Hammers held at home by Villa
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Aston Villa outfit
on Saturday afternoon
08.11.2014
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 Aston Villa
West Ham United were held to a frustrating goalless draw by a resolute Aston
Villa side at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, as the Hammers extended their
unbeaten Barclays Premier League run to five. The in-form Stewart Downing
was foiled by a fabulous one-handed Brad Guzan stop prior to the interval,
before Diafra Sakho twice failed to hit the target with golden headed
chances in the latter stages. The returning Andy Carroll was introduced late
on and came so close to snatching all three points for the hosts, as his
back-post header produced another fine save from the Villa stopper. For
their part, Villa saw Andreas Weimann smash one straight at Adrian, while
Tom Cleverley's drive flashed inches over the top in the opening exchanges
of the second half. The stalemate sees the Hammers temporarily climb back
above Arsenal into fourth, with the Gunners away at Swansea City on Sunday.
As expected, Barclays Player of the Month Diafra Sakho made his return to
the starting XI following a shoulder injury, with French midfielder Morgan
Amalfitano the man to make way. Elsewhere, Carroll was restored to the
matchday 18, having come through a behind-closed-doors friendly against
Southend United unscathed.
In a low-key start at the Boleyn Ground, Mark Noble headed Carl Jenkinson's
right-wing cross over the top, before Gabriel Agbonlahor showed James
Collins a clean pair of heels and promptly blasted an effort into the Bobby
Moore Stand.
But West Ham were soon to up the tempo and see several a chance go begging.
Brad Guzan got down smartly to smother Collins' near-post header and then
Ron Vlaar's desperate intervention prevented Enner Valencia latching onto
Sakho's centre.
Valencia himself made inroads down the left and his centre eventually came
to Noble, via Collins, with the skipper's shot blocked at close quarters.
Sam Allardyce's men continued to pile on the pressure and so nearly struck
via the trusty combination of Aaron Cresswell and Sakho. The left-back's
cross hung high in the Villa box and though Sakho beat Guzan to it, his
header drifted a yard or two wide of the far post.
And so it went on. When another Sakho centre fell kindly for Downing, Guzan
produced a stunning right-handed stop to keep the scores level.
But the Hammers were not having it all their own way. Charles N'Zogbia was
afforded too much space on the left-hand side and duly skipped inside to
pick out Andreas Weimann 12 yards from goal. The Austrian smashed it
goalwards but, thankfully, straight at the waiting Adrian who fisted it
clear.
There would be one last chance for the hosts before the interval and a good
one it was too. Alex Song picked out Downing in space on the left edge of
the box, but the in-form No11 skewed it high and wide of the angle of post
bar.
Villa, however, went close themselves within just 20 seconds of the restart,
as Agbonlahor picked out Tom Cleverley, whose strike from the edge of the
box brushed the top of the net as it whistled behind.
At the other end, Cresswell's inviting centre flicked off the head of
Valencia and into the path of Jenkinson. The England U21 international opted
against teeing up Sakho and instead drove it across the face, with Vlaar,
again, coming to Villa's rescue.
With 64 minutes on the clock, Carlos Sanchez slalomed into dangerous
territory, but his shot was a tame one and comfortably gathered by the
Hammers' Spanish stopper.
Big Sam then shuffled his pack, with Kevin Nolan replacing the unusually
quiet Cheikhou Kouyate. It should have had the desired effect, with Sakho
looking set to play Valencia in on goal, but the pass was a heavy one and
the Ecuadorian failed to collect.
But Villa nearly profited from the Hammers making heavy weather of clearing
a corner, with Nolan's attempted clearance cannoning into Sanchez and
forcing Adrian into an excellent reaction stop.
Arguably West Ham's best chance came and went with 12 minutes left to play,
when substitute Carlton Cole picked out Sakho, but the usually reliable
Senegalese directed his header wide of the right-hand upright. And Sakho
passed up another presentable opportunity seconds later, this time
connecting with Downing's centre, but sending it sailing over Guzan's
crossbar.
Still West Ham poured forward and, following the introduction of Carroll,
might have snatched it in the game's dying embers. Downing stood up an
inviting cross to the far stick and there was Carroll to meet it, only for
Guzan to deny the Hammers man a fairy tale return and earn his side a
battling point.
West Ham United: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Kouyate (Nolan 66), Downing,
Sakho, Noble (c) (Carroll 90), Jenkinson, Collins, Song, Valencia (Cole 75)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Tomkins, O'Brien, Amalfitano
Aston Villa: Guzan, Baker (Senderos 88), Vlaar (c), Cleverley, Weimann,
Agbonlahor, Westwood, Cissokho, Sanchez, N'Zogbia (Clark 90), Lowton
Subs: Given, Bacuna, Cole, Richardson, Bent
Booked: Cleverley, Weimann, Agbonlahor
Referee: Jonathan Moss
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers mark Remembrance Day
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will be marking Remembrance Day at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday
08.11.2014
West Ham United marked Remembrance Day and commemorated the centenary of the
outbreak of the First World War with a host of special events at today's
game. Soldiers from G Company 7 Rifles, based at the Army Reserve Centre in
West Ham, will form a guard of honour surrounding the Boleyn Ground pitch
before representatives from the Royal British Legion (East Ham Branch) are
presented to the crowd. A wreath-laying ceremony will then take place in the
centre circle led by Joint-Chairman David Gold, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin
Wales and Aston Villa chief executive Tom Fox. This will be followed by a
minute's silence that will begin and end on the sound of the referee's
whistle. West Ham's players will join those from their 19 fellow Barclays
Premier League clubs by wearing shirts emblazoned with the special 'Football
Remembers' poppy. Prior to kick-off, representatives Diane Hannan and Bill
Daly from bus operators Stagecoach (London) will also present a cheque for
in excess of £5,000 to Ken Hill, secretary of the Royal British Legion (East
Ham Branch). The funds were raised by the sale of a special badge designed
by a member of staff at Plumstead Garage, which was then distributed and
sold through the nine garages that form Stagecoach (London).
The company provided the 'B' bus purchased by the War Office in 1914 and
used in France and Belgium throughout the Great War as a troop carrier. The
bus has recently been returned to its wartime livery and is taking part in
Remembrance ceremonies in Britain, France and Belgium.
Every year, the Hammers support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal by
wearing match shirts with the official Poppy on them. For Remembrance Day
2014, the Royal British Legion has approved a one-off Poppy with the
citation '1914-2014 Football Remembers'.
The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity providing care
and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and
their families. Fans can donate to the Poppy Appeal in a variety of ways:
• By phone on 0845 845 1945
• By mobile. To donate £3, text POPPY to 70020* (*Cost £3 plus standard
network charges - typically £2.97 goes to the Poppy Appeal). To donate £10,
text POPPY to 70111* (*Cost £10 plus standard network charges - typically
£9.92 goes to the Poppy Appeal).
• By post to The Royal British Legion, FREEPOST SN1457, Melksham SN12 7BR.
Further, to mark the 100th anniversary of the famous Christmas Truce matches
played between British and German soliders in December 1914, band The Farm
have released a new version of their single All Together Now, with two U12
players from English and German clubs serving as the backing choir.
West Ham youngsters Thomas Salter and Kallum Cesay joined their counterparts
from 18 Premier League and eleven German clubs to take part in the recording
of the single. After recording at Liverpool's Parr Street Studios, the
players were invited to train at the Liverpool and Everton Academies,
meeting Toffees manager Roberto Martinez.
Proceeds from the sales of the single, which was originally released in 1991
and will be released in its new form on 15 December, will go to the British
Red Cross and the Shorncliffe Trust, who are building a national education
centre and heritage park in Kent to tell the story of the social impact that
military life has on servicemen and women, their families and their
communities.
The two young Hammers singers will join their U12 teammates at the Christmas
Truce Qualifying Tournament in Ypres, Belgium on 14-16 November. U12 sides
from every Premier League club are heading to Ypres for a weekend of
competitive football and education. The event also acts as the official
opening of the 3G pitch that the Premier League is donating to the city of
Ypres.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam frustrated by Villa stalemate
WHUFC.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce felt his side did enough to claim all
three points on Saturday
08.11.2014
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce admitted to feeling a sense of
frustration after watching his side draw 0-0 with Aston Villa at the Boleyn
Ground on Saturday. While a second clean sheet of the campaign meant the
Hammers extended their unbeaten run to a sixth game, he felt the home side
had done more than enough to turn one point into three. That they did not
was down to a mixture of wasteful finishing and the fine form of Villa
goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who made outstanding saves from Stewart Downing in
the first half and from Andy Carroll at the death. Still, the point gained
took West Ham back into the Barclays Premier League's top four and Allardyce
could reflect on a good performance from his team, even if it did not yield
maximum reward. "It was frustrating," he admitted. "We've not seen that
super-clinical finishing side of our game today. I think that left us hugely
frustrated and when we did get a proper finish on target the goalkeeper was
on top form. "There's nothing more we could have done today to try and win a
game of football but ultimately the clinical finishing has deserted us. It's
our second clean sheet of the season so we only needed the one goal, but we
just couldn't find it. "I felt today that if we'd found one, we'd have found
many on the back of Aston Villa losing six or seven on the trot. I think
their heads would have gone down and we'd have opened them up even more. "It
was a terrific effort. We opened them up in the first half but couldn't find
a goal. We had a lull in the second half but changed the way we played, and
putting Stewart Downing in a wider position - where we haven't seen him much
this year - turned the game in our favour, by putting quality ball into the
box and [forcing] all those chances towards the end. "We kept going right to
the end, but I felt a 1-0 would have been a fair result for us and would
have given everybody a massive lift to reach 20 points from eleven games.
While we respect the point and the lads have done a good job on Aston
Villa's counter attacking, I thought we'd be more frustrated by Villa today
than we were. "But we weren't because we were so good. They had nine or ten
behind the ball for nearly all the game, but some poor finishing from us and
not a lot of help from the referee when we needed it {kept us out]."
One huge positive was the return of Andy Carroll following a lengthy absence
with an ankle injury. He came off the bench in the closing stages and went
so close to forcing a winner when he drew a fine save from Guzan. The
manager added: "I wanted to bring Winston Reid off because he was feeling
his thigh a bit, but at that point I just felt he had to stay on for us to
go and get the winner. I wanted to put Andy on rather than change Reidy for
James Tomkins, so I hope Winston's alright. "We changed the shape and the
shape changed the way we were playing. The way we were playing got better
and the oohs and aahs that went around the ground in the last five to ten
minutes were unbelievable. "People were jumping around with what looked like
was going to be the ultimate excitement with scoring a goal."
