed the player as a possible target to
ClaretandHugh declaring: "Obviously given the situation we need to be
looking at our options and Dunk would be prominent among them." Dunk is a
graduate of the Albion Centre of Excellence and was called into the England
under 21 set up a couple of seasons back. However the Hammers will be forced
to pay top dollar of around £5 million to get the player who recently signed
a new four year deal with Albion. It was difficult to make a move in the
summer with the wage bill as it was given Reid's presence in the squad. But
should the Kiwi move on the Hammers are set to move on the player who is
believed to have a release clause in his new contract at around the £5
million mark His wage would be around the same as Reid who is currently on
£25k a week with our source declaring: "He's one of the best defenders in
the Championship." So far this season the defender has scored five times in
14 appearances.
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Wednesday, October 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd October 2014
Aaron's all about the points
Whufc.COM
Aaron Cresswell only had eyes for three Barclays Premier League points at Burnley on Saturday
20.10.2014
Aaron Cresswell is little fussed about taking personal plaudits, just so long as he is contributing to a winning West Ham United cause.
The former Ipswich Town full-back provided the ammunition for Diafra Sakho's opener at Burnley on Saturday and very nearly got on the scoresheet himself, slamming a volley into the midriff of Clarets stopper Tom Heaton. But while his wonderful left-wing cross was hardly about to go unnoticed, the modest 24-year-old insisted it is all in a day's work for the all-action full-back. "It's nice to get an assist and when you do put the ball in and you see the ball go in the back of the net, it's great, but the main thing was the three points and we got that," he told West Ham TV. "It was a good ball and it was a good header. Even the same with Jenks [Carl Jenkinson]. Jenks put in a great ball for Enner [Valencia] and Enner scored it. "That's the modern day full-back and for both teams on Saturday, both full-backs put a lot of balls in the box. It's something we work on in training with the gaffer and Macca [Neil McDonald]. So if you keep putting good balls in the box, nine times out of ten you should score one."
The Hammers' lightning start to the second period was a far cry from the opening exchanges and Cresswell confessed that West Ham were fortunate to find themselves level at the break. He explained: "In the first half I don't think we were as good as we have been this season, at all. The gaffer had a little pop at us at half-time, it wasn't good enough and we knew it wasn't good enough. "They're the home team and we knew they were going to come out of the blocks flying, which they did. And the first 15 minutes, you could say we were all over the place, we were lucky to stay 0-0 at some times. We rode the storm, came out flying second half and scored two early goals."
Saturday's success makes it three wins out of the last four for Sam Allardyce's men and Cresswell is loving it, adamant that a top-ten finish is now well within West Ham's reach. The next challenge comes in the shape of league champions Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, one that holds little fear for Cresswell and co. "Man City are one of the best teams in the Premier League, but we're going to go into that game full of confidence, flying and looking forward to it. "We've played eight games, got 13 points, if we keep that sort of form there's no reason why we can't make the top ten. I think that's realistically a good achievement for us, anywhere in the top ten.
"On and off the pitch it's going well for me down here. The main thing for me was to get my head down, work hard and hopefully try to stay in the team as long as I can."
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Jim Barrett Jr - 1930-2014
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United forward Jim Barrett Jr has sadly passed away at the age of 83
21.10.2014
Former West Ham United forward Jim Barrett Jr has sadly passed away following a short illness at the age of 83. Inside forward Barrett Jr played 91 times in Claret and Blue between 1950 and 1954, scoring 26 goals. He returned to the Club to coach the A team during the 1960s, helping to develop a number of players at the Academy of Football. Born just a stone's throw from the Boleyn Ground on Bonfire Night 1930, Barrett was the son of Hammers legend 'Big' Jim Barrett - a centre-half who played more than 500 games for West Ham between 1925 and 1945 - and played alongside his father for the A team himself in the 1945/46 season. Barrett Jr made his first-team debut at the age of 19 in a Division Two fixture at Blackburn Rovers on 22 April 1950, netting his first goal in a 2-1 victory at Chesterfield in October of the same year. In May 1951, he was part of the side which defeated Southend United 2-0 in the Essex Professional Cup final at the Boleyn Ground. The 1951/52 season was Barrett Jr's most productive in a West Ham shirt as he scored ten goals in 25 appearances in all competitions, including nine in Division Two.
Barrett Jr made a memorable final appearance for the Hammers on 18 December 1954, when he scored one of West Ham's goals in a 3-3 Division Two draw with Swansea Town at the Boleyn Ground. Joint-Chairman David Gold was a schoolboy and A team player during Barrett Jr's time at West Ham and has fond memories of the inside forward. "I am really sorry to hear of Jim's death," he began. "I remember him so well. He joined the Football Club when I was a schoolboy and we would train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. "Sometimes we would train at the Boleyn Ground and that would give us the opportunity to see the first-team players. We warmed-up indoors there in a gym the size of a squash court and Jim would come in and ask us how we were doing, which was a real thrill for us all. "I remember that he became involved in the A team and I particularly remember him when I was in the Colts. What was nice about Jim was that he was always willing to help the youngsters. I played for the A team a number of times and I have great memories of him - he was a nice man. "As a player, he was an inside forward who played as one of the front three in the old W formation, and he scored a fair few goals. The fans liked Jim and I liked him too."
West Ham's Division Two rivals Nottingham Forest swooped to sign Barrett Jr in December 1954, taking the inside forward to the City Ground. The forward enjoyed an outstanding time for the Tricky Trees, finishing as the club's leading scorer in three straight seasons between 1954 and 1957. In 1956/57, he scored 30 goals as Forest finished second and gained promotion to Division One. Barrett Jr moved to Birmingham City in 1959, scoring four goals in ten league appearances before hanging up his boots from the professional game at the age of 29. He returned to the Boleyn Ground in the 1960s as player-coach of the A team, where he assisted the development of the likes of Harry Redknapp, John Charles and Paul Heffer. Barrett Jr completed his coaching career at Millwall, where he worked under former West Ham wing half Benny Fenton.
Everyone at West Ham United was saddened to learn of Jim's passing and would like to pass on their sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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Lionel Messi at the Boleyn as West Ham stage international friendly
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's United Boleyn Ground will play host to an international friendly between Croatia and Argentina next month, according to reports. For the first (and possibly the last!) time ever, the likes of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Éver Banega will strut their stuff at West Ham's famous old ground, according to Steven Goff of the Washington post. After a planned clash between the United States and Croatia at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground fell through, the South Americans stepped in to provide an opponent for the European side with the venue now set to be switched from West to East London. The game could also mark the return to Upton Park for both Javier Mascherano (Barcelona) and Carlos Tevez (Juventus), although the latter has failed to make recent Argentina squads. Croatia, despite not featuring a single UK-based player in their current squad still boast one or two major continental stars such as midfielder Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona) and Dnipro's Ivan Strinic, both of whom are well-known across the continent. Meanwhile any Hammers fans present may also be able to get a glimpse of Rijeka's young striker Andrej Kramaric, who was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this month.
The game is provisionally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 12th November. The US will instead face Columbia at Craven Cottage on the same evening.
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Jim Barrett Jnr
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Jim Barrett Jnr has passed away at the age of 83. Born in London between the wars, the home grown star began his career at West Ham where he went on to make 85 appearances for the club as an inside forward, scoring 24 goals. However after five years as a first team squad member Barrett was sold to Nottingham Forest in 1954. The son of Jim Barrett Snr, who himself was on West Ham's books for 15 years between 1924 and 1939, the two appeared together when representing West Ham's 'A' Team during the 1945/46 season. Jim Snr, who had retired from the professional game at the age of 32 was the team's coach at the time.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold, himself a young player on West Ham's books at the time, told whufc.com that Barrett was always willing to support the young players. "I am really sorry to hear of Jim's death," he said. "I remember him so well. He joined the Football Club when I was a schoolboy and we would train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
"I remember that he became involved in the A team and I particularly remember him when I was in the Colts. What was nice about Jim was that he was always willing to help the youngsters. I played for the A team a number of times and I have great memories of him - he was a nice man."
KUMB's sincere condolences go to Jim's family and friends at this difficult time.
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Colin Murray: shut up, Shearer
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ex-BBC presenter Colin Murray has launched a no-holds-barred attack on Beeb employee Alan Shearer after he criticised Hammers fans on Match of the Day at the weekend.
Following Match of the Day's highlights of West Ham's 3-1 win at Burnley on Saturday, Shearer - a BBC pundit who is not shy in having a pop at the club or its fans - asked "where are they now?" with regard to those who had been critical of Sam Allardyce's tactical approach last season. That led Murray, speaking on his TalkSport show last night to castigate his former colleague - without specifically referring to Shearer in person. "I've heard a few people say on TV and radio at the weekend - so the guns aren't aimed at anyone in particular - where's the Sam Out brigade? "How insulting that is to West Ham fans, that people are ridiculing them for West Ham having a decent start to the season. They're doing well - and people are goading the West Ham fans? It doesn't mean you can sit on radio or television and lambast a whole fanbase who pay their money week in, week out. "There was an element of truth on both sides. Sam Allardyce was right to a certain extent to say we don't always play the ball in the air but the stats pointed out they did more often than any other team last season. But it's all relevant to the season we're in.
People said 'where are they'? I tell you where they are - they're in their jobs this morning, working hard and paying money to go and see their football team. Nothing they said was wrong - some of them took it a bit too far at times, but I just hate that idea that West Ham fans, for some reason, have no knowledge of football. "I've been waiting to get that off my chest for about 36 hours. I couldn't wait to get on and just say 'come on, have a bit of respect for them, they're allowed to have their point of view'. I don't think anything the vast majority did was out of character or wrong. It doesn't mean you can sit and slag them off on TV."
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WHAT THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW MAY HOLD
By Sean Whetstone 21 Oct 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
I know it is early for transfer speculation especially as David Sullivan has already gone on record to say it will quiet window as we have reached our FFP wages limit. 'I'm hoping we don't have to do any', Sullivan told The London Evening Standard when asked if West Ham could sign any players in January. "We're right up against our wage cap and this is the best squad we've ever had in terms of depth and quality.It's a tall order but I'm hoping we will have 30 points at the halfway stage. That means realistically you can't be relegated and we can throw everything at the FA Cup"
I know what the Chairman has said but I can't believe we are not looking to cover Reid's centre back position should he decide not to re-sign, in my view we are unlikely to sign Carl Jenkinson permanently in the right back position at the the end of his loan plus James Collins, Joey O'Brien, Ricardo Vaz Te and Guy Demel days at the club could be limited. These could all bring significant amounts off the wage bill to dabble a little in the January transfer window. We know Sullivan won't be able to restrain himself when the transfer window opens again.
Here the a round up of the players we have been linked with in October:
Virgil Van Dijk
According to the Scotsman West Ham have joined the chase to land Virgil Van Dijk. It is claimed that that Arsene Wenger is ready to bid £8 million for the player after reports from Arsenal's scouts following his displays for Celtic in the Europa League. However could mix it up with a bid of their own with Southampton, Sunderland and unnamed Serie A side are also said to be interested. Celtic are said to be looking for at least £10 million for the Dutchman.Virgil came through the ranks at Willem II in Holland before moving to Groningen as a teenager, where he played in the same side as Southampton's Dusan Tadic. He has played for the Dutch Under 19 and Under 21 sides and in 2013 he moved to Celtic for £2.6million. In 42 games for Celtic he has scored 5 goals.
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 and could be available for around half that should the Italian decide to sell.
Antonio Rudiger
West Ham could compete to bid for Stuttgart's German international defender Antonio Rudiger in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Express. The 21-year-old was claimed to be of interest to the Hammers in the summer and it is understood Sam Allardyce might look to sign the centre-back once more during the January transfer window.Rudiger has made 54 league appearances for Stuttgart and was part of the side which were runners up in the 2013 DFB Pokal
Shinji Okazaki
FSV Mainz 05 star striker Shinji Okazaki is being chased by the Hammers, according to German media.The German newspaper Bild has reported that scouts from West Ham were spotted watching him at his last match. Okazaki has scored five goals this season for Mainz in the Bundesliga league.The Japanese International is contracted at the club until the summer of 2016 but the German side could be tempted to cash in for the 28 year-old in the next window if the right offer is made. Mainz could accept offers for around 8-10 million euros.In the last year, the number 23 has scored 39 goals in 79 games.West Ham were among three clubs who sent a scout to watch Modena 20-goal top scorer Khouma Babacar recently.The player has now returned to his club Fiorentina since but West Ham scout George Dixon watched hiom before his return.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.
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WEST HAM IN MY HEART, CHOLESTEROL IN MY VEINS
By Brian Williams 21 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Having knotted several sets of claret and blue underwear last week with the suggestion that Alex Song may not be the new Trevor Brooking quite yet, I thought it would be a good idea to write about something rather less controversial this time – like why I believe Bobby Moore was actually over-rated; or not only is Nigel Farage the right man to run the country, he should be given overall control at West Ham as well.
In the end I rejected the idea of playing safe (you don't win a Pulitzer prize taking the easy options) and have instead decided to look at the big issue facing football supporters everywhere squarely in the eye: is a pie really an essential part of the proceedings on a Saturday?
Before you answer the next question I would like to remind you that you are under oath and the penalties for perjury in this country are severe. So, think back, then answer clearly and concisely: when did you last have a pie at a game?
Aha – just as I suspected! So why is there this myth that football and pies go together like Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia? The idea seems particularly popular with affluent, middle-class supporters who suddenly turned into instant experts on the game when it became fashionable to start going to "footy". Is it, I wonder, the glory-hunters' revenge for Roy Keane's crack about the "prawn sandwich brigade"? If so, this nonsense has gone on long enough.
Just take a stroll down the Barking Road before any home game. Immediately behind the Bobby Moore stand is a row of shops including one that sells pie and mash and another that does fish and chips. They're two doors apart. Sure, Nathan's pies are popular, but the queue for the Ercan Fish Bar is reminiscent of the snaking lines of people who wait for days outside polling stations in those courageous countries that have thrown off the shackles of dictatorship and won the right to democracy for the first time. Ably assisted by my son, who has a master's in computer science, I have done some highly sophisticated analytical research here – namely standing by the nearby programme stall and noting the length of the queues for well over a minute. Trust me, the chippy has got this one wrapped up … so to speak.
Personally, I prefer the brilliant hot food on sale in Priory Road. Anywhere that offers a Mad Dog, a Terminator and a Stevie Bacon burger cannot be ignored by anyone who truly has West Ham in their heart (and cholesterol in their arteries). This wonderful institution simply has to be rebuilt, brick by brick, outside the main gates of the Olympic Stadium when we move.
When I first started going to the Boleyn Ground in the Sixties, I would invariably travel by tube and alight at Upton Park. Had I turned left when I exited the station, rather than go south and head for the ground, I may well have encountered my future sister-in-law, who had a Saturday job in the pie and mash shop that used to be further up Green Street, on the same side of the road. In fact, I might have met the woman I would one day marry, because she sometimes stood in for her. The shop made its own pies, but the example set by the manager to his staff is something that I adhere to now. "Mike would never touch the pies," says my sister-in-law. "He knew what went in them."
Now, if I'm not going to have a pie on familiar soil, I'm certainly not going to risk it at away games. Why? Because, as I drive home after a match in some far flung part of the nation which has culinary traditions all of its own, I have no wish to hammer down the motorway with one eye peeled for a service station as my small intestine makes increasingly alarming noises, that's why.
To be strictly honest here, I did break my own rule by having a Seagull pie at the Amex stadium in Brighton when we were in the Championship. But then I live in Brighton (yeah, yeah, my boyfriend knows I'm here … and I'm sure you can see us holding hands) so for once I wasn't overly concerned about being struck down with gastro enteritis half an hour after the final whistle. And, just in case you were wondering, no – they don't put seagulls in Seagull pies. They do, however, charge a fortune for them. A recent survey (journalists just love recent surveys) found that Brighton and Hove Albion ask more than any other club in the Prem or the Championship when it comes to shortcrust shenanigans.
Anyway, to return to my argument that it's the clever dicks rather than the true fan who is obsessed with pies, I have categorical proof that I am right and everybody else is wrong (as my wife will tell you, this is not always the case).
We are at St Andrews, watching our brave lads teach the Bluenoses a thing or two about how to pass and move. A chubby gentleman, clearly of the Birmingham persuasion, has spent most of the first 45 minutes single-handedly abusing us from the adjacent stand and then decides to beat the half-time rush. As he heads for the exit he is sent on his way with the spontaneous chant of "Home for his dinner, he's going home for his dinner." But he didn't go home – he came back after the interval. And this is where the proof of the pudding, or rather the pie, can be found.
"Only went for a burger, he only went for a burger," was the greeting from the travelling claret and blue support as our Brummie friend took his seat.
A burger, you will notice. Not a steak pie. Which just goes to show the first thing on the menu that pops into the typical football supporter's mind doesn't come wrapped in pastry but is generally found between two slices of some form of bread (in my case, it's a bacon sandwich – the Great Dane – if I'm in Priory Road). Case proven, I think you will agree.
Perhaps it will all be different at the Olympic Stadium. If the proponents of the move are to be believed, this is the promised land that will not only turn us into a Champions League side but will also offer a half time of fine dining and service with a smile. The queues Sir? Ha-ha, we don't have those here – they are so Upton Park. This is Stratford.
Come to think of it, I won't be sorry to leave queuing behind. I will be sorry to leave the Boleyn Ground and everything else that goes with it, though. A pint in the Black Lion beforehand, one in the Denmark afterwards. A bacon sandwich in Priory Road. The programme stall in the Barking Road, the OLAS guys by the entrance to the Bobby Moore stand. The matchday routine is almost as important as the game itself, and it won't be the same when we move.
As you may have guessed by now, I am one of those grumpy old gits who does not believe moving to the OS is in the best interests of the club I have supported for 50 years. As a lesson in long-term asset management, flogging the family home and then renting a luxury flat leaves a lot to be desired. Still, I suppose there will always be Wonga when the cash runs out.
Yes, I know it's a done deal and I'll have just have to suck it up. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though.
All I would suggest is that, before we go, you savour every minute of the time left in E13. In particular, enjoy your own matchday rituals – whatever they may be. It's my guess you'll miss them when they're gone.
See – I told you pies were controversial.
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West Ham United block Tottenham hopes of renting Upton Park
Ahead of their move to the Olympic Park, West Ham have taken steps to prevent Spurs from using Upton Park ahead of their north London redevelopment
West Ham United block Tottenham hopes of renting Upton Park
Telegraph.co.uk
By Matt Law, Football News Correspondent10:00PM BST 21 Oct 2014
West Ham United have "Tottenham-proofed" their contract with the buyers of Upton Park to prevent it falling into the hands of their fierce rivals. The property developer Galliard Group agreed to buy Upton Park once West Ham make the move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
It has now emerged that a clause in the contract states that West Ham do not have to leave Upton Park in a fit state for football and plan to gut the stadium ahead of their exit. That rules out Tottenham Hotspur trying to rent Upton Park off Galliard while they wait for White Hart Lane to be redeveloped, having already failed in a bid to buy West Ham's stadium to use for a season. A senior West Ham source said: "It is correct that the Boleyn Ground will not be fit for football after West Ham's final game in 2016.
This is because Hammers fans will be offered the opportunity to secure their own piece of history through a special auction of memorabilia, which will cover most, if not all, of the essential parts of the stadium. "In addition, some of the most identifiable fixtures will be coming with us to Stratford and essential equipment relating to the pitch and other areas will be taken away and reused at the club's training facilities."
With Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, still searching for a sponsor to pay £150 million for the naming rights for the club's new stadium, its projected opening date has been pushed back to 2018-19. That means Spurs need a temporary home for the 2017-18 season and have been looking at ground-sharing with MK Dons and playing big games at Wembley. However, the possibility of Spurs ground-sharing with West Ham in the Olympic Stadium for the 2017-18 campaign, the season after West Ham move in, will be debated again, with Mayor of London Boris Johnson to be quizzed on the subject.
Andrew Boff, leader of the Greater London Authority Conservatives, will ask Johnson if West Ham have the power to veto Tottenham, if the club approached the London Legacy Development Corporation requesting a ground-share deal. Boff is a critic of the LLDC's decision to sign the Olympic Stadium over to West Ham on a 99-year lease, arguing that it represents a poor deal for the taxpayer.
Karren Brady, the West Ham vice-chairman, has claimed that the club would block any attempt by their London rivals to share the stadium and they are insistent they hold a permanent right of veto. It was revealed this week that the firm working on the Olympic Stadium, Balfour Beatty, had lobbied for another £50 million of taxpayers' cash to complete the work at the site. Under the terms of the 99-year lease deal signed by West Ham with the LLDC, the club is not obliged to foot any of the extra cost. West Ham appeared to consider the prospect of introducing a 'singing section' at the Olympic Stadium for all of four hours on Tuesday afternoon. Jack Sullivan, son of the co-owner David, posted two messages on Twitter that said: "Possibility of a singing fans section at the OS anyone got any ideas what it should be called? Also, do you think a singing section is a good idea, an area where all the passionate fans can sit together and chant throughout the game."
However, following a host of negative responses, Sullivan added another tweet that read: "Thanks for your help – bad idea so will not be doing that."
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Under-21s Report: Chelsea 2 West Ham United 1
NEWS Mon, 6 Jan 2014
Chelasefc.com
Dermot Drummy's Under-21s earned themselves a place in the last eight of the inaugural Under-21 Premier League Cup with a win in difficult conditions at Aldershot. An own goal cancelled out Isaiah Brown's early opener, before captain Nathan Ake put the hosts back in front midway through the first half with what proved to be the winning goal.
Team news
Dermot Drummy made four changes from the side that defeated Cardiff City 4-0 in the previous round, with Mitchell Beeney returning in goal in place of Jamal Blackman and Andreas Christensen taking Danny Pappoe's place in central defence.
Adam Nditi and Alex Davey retained their places at left-back and centre-back respectively, while Fankaty Dabo replaced Isak Ssewankambo on the right side to make up the back four.
Isaiah Brown led the line up front, supported by Jeremie Boga and John Swift from the flanks, while Lewis Baker kept his place in midfield after his first team debut from the bench at Derby County in the FA Cup third round. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and captain Nathan Ake made up the midfield trio.
Five of the West Ham starting team from November's league meeting featured in the first team's 5-0 FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday so there were 10 changes from the side that began that 3-3 draw.
First half
With the rain subsiding just in time for kick-off at Aldershot the early proceedings were even and Beeney had an early scare as a short back-pass put him under pressure from the eager forward closing down. Yet the first chance of the game came down the other end after Baker had been felled as his tricky footwork evaded defenders.
The midfielder stepped up himself and bent in an excellent effort from just over 20 yards that the visiting goalkeeper Sam Howes impressively tipped on to the post. That was an early warning sign from the young Blues, though West Ham threatened themselves moments later as Beeney denied captain Kieran Bywater's well-hit strike at the near post.
The end-to-end early exchanges quickly saw an opening goal arrive after six minutes and it was the hosts taking a lead. Baker, involved in much of the attacking play early on operating from a more advanced No.10 midfield role, supplied the pass for Brown, and the striker fired emphatically hard and low beyond Howes for his eighth goal of the season.
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The young Hammers responded positively, continuing to cause problems as they pushed forward, and were quickly rewarded with an equaliser inside a quarter of an hour. Jerry Amoo's enterprising burst from right-back created the danger and his low centre was spilled into his own net by Beeney via a deflection from Nditi.
Both sides were enjoying possession and opportunities in an open encounter and Amoo threatened once again with a powerful run down the right, bursting away from the defending Boga, although his delivery was eventually overhit beyond the supporting attackers.
Davey finished confidently past Howes as the aftermath of a Chelsea corner was poorly cleared, though the lineman's flag was raised for a narrow offside call, before the game's third goal arrived midway through the half.
Skipper Ake found space running from deep midfield and was found with an excellent ball through from Loftus-Cheek, before providing an accomplished finish down low and across the goalkeeper into the far bottom corner to net his second goal of the campaign. His first, incidentally, came back in November when these two sides met in the league and the Dutchman grabbed a last-minute equaliser.
As the half wore on Chelsea's control of the game grew stronger, as did the influence of the lively front four of Brown, Baker, Swift and Boga. Baker's corner from the left got caught by the swirling wind and almost caught out goalkeeper Howes, before Nditi's super cross from the left narrowly evaded the onrushing Swift at the far post.
A brilliant exchange between Baker and Boga fashioned another opening for the hosts, though the Frenchman was denied by Howes, and the West Ham stopper was called into action once again moments later as he saved Boga's header after Swift had beaten his man and delivered from the right.
Jordan Brown was denied by a succession of close tackles from Davey (pictured below) after Nathan Mavila had provided from the left, before the last action of the half saw Chelsea go close to extending the lead. Ake swept a brilliant cross-field pass out to the attacking Nditi on the left and the defender's excellent first touch allowed him to get into space, though goalscorer Brown couldn't add to his tally as his bending effort flew over the bar.
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Second half
The visitors began the second period eager to get on the front foot as they searched for an equaliser in the tie, though it was Brown for the hosts who found himself presented with the first chance of the half as he raced in behind. The striker attempted to flick the ball over the covering defender but Amos Nasha defended cleverly and marshalled the danger away.
With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs there was plenty to play for and the visitors came close to levelling terms shortly after the restart. Jordan Brown forced the save from Beeney, though the shot was straight at the goalkeeper and the save was ultimately a routine one.
That warning sign set the tone for the young Blues to respond strongly as they sought to grab a third goal and finish off the game. Manny Onariase cleared well for West Ham as a dangerous delivery from the right from Dabo landed invitingly inside the six-yard box, before Brown was twice thwarted as he looked to get his second goal of the evening.
Howes in the Hammers' goal was certainly proving to be the busiest man on the field and he was needed again to save from Baker's flick after Swift had beaten Reece Burke and delivered from the right.
The bright Swift continued to pose problems for the visitors, either using his skill and pace to beat his man on the outside or coming infield to threaten. It was through the latter that the Under-21s' top goalscorer almost got his 11th goal of the season, coming inside off the right touchline and beating a couple of defenders before firing an arrowing effort towards goal that flew just inches wide.
The windy conditions and intermittent driving rain continued to make playing conditions difficult and goalmouth action was rare as the half wore on. Nditi dragged a shot wide past the far post after finding space down the left, though the game continued to be cagey and chances were limited.
Charly Musonda and Ola Aina were introduced by Drummy to provide an energising boost to proceedings and the young Belgian proved lively, creating openings for himself with some clever footwork and skill, though a combination of a bumpy pitch and some brave blocks from defenders limited his impact somewhat.
Swift tested Howes late on while Brown (pictured below) might have done better when advanced in the box but chose to look for a pass rather than shoot as Chelsea held on to ensure their progress in the competition.
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Next up for Drummy's Under-21s is a league game against Reading. This game is moved from Aldershot and will now be played at Cobham, with kick-off at 2pm. The match will be played behind closed doors and we regret supporters will not be admitted.
Manager Reaction
Dermot Drummy was pleased the game went ahead despite heavy rain in the days preceding it and high wind on the night. 'Well done to [Chelsea head groundsman] Jason Griffin and the Aldershot staff for getting this game on,' he said. 'We needed the match because we did give the lads, especially the foreign players a good break at Christmas and no matter what training you do, it is nothing like going through a game. 'It was a cup tie and we won it so we are pleased with that but compliments to West Ham, they had a good game plan and their goalkeeper made some outstanding saves. If you look on the balance of chances we were worthy winners and I've said to the boys it is a nice trait to keep winning. 'West Ham knew we attack centrally and we didn't have real width with Alex Kiwomya being ill, but it was a great move for Nathan's goal, we moved the ball quickly which we didn't always do tonight but it is the way I like to play. 'Isaiah finished well for his goal and Lew Baker has come off the back of making his first team debut, which is wonderful, to perform well tonight.'