With a two week break before the next fixture away at Everton, Allardyce
says the Hammers will take stock after a hugely encouraging start to the
campaign, with the strength in depth of his squad plain to see. "I think
it's been a very good first phase of the season," he explained. "We're on a
undefeated run of five games, we've got a fantastic team in terms of not
just the eleven we pick, but the eleven or 12 behind it. "That's proven
today by Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan coming on and making a
big effort to go and win the game. When Enner and Mark Noble had run their
legs off, these lads come on fresh and with the quality they've got you can
see what happened in the last ten or 15 minutes. "We need that squad going
into the back end of November and December - over Christmas we'll have
something like four games in eight days, and that has been a test for us in
my entire time at the Club. "We have to get through this test with this
squad and continue to get results in that period. Steering clear of injuries
is the big question - we can cope with injuries at this time of the year
because of the international breaks, but we can't cope with too many
injuries when you go into November, December and January.
"The squad's getting bigger and fitter, so long may that last."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'You've got to respect the point'
WHUFC.com
James Collins felt the Hammers deserved a great deal more than the goalless
draw against Aston Villa
08.11.2014
James Collins reckons that the Hammers' disappointment with Saturday's
goalless Barclays Premier League draw against Aston Villa is a sign of how
far West Ham United have come in recent weeks and months.
Saturday's stalemate saw the Hammers extend their unbeaten run to five,
having taken an impressive eleven points from the last possible 15, and yet
Collins admitted that failure to bag a fourth successive win at the Boleyn
Ground felt more like a defeat.
That said, the Wales international will never turn his nose up at a clean
sheet and so will bedrudgingly accept the point on this occasion. He told
West Ham TV: "We're obviously disappointed, it feels a bit like a loss but,
it's one of those things. It's a sign of the times that we are disappointed
drawing 0-0 at home. We created enough chances so hopefully we can take the
positives out of it. "We felt we deserved a goal and we tried our hardest to
get it. I think we probably should have had a late penalty on Alex Song. We
are disappointed but, again, as the gaffer said you've got to respect the
point sometimes when the team comes and defends how Villa did."
Collins went close to breaking the deadlock himself after just 14 minutes,
meeting Stewart Downing's corner with a firm near-post header, only to see
the excellent Brad Guzan keep it out. The 31-year-old last scored in 2-0 win
over Norwich City in February and expected to see the net bulge this time,
too. He continued: "I thought it was going in to be fair. Guzan's done well.
It's one of those, I got it on target, so sometimes they go in and I think
it was Brad's day on Saturday, he played very well."
While the Hammers then laid siege to the Villa goal in the latter stages,
the visitors only ever threatened the Hammers goal intermittently and
Collins explained that they were well prepared to deal with the Villans'
threat on the break. "We knew that's how they were going to play," he
confirmed. "They're on the back of some bad results, so we had to be on our
toes at the back. The only chances I can really remember them getting were
from us maybe being a bit too comfortable on the ball and a bit sloppy.
"In the second half, we had to defend for a bit early on and we didn't come
out the blocks too well. But it's a clean sheet and as a defender, you're
always happy, but obviously disappointed we didn't win the game."
Saturday's disappointment aside, Collins insists the Hammers are in
excellent shape heading into the latest international break and can,
overall, reflect on a job well done in the past month or so. As for his own
form, the centre-half has taken his latest opportunity with both hands and
wants more of the same when the Hammers reconvene at Goodison Park in a
fortnight's time.
"It's been great. We've got a lot of points, we're fourth in the league, as
it stands on Saturday. We are happy, there's a lot of confidence in the camp
at the minute, hopefully the boys can go away on internationals, stay fit,
come back and look forward to Everton.
"I am loving it. It's great to be back in the team. Unfortunately Tonks
[James Tomkins] got injured. That was my chance to come back in and I'm
happy with the way I've performed since. I'd have liked to have got a goal
on Saturday against my old club and got the three points, but we've got the
clean sheet and I'm looking forward to Everton."
Before the Toffees, however, Collins has the small matter of a European
Championship qualifier for Wales in Belgium to focus the mind. Having missed
the last two international meets owing to injury, he is right up for the
challenge.
"It's a big game, to be fair, we've got Belgium away. It's going to be a
tough game as they're one of the best teams in the world, but we've got a
young, vibrant, exciting squad there, so we'll go there and have a right go.
"I can't wait, I had two injuries for the first three games, so I'm looking
forward to getting back involved, seeing the lads and hopefully contributing
to a good result away from home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0 Aston Villa 0
8 November 2014
Last updated at 18:58
By Steve Canavan
BBC Sport
West Ham striker Andy Carroll was denied a goalscoring Premier League return
as Aston Villa clung on to halt a run of six successive defeats. Carroll,
making his first appearance of the season after an ankle injury, had two
late headers saved after coming off the bench at Upton Park. The Hammers
created numerous chances, especially during a frantic finale, but could not
force a breakthrough. For Villa it is a first point since victory at
Liverpool in September. The result may be a relief for boss Paul Lambert,
who signed a new four-year contract at Villa in mid-September but has not
seen his team claim a win since. Lambert had acknowledged before the match
that he was not "bomb-proof" and was aware he needed to halt the miserable
sequence of defeats. A lack of goals continue to be a problem for his side.
They have hit the target just once in almost 12 hours of football, Andreas
Weimann's strike in last weekend's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham.
In contrast West Ham had plundered 19 in their opening 10 games - their best
goalscoring start to a top-flight campaign for 28 years, and the kind of
form that earned Sam Allardyce October's manager of the month award. The
Hammers are now unbeaten in five but could not force a breakthrough, even
with Diafra Sakho back in the side after the shoulder injury which kept him
out at Stoke. Sakho, a £3.5m signing from French side FC Metz, had been
aiming to become the first player to score on each of his first seven
Premier League starts. He had three headed chances but failed to get any on
target and suffered a frustrating afternoon. It was the same all over the
pitch for the Hammers, as they made the majority of the running but could
not force the ball past Villa's in-form keeper Brad Guzan. Starting his 85th
Premier League game in a row, the American made good first-half saves from
ex-Villa men Stewart Downing and James Collins, and twice denied Carroll
late on by stopping close-range headers.
It meant there was no fairytale return for the Hammers £15m record signing,
who was making his comeback after tearing his ankle ligaments in the summer.
Villa, who had defender Nathan Baker stretchered off, had their moments. The
lively Gabriel Agbonlahor - in for the suspended Christian Benteke - created
and missed an early chance and Weimann brought a fine save out of Adrian
with a drive from 12 yards.
But in the end, neither side could find a way through and it is Villa who
will be more content with a point.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "It was a terrific effort that we gave. When
we lulled a little bit in the second half the changes we made gave us that
exciting all-important finish and our fans the chance to see another win
here. "The sad thing was that when our finishing was good, the goalkeeper
was even better. We have got to respect the point and it's our second clean
sheet, which is good. "Aston Villa are a frustrating team to break down, but
we broke them down several times apart from the keeper. "It was nearly a
fantastic end to the game and we are very disappointed we didn't get the
three points."
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert: "I thought we were excellent, resolute,
everything you need to get anything from here. "West Ham have been on a rich
vein of form. They have been playing really well, so to come here and get
something is a big result for us. "I thought we were first class. It was a
massive point for us. "I thought in the second half we looked comfortable up
until the last five minutes or so when they put their big lads on. Guzan has
made a world-class save towards the end."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lambert on ... West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
A satisfied Villa boss shares his post-match thoughts with the media. Here's
how Paul Lambert saw this afternoon's goalless draw at the Boleyn...
Paul: That must feel like a win after the run you've been on recently?
It's a great point. A really great point. We've come to a ground where
they've been playing really well; they've beaten City and Liverpool not that
long ago and to come here and play as we did and be resolute was first
class.
A word on your 'keeper? Especially at the end there? Phenomenal?
That's what he's paid for...
What do you pay him then? [laughs]
He's overpaid! No, to be fair his save at the end was world class. Top guy,
top pro and I'm delighted for him. Really pleased for him.
Your centre backs had to be strong as the West Ham strikers have been
terrific. Vlaar and...
Nathan [Baker], yeah - excellent. We knew before the game, we've spoken
about it all week - balls are going to rain down on you so be ready to deal
with it - and I thought they coped fantastically well.
In the second half I thought we were comfortable up until the last five
minutes or so when Andy Carroll came on with Sakho up there and the other
lad, Carlton Cole. We're not the biggest of teams but defensively we put our
bodies on the line and it was a massive point for us.
Do you think that with a bit more confidence you could have made more of the
breakaways you had?
I thought we looked a threat, in the second half especially. Gabby had a
great chance to put up one-up in the first half and then Andy [Weimann] had
a chance as well. So we had chances. That's one thing about us - we can
exploit spaces. Credit to the team, they've taken a lot of stick at times
but well done today.
You didn't have Benteke; that might have made a big difference?
I thought that Christian was unplayable against Spurs and him being out was
a blow, there's no two ways about it. He's back to his best. But Gabby, up
top, ran his heart out for the team which was great. N'Zogbia's playing ever
so well and is dangerous, but that's the way it is - the red card hurt us
last week.
Is there any more news on Nathan's injury?
Not at the minute. I hope it's not as bad as first feared, but we'll see.
He's got another 16 days or so to recover after the international break so
we'll see how he is.
You've come to a difficult ground, against a team in form and got a very
hard-earned point. What does that mean to the team's confidence?
Well I think the confidence was there at Spurs. The Benteke incident changed
the course of that game; if Christian stays on the pitch that night we win
that game. Or w certainly don't lose it, that's for sure. So I knew
confidence was high from the way we played the other night.
I knew we were confident coming into this game and I knew we had to defend
really strongly. I thought that was a point well-deserved.
And is it good now to have a break, take stock and get Nathan fixed up - or
is it a bad thing that you've got this point but can't carry straight on
with it?
Well with Nathan, we'll see how he is. I think Alan Hutton will be back
after the national games. Christian has got another three weeks to go but
we'll hopefully get one or two lads back fit.
Senderos will be with his national team and that'll give him game time, so
it probably comes at the right time for us, regarding injuries.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on ... Aston Villa
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 8th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
A frustrated Big Sam reflects on what he saw as two points dropped in today'
Premier League clash with Aston Villa at the Boleyn...
Sam: It was a bit like the Alamo at the end there. It was nice to see Andy
Carroll come on; it's easy to forget how good he is in the air and he nearly
nicked the points for you at the end?
I think it was a terrific effort. It goes down to the strength and depth of
the squad because when we hit a lull in the second half the changes we made
- one, the system and two, the personnel - gave us that exciting finish and
our players and fans the chance of seeing another win here.
The sad thing was that when our finishing was very good the goalkeeper was
even better. Some of the time I was a bit disappointed with our finishing
considering how good we've been this season.
So we've got to respect the point and our second clean sheet, which is good.
Everything the lads did today they did very well. Villa were a frustrating
team to break down; we broke them down several times but we couldn't beat
the 'keeper today.
It's a bit frustrating for us but as it was nearly a fantastic end to the
game and I'm obviously disappointed that we didn't get the three points.
Stewart Downing still looks very much an England player, doesn't he?
We changed the shape with Stewart today. Stewart looked better when we went
to a 4-2-3-1 rather than the diamond; he started getting more and more
service in wide areas and he was the main reason we got so many chances in
the final throes.
Actually, I think the best chance fell to Carl Jenkinson with a free header
six yards out but unfortunately he heads it straight into the 'keeper's
hands.
But Carroll, Sakho and Coley coming in on those crosses... You can see how
excited it was getting the fans when we were getting up and heading that
ball at goal. I think people can forget how exciting crossing and heading
the ball in the back of the net is these days. It's still a great thrill to
watch and see. Sadly for us, we didn't see it in the back of the net today.
Were you tempted to bring Andy Carroll on earlier?
I thought we were going well enough and creating [chances]. Before Andy came
on Diafra had had two headers - I'm not sure if they were from Cresswell
crosses or Downing crosses, but he had two free headers in the box and
they've gone over the bar.
We had shouts for a couple of penalties as well that didn't go our way but
that shouldn't have mattered to us today with the number of chances we
created. We're a little frustrated but we couldn't do any more than we've
done in terms of chances created and how well we've played and finished the
game.
Thank you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Andy Carroll keen to put injury nightmare behind him
Last Updated: 08/11/14 8:55pm
SSN
West Ham striker Andy Carroll hopes he can put his injury hell behind him
and re-establish himself as a regular starter at Upton Park.
The former Newcastle frontman came off the bench against Aston Villa to make
his first appearance of the season following a lengthy absence after
undergoing ankle surgery in the summer. And Carroll, who joined Sam
Allardyce's side for a club-record fee of £15m in June last year, is eager
to kick-start his career with West Ham. "It's obviously a great feeling to
be back on the pitch where I think I belong," he said. "It's better than
being in the gym. "It's been a nightmare. It's been a killer to be honest,
coming back from the end of last season and in the first week of training I
find out I need surgery. "It's been disappointing and devastating and now
I've just got to forget about everything that's been going on for the last
few months." The England striker paid tribute to the medical team at West
Ham and hopes he can now consolidate his fitness during the international
break. "The medical staff have been a great help," said Carroll. "I've been
working with them as a team and individually. We've worked outside of the
club as well and they've been coming to my house. "It's a credit to them to
get me back fit so quickly given the injury and the surgery that I had.
They've got me back as quick as possible and I'm happy with my recovery."
On his plans during the international break Carroll said: "It's a chance for
me with no games to train hard - and harder than I have been ahead of the
games coming up in a couple of weeks' time. Hopefully I'll have a game
behind closed doors so I can get my fitness up in that as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing not making up numbers in Roy Hodgson's England squad
Last Updated: 08/11/14 9:54pm
SSN
Stewart Downing is relishing the prospect of playing for England again and
believes he still has an important role to play for Roy Hodgson's team.
Downing, who was recalled to the England set-up for the European qualifier
with Slovenia and the eagerly-anticipated friendly with Scotland, will join
up with Hodgson's men for the first time since their trip to Norway in May
2012. And while delighted at being handed an international life-line,
Downing insisted he had no plans of joining the squad to simply make up the
numbers.
Excited
Speaking after the Hammers' goalless draw with Aston Villa on Saturday,
Downing said: "I'm very pleased. Hopefully I'll play or be involved that's
the main thing. "If I get picked I want to be involved, and not just go
there to make up the numbers. So I'm looking forward to it, it's a chance
and there are places up for grabs. I'll go there, enjoy it and hopefully get
a start or, if not, hopefully be involved.
Saturday's draw with Villa extended West Ham's unbeaten run in the league to
five games – a run of form which has become somewhat reliant on the
new-found form of the midfielder.
Despite having only scored twice in the league for the Hammers this season,
Downing's noticeable improvement has come with his ability to turn into a
provider for his team-mates.
"Roy had gone with other options and to be honest I didn't think I'd be
picked. So I'm obviously over the moon to be picked and hopefully I don't go
to make the numbers up, I want to be involved and play some part."
Wind-up
And Downing, who believed he would never put an England shirt on again,
admitted his recent form must have been crucial to Hodgson making the call.
"He (Roy) is obviously looking at players and I hadn't been picked for a
while. Roy had gone with other options and to be honest I didn't think I'd
be picked," Downing added. "So to be picked I'm obviously over the moon and
hopefully I don't go to make the numbers up I go to be involved and play
some part. "I spoke to Roy a couple of weeks ago when he came for the Man
City game and he said he'd been watching me so I knew he'd been watching the
games. "When I spoke to the woman at The FA I knew it wasn't a wind-up. I've
been involved in squad's before but I'm obviously pleased to be back in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa hold West Ham to 0-0 draw at Upton Park
Last Updated: 08/11/14 8:56pm
SSN
Aston Villa stopped the rot after six consecutive defeats with a hard-earned
goalless draw against West Ham at Upton Park. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan was the
Villa hero after a string of fine saves including an sensational reaction
stop to deny substitute Andy Carroll in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Stewart Downing also came close for the Hammers, who still manged to inch
above Arsenal into fourth place, despite the draw.
Best of the Match:
Man of the match: Brad Guzan – The Villa goalkeeper pulled off a number of
outstanding saves to deny West Ham.
Save of the match: Late substitute Andy Carroll was denied the winner from a
flying one-handed save by Guzan.
Moment of the match: Carl Jenkinson's point-blank header fell straight into
the grateful hands of the busy Brad Guzan between the Villa sticks.
Performer of the match: Stewart Downing - The winger celebrated his England
call-up with another virtuoso display in West Ham colours.
Stat of the match: The Hammers have won just five of the last 28 Premier
League meetings with the Villans (W5 D14 L9).
Talking point: Now that Villa have stopped the rot after six consecutive
league defeats can they push on? Will West Ham be happy with a point?
Gabby Agbonlahor and Andy Weimann posed a threat for Paul Lambert's side as
they finally ended their losing streak since winning at Liverpool in
mid-September to pick up a valuable share of the spoils. Villa had set
themselves up to be hard to break down, while also offering a forward threat
through Weimann and Charles N'Zogbia, supported by Agbonlahor, who came in
for Christian Benteke, the Belgian starting a three-match ban after his red
card against Spurs. The former England man darted into the West Ham box past
James Collins, but then lifted his shot over the crossbar.
At the other end, the Irons defender then sent a powerful header goalwards
from a corner, which was straight at a grateful Guzan.
West Ham maintained the pressure as the quarter-hour mark approached, but
then almost hit the self-destruct button on 18 minutes as Winston Reid
overhit a backpass, which goalkeeper Adrian mis-controlled and the ball
almost rolled inside the far post. It was then the turn of Guzan to enjoy a
slice of fortune as he came out to punch a highball into the box from Aaron
Cresswell, but clattered into Aly Cissokho as he challenged with Diafra
Sakho, the ball dropping wide. The American, though, showed good hands
moments later as he beat away a fierce, angled drive from Stewart Downing,
the one-time Villa midfielder just recalled to the England squad.
Villa remained dangerous on the break, and went close on 38 minutes.
N'Zogbia ghosted into the left side of the West Ham penalty area, and rolled
the ball back to Andreas Weimann, who moved inside before drilling a 15-yard
strike straight at Adrian. In first-half stoppage time, West Ham worked the
ball well from the right along the Villa penalty area out to Downing on the
left - but the midfielder could only skew his shot into the side netting.
Weimann threatened for Villa just after the restart, lifting a rising shot
over following more positive approach play from Agbonlahor.
Allardyce sent on captain Kevin Nolan after 65 minutes, replacing Cheikhou
Kouyate. Tempers were rising, with Villa midfielder Tom Cleverley booked for
clattering into Diafra Sakho, fit again following a shoulder injury, before
Weimann was shown a yellow card for dissent. Adrian was alert to kick the
ball away after Nolan's clearance ricocheted back into the six-yard box.
West Ham broke away down the right on 78 minutes through substitute Carlton
Cole, who chipped the ball across to Sakho waiting on the penalty spot, but
the usually clinical Senegal forward dropped a header wide.
There was a stoppage when Villa defender Nathan Baker went down in his own
penalty area after clattering into Cole, with referee Jon Moss awarding a
free-kick against the West Ham striker - much to the frustrations of home
players and fans alike. The injury, though, was serious enough for the Villa
man to be carried off on a stretcher, replaced by Philippe Senderos. West
Ham looked for a winner, as full-back Carl Jenkinson headed straight at the
keeper, with Guzan then denying Carroll - back from an ankle injury - as he
palmed away a point-blank header from the England forward to earn Villa a
well-deserved point.
Charlie Nicholas' verdict
In the initial 20 minutes, Villa looked really nervous at the back and
managed to get away with a lot of situations but they gradually crept into
the game. The big problem for Villa is expressing themselves. They have got
to have better quality when they get the ball because it's hard enough to
get it. They had no Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor never really
threatened much, but he should have scored in the first half. In the second
half they had great spells in the game.
West Ham made plenty of opportunities. Sakho didn't get many opportunities
until the final 20 minutes and Guzan had an absolutely outstanding day. It
was a thoroughly enjoyable 0-0, it really was. It was a very exciting game
with plenty of chances created and Aston Villa should take a lot of credit.
It was an enjoyable point for Paul Lambert, but Sam Allardyce will be
frustrated.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zarate becoming the Irons forgotten man
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I came away from the game confused, entirely frustrated and annoyed that a
team that was there for the taking had been let off the hook!
Ok, I'm realistic enough to know it's not always gonna go for us but then I
looked at the stats which showed we had 21 shots at goal with five on
target whilst Villa had four on goal from 12. With the strike force we have
available that is disappointing and I was also a tad concerned at how we
allowed Villa to dictate for various periods particularly immediately after
the break. At one stage we really were at panic stations at the back against
a team that so far hasn't exactly shown itself to be the most potent force
in the division.