Chelsea: Mitchell Beeney; Fankaty Dabo, Alex Davey, Andreas Christensen, Adam Nditi (Ola Aina 80); Nathan Ake (c), Lewis Baker, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Charly Musonda 72); John Swift, Jeremie Boga, Isaiah Brown.
Unused subs: Bradley Collins, Dion Conroy
West Ham: Sam Howes, Jerry Amoo (Matthew Carter 77), Lewis Page, Amos Nasha, Reece Burke, Manny Onariase, Moses Makasi, Josh Cullen, Jordan Brown, Kieran Bywater (c), Nathan Mavila (Marcio Martins 77)
Unused subs: Gines Guzman Rosique, Oscar Borg, Josh Pask
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DG names his next big objective
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ask David Gold to describe the dressing room spirit at Upton Park and he will point to a picture of Mark Noble out of his mind with delight at Burnley on Saturday! He posted it on Twitter and explained: "It tells you better than any words of mine what the lads are feeling at the moment – elation, joy overwhelming confidence and more besides. It's the kind of spirit that can carry us to an FA Cup Final Day out and I really am looking forward to a big run in that competition.
That is the next big ambition and the co chairman but is convinced it's achievable and that it should run in harness with a major bid to make the last Boleyn season a European season. That has been David Sullivan's stated aim for some time but the FA Cup campaign offers a real opportunity of a major trophy for the first time in a lot of years."
Generally speaking DG is a cautious man but really does believe that an assault on Wembley is realistic. He said: "The big clubs are always going to pitch hard for Europe and we shouldn't rule that out either but the FA Cup gives us a real chance and it's something I've been wanting for several years. "I think we can give it a real go this season."
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Reid contract clause headaches
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports this morning that Queens Park Rangers are planning a possible move for Winston Reid are bizarre to put it very mildly indeed!
The story goes that Rio Ferdinand will be allowed to leave in January and that Reid has been watched as a possible alternative by Harry Redknapp. As reported earlier on ClaretandHugh today, new talks will get underway between the Hammers and Reid's advisers later this week with the Irons ready to offer improved terms to the Kiwi. The QPR scenario becomes increasingly unbelievable given that among the various clauses the Reid side want, in talks with the Hammers, is one involving relegation. We were told the requirement is that the player would be allowed to leave Upton Park for around £2 million should that happen over the terms of a new deal.
Given that, it's difficult in the extreme to see why the player would be remotely tempted by a move to Loftus Road. Hammers negotiators know they face a tough task nailing down a new deal with Reid admitting "the cards are all stacked in his favour." They want to get a deal agreed by the end of December but accept the situation could even run into next summer when he becomes a free agent. A source told us: "We'll be offering a very good deal but we understand he is in a position where he can take his time and talk to various clubs."
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Whufc.COM
Aaron Cresswell only had eyes for three Barclays Premier League points at Burnley on Saturday
20.10.2014
Aaron Cresswell is little fussed about taking personal plaudits, just so long as he is contributing to a winning West Ham United cause.
The former Ipswich Town full-back provided the ammunition for Diafra Sakho's opener at Burnley on Saturday and very nearly got on the scoresheet himself, slamming a volley into the midriff of Clarets stopper Tom Heaton. But while his wonderful left-wing cross was hardly about to go unnoticed, the modest 24-year-old insisted it is all in a day's work for the all-action full-back. "It's nice to get an assist and when you do put the ball in and you see the ball go in the back of the net, it's great, but the main thing was the three points and we got that," he told West Ham TV. "It was a good ball and it was a good header. Even the same with Jenks [Carl Jenkinson]. Jenks put in a great ball for Enner [Valencia] and Enner scored it. "That's the modern day full-back and for both teams on Saturday, both full-backs put a lot of balls in the box. It's something we work on in training with the gaffer and Macca [Neil McDonald]. So if you keep putting good balls in the box, nine times out of ten you should score one."
The Hammers' lightning start to the second period was a far cry from the opening exchanges and Cresswell confessed that West Ham were fortunate to find themselves level at the break. He explained: "In the first half I don't think we were as good as we have been this season, at all. The gaffer had a little pop at us at half-time, it wasn't good enough and we knew it wasn't good enough. "They're the home team and we knew they were going to come out of the blocks flying, which they did. And the first 15 minutes, you could say we were all over the place, we were lucky to stay 0-0 at some times. We rode the storm, came out flying second half and scored two early goals."
Saturday's success makes it three wins out of the last four for Sam Allardyce's men and Cresswell is loving it, adamant that a top-ten finish is now well within West Ham's reach. The next challenge comes in the shape of league champions Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, one that holds little fear for Cresswell and co. "Man City are one of the best teams in the Premier League, but we're going to go into that game full of confidence, flying and looking forward to it. "We've played eight games, got 13 points, if we keep that sort of form there's no reason why we can't make the top ten. I think that's realistically a good achievement for us, anywhere in the top ten.
"On and off the pitch it's going well for me down here. The main thing for me was to get my head down, work hard and hopefully try to stay in the team as long as I can."
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Jim Barrett Jr - 1930-2014
WHUFC.com
Former West Ham United forward Jim Barrett Jr has sadly passed away at the age of 83
21.10.2014
Former West Ham United forward Jim Barrett Jr has sadly passed away following a short illness at the age of 83. Inside forward Barrett Jr played 91 times in Claret and Blue between 1950 and 1954, scoring 26 goals. He returned to the Club to coach the A team during the 1960s, helping to develop a number of players at the Academy of Football. Born just a stone's throw from the Boleyn Ground on Bonfire Night 1930, Barrett was the son of Hammers legend 'Big' Jim Barrett - a centre-half who played more than 500 games for West Ham between 1925 and 1945 - and played alongside his father for the A team himself in the 1945/46 season. Barrett Jr made his first-team debut at the age of 19 in a Division Two fixture at Blackburn Rovers on 22 April 1950, netting his first goal in a 2-1 victory at Chesterfield in October of the same year. In May 1951, he was part of the side which defeated Southend United 2-0 in the Essex Professional Cup final at the Boleyn Ground. The 1951/52 season was Barrett Jr's most productive in a West Ham shirt as he scored ten goals in 25 appearances in all competitions, including nine in Division Two.
Barrett Jr made a memorable final appearance for the Hammers on 18 December 1954, when he scored one of West Ham's goals in a 3-3 Division Two draw with Swansea Town at the Boleyn Ground. Joint-Chairman David Gold was a schoolboy and A team player during Barrett Jr's time at West Ham and has fond memories of the inside forward. "I am really sorry to hear of Jim's death," he began. "I remember him so well. He joined the Football Club when I was a schoolboy and we would train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. "Sometimes we would train at the Boleyn Ground and that would give us the opportunity to see the first-team players. We warmed-up indoors there in a gym the size of a squash court and Jim would come in and ask us how we were doing, which was a real thrill for us all. "I remember that he became involved in the A team and I particularly remember him when I was in the Colts. What was nice about Jim was that he was always willing to help the youngsters. I played for the A team a number of times and I have great memories of him - he was a nice man. "As a player, he was an inside forward who played as one of the front three in the old W formation, and he scored a fair few goals. The fans liked Jim and I liked him too."
West Ham's Division Two rivals Nottingham Forest swooped to sign Barrett Jr in December 1954, taking the inside forward to the City Ground. The forward enjoyed an outstanding time for the Tricky Trees, finishing as the club's leading scorer in three straight seasons between 1954 and 1957. In 1956/57, he scored 30 goals as Forest finished second and gained promotion to Division One. Barrett Jr moved to Birmingham City in 1959, scoring four goals in ten league appearances before hanging up his boots from the professional game at the age of 29. He returned to the Boleyn Ground in the 1960s as player-coach of the A team, where he assisted the development of the likes of Harry Redknapp, John Charles and Paul Heffer. Barrett Jr completed his coaching career at Millwall, where he worked under former West Ham wing half Benny Fenton.
Everyone at West Ham United was saddened to learn of Jim's passing and would like to pass on their sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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Lionel Messi at the Boleyn as West Ham stage international friendly
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's United Boleyn Ground will play host to an international friendly between Croatia and Argentina next month, according to reports. For the first (and possibly the last!) time ever, the likes of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Éver Banega will strut their stuff at West Ham's famous old ground, according to Steven Goff of the Washington post. After a planned clash between the United States and Croatia at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground fell through, the South Americans stepped in to provide an opponent for the European side with the venue now set to be switched from West to East London. The game could also mark the return to Upton Park for both Javier Mascherano (Barcelona) and Carlos Tevez (Juventus), although the latter has failed to make recent Argentina squads. Croatia, despite not featuring a single UK-based player in their current squad still boast one or two major continental stars such as midfielder Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona) and Dnipro's Ivan Strinic, both of whom are well-known across the continent. Meanwhile any Hammers fans present may also be able to get a glimpse of Rijeka's young striker Andrej Kramaric, who was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this month.
The game is provisionally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 12th November. The US will instead face Columbia at Craven Cottage on the same evening.
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Jim Barrett Jnr
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Jim Barrett Jnr has passed away at the age of 83. Born in London between the wars, the home grown star began his career at West Ham where he went on to make 85 appearances for the club as an inside forward, scoring 24 goals. However after five years as a first team squad member Barrett was sold to Nottingham Forest in 1954. The son of Jim Barrett Snr, who himself was on West Ham's books for 15 years between 1924 and 1939, the two appeared together when representing West Ham's 'A' Team during the 1945/46 season. Jim Snr, who had retired from the professional game at the age of 32 was the team's coach at the time.
West Ham co-chairman David Gold, himself a young player on West Ham's books at the time, told whufc.com that Barrett was always willing to support the young players. "I am really sorry to hear of Jim's death," he said. "I remember him so well. He joined the Football Club when I was a schoolboy and we would train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
"I remember that he became involved in the A team and I particularly remember him when I was in the Colts. What was nice about Jim was that he was always willing to help the youngsters. I played for the A team a number of times and I have great memories of him - he was a nice man."
KUMB's sincere condolences go to Jim's family and friends at this difficult time.
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Colin Murray: shut up, Shearer
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 21st October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ex-BBC presenter Colin Murray has launched a no-holds-barred attack on Beeb employee Alan Shearer after he criticised Hammers fans on Match of the Day at the weekend.
Following Match of the Day's highlights of West Ham's 3-1 win at Burnley on Saturday, Shearer - a BBC pundit who is not shy in having a pop at the club or its fans - asked "where are they now?" with regard to those who had been critical of Sam Allardyce's tactical approach last season. That led Murray, speaking on his TalkSport show last night to castigate his former colleague - without specifically referring to Shearer in person. "I've heard a few people say on TV and radio at the weekend - so the guns aren't aimed at anyone in particular - where's the Sam Out brigade? "How insulting that is to West Ham fans, that people are ridiculing them for West Ham having a decent start to the season. They're doing well - and people are goading the West Ham fans? It doesn't mean you can sit on radio or television and lambast a whole fanbase who pay their money week in, week out. "There was an element of truth on both sides. Sam Allardyce was right to a certain extent to say we don't always play the ball in the air but the stats pointed out they did more often than any other team last season. But it's all relevant to the season we're in.
People said 'where are they'? I tell you where they are - they're in their jobs this morning, working hard and paying money to go and see their football team. Nothing they said was wrong - some of them took it a bit too far at times, but I just hate that idea that West Ham fans, for some reason, have no knowledge of football. "I've been waiting to get that off my chest for about 36 hours. I couldn't wait to get on and just say 'come on, have a bit of respect for them, they're allowed to have their point of view'. I don't think anything the vast majority did was out of character or wrong. It doesn't mean you can sit and slag them off on TV."
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WHAT THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW MAY HOLD
By Sean Whetstone 21 Oct 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
I know it is early for transfer speculation especially as David Sullivan has already gone on record to say it will quiet window as we have reached our FFP wages limit. 'I'm hoping we don't have to do any', Sullivan told The London Evening Standard when asked if West Ham could sign any players in January. "We're right up against our wage cap and this is the best squad we've ever had in terms of depth and quality.It's a tall order but I'm hoping we will have 30 points at the halfway stage. That means realistically you can't be relegated and we can throw everything at the FA Cup"
I know what the Chairman has said but I can't believe we are not looking to cover Reid's centre back position should he decide not to re-sign, in my view we are unlikely to sign Carl Jenkinson permanently in the right back position at the the end of his loan plus James Collins, Joey O'Brien, Ricardo Vaz Te and Guy Demel days at the club could be limited. These could all bring significant amounts off the wage bill to dabble a little in the January transfer window. We know Sullivan won't be able to restrain himself when the transfer window opens again.
Here the a round up of the players we have been linked with in October:
Virgil Van Dijk
According to the Scotsman West Ham have joined the chase to land Virgil Van Dijk. It is claimed that that Arsene Wenger is ready to bid £8 million for the player after reports from Arsenal's scouts following his displays for Celtic in the Europa League. However could mix it up with a bid of their own with Southampton, Sunderland and unnamed Serie A side are also said to be interested. Celtic are said to be looking for at least £10 million for the Dutchman.Virgil came through the ranks at Willem II in Holland before moving to Groningen as a teenager, where he played in the same side as Southampton's Dusan Tadic. He has played for the Dutch Under 19 and Under 21 sides and in 2013 he moved to Celtic for £2.6million. In 42 games for Celtic he has scored 5 goals.
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 and could be available for around half that should the Italian decide to sell.