These though are small moans and we continue to play with panache and style
which is great and we are gonna win more than we lose.
However, one thing does concern me and his name is Mauro Zarate – a player
who looks ideally suited to the style of play we are currently employing.
Before anybody shouts about his availability I can assure you he's fit but
couldn't even make it onto a bench which was loaded up with the likes of
Carroll, Cole, O'Brien and Nolan. There have been whispers for a long time
that the player is not really Sam's cup of char but I couldn't help feeling
today that he would have been exactly the right individual to throw on as he
has the sort of ability which is required to open up defences such as
Villa's. Nolan or Zarate? It's not really and proper question is it? I fear
that the Argentinian could soon become the forgotten man of Upton Park as
many predicted at the outset of the season. And if that becomes the case it
really will be a very great shame!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam: "That was Carroll's first pre-season game"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll will not be launched back into first time starts for about six
weeks! The injury-plagued striker returned to the fray today after another
long lay-off but manager Sam Allardyce isn't even tempted to shove him into
ma double quick return. He gave an emphatic 'no' when asked if the big
striker could start against Everton following the international break making
it clear it will be a long haul back for the club's record signing. He said:
"He ios now having his pre-season and the first outing was this afternoon
for just a few minutes. Like every other player his pre-season will take at
least six games and there will be no rushing him back into action."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble's gutted but loves the Carroll option
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh
Mark Noble declared himself "gutted" at failing to inflict a seventh
successive defeat on Aston Villa at Upton Park this afternoon.
He realised that most approached the game seeing it as a home banker but
said: "The Premier League is not like that. I'm gutted but at the same time
it was an important point. "We knew that Villa had some top players but we
thought they would come and sit in order to frustrate us. We could have had
three or four in the first half but it just wasn't to be." Noble though was
thrilled with Andy Carroll's return – albeit for just a few minutes at the
end – and said: "He's been out for a long time but he showed he can create
mayhem. "He could have had three goals in three minutes and is a fantastic
addition up front for us. He's good in the air and good on the floor – we
have a great front line of options."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardye tells why Irons didn't win!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce was disappointed to find Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan in top
form as the Hammers failed to find the net in a goal-less draw against Aston
Villa. The Irons boss watched his team create a host of chancesbefore being
left to" respect the point." He said: We're disappointed given the amount of
chances of excellent quality we created but the keeper was in a fantastic
mood. It was unfortunate and disappointing for us to come out with just a
point." Allardyce then gave a litany of opportunities and setbacks which on
another day might have gone the way of the Irons. He said: "There was a
definite penalty on Alex Song and a handball which may have given us
another. Then one of theirs came off with injury when it was Carlton Cole
who had been fouled and that could have been another penalty. "We have
dominated in the latter stages and the first half was ours so it was all
very frustrating. I really thought the goal would come but then Guzan
produced a wonderful save near the end."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Sunday, November 9
Saturday, November 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th November 2014
Preview - Aston Villa
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about Saturday's game with Aston Villa
07.11.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v ASTON VILLA
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: JONATHAN MOSS
Remembrance Day
West Ham United will be marking Remembrance Day and commemorating the
centenary of the outbreak of the First World War with a host of special
events at Saturday's game.
Soldiers from G Company 7 Rifles, based at the Army Reserve Centre in West
Ham, will form a guard of honour surrounding the Boleyn Ground pitch before
representatives from the Royal British Legion (East Ham Branch) are
presented to the crowd.
A wreath-laying ceremony will then take place in the centre circle led by
Joint-Chairman David Gold, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and Aston Villa
chief executive Tom Fox.
This will be followed by a minute's silence that will begin and end on the
sound of the referee's whistle.
West Ham's players will join those from their 19 fellow Barclays Premier
League clubs by wearing shirts emblazoned with the special 'Football
Remembers' poppy.
Prior to kick-off, representatives Diane Hannan and Bill Daly from bus
operators Stagecoach (London) will also present a cheque for in excess of
£5,000 to Ken Hill, secretary of the Royal British Legion (East Ham Branch).
The funds were raised by the sale of a special badge designed by a member of
staff at Plumstead Garage, which was then distributed and sold through the
nine garages that form Stagecoach (London).
The company provided the 'B' bus purchased by the War Office in 1914 and
used in France and Belgium throughout the Great War as a troop carrier. The
bus has recently been returned to its wartime livery and is taking part in
Remembrance ceremonies in Britain, France and Belgium.
Every year, the Hammers support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal by
wearing match shirts with the official Poppy on them. For Remembrance Day
2014, the Royal British Legion has approved a one-off Poppy with the
citation '1914-2014 Football Remembers'.
The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity providing care
and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and
their families.
Fans can donate to the Poppy Appeal in a variety of ways:
• By phone on 0845 845 1945
• By mobile. To donate £3, text POPPY to 70020* (*Cost £3 plus standard
network charges - typically £2.97 goes to the Poppy Appeal). To donate £10,
text POPPY to 70111* (*Cost £10 plus standard network charges - typically
£9.92 goes to the Poppy Appeal).
• By post to The Royal British Legion, FREEPOST SN1457, Melksham SN12 7BR.
In brief
West Ham United host Aston Villa this Saturday as the Hammers look to extend
their unbeaten run of five games.
The Villans are currently 16th, having taken ten points from as many games.
Paul Lambert's side have struggled recently in losing their six league
games, scoring once in the process.
Sam Allardyce's team are eleven places ahead of Saturday's visitors, sitting
in fifth position after drawing 2-2 away at Stoke City having been 2-0 down.
Goals from new signing Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing, who has been
recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson, salvaged a point.
Last season the Hammers took four points from the Villans, drawing 0-0 at
home before securing a 2-0 away win with a brace from Kevin Nolan.
Related stories
Big Sam: On Aston Villa
Chadwell Chatter
Who are they?
Formed in 1874 from members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapal cricket team
Aston Villa enjoyed a very succesful start to life winning the FA Cup in
1887, 1895 and 1897 as well as winning the First Division five times in the
1890s.
Aston Villa moved into their iconic Villa Park stadium in 1911, going on to
win another two FA Cups later that decade.
Villa's crowning glory came in 1982 when they won their first European Cup
final, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in Rotterdam.
They have competed in the top flight of English football without relegation
since the 1988/89 season.
Team news
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho is back in contention for Saturday's game after overcoming a
shoulder injury, as is Winston Reid who could return after shaking off a
dead leg he suffered at Stoke City.
England striker Andy Carroll is also back in contention after he played in a
behind-closed-doors friendly during the week. Carroll could make his first
appearance of the season after recovering from ankle surgery.
Guy Demel is out with a thigh problem, however he should be back in the
squad after the international break.
Aston Villa
The visitors are missing some crucial squad memebers such as Fabian Delph
after he dislocated his shoulder in training.
They will also be without talismanic striker Christian Benteke following his
red card against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Villa will give central defender Phillippe Senderos a late fitness test to
determine whether the Swiss international has overcome a thigh strain.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Jonathan Moss, who was born in the North East.
The 44-year-old played for Sunderland and Millwall as a schoolboy.
Moss won a football scholarship at Central Connecticut State University in
the United States before completing a degree in teaching and physical
education at the University of Leeds.
After progressing through the Northern Counties East League and Northern
Premier League, Moss was promoted to the National Group of assistant
referees in 2003.
He refereed the 2005 Conference Play-Off final between Carlisle United and
Stevenage Borough before being promoted to the National Group of Referees
who officiate in the Football League the same year.
After seeing his first Premier League appointment - Wigan Athletic versus
today's visitors Aston Villa - postponed due to snow in December 2010, he
made his top-flight debut in Blackpool's home defeat by Birmingham City the
following month.
He was promoted to the Select Group of referees in June 2011.
Moss will be assisted by 2014 FIFA World Cup assistant referee Mike
Mullarkey and Derek Eaton, while the fourth official will be Mike Jones.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 7
Yellow cards shown: 26
Red cards shown: 4
Penalties awarded: 4
One to watch
West Ham United
The in form Stewart Downing has been called up for England duty by Roy
Hodgson.
The midfielder has been in fine form this season, particularly when playing
at the tip of the midfield diamond. The 30-year-old will be looking to
continue his goalscoring form after netting the equaliser against Stoke City
last Saturday.
Aston Villa
American goalkeeper Brad Guzan is one of standout 'keepers in the league. He
is an integral part of the Villa defence having played every minute of every
league game this season.
If Guzan is on top form, the Hammers' strikeforce will have to be at their
best to get past him.
Tickets
Standard tickets for this game have now sold out. However, tickets may
become available online as Season Ticket Holders relist their seats.
Tickets for the Hammers next home game with Newcastle United are available
here.
Weather
Saturday is set to be an overcast day with rain forecast for the second
half. The predicted temperature at kick-off is 13C (55F)
Last home meeting
West Ham United 0-0 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League
2 November 201
The Hammers picked up a valuable point in the same fixture last season,
ending a run of three straight home defeats.
The visitors had the better chances with Christian Benteke's header hitting
the post yet the Hammers clung on to their seventh clean sheet of the
season.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Vlaar, Baker, Clark, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Lowton,
Bacuna, Sylla, Benteke, Weimann (Kozak)
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Downing, Jarvis (J
Cole 62), Collison (C Cole 63), Morrison, Nolan
Subs: Adrian, O'Brien, Potts, Maiga
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers scoop awards double
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho have been honoured with Barclays monthly
awards for October
07.11.2014
West Ham United completed a win double as Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho
scooped the October Barclays Premier League Manager and Player of the Month
awards. Big Sam guided his side to a perfect October, with the Hammers
rising to fourth in the table courtesy of convincing home wins over Queens
Park Rangers and champions Manchester City and a stylish 3-1 victory at
Burnley.
The manager, who celebrated his 60th birthday on 19 October, wins the sixth
Premier League Manager of the Month award of his outstanding career, taking
him level with the late Sir Bobby Robson and Rafael Benitez in sixth on the
all-time list. Most recently, Big Sam was also presented with the award in
February 2014, when his West Ham team won all four matches to all but ensure
their Barclays Premier League future. He is one of four West Ham bosses to
have won the award, with the others being Harry Redknapp (November 1998),
Glenn Roeder (March 2003) and Alan Pardew (February 2006). "I was delighted
to be presented with the Barclays Manager of the Month award for October,"
said Big Sam. "It is an award I accepted gratefully on behalf of everybody
at West Ham, from the owners to the tea lady. "We all enjoy life more when
we're winning football matches and certainly life has become that little bit
easier for us all in recent weeks, with the reward being a very nice trophy.