Antonio Rudiger
West Ham could compete to bid for Stuttgart's German international defender Antonio Rudiger in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Express. The 21-year-old was claimed to be of interest to the Hammers in the summer and it is understood Sam Allardyce might look to sign the centre-back once more during the January transfer window.Rudiger has made 54 league appearances for Stuttgart and was part of the side which were runners up in the 2013 DFB Pokal
Shinji Okazaki
FSV Mainz 05 star striker Shinji Okazaki is being chased by the Hammers, according to German media.The German newspaper Bild has reported that scouts from West Ham were spotted watching him at his last match. Okazaki has scored five goals this season for Mainz in the Bundesliga league.The Japanese International is contracted at the club until the summer of 2016 but the German side could be tempted to cash in for the 28 year-old in the next window if the right offer is made. Mainz could accept offers for around 8-10 million euros.In the last year, the number 23 has scored 39 goals in 79 games.West Ham were among three clubs who sent a scout to watch Modena 20-goal top scorer Khouma Babacar recently.The player has now returned to his club Fiorentina since but West Ham scout George Dixon watched hiom before his return.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.
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WEST HAM IN MY HEART, CHOLESTEROL IN MY VEINS
By Brian Williams 21 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Having knotted several sets of claret and blue underwear last week with the suggestion that Alex Song may not be the new Trevor Brooking quite yet, I thought it would be a good idea to write about something rather less controversial this time – like why I believe Bobby Moore was actually over-rated; or not only is Nigel Farage the right man to run the country, he should be given overall control at West Ham as well.
In the end I rejected the idea of playing safe (you don't win a Pulitzer prize taking the easy options) and have instead decided to look at the big issue facing football supporters everywhere squarely in the eye: is a pie really an essential part of the proceedings on a Saturday?
Before you answer the next question I would like to remind you that you are under oath and the penalties for perjury in this country are severe. So, think back, then answer clearly and concisely: when did you last have a pie at a game?
Aha – just as I suspected! So why is there this myth that football and pies go together like Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia? The idea seems particularly popular with affluent, middle-class supporters who suddenly turned into instant experts on the game when it became fashionable to start going to "footy". Is it, I wonder, the glory-hunters' revenge for Roy Keane's crack about the "prawn sandwich brigade"? If so, this nonsense has gone on long enough.
Just take a stroll down the Barking Road before any home game. Immediately behind the Bobby Moore stand is a row of shops including one that sells pie and mash and another that does fish and chips. They're two doors apart. Sure, Nathan's pies are popular, but the queue for the Ercan Fish Bar is reminiscent of the snaking lines of people who wait for days outside polling stations in those courageous countries that have thrown off the shackles of dictatorship and won the right to democracy for the first time. Ably assisted by my son, who has a master's in computer science, I have done some highly sophisticated analytical research here – namely standing by the nearby programme stall and noting the length of the queues for well over a minute. Trust me, the chippy has got this one wrapped up … so to speak.
Personally, I prefer the brilliant hot food on sale in Priory Road. Anywhere that offers a Mad Dog, a Terminator and a Stevie Bacon burger cannot be ignored by anyone who truly has West Ham in their heart (and cholesterol in their arteries). This wonderful institution simply has to be rebuilt, brick by brick, outside the main gates of the Olympic Stadium when we move.
When I first started going to the Boleyn Ground in the Sixties, I would invariably travel by tube and alight at Upton Park. Had I turned left when I exited the station, rather than go south and head for the ground, I may well have encountered my future sister-in-law, who had a Saturday job in the pie and mash shop that used to be further up Green Street, on the same side of the road. In fact, I might have met the woman I would one day marry, because she sometimes stood in for her. The shop made its own pies, but the example set by the manager to his staff is something that I adhere to now. "Mike would never touch the pies," says my sister-in-law. "He knew what went in them."
Now, if I'm not going to have a pie on familiar soil, I'm certainly not going to risk it at away games. Why? Because, as I drive home after a match in some far flung part of the nation which has culinary traditions all of its own, I have no wish to hammer down the motorway with one eye peeled for a service station as my small intestine makes increasingly alarming noises, that's why.
To be strictly honest here, I did break my own rule by having a Seagull pie at the Amex stadium in Brighton when we were in the Championship. But then I live in Brighton (yeah, yeah, my boyfriend knows I'm here … and I'm sure you can see us holding hands) so for once I wasn't overly concerned about being struck down with gastro enteritis half an hour after the final whistle. And, just in case you were wondering, no – they don't put seagulls in Seagull pies. They do, however, charge a fortune for them. A recent survey (journalists just love recent surveys) found that Brighton and Hove Albion ask more than any other club in the Prem or the Championship when it comes to shortcrust shenanigans.
Anyway, to return to my argument that it's the clever dicks rather than the true fan who is obsessed with pies, I have categorical proof that I am right and everybody else is wrong (as my wife will tell you, this is not always the case).
We are at St Andrews, watching our brave lads teach the Bluenoses a thing or two about how to pass and move. A chubby gentleman, clearly of the Birmingham persuasion, has spent most of the first 45 minutes single-handedly abusing us from the adjacent stand and then decides to beat the half-time rush. As he heads for the exit he is sent on his way with the spontaneous chant of "Home for his dinner, he's going home for his dinner." But he didn't go home – he came back after the interval. And this is where the proof of the pudding, or rather the pie, can be found.
"Only went for a burger, he only went for a burger," was the greeting from the travelling claret and blue support as our Brummie friend took his seat.
A burger, you will notice. Not a steak pie. Which just goes to show the first thing on the menu that pops into the typical football supporter's mind doesn't come wrapped in pastry but is generally found between two slices of some form of bread (in my case, it's a bacon sandwich – the Great Dane – if I'm in Priory Road). Case proven, I think you will agree.
Perhaps it will all be different at the Olympic Stadium. If the proponents of the move are to be believed, this is the promised land that will not only turn us into a Champions League side but will also offer a half time of fine dining and service with a smile. The queues Sir? Ha-ha, we don't have those here – they are so Upton Park. This is Stratford.
Come to think of it, I won't be sorry to leave queuing behind. I will be sorry to leave the Boleyn Ground and everything else that goes with it, though. A pint in the Black Lion beforehand, one in the Denmark afterwards. A bacon sandwich in Priory Road. The programme stall in the Barking Road, the OLAS guys by the entrance to the Bobby Moore stand. The matchday routine is almost as important as the game itself, and it won't be the same when we move.
As you may have guessed by now, I am one of those grumpy old gits who does not believe moving to the OS is in the best interests of the club I have supported for 50 years. As a lesson in long-term asset management, flogging the family home and then renting a luxury flat leaves a lot to be desired. Still, I suppose there will always be Wonga when the cash runs out.
Yes, I know it's a done deal and I'll have just have to suck it up. Doesn't mean I have to like it, though.
All I would suggest is that, before we go, you savour every minute of the time left in E13. In particular, enjoy your own matchday rituals – whatever they may be. It's my guess you'll miss them when they're gone.
See – I told you pies were controversial.
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West Ham United block Tottenham hopes of renting Upton Park
Ahead of their move to the Olympic Park, West Ham have taken steps to prevent Spurs from using Upton Park ahead of their north London redevelopment
West Ham United block Tottenham hopes of renting Upton Park
Telegraph.co.uk
By Matt Law, Football News Correspondent10:00PM BST 21 Oct 2014
West Ham United have "Tottenham-proofed" their contract with the buyers of Upton Park to prevent it falling into the hands of their fierce rivals. The property developer Galliard Group agreed to buy Upton Park once West Ham make the move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.
It has now emerged that a clause in the contract states that West Ham do not have to leave Upton Park in a fit state for football and plan to gut the stadium ahead of their exit. That rules out Tottenham Hotspur trying to rent Upton Park off Galliard while they wait for White Hart Lane to be redeveloped, having already failed in a bid to buy West Ham's stadium to use for a season. A senior West Ham source said: "It is correct that the Boleyn Ground will not be fit for football after West Ham's final game in 2016.
This is because Hammers fans will be offered the opportunity to secure their own piece of history through a special auction of memorabilia, which will cover most, if not all, of the essential parts of the stadium. "In addition, some of the most identifiable fixtures will be coming with us to Stratford and essential equipment relating to the pitch and other areas will be taken away and reused at the club's training facilities."
With Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, still searching for a sponsor to pay £150 million for the naming rights for the club's new stadium, its projected opening date has been pushed back to 2018-19. That means Spurs need a temporary home for the 2017-18 season and have been looking at ground-sharing with MK Dons and playing big games at Wembley. However, the possibility of Spurs ground-sharing with West Ham in the Olympic Stadium for the 2017-18 campaign, the season after West Ham move in, will be debated again, with Mayor of London Boris Johnson to be quizzed on the subject.
Andrew Boff, leader of the Greater London Authority Conservatives, will ask Johnson if West Ham have the power to veto Tottenham, if the club approached the London Legacy Development Corporation requesting a ground-share deal. Boff is a critic of the LLDC's decision to sign the Olympic Stadium over to West Ham on a 99-year lease, arguing that it represents a poor deal for the taxpayer.
Karren Brady, the West Ham vice-chairman, has claimed that the club would block any attempt by their London rivals to share the stadium and they are insistent they hold a permanent right of veto. It was revealed this week that the firm working on the Olympic Stadium, Balfour Beatty, had lobbied for another £50 million of taxpayers' cash to complete the work at the site. Under the terms of the 99-year lease deal signed by West Ham with the LLDC, the club is not obliged to foot any of the extra cost. West Ham appeared to consider the prospect of introducing a 'singing section' at the Olympic Stadium for all of four hours on Tuesday afternoon. Jack Sullivan, son of the co-owner David, posted two messages on Twitter that said: "Possibility of a singing fans section at the OS anyone got any ideas what it should be called? Also, do you think a singing section is a good idea, an area where all the passionate fans can sit together and chant throughout the game."
However, following a host of negative responses, Sullivan added another tweet that read: "Thanks for your help – bad idea so will not be doing that."
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Under-21s Report: Chelsea 2 West Ham United 1
NEWS Mon, 6 Jan 2014
Chelasefc.com
Dermot Drummy's Under-21s earned themselves a place in the last eight of the inaugural Under-21 Premier League Cup with a win in difficult conditions at Aldershot. An own goal cancelled out Isaiah Brown's early opener, before captain Nathan Ake put the hosts back in front midway through the first half with what proved to be the winning goal.
Team news
Dermot Drummy made four changes from the side that defeated Cardiff City 4-0 in the previous round, with Mitchell Beeney returning in goal in place of Jamal Blackman and Andreas Christensen taking Danny Pappoe's place in central defence.
Adam Nditi and Alex Davey retained their places at left-back and centre-back respectively, while Fankaty Dabo replaced Isak Ssewankambo on the right side to make up the back four.
Isaiah Brown led the line up front, supported by Jeremie Boga and John Swift from the flanks, while Lewis Baker kept his place in midfield after his first team debut from the bench at Derby County in the FA Cup third round. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and captain Nathan Ake made up the midfield trio.
Five of the West Ham starting team from November's league meeting featured in the first team's 5-0 FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday so there were 10 changes from the side that began that 3-3 draw.
First half
With the rain subsiding just in time for kick-off at Aldershot the early proceedings were even and Beeney had an early scare as a short back-pass put him under pressure from the eager forward closing down. Yet the first chance of the game came down the other end after Baker had been felled as his tricky footwork evaded defenders.
The midfielder stepped up himself and bent in an excellent effort from just over 20 yards that the visiting goalkeeper Sam Howes impressively tipped on to the post. That was an early warning sign from the young Blues, though West Ham threatened themselves moments later as Beeney denied captain Kieran Bywater's well-hit strike at the near post.
The end-to-end early exchanges quickly saw an opening goal arrive after six minutes and it was the hosts taking a lead. Baker, involved in much of the attacking play early on operating from a more advanced No.10 midfield role, supplied the pass for Brown, and the striker fired emphatically hard and low beyond Howes for his eighth goal of the season.
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The young Hammers responded positively, continuing to cause problems as they pushed forward, and were quickly rewarded with an equaliser inside a quarter of an hour. Jerry Amoo's enterprising burst from right-back created the danger and his low centre was spilled into his own net by Beeney via a deflection from Nditi.
Both sides were enjoying possession and opportunities in an open encounter and Amoo threatened once again with a powerful run down the right, bursting away from the defending Boga, although his delivery was eventually overhit beyond the supporting attackers.
Davey finished confidently past Howes as the aftermath of a Chelsea corner was poorly cleared, though the lineman's flag was raised for a narrow offside call, before the game's third goal arrived midway through the half.
Skipper Ake found space running from deep midfield and was found with an excellent ball through from Loftus-Cheek, before providing an accomplished finish down low and across the goalkeeper into the far bottom corner to net his second goal of the campaign. His first, incidentally, came back in November when these two sides met in the league and the Dutchman grabbed a last-minute equaliser.
As the half wore on Chelsea's control of the game grew stronger, as did the influence of the lively front four of Brown, Baker, Swift and Boga. Baker's corner from the left got caught by the swirling wind and almost caught out goalkeeper Howes, before Nditi's super cross from the left narrowly evaded the onrushing Swift at the far post.
A brilliant exchange between Baker and Boga fashioned another opening for the hosts, though the Frenchman was denied by Howes, and the West Ham stopper was called into action once again moments later as he saved Boga's header after Swift had beaten his man and delivered from the right.
Jordan Brown was denied by a succession of close tackles from Davey (pictured below) after Nathan Mavila had provided from the left, before the last action of the half saw Chelsea go close to extending the lead. Ake swept a brilliant cross-field pass out to the attacking Nditi on the left and the defender's excellent first touch allowed him to get into space, though goalscorer Brown couldn't add to his tally as his bending effort flew over the bar.
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Second half
The visitors began the second period eager to get on the front foot as they searched for an equaliser in the tie, though it was Brown for the hosts who found himself presented with the first chance of the half as he raced in behind. The striker attempted to flick the ball over the covering defender but Amos Nasha defended cleverly and marshalled the danger away.
With a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs there was plenty to play for and the visitors came close to levelling terms shortly after the restart. Jordan Brown forced the save from Beeney, though the shot was straight at the goalkeeper and the save was ultimately a routine one.
That warning sign set the tone for the young Blues to respond strongly as they sought to grab a third goal and finish off the game. Manny Onariase cleared well for West Ham as a dangerous delivery from the right from Dabo landed invitingly inside the six-yard box, before Brown was twice thwarted as he looked to get his second goal of the evening.