"The pinnacle of October was obviously beating Manchester City, but the most
important thing was being able to put away two teams we were expected to
beat in QPR and Burnley. Because we did that, we had the platform to go into
the Man City game with confidence and the impetus to beat the champions.
"For me, it was a great month and the players have grown in confidence. The
performances have been there all season, bar the Southampton game, but in
October we got the results we deserved. We are undefeated in four games and
now the emphasis is on how long we can keep this run going and keep us where
we are in the table and, who knows, take us even higher."
Sakho continued his outstanding opening to life in Claret and Blue by
scoring in all three games - all three with his head - to take his overall
tally to seven goals in seven starts following his summer move from French
club Metz. He becomes just the fourth West Ham player to win the prestigious
award, following Stuart Pearce (February 2001), Anton Ferdinand (January
2006) and Scott Parker (February 2011).
The 24-year-old is the second Senegalese to be recognised in this way, with
Newcastle United's former West Ham striker Demba Ba scooping the award in
December 2011. It is not the first time Sakho's goalscoring prowess has been
recognised publicly. Last season, his 20 goals led Metz to promotion from
Ligue 2 and earned the striker the division's Player of the Year award.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet joins Huddersfield on loan
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet has linked up with Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town
07.11.2014
Diego Poyet has joined Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town on a
month-long loan to run until 6 December. The 19-year-old midfielder, who has
appeared twice in the Barclays Premier League for West Ham United this term,
will link up with his former Charlton Athletic boss Chris Powell at the John
Smith's Stadium. Poyet's breakthrough came with the Addicks last season when
he lifted their Player of the Year award, and he will now build his
experience with the Yorkshire side. Huddersfield are currently 15th in the
Championship table, but have lost only one of their last eight league
fixtures. Poyet could make his Terriers debut at Fulham on Saturday, with
his loan spell also set to take in home fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday
and Brentford, as well as an away game at Bolton Wanderers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate's aiming high
WHUFC.com
The Hammers aren't finished yet according to Senegal midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate
07.11.2014
Cheikhou Kouyate says West Ham United will remain grounded despite their
fine run of recent form. A perfect October saw manager Sam Allardyce and
striker Diafra Sakho pick up the Barclays Premier League Manager and Player
of the Month awards respectively. Kouyate feels that is just reward for a
fantastic month but believes there is more to come from the team still. He
said: "Beating top teams is great for our confidence but we also need to
keep our feet on the ground. As a team we haven't achieved anything yet and
there's still a long way to go. "All we want to do is reach our aims for the
season and to do that we have to keep working hard and produce on the pitch.
"Our aim is to do as the manager said and improve on last season. We want to
finish as high as possible in the top half, and play good football which the
fans enjoy."
Kouyate has taken to English football like a duck to water and he is keen to
build on his fine start. He added: "I'm very happy here and my first few
months have been great. I was well welcomed by everyone at the Club and it
has been a great start. "Everyone here has really helped the new players
settle in and we've done our best not to disappoint. We've done well for
ourselves and for the team and we want it to continue. "Anderlecht is a big
club in Belgium with fantastic supporters. Mo Diame told me before I came
here that the fans are amazing but I couldn't have expected them to be how
they are. "The atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground is wonderful and I get
goosebumps when I'm out on the pitch. It gives everyone here even more
enthusiasm and desire to perform in front of the supporters."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho pens an exclusive blog for whufc.com after being named Barclays
Premier League Player of the Month
07.11.2014
Hello everybody.
I was thrilled to be named as Barclays Premier League Player of the Month
for October on Friday. It's an award that's not just for me - it's for the
whole club. West Ham have welcomed me incredibly well since the very first
day and this is the best way for me to say thank you to the supporters.
There isn't really a secret as to how I've settled in. I've worked hard here
and I worked hard at my previous club, Metz. I didn't think the adaptation
process would be this fast, but I would also like to thank my old coaches at
Metz, who helped me progress, and I hope I can continue in the same vein of
form for the rest of the season.
Of course I'm very happy to be part of the history of this Club, by scoring
in six consecutive Premier League games. Scoring goals is very important but
the main thing is for the Club to reach its objectives. I'm ready to return
on Saturday. I've been ready since Monday and of course the final decision
is down to the manager whether I start the game or not, but I'm ready to
help the team again. Finally, I was delighted to be named in the Senegal
squad for their games next week against Botswana and Egypt. For all the
Senegalese people the dream is to win against Egypt and we will do our best
to achieve qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and return a smile to
our people.
Come on you Irons!
Diafra
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Huddersfield Town sign West Ham United's Diego Poyet
BBC.co.uk
Huddersfield Town have signed West Ham United midfielder Diego Poyet on a
one-month loan deal. The 19-year-old, the son of Sunderland boss Gus Poyet,
joined the Hammers from Charlton in the summer. He has made three
appearances for Sam Allardyce's side, with his last coming in the 2-1 defeat
by Manchester United in September. Poyet could make his debut for Chris
Powell's Terriers in Saturday's trip to Fulham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Awards for Sam Allardyce & Diafra Sakho
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been named the Barclays Premier League
manager of the month for October. Allardyce's side beat Queens Park Rangers,
Burnley and champions Manchester City as they recorded three wins out of
three in the month. Striker Diafra Sakho made it a double swoop for the
Hammers, collecting the player of the month award. The summer signing from
Metz scored in all three victories and has six goals from six starts. West
Ham lie in fifth place in the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal.
The award marks a change in fortunes for a manager who was under huge
pressure earlier this year following a poor run of results. Some fans have
cited a change in the style of play , following the arrival of Teddy
Sheringham as attacking coach, as a reason for the side's recent turnaround.
However, former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United boss
Allardyce said West Ham's best ever start to a Premier League season is not
down to any change in coaching style. "My philosophy has never changed,"
said Allardyce. "How the team plays best and how the best way of playing
suits the team individually and collectively, the goal is always to get
better and better, and always to play to win more games and be entertaining.
"It's never changed. So my philosophy is always about staying focused,
trying to make the team better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Aston Villa
KO 15:00
7 November 2014
Last updated at 11:28
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 8 November
TEAM NEWS
West Ham will assess Winston Reid, who suffered a dead leg at Stoke, and
could welcome back Diafra Sakho, who missed that game with a shoulder
injury. Andy Carroll may be involved for the first time this season after
recovering from an ankle injury, but full-back Guy Demel is still out.
Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke begins a three-game ban following his
sending off against Tottenham. Philippe Senderos could return after three
games out with a thigh problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Saturday's game at Upton Park brings together two Claret and Blue armies
marching in very different directions. The Hammers are riding high in fifth
place, having claimed 10 points from a possible 12. Villa, meanwhile, have
slumped to 16th after a run of six consecutive defeats - their worst run in
the top flight since 1964. It has been a pretty disastrous losing streak -
even if they have faced some of the Premier League's strongest teams. They
have scored just once and conceded 15 goals - a dramatic fall from grace for
a club that rose to second following victory at Liverpool two months ago.
Manager Paul Lambert has been hamstrung by the absence of keys players
recently, with Fabian Delph, Philippe Senderos and Alan Hutton all big
misses. Christian Benteke's three-game suspension - just as he appeared to
be getting back to his best following an Achilles injury - is another blow.
With few forward options, Villa have little choice but to restore Gabriel
Agbonlahor to a central striking role.
West Ham are a complete contrast. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia are both
in fine goalscoring form, and with record signing Andy Carroll nearing a
comeback, boss Sam Allardyce could have a pleasant selection headache on
his hands before too long.
Lawro's prediction : "This Hammers team look a completely different
proposition to last season, partly helped by how much confidence they have
throughout their team at the moment. "Last weekend, they were poor for an
hour against Stoke, but their comeback showed they now have the strength and
quality in their squad to change games." The Hammers have scored 19 goals in
their opening 10 games - which is their best start to a top-flight campaign,
in terms of goalscoring, for 28 years. With Lionel Messi's Argentina due to
play Croatia in a friendly at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday , the home
faithful are being spoilt for entertainment this season. Whilst goalscorers
invariably grab the headlines, it is worth noting that one of West Ham's
unsung heroes, midfielder Mark Noble, is nearing a landmark. Saturday will
be his 203rd Premier League appearance - leaving him one short of the West
Ham club record, set by Steve Potts.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The Hammers have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games against
Villa, including both of last season's meetings.
Villa have won just two of their last 14 top-flight games at Upton Park,
although eight of those matches ended in draws.
West Ham United
The Hammers have scored in nine successive Premier League games - their best
run since a 10-match streak between September and November 2009.
West Ham have scored eight headed goals in this season's Premier League -
more than any other side prior to this weekend.
Stewart Downing already has twice as many goals (two) and twice as many
assists (four) this season as he managed in 32 Premier League games for West
Ham in 2013-14.
Aston Villa
Villa have lost their last six games - their worst run in the top flight
since a similar sequence between April and August 1964.
The only time they have endured a longer losing run in the top flight was
between March and May 1963, when they suffered 11 consecutive league
defeats.
Andreas Weimann has scored or assisted all but one of Villa's five league
goals this season (three goals, one assist).
Villa have lost 11 of their last 12 Premier League games against London
sides. Their only win in that sequence was March's 1-0 victory against
Chelsea.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce welcomes striker's engagement
BBC.co.uk
During his career West Ham forward Andy Carroll has often been deployed as a
lone striker. But Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, 60, believes it could take
a partnership to bring out the best in the 25-year-old - namely his
off-field coupling with reality TV star Billi Mucklow.
Allardyce has backed the pair's recent engagement, saying: "Andy has now
got a different life - romance has blossomed. "It can be very good for a
footballer when they settle down off the field." Andy Carroll asked The Only
Way Is Essex star Billi Mucklow to marry him in Rome England international
Carroll is closing in on a return from ankle surgery and could come into
contention for Saturday's Premier League match at home to Aston Villa. And
Allardyce believes Carroll can come back better than ever. "When you have a
relationship, you start building on that relationship by the fondness you
have for each other," he said. "I think that can only be good for Andy and
his football."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In-form West Ham host free-falling Aston Villa at Upton Park
Last Updated: 07/11/14 1:27pm
SSN
Aston Villa will be desperate to address their Premier League descent when
they visit West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. Paul Lambert's squad have
lost six successive matches, setting club records in the process, in a
dreadful run of form which has seen them sink to 16th position. Villa, who
most recently suffered a bad-tempered, late defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in
which Christian Benteke was sent off, are also only one point above the
relegation zone. And, to make matters worse, they could drop into the bottom
three if results do not go their way at the weekend.
In contrast, West Ham are flying high and making a mockery of their critics
as Manager of the Month Sam Allardyce's team could move into the top four if
they get the results they require. A West Ham side full of pace and goals
have lost just once in their last seven games and they upset Stoke City last
weekend by fighting back from two down for a draw. Stewart Downing inspired
that recovery and the former Villa winger's current form has led to his
England recall after more than two years in the international wilderness.
Team news
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is expected to return from a shoulder injury
and Andy Carroll could be in the squad for the first time this season
following an ankle problem. Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho picked up the
awards for Premier League manager and player of the month
Defender Winston Reid will be assessed after suffering a dead leg during the
draw at Stoke but Guy Demel (thigh) remains sidelined.
Villa will have to deal with the major absence of star striker Benteke as
the Belgium international starts a three-match suspension for his dismissal
against Tottenham. But Villa could welcome Philippe Senderos back from a
thigh injury, although another defender, Alan Hutton, is still unavailable
due to an ankle problem. Joe Cole is in contention to face his boyhood club,
West Ham, on the day he will be celebrating his 33rd birthday.
Paul Merson's prediction
I don't know where Villa are going to go without Christian Benteke. Things
were better against Tottenham but their confidence will be low and I can't
see a worse place to go at the moment. West Ham are scoring goals and have
pace. They are my banker of the weekend.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce refusing to get carried away with West Ham's position
Last Updated: 07/11/14 4:08pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce insists he is not getting carried away by West Ham's
impressive league form. The Hammers have won four of their last six games to
move into a Europa League place. But Allardyce, whose side face Aston Villa
on Saturday, has pointed to the form of this weekend's riva.s as evidence of
how quickly things can go wrong. Paul Lambert's side have lost six in a row
since their victory at Liverpool on September 13 took their points tally to
10 from their opening four matches. Allardyce, who was named manager of the
month for October, said: "It is only 10 games, it is far too early. "Look at
Aston Villa's start: everyone was going on what a fantastic start they had,
with 10 points in the first four or five games. Look at how quickly it can
turn. "Our big test comes in the end of November and December when all the
games come thick and fast. "So until we get to the end of this year, I am
not going to change any areas of the targets we are trying to hit." The
hosts are set to welcome back striker Diafra Sakho from a shoulder injury,
having scored in six consecutive league games. And following the draw 2-2
draw with Stoke last weekend, where the Londoners rallied from two goals
down, Allardyce said his side cannot afford to be complacent. "It is a
difficult one, the players in our team and squad have to maintain 100 per
cent a physical, mental, technical and tactical attitude to every game.
"They have to be on top form to have a chance of winning every game they
play. "Anything less than that then the opposition in the Premier League is
so strong, whether you play the bottom or top team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Diafra Sakho in line for new £10million deal – but only after
12 more games
Nov 07, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The 24-year-old has been sensational since arriving from Metz, netting in
each of his first six starts for the Londoners
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho will have to play another 12 games before he picks up his new
£10million deal at West Ham The 24-year-old marksman, who cost just
£4.7million, has been linked with a lucrative reward already after his
record-equalling six goals in his first six starts for the club . But Sakho
has a clause in his contract which states it is reviewed after 20 games if
he produces the kind of goalscoring form that earned him the Player of the
Year award at French club Metz last season. Sakho hit 20 goals in 36
appearances as Metz won promotion to Ligue 1 His fine form at Upton Park
this season has also earned him a recall to the Senegal squad for this
month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He also picked up the Premier
League player of the month gong on Friday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce backs Carl Jenkinson to follow Stewart Downing into the
England set-up
Nov 07, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The young right-back has impressed the Hammers boss in their short time
together and he thinks he could make it into Roy Hodgson's plans
The Mirror
Carl Jenkinson could be the next West Ham star called up by England,
according to Sam Allardyce. Stewart Downing has been rewarded for his fine
start to the season by Roy Hodgson. And with the Hammers up in fifth place,
Allardyce reckons the on-loan Arsenal defender is an answer to England's
right-back "problem". Glen Johnson has been dropped with the uncapped
Nathaniel Clyne and Calum Chambers included for the games against Slovenia
and Scotland. Allardyce, who also named Mark Noble as an England candidate,
said: "There seems to be a particular problem at right-back at the minute
and I think he's got the potential, based on my short time with him, of
getting a chance.
"He's been at Charlton, then Arsenal and he's now playing regularly for us.
It just seems that Kyle Walker has been out for a long time and Glen Johnson
at Liverpool seems to get the odd injury here and there. Right back has
become a bit of a challenge for Roy - who are they? Where are they? And how
good are they?"
Allardyce said Aston Villa, who were up in the Champions League places after
the first four games, were a warning how quickly a season can turn. Paul
Lambert's side have lost six consecutive matches to slide to one point above
the drop zone. But he does not blame the Villa manager. "There is a huge
pressure which comes upon you when you lose so many games on the trot," said
the Irons boss. "He must be wondering what he is doing wrong. I think if he
had as much money to spend as Martin O'Neill he would be very very happy and
you would expect he wouldn't be in this position. "There was a change of
financial policy at Aston Villa and when he eventually took over it was
about reduction of wages rather than increase of wages. "When you've had to
manage that period and that level it would be the biggest learning
experience as a manager that he's every experienced. "It's a very difficult
period to manage in and then continue to focus and get results and keep the
club around the expectations that Villa fans expect them to be. I think
where they are at the minute is a very bad position."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bumper Noble deal in pipeline
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will take up the two year option on Mark Noble's current contract
at the end of the season whilst preparing a bumper new deal for the loyal
midfielder. The Hammers board are entirely relaxed about the position with
the midfield ace but are keen to ensure that his value as a player and
loyalty are rewarded. They may have their problems convincing Winston Reid
he can achieve all his aims at the club, but negotiations with Noble are
expected to prove much more straightforward. We were told today: "We have no
worries on Mark as we hold a good option on him and we intend to offer him
an improved contract at the end of the season. "We would hope that will tie
him to the club for several years to come – maybe even to the end of his
playing days. We are preparing the deal and would expect him to sign."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about Saturday's game with Aston Villa
07.11.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v ASTON VILLA
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: JONATHAN MOSS
Remembrance Day
West Ham United will be marking Remembrance Day and commemorating the
centenary of the outbreak of the First World War with a host of special
events at Saturday's game.
Soldiers from G Company 7 Rifles, based at the Army Reserve Centre in West
Ham, will form a guard of honour surrounding the Boleyn Ground pitch before
representatives from the Royal British Legion (East Ham Branch) are
presented to the crowd.
A wreath-laying ceremony will then take place in the centre circle led by
Joint-Chairman David Gold, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and Aston Villa
chief executive Tom Fox.
This will be followed by a minute's silence that will begin and end on the
sound of the referee's whistle.
West Ham's players will join those from their 19 fellow Barclays Premier
League clubs by wearing shirts emblazoned with the special 'Football
Remembers' poppy.
Prior to kick-off, representatives Diane Hannan and Bill Daly from bus
operators Stagecoach (London) will also present a cheque for in excess of
£5,000 to Ken Hill, secretary of the Royal British Legion (East Ham Branch).
The funds were raised by the sale of a special badge designed by a member of
staff at Plumstead Garage, which was then distributed and sold through the
nine garages that form Stagecoach (London).
The company provided the 'B' bus purchased by the War Office in 1914 and
used in France and Belgium throughout the Great War as a troop carrier. The
bus has recently been returned to its wartime livery and is taking part in
Remembrance ceremonies in Britain, France and Belgium.
Every year, the Hammers support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal by
wearing match shirts with the official Poppy on them. For Remembrance Day
2014, the Royal British Legion has approved a one-off Poppy with the
citation '1914-2014 Football Remembers'.
The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity providing care
and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and
their families.
Fans can donate to the Poppy Appeal in a variety of ways:
• By phone on 0845 845 1945
• By mobile. To donate £3, text POPPY to 70020* (*Cost £3 plus standard
network charges - typically £2.97 goes to the Poppy Appeal). To donate £10,
text POPPY to 70111* (*Cost £10 plus standard network charges - typically
£9.92 goes to the Poppy Appeal).
• By post to The Royal British Legion, FREEPOST SN1457, Melksham SN12 7BR.
In brief
West Ham United host Aston Villa this Saturday as the Hammers look to extend
their unbeaten run of five games.
The Villans are currently 16th, having taken ten points from as many games.
Paul Lambert's side have struggled recently in losing their six league
games, scoring once in the process.
Sam Allardyce's team are eleven places ahead of Saturday's visitors, sitting
in fifth position after drawing 2-2 away at Stoke City having been 2-0 down.
Goals from new signing Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing, who has been
recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson, salvaged a point.
Last season the Hammers took four points from the Villans, drawing 0-0 at
home before securing a 2-0 away win with a brace from Kevin Nolan.
Related stories
Big Sam: On Aston Villa
Chadwell Chatter
Who are they?
Formed in 1874 from members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapal cricket team
Aston Villa enjoyed a very succesful start to life winning the FA Cup in
1887, 1895 and 1897 as well as winning the First Division five times in the
1890s.
Aston Villa moved into their iconic Villa Park stadium in 1911, going on to
win another two FA Cups later that decade.
Villa's crowning glory came in 1982 when they won their first European Cup
final, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in Rotterdam.
They have competed in the top flight of English football without relegation
since the 1988/89 season.
Team news
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho is back in contention for Saturday's game after overcoming a
shoulder injury, as is Winston Reid who could return after shaking off a
dead leg he suffered at Stoke City.
England striker Andy Carroll is also back in contention after he played in a
behind-closed-doors friendly during the week. Carroll could make his first
appearance of the season after recovering from ankle surgery.
Guy Demel is out with a thigh problem, however he should be back in the
squad after the international break.
Aston Villa
The visitors are missing some crucial squad memebers such as Fabian Delph
after he dislocated his shoulder in training.
They will also be without talismanic striker Christian Benteke following his
red card against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Villa will give central defender Phillippe Senderos a late fitness test to
determine whether the Swiss international has overcome a thigh strain.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Jonathan Moss, who was born in the North East.
The 44-year-old played for Sunderland and Millwall as a schoolboy.
Moss won a football scholarship at Central Connecticut State University in
the United States before completing a degree in teaching and physical
education at the University of Leeds.
After progressing through the Northern Counties East League and Northern
Premier League, Moss was promoted to the National Group of assistant
referees in 2003.