Howes in the Hammers' goal was certainly proving to be the busiest man on the field and he was needed again to save from Baker's flick after Swift had beaten Reece Burke and delivered from the right.
The bright Swift continued to pose problems for the visitors, either using his skill and pace to beat his man on the outside or coming infield to threaten. It was through the latter that the Under-21s' top goalscorer almost got his 11th goal of the season, coming inside off the right touchline and beating a couple of defenders before firing an arrowing effort towards goal that flew just inches wide.
The windy conditions and intermittent driving rain continued to make playing conditions difficult and goalmouth action was rare as the half wore on. Nditi dragged a shot wide past the far post after finding space down the left, though the game continued to be cagey and chances were limited.
Charly Musonda and Ola Aina were introduced by Drummy to provide an energising boost to proceedings and the young Belgian proved lively, creating openings for himself with some clever footwork and skill, though a combination of a bumpy pitch and some brave blocks from defenders limited his impact somewhat.
Swift tested Howes late on while Brown (pictured below) might have done better when advanced in the box but chose to look for a pass rather than shoot as Chelsea held on to ensure their progress in the competition.
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Next up for Drummy's Under-21s is a league game against Reading. This game is moved from Aldershot and will now be played at Cobham, with kick-off at 2pm. The match will be played behind closed doors and we regret supporters will not be admitted.
Manager Reaction
Dermot Drummy was pleased the game went ahead despite heavy rain in the days preceding it and high wind on the night. 'Well done to [Chelsea head groundsman] Jason Griffin and the Aldershot staff for getting this game on,' he said. 'We needed the match because we did give the lads, especially the foreign players a good break at Christmas and no matter what training you do, it is nothing like going through a game. 'It was a cup tie and we won it so we are pleased with that but compliments to West Ham, they had a good game plan and their goalkeeper made some outstanding saves. If you look on the balance of chances we were worthy winners and I've said to the boys it is a nice trait to keep winning. 'West Ham knew we attack centrally and we didn't have real width with Alex Kiwomya being ill, but it was a great move for Nathan's goal, we moved the ball quickly which we didn't always do tonight but it is the way I like to play. 'Isaiah finished well for his goal and Lew Baker has come off the back of making his first team debut, which is wonderful, to perform well tonight.'
Chelsea: Mitchell Beeney; Fankaty Dabo, Alex Davey, Andreas Christensen, Adam Nditi (Ola Aina 80); Nathan Ake (c), Lewis Baker, Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Charly Musonda 72); John Swift, Jeremie Boga, Isaiah Brown.
Unused subs: Bradley Collins, Dion Conroy
West Ham: Sam Howes, Jerry Amoo (Matthew Carter 77), Lewis Page, Amos Nasha, Reece Burke, Manny Onariase, Moses Makasi, Josh Cullen, Jordan Brown, Kieran Bywater (c), Nathan Mavila (Marcio Martins 77)
Unused subs: Gines Guzman Rosique, Oscar Borg, Josh Pask
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DG names his next big objective
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ask David Gold to describe the dressing room spirit at Upton Park and he will point to a picture of Mark Noble out of his mind with delight at Burnley on Saturday! He posted it on Twitter and explained: "It tells you better than any words of mine what the lads are feeling at the moment – elation, joy overwhelming confidence and more besides. It's the kind of spirit that can carry us to an FA Cup Final Day out and I really am looking forward to a big run in that competition.
That is the next big ambition and the co chairman but is convinced it's achievable and that it should run in harness with a major bid to make the last Boleyn season a European season. That has been David Sullivan's stated aim for some time but the FA Cup campaign offers a real opportunity of a major trophy for the first time in a lot of years."
Generally speaking DG is a cautious man but really does believe that an assault on Wembley is realistic. He said: "The big clubs are always going to pitch hard for Europe and we shouldn't rule that out either but the FA Cup gives us a real chance and it's something I've been wanting for several years. "I think we can give it a real go this season."
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Reid contract clause headaches
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports this morning that Queens Park Rangers are planning a possible move for Winston Reid are bizarre to put it very mildly indeed!
The story goes that Rio Ferdinand will be allowed to leave in January and that Reid has been watched as a possible alternative by Harry Redknapp. As reported earlier on ClaretandHugh today, new talks will get underway between the Hammers and Reid's advisers later this week with the Irons ready to offer improved terms to the Kiwi. The QPR scenario becomes increasingly unbelievable given that among the various clauses the Reid side want, in talks with the Hammers, is one involving relegation. We were told the requirement is that the player would be allowed to leave Upton Park for around £2 million should that happen over the terms of a new deal.
Given that, it's difficult in the extreme to see why the player would be remotely tempted by a move to Loftus Road. Hammers negotiators know they face a tough task nailing down a new deal with Reid admitting "the cards are all stacked in his favour." They want to get a deal agreed by the end of December but accept the situation could even run into next summer when he becomes a free agent. A source told us: "We'll be offering a very good deal but we understand he is in a position where he can take his time and talk to various clubs."
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Tuesday, October 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st October 2014
Diafra's Sak-full of goals
WHUFC.com
The striker has been in deadly goalscoring form since joining the Hammers
20.10.2014
Diafra Sakho has made a wonderful start to his career at West Ham United having scored six goals in his short time at the Boleyn Ground.
His latest came when he opened the scoring against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday as he headed home Aaron Cresswell's pinpoint cross. The Hammers went on to win 3-1, with a goal apiece from fellow strikers Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole. Having netted in his past six matches, Sakho is not far behind some West Ham legends who also went on impressive scoring runs. Scoring in six consecutive matches, Sakho has equalled the tally of the likes of David Cross (September-October 1980), Bryan 'Pop' Robson (December 1978-January 1979) and John Dick who went on a six-goal streak twice between November-December 1954 & November-December 1957. West Ham strikers Tony Cottee (September-October 1985) and Johnny Byrne (February-March 1964) complete the select group of players. Sir Geoff Hurst scored a total of eleven goals in seven consecutive games between January-February 1964. His goals came in two FA Cup ties, a League Cup tie and four league matches.
After returning from the historic 1966 World Cup victory he proceeded to score 14 goals in seven matches between November-December 1966. This prolific scoring touch was part of a wider purple patch as Hurst scored in 17 out of 19 matches between August-December 1966!
Also on seven consecutive games is Doncaster-born Jimmy Ruffell who scored in seven straight games in December 1934. Even more impressive was the fact those seven games came within 29 days!
Another prolific scorer for the Hammers was centre-forward Vic Watson. Not only did he score in seven consecutive games between April-September 1929 and December 1931-January 1932, the striker was in fine form when scoring in nine straight games between January-February 1930. Watson scored 15 goals in those matches, which constituted six Division One matches and three FA Cup ties. Sakho will need to continue his run of form for a long while yet if he is to break the current record. Syd Puddefoot scored in 18 consecutive matches in the War-time London Combination between February 1918 and January 1919! Sakho's opportunity to score in his sixth consecutive league game is this Saturday as Sam Allardyce's men take on Champions Manchester City on Saturday 25th October at the Boleyn Ground, kick-off is 12.45pm.
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'The table's looking good'
WHUFC.com
James Collins is thrilled with the Hammers' start to the 2014/15 campaign
20.10.2014
James Collins is enjoying looking at the Barclays Premier League table at the moment, after Saturday's win at Burnley took West Ham United into the top four. The Hammers' bright start to the campaign has seen them win four of the first eight fixtures, including back-to-back victories from their last two games. Collins returned to action at Burnley following a groin injury and he was delighted with the result and performance. "The table is good viewing at the minute," he smiled. "It's all down to the way we're playing, it's been a great season so far. "We're defending well and with the way the two boys we've got up front are playing, it's looking good. "Away wins are always great and Saturday's was hard-fought. They had us on the ropes in the first half and we had to weather the storm and defend well. "There's goals in the lads up front so it's all about staying in the game when the opposition are on top."
Next up for the Hammers is a home game against Manchester City and Collins says his side should have nothing to fear. He added: "It's going to be a tough game against Manchester City next week. The win at Burnley wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination. "It's about resting up now, but with our fans behind us at home and the way we're playing we're looking forward to it."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is plotting another big result at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
19.10.2014
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United can cause another 'storm' in East London when Manchester City visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
Allardyce believes his side will be full of confidence following the 3-1 win at Burnley at the weekend - their second consecutive Barclays Premier League victory. However, the West Ham manager is fully aware that the reigning champions are likely to provide the biggest test yet of his of new-look Hammers side, but is determined to give the home fans something to cheer. "In the last two seasons we've had to wait a long time for back-to-back wins. This time we've got it in the first eight games, but we needed it as it's one of the big boys this weekend," he said. "I think when you have had back-to-back wins you go into a game that you're not expected to win with much more confidence than you would normally. West Ham fans would expect us to get something from the game but across the board not many other people will. "So we will be looking to cause another storm and another shock like we did against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago."
With both the Hammers and the Citizens in freescoring mood, the game promises goals and while City possess big name forwards in Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, West Ham have a couple of striking superstars themselves in Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia. Sakho's headed opener at Burnley made it six goals in as many starts, while Enner Valencia's also nodded a second - his fourth for Club and country within the space of a week. "I would tell Diafra to just keep going," Big Sam enthused. "He's hit the ground well and surprised us all and we just want to make sure it continues. It's my job to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground and doesn't get carried away.
"He has so much energy and desire. Before he goes out I can see it in him - he just feels like he's going to score and when we needed him again he delivered. "When Enner came back having scored three goals [for Ecuador], he was never not going to play as we hoped he would carry that on and he has. It was very similar to Diafra's goal - fantastic cross and a brilliant header. He's only 5fit 9in and has such a great spring to get between defenders and they can't stop him. "These two lads will get more and more attention. At the moment they're a bit of nobodies in the Premier League but soon people will catch on and will make life a bit more difficult for them. We'll see if they can handle that but they're certainly the big two for us at the moment in terms of these victories."
The win moved West Ham to fourth in the table but Big Sam is insistent that his squad keep their feet on the ground. "I think 13 points in eight matches is a really good score and our players in the dressing room think it should have been more from some of the performances. If the referee at Old Trafford hadn't wrongly disallowed a goal we would still be undefeated away from home. "That's very important as not only have we turned our home form into victories, having lost the first two, but our away form is fantastic having two wins, a draw and only one defeat. If we can keep that going we can have a good season but we must keep our feet on the ground as it's only eight games so far. "We'll have a better idea when we get to 12 or 14 games as that'll be the big telling point but the squad is looking very good in its strength in depth."
Big Sam celebrated his 60th birthday on Sunday and he confessed the celebrations on Saturday night were all the more enjoyable following the Turf Moor victory. He was quick to credit his players for delivering the number one present on his gift list. "I went out with some friends on Saturday and the wine tasted exceptionally good. If I wanted one present I said it would be a win at Burnley and the lads have made me very, very happy. I don't ask the lads for much but I told them it was my birthday this weekend so please get me a result! "As hard as it was in the first half, the second half was where the quality of our team stood out and the quality of the first two goals made it difficult to beat us."
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Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
Catch up with how the Hammers on loan fared this weekend
20.10.2014
Modibo Maiga started for FC Metz as they drew 0-0 at home with Rennes. The striker was replaced by Thibaut Vion after 82 minutes. The newly promoted team - Diafra Sakho's previous employers - are up to seventh in Ligue Un.
George Moncur played 80 minutes for Colchester United as they secured a 1-1 away draw with lowly Scunthorpe United. Moncur was replaced by Sammie Szmodics, and ex-West Ham striker Freddie Sears equalised in the 33rd minute after Rory Fallon opened the scoring.
Accrington Stanley's Sean Maguire started as they lost 2-1 away to Stevenage. Maguire was substituted in the 64th for Seamus McCartan. The win sees Stevenage leapfrog Stanley into 15th in League Two.
Tim Brown put in a Man of the Match display as Canvey Island slipped to a 3-0 home defeat to AFC Hornchurch. Despite losing heavily, Brown made a string of fantastic saves to deny Canvey Island further humiliation. West Ham midfielder Ben Marlow also featured, playing the whole game.
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By George, we were unlucky
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Burnley's Man of the Match against West Ham on Saturday has backed his team to avoid an instant return to the Championship. Former Peterborough midfielder George Boyd has an excellent game against Sam Allardyce's team (again), hitting the bar with a fiece effort after just five minutes before scoring the Clarets' sole goal of the game in the second half. However he believes that his side were unlucky to come away from the game with nothing to show for their efforts - whilst insisting that Burnley "dominated" West Ham at times. "The result is disappointing but I don't think confidence will be knocked, because of the way we played," he told the Citizen. "For large parts we dominated them and West Ham will be a top team. I'm sure they will be in the top 10 at the end of the season. "There were loads of positives. It was just a 10-minute spell we need to learn from. If we had gone 1-0 up we could have scored two or three and the confidence would have been through the roof, so we will keep believing. "Hitting the bar was just our luck at the moment - my effort and Barnesy's. A couple of inches either side and we could have been coming away with three points. The way we played in the first half, we dominated for large spells and the gaffer warned us they would come out with a bit of a response. "But those two goals at the start of the second half killed the game. We believed we could go and do it again for another 45 minutes, but the goals took it out of us a bit."
Boyd's team mate Kieran Trippier was just as disappointed but equally enthusiastic about the immediate future. "It's a lesson learned, it's a disappointing defeat," he added. "We dominated the first half but in the second half they got two early goals. It's just one of those things, it wasn't our day and things wouldn't go in the back of the net. But it's gone now and we have to move on."
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Much Ayew about nothing, reprised
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are rumoured to be taking another look at Marseille winger Andre Ayew. Back in 2012 KUMB revealed how the Hammers were linked with a move for the Ghana international. Speaking at the time, 'Dede' admitted that he would be keen to speak with the club should an opportunity arise. Fast forward two seasons and speculation emanating from France is once again linking West Ham with Ayew, who has spent his entire senior career thus far with Les Olympiens. Out of contract next summer, much like West Ham's own Winston Reid he has refused to sign a new with the Ligue 1 side leading to speculation that he could be coming to England. With Everton and Liverpool also said to have expressed an interest in bringing Ayew to England, West Ham should face stiff opposition if they are indeed interested in signing the £10million-rated star. The French-born forward - son of former African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele - made more than 100 appearances for Marseille before his 23rd birthday. He also featured for Ghana in the 2010 World Cup Finals, in which the Black Stars reached the quarter finals of the competition.
In other transfer news, West Ham are said to be monitoring former Netherlands Under-21 international Virgil van Dijk, who currently plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. The £7million-rated central defender is a possible replacement for Winston Reid, who has rejected all offers of a new contract so far. Elsewhere it is claimed that West Ham are one of four clubs keeping tabs on Manchester United's 21-year-old attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard. The Warrington-born former England under 21 international has made just one first team appearance for the Red Devils.
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Olympic Stadium cost set to spiral
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Building contractor Balfour Beatty are understood to have requested an extra £50million to complete the Olympic Stadium conversion. West Ham's new home is not due to be completed until the summer of 2016, although work on converting the £500million stadium is already well under way. However meetings between the contractors and E20 Stadium LLP, the stadium administrators are understood to have taken place last week during which Balfour Beatty are said to have requested further investment. The construction firm won the contract to convert the stadium into a home for West Ham United last year with a £154million bid. However they insist costs have needed to be revised partly as the result of cracks appearing in some of the new welding. Au unnamed source told the Enquirer: "While lifting the cables in using strand jacks some cracks were noticed in the welds. Some strengthening plates had also been missed so work was stopped and now it's a case of working round the clock to put it right." The steelwork inside the stadium has been sub-contracted to William Hare, who are currently working "around the clock" to resolve the recently-discovered problems. A spokesman for E20 Stadium LLP added: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."
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Allardyce says 'I've done a fantastic job for West Ham'
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has reiterated his position with view to a potential contract extension - whilst maintaining that he's done a "fantastic job" for West Ham. Big Sam took control the managerial reigns at the Boleyn Ground three years ago this summer when the Hammers had been relegated to the Championsip. Since then Allardyce has led the team to instant promotion, 10th and 13th place in the Premier League and a Capital One Cup semi final. With his existing contract set to expire next summer Allardyce remains nonplussed about talks, none of which are impending (in line with club policy). However he believes that regardless of what the future holds, he can be pleased with the progress the club has made during his tenure. "The owners have chosen to wait and see how we go," he said, speaking after the 3-1 win over Burnley that lifted his latest West Ham team into a Champions League position. "We chose to wait the last time. "We had no problems then and if we carry on the way we are, we'll have no problems sorting this one out. "If there is a turn in fortunes then I know I've still done a fantastic job for West Ham in my time here. At the moment, the contract is the last thing on my mind. "I don't feel the pressure like I used to. I've learned to deal with it. I've proved myself at this level and that makes life all the more enjoyable."
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More boos for West Ham forward
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
One of West Ham's strikers left the field of play to a chorus of boos at the weekend - and not the one you might think... After an uninspiring 82 minutes for Metz in their goalless draw at home to Stade Rennais, on-loan forward Modibo Maiga was roundly booed for what the home fans had obviously deemed a substandard performance. The Mali international scored the lowest pass completion rate of any outfield player to begin the match, with just 46 per cent of passes reaching their target. He did however manage to hit the target, but his one sole shot in the game was saved.
Since moving back to France in the summer for the duration of the 2014/15 season Maiga has featured on five occasions for Metz (three starts) without contributing a single goal or assist. In his 282 minutes on the field he has managed just four shots - two of which were off target.
Unfortunately for the poor Les Grenats fans, they may have to get used to seeing Maiga a little more often for key striker Juan Manuel Falcon - who has four goals to his name already this season - has been ruled out of action for a month with a calf injury.
Metz, who won the Ligue 2 title last season largely due to the prolific form of Diafra Sakho, now at West Ham, are currently seventh in Ligue 1 having taken 15 points from their opening ten fixtures.
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Diafra Sakho says West Ham wins are priority
Last Updated: 20/10/14 4:54pm
SSN
West Ham United hot-shot Diafra Sakho admits winning games is more important than his own goalscoring exploits. Sakho has been one of the revelations of the season after scoring his sixth goal in his last six games in Saturday's win over Burnley. The 24-year-old was also involved in the other goals for Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole and is proving to be one of the bargains of the season following his £3.5million switch from Metz. Sakho joined West Ham after scoring 20 goals in 36 matches last season to help win the French Second Division and Hammers co-owner David Sullivan played a key role in pushing through a deal for the skilful forward. The Senegal international is loving life at West Ham and is keen to keep on scoring, but insists winning games comes before his own personal glory.
"I am delighted with my goalscoring form, but the most important thing is that West Ham keep winning games," Sakho told Sky Sports.
"It is nice to have made such a good start to playing in the Premier League, but I do not mind who scores the goals as long as West Ham win. "I have settled well into life in England and I thank my team-mates for helping me a lot since I arrived. "Everyone at the club - the manager, the coaching staff and the owners have been very good to me and I just want to repay them by scoring goals and doing my best for the team. "I love playing for West Ham and playing for our fans is such a great experience as they have been so supportive of me and they help inspire me when I play."
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Sam Allardyce hopes West Ham can cause another upset
Last Updated: 20/10/14 1:55pm
SSN
Allardyce's side are currently fourth in the Premier League table having claimed four victories this season, two of which have come in their last two matches, at home against QPR and away at Burnley. Their most impressive win of the campaign, though, came in September when they claimed a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. And Allardyce is now eyeing further success at Upton Park against City, who are second in the table. "In the last two seasons we've had to wait a long time for back-to-back wins. This time we've got it in the first eight games, but we needed it as it's one of the big boys this weekend," Allardyce told the club's official website. I think when you have had back-to-back wins you go into a game that you're not expected to win with much more confidence than you would normally. "West Ham fans would expect us to get something from the game but across the board not many other people will. "So we will be looking to cause another storm and another shock like we did against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago."
Allardyce, whose side finished 13th last season, has been buoyed by the Hammers' start to this campaign, but is refusing to get carried away after just eight games. "I think 13 points in eight matches is a really good score and our players in the dressing room think it should have been more from some of the performances. If the referee at Old Trafford hadn't wrongly disallowed a goal we would still be undefeated away from home." he added. "That's very important as not only have we turned our home form into victories, having lost the first two, but our away form is fantastic having two wins, a draw and only one defeat. "If we can keep that going we can have a good season but we must keep our feet on the ground as it's only eight games so far. "We'll have a better idea when we get to 12 or 14 games as that'll be the big telling point but the squad is looking very good in its strength in depth."
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Modibo Maiga backed by Metz coach and team-mates after he is booed by his own fans
Last Updated: 20/10/14 12:01pm
SSN
Metz's on-loan striker Modibo Maiga has received the backing of his coach and team-mates after he was booed by his own fans during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Rennes. Maiga, 27, has yet to score in five appearances for the French club since joining on loan from West Ham in the summer. But coach Albert Cartier told L'Equipe: "It is not the style of the club to give up a player in a difficult situation.
"We will help him and do our best for him to improve with us. He will soon show his qualities." Team-mate Florent Malouda added: "People don't realize but he sacrificed for the team working hard to defend, which is an unrewarding and precious job." Metz are currently sixth in Ligue 1, having won four of their 10 games so far this season. They have an option to sign Maiga on a permanent deal at the end of the season. The Mali international, who scored six goals in 38 appearances for West Ham after joining them from Sochaux in the summer of 2012, spent the second half of last season on loan at QPR, where he scored once.
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WERE YOU AT THE BURNLEY GAME? YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP A FELLOW WEST HAM FAN.
By Iron Liddy 20 Oct 2014 at 12:48
West Ham Till I Die
CALLING FOR HELP FROM THE WEST HAM COMMUNITY
I had a call from a friend last night to ask me to reach out for help from our fellow West Ham fans. He and his daughter were at the Burnley game on Saturday and unfortunately when they were celebrating our first goal his daughter's white iPhone 6 flew out of her pocket. They only realised that it had been lost at the end of the game and subsequently found out that a young lad had picked it up and was waving it at the crowd trying to find out who the owner was. It wasn't handed in to the stewards so they're hoping that whoever found it will hand it in to the club but if you could share this with anybody that you know who went to the game on Saturday it would be very helpful.
They were sitting centrally 3 rows from the front. As we all know it's not just the price of a replacement phone at stake but all the photos, contacts and other bits and pieces of our life that we entrust to our mobile devices. If you could share this on any other West Ham forum that you frequent and let me know if you have any information we'd be very grateful.
Lids x
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Sam Allardyce remains coy over new contract talks as West Ham surge into top four
Oct 19, 2014 22:30 By Paul Hassall
The former Bolton manager led his West Ham side into the top four with an impressive victory over Burnley at Turf Moor
The Mirror
As Sam Allardyce toasted his 60th birthday he will have no doubt raised a glass to a strike duo who are firing him towards a new West Ham deal. Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho won't have been on the wish-lists of many fans this summer, but it's their blooming partnership that has helped transform the Hammers, in more ways than one. The pair hit the goal trail again at Burnley as Allardyce's rejuvenation in the Upton Park hot-seat gathers pace. Not so long ago the former Blackburn boss appeared to be on the verge of the axe for failing to deliver the exciting brand of football West Ham supporters crave. But now they are combining moments of flair with the all-important results. And if Big Sam keeps this up he won't be far from completing a turnaround that could see the Irons board extend his contract beyond the end of the season. "The owners have chosen to wait and see how we go," said Allardyce. "We chose to wait the last time.
e had no problems then and if we carry on the way we are, we'll have no problems sorting this one out. "If there is a turn in fortunes then I know I've still done a fantastic job for West Ham in my time here. At the moment, the contract is the last thing on my mind. "I don't feel the pressure like I used to. I've learned to deal with it. I've proved myself at this level and that makes life all the more enjoyable."
It may not be tiki-taka just yet, but with West Ham on the rise you can see why there are few sleepless nights in the Allardyce household.
The Hammers boss is reaping the rewards of some astute business in the summer, including the inspired gamble that saw him recruit Sakho alongside Valencia. The duo struck a goal apiece inside five minutes after the restart against the Clarets to provide the springboard for a fourth league win of the season. George Boyd pulled one back for Burnley, but substitute Carlton Cole made sure of victory when he nodded home the Hammers' third. Allardyce admits he has been delighted by the impact of a front two who must already be on the shortlist for 'signing of the season.' "I didn't expect them to click straight away," said Allardyce. "We wanted to introduce Valencia and Sakho slowly but due to the circumstances we haven't, and we've done absolutely brilliant." West Ham produced some free-flowing football but the fact their three goals at Turf Moor all came via headers from crosses will not have gone unnoticed by Allardyce's critics."I haven't played long ball, but it's with me," he added wistfully. "It'll never leave me. We changed the system at half-time and don't play the same way every week."
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West Ham's new Olympic Stadium home could cost taxpayers further £50 million
Complications with roof at venue likely to require massive further funding, and West Ham will not have to spend a penny
West Ham's new Olympic Stadium home could cost taxpayers further £50 million
By Ben Rumsby, Sports News Correspondent8:23PM BST 20 Oct 2014
Telegraph.co.uk
Taxpayers are being asked for another £50 million to convert the Olympic Stadium into West Ham United's new home – but the club will not pay another penny towards the cost. Construction firm Balfour Beatty has lobbied for more cash to complete the work on the stadium after complications emerged last month over extending its roof. The public has footed the bill for the original £429 million cost of the London 2012 main venue and all but £15 million of the £154 million conversion contract – the smaller figure being West Ham's contribution.
Now, amid a succession of profit warnings, Balfour Beatty wants up to £50 million on top of that figure to finish the job, which could take the total price of the venue beyond £600 million. The stadium's operator, the London Legacy Development Corporation, is in talks with the firm over the increased cost, none of which will be met by West Ham due to the terms and conditions they negotiated of their 99-year lease. The club are still on schedule to move into the venue in 2016, after five Rugby World Cup matches are played there in September and October next year. There was a flexible cost element to the roof work at the stadium as it is unique in terms of stadium development, with money put aside in a contingency fund. However, any unused portion of that fund would return to the public purse. It is understood that a rise in cost, which the LLDC – chaired by Boris Johnson, the London mayor – is hopeful will be far less than £50 million, could also be met by savings elsewhere on the Olympic Park.
Yet, that would call into question the London 2012 legacy. One of the biggest critics of the amount spent on the Olympic Stadium, the Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff, blamed the latest news on the decision to retain an athletics track and install retractable seating at the stadium in east London. "I think there is more bad news to come, I think all that money that is being used is taking away from the legacy of the park," he said. "Pretty soon, I think Londoners will be clamouring to rip that stadium down."
An E20 Stadium LLP spokesperson said: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. "This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."
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Olympic Stadium costs soar to more than £600m after roof complications
• Complex structure will not cost West Ham more money
• Balfour Beatty reported to have requested extra £50m
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Monday 20 October 2014 20.02 BST
The overall bill for the Olympic Stadium is set to soar well beyond £600m before West Ham United move in after it emerged that installing the complex roof would be far more expensive than originally thought.
The complications will not cost West Ham – due to move into the 54,000-seat stadium from the start of the 2016-17 season – another penny on top of the £15m they have pledged towards the conversion.
Construction Enquirer magazine reported that Balfour Beatty had asked for an extra £50m to cover complications in strengthening the roof and extending it over a new cantilevered structure that will cover retractable seats to be rolled out during the football season.
It adds to the workload to complete the project by August 2016 – itself an extension of the original timetable. Building must pause during the 2015 Rugby World Cup next summer, when five matches will be played in the stadium.
Sources at the London Legacy Development Corporation, which is responsible for the development of the Olympic Park, insisted that the overspend would not be as much as £50m and that some of it would be met by Balfour Beatty. It said any overspend would be covered within the LLDC's wider existing budgets without recourse to the taxpayer and that there would be no ramifications for the schedule.