He refereed the 2005 Conference Play-Off final between Carlisle United and
Stevenage Borough before being promoted to the National Group of Referees
who officiate in the Football League the same year.
After seeing his first Premier League appointment - Wigan Athletic versus
today's visitors Aston Villa - postponed due to snow in December 2010, he
made his top-flight debut in Blackpool's home defeat by Birmingham City the
following month.
He was promoted to the Select Group of referees in June 2011.
Moss will be assisted by 2014 FIFA World Cup assistant referee Mike
Mullarkey and Derek Eaton, while the fourth official will be Mike Jones.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 7
Yellow cards shown: 26
Red cards shown: 4
Penalties awarded: 4
One to watch
West Ham United
The in form Stewart Downing has been called up for England duty by Roy
Hodgson.
The midfielder has been in fine form this season, particularly when playing
at the tip of the midfield diamond. The 30-year-old will be looking to
continue his goalscoring form after netting the equaliser against Stoke City
last Saturday.
Aston Villa
American goalkeeper Brad Guzan is one of standout 'keepers in the league. He
is an integral part of the Villa defence having played every minute of every
league game this season.
If Guzan is on top form, the Hammers' strikeforce will have to be at their
best to get past him.
Tickets
Standard tickets for this game have now sold out. However, tickets may
become available online as Season Ticket Holders relist their seats.
Tickets for the Hammers next home game with Newcastle United are available
here.
Weather
Saturday is set to be an overcast day with rain forecast for the second
half. The predicted temperature at kick-off is 13C (55F)
Last home meeting
West Ham United 0-0 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League
2 November 201
The Hammers picked up a valuable point in the same fixture last season,
ending a run of three straight home defeats.
The visitors had the better chances with Christian Benteke's header hitting
the post yet the Hammers clung on to their seventh clean sheet of the
season.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Vlaar, Baker, Clark, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Lowton,
Bacuna, Sylla, Benteke, Weimann (Kozak)
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Downing, Jarvis (J
Cole 62), Collison (C Cole 63), Morrison, Nolan
Subs: Adrian, O'Brien, Potts, Maiga
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers scoop awards double
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho have been honoured with Barclays monthly
awards for October
07.11.2014
West Ham United completed a win double as Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho
scooped the October Barclays Premier League Manager and Player of the Month
awards. Big Sam guided his side to a perfect October, with the Hammers
rising to fourth in the table courtesy of convincing home wins over Queens
Park Rangers and champions Manchester City and a stylish 3-1 victory at
Burnley.
The manager, who celebrated his 60th birthday on 19 October, wins the sixth
Premier League Manager of the Month award of his outstanding career, taking
him level with the late Sir Bobby Robson and Rafael Benitez in sixth on the
all-time list. Most recently, Big Sam was also presented with the award in
February 2014, when his West Ham team won all four matches to all but ensure
their Barclays Premier League future. He is one of four West Ham bosses to
have won the award, with the others being Harry Redknapp (November 1998),
Glenn Roeder (March 2003) and Alan Pardew (February 2006). "I was delighted
to be presented with the Barclays Manager of the Month award for October,"
said Big Sam. "It is an award I accepted gratefully on behalf of everybody
at West Ham, from the owners to the tea lady. "We all enjoy life more when
we're winning football matches and certainly life has become that little bit
easier for us all in recent weeks, with the reward being a very nice trophy.
"The pinnacle of October was obviously beating Manchester City, but the most
important thing was being able to put away two teams we were expected to
beat in QPR and Burnley. Because we did that, we had the platform to go into
the Man City game with confidence and the impetus to beat the champions.
"For me, it was a great month and the players have grown in confidence. The
performances have been there all season, bar the Southampton game, but in
October we got the results we deserved. We are undefeated in four games and
now the emphasis is on how long we can keep this run going and keep us where
we are in the table and, who knows, take us even higher."
Sakho continued his outstanding opening to life in Claret and Blue by
scoring in all three games - all three with his head - to take his overall
tally to seven goals in seven starts following his summer move from French
club Metz. He becomes just the fourth West Ham player to win the prestigious
award, following Stuart Pearce (February 2001), Anton Ferdinand (January
2006) and Scott Parker (February 2011).
The 24-year-old is the second Senegalese to be recognised in this way, with
Newcastle United's former West Ham striker Demba Ba scooping the award in
December 2011. It is not the first time Sakho's goalscoring prowess has been
recognised publicly. Last season, his 20 goals led Metz to promotion from
Ligue 2 and earned the striker the division's Player of the Year award.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poyet joins Huddersfield on loan
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet has linked up with Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town
07.11.2014
Diego Poyet has joined Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town on a
month-long loan to run until 6 December. The 19-year-old midfielder, who has
appeared twice in the Barclays Premier League for West Ham United this term,
will link up with his former Charlton Athletic boss Chris Powell at the John
Smith's Stadium. Poyet's breakthrough came with the Addicks last season when
he lifted their Player of the Year award, and he will now build his
experience with the Yorkshire side. Huddersfield are currently 15th in the
Championship table, but have lost only one of their last eight league
fixtures. Poyet could make his Terriers debut at Fulham on Saturday, with
his loan spell also set to take in home fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday
and Brentford, as well as an away game at Bolton Wanderers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate's aiming high
WHUFC.com
The Hammers aren't finished yet according to Senegal midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate
07.11.2014
Cheikhou Kouyate says West Ham United will remain grounded despite their
fine run of recent form. A perfect October saw manager Sam Allardyce and
striker Diafra Sakho pick up the Barclays Premier League Manager and Player
of the Month awards respectively. Kouyate feels that is just reward for a
fantastic month but believes there is more to come from the team still. He
said: "Beating top teams is great for our confidence but we also need to
keep our feet on the ground. As a team we haven't achieved anything yet and
there's still a long way to go. "All we want to do is reach our aims for the
season and to do that we have to keep working hard and produce on the pitch.
"Our aim is to do as the manager said and improve on last season. We want to
finish as high as possible in the top half, and play good football which the
fans enjoy."
Kouyate has taken to English football like a duck to water and he is keen to
build on his fine start. He added: "I'm very happy here and my first few
months have been great. I was well welcomed by everyone at the Club and it
has been a great start. "Everyone here has really helped the new players
settle in and we've done our best not to disappoint. We've done well for
ourselves and for the team and we want it to continue. "Anderlecht is a big
club in Belgium with fantastic supporters. Mo Diame told me before I came
here that the fans are amazing but I couldn't have expected them to be how
they are. "The atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground is wonderful and I get
goosebumps when I'm out on the pitch. It gives everyone here even more
enthusiasm and desire to perform in front of the supporters."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho pens an exclusive blog for whufc.com after being named Barclays
Premier League Player of the Month
07.11.2014
Hello everybody.
I was thrilled to be named as Barclays Premier League Player of the Month
for October on Friday. It's an award that's not just for me - it's for the
whole club. West Ham have welcomed me incredibly well since the very first
day and this is the best way for me to say thank you to the supporters.
There isn't really a secret as to how I've settled in. I've worked hard here
and I worked hard at my previous club, Metz. I didn't think the adaptation
process would be this fast, but I would also like to thank my old coaches at
Metz, who helped me progress, and I hope I can continue in the same vein of
form for the rest of the season.
Of course I'm very happy to be part of the history of this Club, by scoring
in six consecutive Premier League games. Scoring goals is very important but
the main thing is for the Club to reach its objectives. I'm ready to return
on Saturday. I've been ready since Monday and of course the final decision
is down to the manager whether I start the game or not, but I'm ready to
help the team again. Finally, I was delighted to be named in the Senegal
squad for their games next week against Botswana and Egypt. For all the
Senegalese people the dream is to win against Egypt and we will do our best
to achieve qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and return a smile to
our people.
Come on you Irons!
Diafra
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Huddersfield Town sign West Ham United's Diego Poyet
BBC.co.uk
Huddersfield Town have signed West Ham United midfielder Diego Poyet on a
one-month loan deal. The 19-year-old, the son of Sunderland boss Gus Poyet,
joined the Hammers from Charlton in the summer. He has made three
appearances for Sam Allardyce's side, with his last coming in the 2-1 defeat
by Manchester United in September. Poyet could make his debut for Chris
Powell's Terriers in Saturday's trip to Fulham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Awards for Sam Allardyce & Diafra Sakho
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been named the Barclays Premier League
manager of the month for October. Allardyce's side beat Queens Park Rangers,
Burnley and champions Manchester City as they recorded three wins out of
three in the month. Striker Diafra Sakho made it a double swoop for the
Hammers, collecting the player of the month award. The summer signing from
Metz scored in all three victories and has six goals from six starts. West
Ham lie in fifth place in the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal.
The award marks a change in fortunes for a manager who was under huge
pressure earlier this year following a poor run of results. Some fans have
cited a change in the style of play , following the arrival of Teddy
Sheringham as attacking coach, as a reason for the side's recent turnaround.
However, former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United boss
Allardyce said West Ham's best ever start to a Premier League season is not
down to any change in coaching style. "My philosophy has never changed,"
said Allardyce. "How the team plays best and how the best way of playing
suits the team individually and collectively, the goal is always to get
better and better, and always to play to win more games and be entertaining.
"It's never changed. So my philosophy is always about staying focused,
trying to make the team better."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Aston Villa
KO 15:00
7 November 2014
Last updated at 11:28
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 8 November
TEAM NEWS
West Ham will assess Winston Reid, who suffered a dead leg at Stoke, and
could welcome back Diafra Sakho, who missed that game with a shoulder
injury. Andy Carroll may be involved for the first time this season after
recovering from an ankle injury, but full-back Guy Demel is still out.
Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke begins a three-game ban following his
sending off against Tottenham. Philippe Senderos could return after three
games out with a thigh problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Saturday's game at Upton Park brings together two Claret and Blue armies
marching in very different directions. The Hammers are riding high in fifth
place, having claimed 10 points from a possible 12. Villa, meanwhile, have
slumped to 16th after a run of six consecutive defeats - their worst run in
the top flight since 1964. It has been a pretty disastrous losing streak -
even if they have faced some of the Premier League's strongest teams. They
have scored just once and conceded 15 goals - a dramatic fall from grace for
a club that rose to second following victory at Liverpool two months ago.
Manager Paul Lambert has been hamstrung by the absence of keys players
recently, with Fabian Delph, Philippe Senderos and Alan Hutton all big
misses. Christian Benteke's three-game suspension - just as he appeared to
be getting back to his best following an Achilles injury - is another blow.
With few forward options, Villa have little choice but to restore Gabriel
Agbonlahor to a central striking role.