The rising costs are likely to provoke renewed criticism from those who think the project has been badly thought-out from the start.
In addition to the £154m contract agreed with Balfour Beatty, which will rise because of the roof issues, there are believed to be additional elements that will take the overall cost to more than £600m by even the most conservative estimate.
Following a protracted saga that included a bitter battle with Tottenham Hotspur and a lengthy standoff over how much West Ham should contribute, the East End club agreed to pay a one-off fee of £15m towards the conversion costs and a rent of around £2.5m a year.
The LLDC, chaired by Boris Johnson, is in negotiations with Balfour Beatty over how the additional costs will be split.
Under the terms of the deal announced in March last year Newham Council borrowed £40m towards the conversion, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport supplied £38.7m and a further £25m will come from the Department for Communities and Local Government. West Ham will pay £15m and the rest will be borrowed by the LLDC.
The LLDC had previously argued that the Balfour Beattie agreement was a fixed price contract but it is understood that an element relating to the roof is negotiable, given the complexity of the work.
Originally the Olympic Stadium was priced up at £280m in the London 2012 bid book before the price tag rose to £429m. The initial plan was to remove the upper tiers of the stadium and scale it back to a modest 25,000-seat bowl after the Games. But the coalition government and Johnson urged a rethink in 2010 and eventually agreed a deal with West Ham that later collapsed under legal challenge.
Following another tender process, the club were awarded a 99-year lease to share the stadium with other tenants including UK Athletics. An operator such as AEG or Live Nation will shortly be appointed to manage bookings in the stadium.
A spokesperson for E20 Stadium LLP, the partnership that is managing the stadium, said: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."
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Gunners star unlikely to sign long term deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to be able to make Carl Jenkinson's stay at Upton Park permanent at the end of the season! The on-loan Arsenal star produced his most impressive performance in a West Ham shirt at Burnley on Saturday and, with Aaron Cresswell, was singled out for special praise manager Sam Allardyce. The club would love to believe that they can make the deal a permanent arrangement but ClaretandHugh has learned that this was one of the few loan deals in which there was no 'to buy' clause involved. On asking the question about a permanent deal earlier this evening we were told: "Sadly, there's no option to buy and we believe Arsenal will want him back. "We will have a go but he's a top young player and it would be a surprise if we could do a deal although much could depend on Arsenal's injury position.
"As an England under 21 international he has a big future ahead of him and he is one we would like to get but it's very much odds against as things stand."
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WHUFC.com
The striker has been in deadly goalscoring form since joining the Hammers
20.10.2014
Diafra Sakho has made a wonderful start to his career at West Ham United having scored six goals in his short time at the Boleyn Ground.
His latest came when he opened the scoring against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday as he headed home Aaron Cresswell's pinpoint cross. The Hammers went on to win 3-1, with a goal apiece from fellow strikers Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole. Having netted in his past six matches, Sakho is not far behind some West Ham legends who also went on impressive scoring runs. Scoring in six consecutive matches, Sakho has equalled the tally of the likes of David Cross (September-October 1980), Bryan 'Pop' Robson (December 1978-January 1979) and John Dick who went on a six-goal streak twice between November-December 1954 & November-December 1957. West Ham strikers Tony Cottee (September-October 1985) and Johnny Byrne (February-March 1964) complete the select group of players. Sir Geoff Hurst scored a total of eleven goals in seven consecutive games between January-February 1964. His goals came in two FA Cup ties, a League Cup tie and four league matches.
After returning from the historic 1966 World Cup victory he proceeded to score 14 goals in seven matches between November-December 1966. This prolific scoring touch was part of a wider purple patch as Hurst scored in 17 out of 19 matches between August-December 1966!
Also on seven consecutive games is Doncaster-born Jimmy Ruffell who scored in seven straight games in December 1934. Even more impressive was the fact those seven games came within 29 days!
Another prolific scorer for the Hammers was centre-forward Vic Watson. Not only did he score in seven consecutive games between April-September 1929 and December 1931-January 1932, the striker was in fine form when scoring in nine straight games between January-February 1930. Watson scored 15 goals in those matches, which constituted six Division One matches and three FA Cup ties. Sakho will need to continue his run of form for a long while yet if he is to break the current record. Syd Puddefoot scored in 18 consecutive matches in the War-time London Combination between February 1918 and January 1919! Sakho's opportunity to score in his sixth consecutive league game is this Saturday as Sam Allardyce's men take on Champions Manchester City on Saturday 25th October at the Boleyn Ground, kick-off is 12.45pm.
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'The table's looking good'
WHUFC.com
James Collins is thrilled with the Hammers' start to the 2014/15 campaign
20.10.2014
James Collins is enjoying looking at the Barclays Premier League table at the moment, after Saturday's win at Burnley took West Ham United into the top four. The Hammers' bright start to the campaign has seen them win four of the first eight fixtures, including back-to-back victories from their last two games. Collins returned to action at Burnley following a groin injury and he was delighted with the result and performance. "The table is good viewing at the minute," he smiled. "It's all down to the way we're playing, it's been a great season so far. "We're defending well and with the way the two boys we've got up front are playing, it's looking good. "Away wins are always great and Saturday's was hard-fought. They had us on the ropes in the first half and we had to weather the storm and defend well. "There's goals in the lads up front so it's all about staying in the game when the opposition are on top."
Next up for the Hammers is a home game against Manchester City and Collins says his side should have nothing to fear. He added: "It's going to be a tough game against Manchester City next week. The win at Burnley wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination. "It's about resting up now, but with our fans behind us at home and the way we're playing we're looking forward to it."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is plotting another big result at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
19.10.2014
Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United can cause another 'storm' in East London when Manchester City visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
Allardyce believes his side will be full of confidence following the 3-1 win at Burnley at the weekend - their second consecutive Barclays Premier League victory. However, the West Ham manager is fully aware that the reigning champions are likely to provide the biggest test yet of his of new-look Hammers side, but is determined to give the home fans something to cheer. "In the last two seasons we've had to wait a long time for back-to-back wins. This time we've got it in the first eight games, but we needed it as it's one of the big boys this weekend," he said. "I think when you have had back-to-back wins you go into a game that you're not expected to win with much more confidence than you would normally. West Ham fans would expect us to get something from the game but across the board not many other people will. "So we will be looking to cause another storm and another shock like we did against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago."
With both the Hammers and the Citizens in freescoring mood, the game promises goals and while City possess big name forwards in Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, West Ham have a couple of striking superstars themselves in Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia. Sakho's headed opener at Burnley made it six goals in as many starts, while Enner Valencia's also nodded a second - his fourth for Club and country within the space of a week. "I would tell Diafra to just keep going," Big Sam enthused. "He's hit the ground well and surprised us all and we just want to make sure it continues. It's my job to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground and doesn't get carried away.
"He has so much energy and desire. Before he goes out I can see it in him - he just feels like he's going to score and when we needed him again he delivered. "When Enner came back having scored three goals [for Ecuador], he was never not going to play as we hoped he would carry that on and he has. It was very similar to Diafra's goal - fantastic cross and a brilliant header. He's only 5fit 9in and has such a great spring to get between defenders and they can't stop him. "These two lads will get more and more attention. At the moment they're a bit of nobodies in the Premier League but soon people will catch on and will make life a bit more difficult for them. We'll see if they can handle that but they're certainly the big two for us at the moment in terms of these victories."
The win moved West Ham to fourth in the table but Big Sam is insistent that his squad keep their feet on the ground. "I think 13 points in eight matches is a really good score and our players in the dressing room think it should have been more from some of the performances. If the referee at Old Trafford hadn't wrongly disallowed a goal we would still be undefeated away from home. "That's very important as not only have we turned our home form into victories, having lost the first two, but our away form is fantastic having two wins, a draw and only one defeat. If we can keep that going we can have a good season but we must keep our feet on the ground as it's only eight games so far. "We'll have a better idea when we get to 12 or 14 games as that'll be the big telling point but the squad is looking very good in its strength in depth."
Big Sam celebrated his 60th birthday on Sunday and he confessed the celebrations on Saturday night were all the more enjoyable following the Turf Moor victory. He was quick to credit his players for delivering the number one present on his gift list. "I went out with some friends on Saturday and the wine tasted exceptionally good. If I wanted one present I said it would be a win at Burnley and the lads have made me very, very happy. I don't ask the lads for much but I told them it was my birthday this weekend so please get me a result! "As hard as it was in the first half, the second half was where the quality of our team stood out and the quality of the first two goals made it difficult to beat us."
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Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
Catch up with how the Hammers on loan fared this weekend
20.10.2014
Modibo Maiga started for FC Metz as they drew 0-0 at home with Rennes. The striker was replaced by Thibaut Vion after 82 minutes. The newly promoted team - Diafra Sakho's previous employers - are up to seventh in Ligue Un.
George Moncur played 80 minutes for Colchester United as they secured a 1-1 away draw with lowly Scunthorpe United. Moncur was replaced by Sammie Szmodics, and ex-West Ham striker Freddie Sears equalised in the 33rd minute after Rory Fallon opened the scoring.
Accrington Stanley's Sean Maguire started as they lost 2-1 away to Stevenage. Maguire was substituted in the 64th for Seamus McCartan. The win sees Stevenage leapfrog Stanley into 15th in League Two.
Tim Brown put in a Man of the Match display as Canvey Island slipped to a 3-0 home defeat to AFC Hornchurch. Despite losing heavily, Brown made a string of fantastic saves to deny Canvey Island further humiliation. West Ham midfielder Ben Marlow also featured, playing the whole game.
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By George, we were unlucky
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Burnley's Man of the Match against West Ham on Saturday has backed his team to avoid an instant return to the Championship. Former Peterborough midfielder George Boyd has an excellent game against Sam Allardyce's team (again), hitting the bar with a fiece effort after just five minutes before scoring the Clarets' sole goal of the game in the second half. However he believes that his side were unlucky to come away from the game with nothing to show for their efforts - whilst insisting that Burnley "dominated" West Ham at times. "The result is disappointing but I don't think confidence will be knocked, because of the way we played," he told the Citizen. "For large parts we dominated them and West Ham will be a top team. I'm sure they will be in the top 10 at the end of the season. "There were loads of positives. It was just a 10-minute spell we need to learn from. If we had gone 1-0 up we could have scored two or three and the confidence would have been through the roof, so we will keep believing. "Hitting the bar was just our luck at the moment - my effort and Barnesy's. A couple of inches either side and we could have been coming away with three points. The way we played in the first half, we dominated for large spells and the gaffer warned us they would come out with a bit of a response. "But those two goals at the start of the second half killed the game. We believed we could go and do it again for another 45 minutes, but the goals took it out of us a bit."
Boyd's team mate Kieran Trippier was just as disappointed but equally enthusiastic about the immediate future. "It's a lesson learned, it's a disappointing defeat," he added. "We dominated the first half but in the second half they got two early goals. It's just one of those things, it wasn't our day and things wouldn't go in the back of the net. But it's gone now and we have to move on."
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Much Ayew about nothing, reprised
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are rumoured to be taking another look at Marseille winger Andre Ayew. Back in 2012 KUMB revealed how the Hammers were linked with a move for the Ghana international. Speaking at the time, 'Dede' admitted that he would be keen to speak with the club should an opportunity arise. Fast forward two seasons and speculation emanating from France is once again linking West Ham with Ayew, who has spent his entire senior career thus far with Les Olympiens. Out of contract next summer, much like West Ham's own Winston Reid he has refused to sign a new with the Ligue 1 side leading to speculation that he could be coming to England. With Everton and Liverpool also said to have expressed an interest in bringing Ayew to England, West Ham should face stiff opposition if they are indeed interested in signing the £10million-rated star. The French-born forward - son of former African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele - made more than 100 appearances for Marseille before his 23rd birthday. He also featured for Ghana in the 2010 World Cup Finals, in which the Black Stars reached the quarter finals of the competition.
In other transfer news, West Ham are said to be monitoring former Netherlands Under-21 international Virgil van Dijk, who currently plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. The £7million-rated central defender is a possible replacement for Winston Reid, who has rejected all offers of a new contract so far. Elsewhere it is claimed that West Ham are one of four clubs keeping tabs on Manchester United's 21-year-old attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard. The Warrington-born former England under 21 international has made just one first team appearance for the Red Devils.
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Olympic Stadium cost set to spiral
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Building contractor Balfour Beatty are understood to have requested an extra £50million to complete the Olympic Stadium conversion. West Ham's new home is not due to be completed until the summer of 2016, although work on converting the £500million stadium is already well under way. However meetings between the contractors and E20 Stadium LLP, the stadium administrators are understood to have taken place last week during which Balfour Beatty are said to have requested further investment. The construction firm won the contract to convert the stadium into a home for West Ham United last year with a £154million bid. However they insist costs have needed to be revised partly as the result of cracks appearing in some of the new welding. Au unnamed source told the Enquirer: "While lifting the cables in using strand jacks some cracks were noticed in the welds. Some strengthening plates had also been missed so work was stopped and now it's a case of working round the clock to put it right." The steelwork inside the stadium has been sub-contracted to William Hare, who are currently working "around the clock" to resolve the recently-discovered problems. A spokesman for E20 Stadium LLP added: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."
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Allardyce says 'I've done a fantastic job for West Ham'
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has reiterated his position with view to a potential contract extension - whilst maintaining that he's done a "fantastic job" for West Ham. Big Sam took control the managerial reigns at the Boleyn Ground three years ago this summer when the Hammers had been relegated to the Championsip. Since then Allardyce has led the team to instant promotion, 10th and 13th place in the Premier League and a Capital One Cup semi final. With his existing contract set to expire next summer Allardyce remains nonplussed about talks, none of which are impending (in line with club policy). However he believes that regardless of what the future holds, he can be pleased with the progress the club has made during his tenure. "The owners have chosen to wait and see how we go," he said, speaking after the 3-1 win over Burnley that lifted his latest West Ham team into a Champions League position. "We chose to wait the last time. "We had no problems then and if we carry on the way we are, we'll have no problems sorting this one out. "If there is a turn in fortunes then I know I've still done a fantastic job for West Ham in my time here. At the moment, the contract is the last thing on my mind. "I don't feel the pressure like I used to. I've learned to deal with it. I've proved myself at this level and that makes life all the more enjoyable."
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More boos for West Ham forward
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
One of West Ham's strikers left the field of play to a chorus of boos at the weekend - and not the one you might think... After an uninspiring 82 minutes for Metz in their goalless draw at home to Stade Rennais, on-loan forward Modibo Maiga was roundly booed for what the home fans had obviously deemed a substandard performance. The Mali international scored the lowest pass completion rate of any outfield player to begin the match, with just 46 per cent of passes reaching their target. He did however manage to hit the target, but his one sole shot in the game was saved.
Since moving back to France in the summer for the duration of the 2014/15 season Maiga has featured on five occasions for Metz (three starts) without contributing a single goal or assist. In his 282 minutes on the field he has managed just four shots - two of which were off target.
Unfortunately for the poor Les Grenats fans, they may have to get used to seeing Maiga a little more often for key striker Juan Manuel Falcon - who has four goals to his name already this season - has been ruled out of action for a month with a calf injury.
Metz, who won the Ligue 2 title last season largely due to the prolific form of Diafra Sakho, now at West Ham, are currently seventh in Ligue 1 having taken 15 points from their opening ten fixtures.
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Diafra Sakho says West Ham wins are priority
Last Updated: 20/10/14 4:54pm
SSN
West Ham United hot-shot Diafra Sakho admits winning games is more important than his own goalscoring exploits. Sakho has been one of the revelations of the season after scoring his sixth goal in his last six games in Saturday's win over Burnley. The 24-year-old was also involved in the other goals for Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole and is proving to be one of the bargains of the season following his £3.5million switch from Metz. Sakho joined West Ham after scoring 20 goals in 36 matches last season to help win the French Second Division and Hammers co-owner David Sullivan played a key role in pushing through a deal for the skilful forward. The Senegal international is loving life at West Ham and is keen to keep on scoring, but insists winning games comes before his own personal glory.
"I am delighted with my goalscoring form, but the most important thing is that West Ham keep winning games," Sakho told Sky Sports.
"It is nice to have made such a good start to playing in the Premier League, but I do not mind who scores the goals as long as West Ham win. "I have settled well into life in England and I thank my team-mates for helping me a lot since I arrived. "Everyone at the club - the manager, the coaching staff and the owners have been very good to me and I just want to repay them by scoring goals and doing my best for the team. "I love playing for West Ham and playing for our fans is such a great experience as they have been so supportive of me and they help inspire me when I play."
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Sam Allardyce hopes West Ham can cause another upset
Last Updated: 20/10/14 1:55pm
SSN
Allardyce's side are currently fourth in the Premier League table having claimed four victories this season, two of which have come in their last two matches, at home against QPR and away at Burnley. Their most impressive win of the campaign, though, came in September when they claimed a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. And Allardyce is now eyeing further success at Upton Park against City, who are second in the table. "In the last two seasons we've had to wait a long time for back-to-back wins. This time we've got it in the first eight games, but we needed it as it's one of the big boys this weekend," Allardyce told the club's official website. I think when you have had back-to-back wins you go into a game that you're not expected to win with much more confidence than you would normally. "West Ham fans would expect us to get something from the game but across the board not many other people will. "So we will be looking to cause another storm and another shock like we did against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago."
Allardyce, whose side finished 13th last season, has been buoyed by the Hammers' start to this campaign, but is refusing to get carried away after just eight games. "I think 13 points in eight matches is a really good score and our players in the dressing room think it should have been more from some of the performances. If the referee at Old Trafford hadn't wrongly disallowed a goal we would still be undefeated away from home." he added. "That's very important as not only have we turned our home form into victories, having lost the first two, but our away form is fantastic having two wins, a draw and only one defeat. "If we can keep that going we can have a good season but we must keep our feet on the ground as it's only eight games so far. "We'll have a better idea when we get to 12 or 14 games as that'll be the big telling point but the squad is looking very good in its strength in depth."
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Modibo Maiga backed by Metz coach and team-mates after he is booed by his own fans
Last Updated: 20/10/14 12:01pm
SSN
Metz's on-loan striker Modibo Maiga has received the backing of his coach and team-mates after he was booed by his own fans during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Rennes. Maiga, 27, has yet to score in five appearances for the French club since joining on loan from West Ham in the summer. But coach Albert Cartier told L'Equipe: "It is not the style of the club to give up a player in a difficult situation.
"We will help him and do our best for him to improve with us. He will soon show his qualities." Team-mate Florent Malouda added: "People don't realize but he sacrificed for the team working hard to defend, which is an unrewarding and precious job." Metz are currently sixth in Ligue 1, having won four of their 10 games so far this season. They have an option to sign Maiga on a permanent deal at the end of the season. The Mali international, who scored six goals in 38 appearances for West Ham after joining them from Sochaux in the summer of 2012, spent the second half of last season on loan at QPR, where he scored once.
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WERE YOU AT THE BURNLEY GAME? YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP A FELLOW WEST HAM FAN.
By Iron Liddy 20 Oct 2014 at 12:48
West Ham Till I Die
CALLING FOR HELP FROM THE WEST HAM COMMUNITY
I had a call from a friend last night to ask me to reach out for help from our fellow West Ham fans. He and his daughter were at the Burnley game on Saturday and unfortunately when they were celebrating our first goal his daughter's white iPhone 6 flew out of her pocket. They only realised that it had been lost at the end of the game and subsequently found out that a young lad had picked it up and was waving it at the crowd trying to find out who the owner was. It wasn't handed in to the stewards so they're hoping that whoever found it will hand it in to the club but if you could share this with anybody that you know who went to the game on Saturday it would be very helpful.
They were sitting centrally 3 rows from the front. As we all know it's not just the price of a replacement phone at stake but all the photos, contacts and other bits and pieces of our life that we entrust to our mobile devices. If you could share this on any other West Ham forum that you frequent and let me know if you have any information we'd be very grateful.
Lids x
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Sam Allardyce remains coy over new contract talks as West Ham surge into top four
Oct 19, 2014 22:30 By Paul Hassall
The former Bolton manager led his West Ham side into the top four with an impressive victory over Burnley at Turf Moor
The Mirror
As Sam Allardyce toasted his 60th birthday he will have no doubt raised a glass to a strike duo who are firing him towards a new West Ham deal. Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho won't have been on the wish-lists of many fans this summer, but it's their blooming partnership that has helped transform the Hammers, in more ways than one. The pair hit the goal trail again at Burnley as Allardyce's rejuvenation in the Upton Park hot-seat gathers pace. Not so long ago the former Blackburn boss appeared to be on the verge of the axe for failing to deliver the exciting brand of football West Ham supporters crave. But now they are combining moments of flair with the all-important results. And if Big Sam keeps this up he won't be far from completing a turnaround that could see the Irons board extend his contract beyond the end of the season. "The owners have chosen to wait and see how we go," said Allardyce. "We chose to wait the last time.
e had no problems then and if we carry on the way we are, we'll have no problems sorting this one out. "If there is a turn in fortunes then I know I've still done a fantastic job for West Ham in my time here. At the moment, the contract is the last thing on my mind. "I don't feel the pressure like I used to. I've learned to deal with it. I've proved myself at this level and that makes life all the more enjoyable."
It may not be tiki-taka just yet, but with West Ham on the rise you can see why there are few sleepless nights in the Allardyce household.
The Hammers boss is reaping the rewards of some astute business in the summer, including the inspired gamble that saw him recruit Sakho alongside Valencia. The duo struck a goal apiece inside five minutes after the restart against the Clarets to provide the springboard for a fourth league win of the season. George Boyd pulled one back for Burnley, but substitute Carlton Cole made sure of victory when he nodded home the Hammers' third. Allardyce admits he has been delighted by the impact of a front two who must already be on the shortlist for 'signing of the season.' "I didn't expect them to click straight away," said Allardyce. "We wanted to introduce Valencia and Sakho slowly but due to the circumstances we haven't, and we've done absolutely brilliant." West Ham produced some free-flowing football but the fact their three goals at Turf Moor all came via headers from crosses will not have gone unnoticed by Allardyce's critics."I haven't played long ball, but it's with me," he added wistfully. "It'll never leave me. We changed the system at half-time and don't play the same way every week."
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West Ham's new Olympic Stadium home could cost taxpayers further £50 million
Complications with roof at venue likely to require massive further funding, and West Ham will not have to spend a penny
West Ham's new Olympic Stadium home could cost taxpayers further £50 million
By Ben Rumsby, Sports News Correspondent8:23PM BST 20 Oct 2014
Telegraph.co.uk
Taxpayers are being asked for another £50 million to convert the Olympic Stadium into West Ham United's new home – but the club will not pay another penny towards the cost. Construction firm Balfour Beatty has lobbied for more cash to complete the work on the stadium after complications emerged last month over extending its roof. The public has footed the bill for the original £429 million cost of the London 2012 main venue and all but £15 million of the £154 million conversion contract – the smaller figure being West Ham's contribution.
Now, amid a succession of profit warnings, Balfour Beatty wants up to £50 million on top of that figure to finish the job, which could take the total price of the venue beyond £600 million. The stadium's operator, the London Legacy Development Corporation, is in talks with the firm over the increased cost, none of which will be met by West Ham due to the terms and conditions they negotiated of their 99-year lease. The club are still on schedule to move into the venue in 2016, after five Rugby World Cup matches are played there in September and October next year. There was a flexible cost element to the roof work at the stadium as it is unique in terms of stadium development, with money put aside in a contingency fund. However, any unused portion of that fund would return to the public purse. It is understood that a rise in cost, which the LLDC – chaired by Boris Johnson, the London mayor – is hopeful will be far less than £50 million, could also be met by savings elsewhere on the Olympic Park.
Yet, that would call into question the London 2012 legacy. One of the biggest critics of the amount spent on the Olympic Stadium, the Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff, blamed the latest news on the decision to retain an athletics track and install retractable seating at the stadium in east London. "I think there is more bad news to come, I think all that money that is being used is taking away from the legacy of the park," he said. "Pretty soon, I think Londoners will be clamouring to rip that stadium down."
An E20 Stadium LLP spokesperson said: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. "This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."
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Olympic Stadium costs soar to more than £600m after roof complications
• Complex structure will not cost West Ham more money
• Balfour Beatty reported to have requested extra £50m
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Monday 20 October 2014 20.02 BST
The overall bill for the Olympic Stadium is set to soar well beyond £600m before West Ham United move in after it emerged that installing the complex roof would be far more expensive than originally thought.
The complications will not cost West Ham – due to move into the 54,000-seat stadium from the start of the 2016-17 season – another penny on top of the £15m they have pledged towards the conversion.
Construction Enquirer magazine reported that Balfour Beatty had asked for an extra £50m to cover complications in strengthening the roof and extending it over a new cantilevered structure that will cover retractable seats to be rolled out during the football season.
It adds to the workload to complete the project by August 2016 – itself an extension of the original timetable. Building must pause during the 2015 Rugby World Cup next summer, when five matches will be played in the stadium.
Sources at the London Legacy Development Corporation, which is responsible for the development of the Olympic Park, insisted that the overspend would not be as much as £50m and that some of it would be met by Balfour Beatty. It said any overspend would be covered within the LLDC's wider existing budgets without recourse to the taxpayer and that there would be no ramifications for the schedule.
The rising costs are likely to provoke renewed criticism from those who think the project has been badly thought-out from the start.
In addition to the £154m contract agreed with Balfour Beatty, which will rise because of the roof issues, there are believed to be additional elements that will take the overall cost to more than £600m by even the most conservative estimate.
Following a protracted saga that included a bitter battle with Tottenham Hotspur and a lengthy standoff over how much West Ham should contribute, the East End club agreed to pay a one-off fee of £15m towards the conversion costs and a rent of around £2.5m a year.
The LLDC, chaired by Boris Johnson, is in negotiations with Balfour Beatty over how the additional costs will be split.
Under the terms of the deal announced in March last year Newham Council borrowed £40m towards the conversion, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport supplied £38.7m and a further £25m will come from the Department for Communities and Local Government. West Ham will pay £15m and the rest will be borrowed by the LLDC.
The LLDC had previously argued that the Balfour Beattie agreement was a fixed price contract but it is understood that an element relating to the roof is negotiable, given the complexity of the work.
Originally the Olympic Stadium was priced up at £280m in the London 2012 bid book before the price tag rose to £429m. The initial plan was to remove the upper tiers of the stadium and scale it back to a modest 25,000-seat bowl after the Games. But the coalition government and Johnson urged a rethink in 2010 and eventually agreed a deal with West Ham that later collapsed under legal challenge.
Following another tender process, the club were awarded a 99-year lease to share the stadium with other tenants including UK Athletics. An operator such as AEG or Live Nation will shortly be appointed to manage bookings in the stadium.
A spokesperson for E20 Stadium LLP, the partnership that is managing the stadium, said: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."
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Gunners star unlikely to sign long term deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are unlikely to be able to make Carl Jenkinson's stay at Upton Park permanent at the end of the season! The on-loan Arsenal star produced his most impressive performance in a West Ham shirt at Burnley on Saturday and, with Aaron Cresswell, was singled out for special praise manager Sam Allardyce. The club would love to believe that they can make the deal a permanent arrangement but ClaretandHugh has learned that this was one of the few loan deals in which there was no 'to buy' clause involved. On asking the question about a permanent deal earlier this evening we were told: "Sadly, there's no option to buy and we believe Arsenal will want him back. "We will have a go but he's a top young player and it would be a surprise if we could do a deal although much could depend on Arsenal's injury position.
"As an England under 21 international he has a big future ahead of him and he is one we would like to get but it's very much odds against as things stand."
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