West Ham are a complete contrast. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia are both
in fine goalscoring form, and with record signing Andy Carroll nearing a
comeback, boss Sam Allardyce could have a pleasant selection headache on
his hands before too long.
Lawro's prediction : "This Hammers team look a completely different
proposition to last season, partly helped by how much confidence they have
throughout their team at the moment. "Last weekend, they were poor for an
hour against Stoke, but their comeback showed they now have the strength and
quality in their squad to change games." The Hammers have scored 19 goals in
their opening 10 games - which is their best start to a top-flight campaign,
in terms of goalscoring, for 28 years. With Lionel Messi's Argentina due to
play Croatia in a friendly at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday , the home
faithful are being spoilt for entertainment this season. Whilst goalscorers
invariably grab the headlines, it is worth noting that one of West Ham's
unsung heroes, midfielder Mark Noble, is nearing a landmark. Saturday will
be his 203rd Premier League appearance - leaving him one short of the West
Ham club record, set by Steve Potts.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The Hammers have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games against
Villa, including both of last season's meetings.
Villa have won just two of their last 14 top-flight games at Upton Park,
although eight of those matches ended in draws.
West Ham United
The Hammers have scored in nine successive Premier League games - their best
run since a 10-match streak between September and November 2009.
West Ham have scored eight headed goals in this season's Premier League -
more than any other side prior to this weekend.
Stewart Downing already has twice as many goals (two) and twice as many
assists (four) this season as he managed in 32 Premier League games for West
Ham in 2013-14.
Aston Villa
Villa have lost their last six games - their worst run in the top flight
since a similar sequence between April and August 1964.
The only time they have endured a longer losing run in the top flight was
between March and May 1963, when they suffered 11 consecutive league
defeats.
Andreas Weimann has scored or assisted all but one of Villa's five league
goals this season (three goals, one assist).
Villa have lost 11 of their last 12 Premier League games against London
sides. Their only win in that sequence was March's 1-0 victory against
Chelsea.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce welcomes striker's engagement
BBC.co.uk
During his career West Ham forward Andy Carroll has often been deployed as a
lone striker. But Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, 60, believes it could take
a partnership to bring out the best in the 25-year-old - namely his
off-field coupling with reality TV star Billi Mucklow.
Allardyce has backed the pair's recent engagement, saying: "Andy has now
got a different life - romance has blossomed. "It can be very good for a
footballer when they settle down off the field." Andy Carroll asked The Only
Way Is Essex star Billi Mucklow to marry him in Rome England international
Carroll is closing in on a return from ankle surgery and could come into
contention for Saturday's Premier League match at home to Aston Villa. And
Allardyce believes Carroll can come back better than ever. "When you have a
relationship, you start building on that relationship by the fondness you
have for each other," he said. "I think that can only be good for Andy and
his football."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In-form West Ham host free-falling Aston Villa at Upton Park
Last Updated: 07/11/14 1:27pm
SSN
Aston Villa will be desperate to address their Premier League descent when
they visit West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. Paul Lambert's squad have
lost six successive matches, setting club records in the process, in a
dreadful run of form which has seen them sink to 16th position. Villa, who
most recently suffered a bad-tempered, late defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in
which Christian Benteke was sent off, are also only one point above the
relegation zone. And, to make matters worse, they could drop into the bottom
three if results do not go their way at the weekend.
In contrast, West Ham are flying high and making a mockery of their critics
as Manager of the Month Sam Allardyce's team could move into the top four if
they get the results they require. A West Ham side full of pace and goals
have lost just once in their last seven games and they upset Stoke City last
weekend by fighting back from two down for a draw. Stewart Downing inspired
that recovery and the former Villa winger's current form has led to his
England recall after more than two years in the international wilderness.
Team news
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is expected to return from a shoulder injury
and Andy Carroll could be in the squad for the first time this season
following an ankle problem. Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho picked up the
awards for Premier League manager and player of the month
Defender Winston Reid will be assessed after suffering a dead leg during the
draw at Stoke but Guy Demel (thigh) remains sidelined.
Villa will have to deal with the major absence of star striker Benteke as
the Belgium international starts a three-match suspension for his dismissal
against Tottenham. But Villa could welcome Philippe Senderos back from a
thigh injury, although another defender, Alan Hutton, is still unavailable
due to an ankle problem. Joe Cole is in contention to face his boyhood club,
West Ham, on the day he will be celebrating his 33rd birthday.
Paul Merson's prediction
I don't know where Villa are going to go without Christian Benteke. Things
were better against Tottenham but their confidence will be low and I can't
see a worse place to go at the moment. West Ham are scoring goals and have
pace. They are my banker of the weekend.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce refusing to get carried away with West Ham's position
Last Updated: 07/11/14 4:08pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce insists he is not getting carried away by West Ham's
impressive league form. The Hammers have won four of their last six games to
move into a Europa League place. But Allardyce, whose side face Aston Villa
on Saturday, has pointed to the form of this weekend's riva.s as evidence of
how quickly things can go wrong. Paul Lambert's side have lost six in a row
since their victory at Liverpool on September 13 took their points tally to
10 from their opening four matches. Allardyce, who was named manager of the
month for October, said: "It is only 10 games, it is far too early. "Look at
Aston Villa's start: everyone was going on what a fantastic start they had,
with 10 points in the first four or five games. Look at how quickly it can
turn. "Our big test comes in the end of November and December when all the
games come thick and fast. "So until we get to the end of this year, I am
not going to change any areas of the targets we are trying to hit." The
hosts are set to welcome back striker Diafra Sakho from a shoulder injury,
having scored in six consecutive league games. And following the draw 2-2
draw with Stoke last weekend, where the Londoners rallied from two goals
down, Allardyce said his side cannot afford to be complacent. "It is a
difficult one, the players in our team and squad have to maintain 100 per
cent a physical, mental, technical and tactical attitude to every game.
"They have to be on top form to have a chance of winning every game they
play. "Anything less than that then the opposition in the Premier League is
so strong, whether you play the bottom or top team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Diafra Sakho in line for new £10million deal – but only after
12 more games
Nov 07, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The 24-year-old has been sensational since arriving from Metz, netting in
each of his first six starts for the Londoners
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho will have to play another 12 games before he picks up his new
£10million deal at West Ham The 24-year-old marksman, who cost just
£4.7million, has been linked with a lucrative reward already after his
record-equalling six goals in his first six starts for the club . But Sakho
has a clause in his contract which states it is reviewed after 20 games if
he produces the kind of goalscoring form that earned him the Player of the
Year award at French club Metz last season. Sakho hit 20 goals in 36
appearances as Metz won promotion to Ligue 1 His fine form at Upton Park
this season has also earned him a recall to the Senegal squad for this
month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He also picked up the Premier
League player of the month gong on Friday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce backs Carl Jenkinson to follow Stewart Downing into the
England set-up
Nov 07, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The young right-back has impressed the Hammers boss in their short time
together and he thinks he could make it into Roy Hodgson's plans
The Mirror
Carl Jenkinson could be the next West Ham star called up by England,
according to Sam Allardyce. Stewart Downing has been rewarded for his fine
start to the season by Roy Hodgson. And with the Hammers up in fifth place,
Allardyce reckons the on-loan Arsenal defender is an answer to England's
right-back "problem". Glen Johnson has been dropped with the uncapped
Nathaniel Clyne and Calum Chambers included for the games against Slovenia
and Scotland. Allardyce, who also named Mark Noble as an England candidate,
said: "There seems to be a particular problem at right-back at the minute
and I think he's got the potential, based on my short time with him, of
getting a chance.
"He's been at Charlton, then Arsenal and he's now playing regularly for us.
It just seems that Kyle Walker has been out for a long time and Glen Johnson
at Liverpool seems to get the odd injury here and there. Right back has
become a bit of a challenge for Roy - who are they? Where are they? And how
good are they?"
Allardyce said Aston Villa, who were up in the Champions League places after
the first four games, were a warning how quickly a season can turn. Paul
Lambert's side have lost six consecutive matches to slide to one point above
the drop zone. But he does not blame the Villa manager. "There is a huge
pressure which comes upon you when you lose so many games on the trot," said
the Irons boss. "He must be wondering what he is doing wrong. I think if he
had as much money to spend as Martin O'Neill he would be very very happy and
you would expect he wouldn't be in this position. "There was a change of
financial policy at Aston Villa and when he eventually took over it was
about reduction of wages rather than increase of wages. "When you've had to
manage that period and that level it would be the biggest learning
experience as a manager that he's every experienced. "It's a very difficult
period to manage in and then continue to focus and get results and keep the
club around the expectations that Villa fans expect them to be. I think
where they are at the minute is a very bad position."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bumper Noble deal in pipeline
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will take up the two year option on Mark Noble's current contract
at the end of the season whilst preparing a bumper new deal for the loyal
midfielder. The Hammers board are entirely relaxed about the position with
the midfield ace but are keen to ensure that his value as a player and
loyalty are rewarded. They may have their problems convincing Winston Reid
he can achieve all his aims at the club, but negotiations with Noble are
expected to prove much more straightforward. We were told today: "We have no
worries on Mark as we hold a good option on him and we intend to offer him
an improved contract at the end of the season. "We would hope that will tie
him to the club for several years to come – maybe even to the end of his
playing days. We are preparing the deal and would expect him to sign."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Friday, November 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th November 2014
Big Sam on: Aston Villa
WHUFC.com
The manager speaks to the media ahead of Saturday's game against Aston Villa
06.11.2014
Sam Allardyce is happy to see the treatment room emptying as West Ham United prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday. Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid could return after suffering injuries, while Andy Carroll continues his rehabilitation in promising fashion. The manager spoke to the media ahead of his team's weekend assignment, with team selection at the top of the agenda.
Good morning Sam. First of all, can I ask about Andy Carroll? He played a behind closed doors game in the week, how did it go and will be be able to take part this weekend?
SA: "It depends how he feels this morning and how he trains on Friday - that will be the deciding factor on whether he gets into the squad or not. If he continues the way he is, if not this weekend, then by the end of the international break he should be okay and ready to join the squad."
He has been out for a while. In his absence others have come in and done well - how much of a challenge does he face to get himself back in there?
SA: "Everybody faces a bigger challenge than they did last season because the strength in depth of the squad has been proven to be very strong up to now. Even my trusted captain has found it difficult to break his way back into the side, so he's frustrated as are other players like Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te and Joey O'Brien. These were my regular players last season but because the players have done so well when they've not been available, it's difficult for me to put them back in based on the performances and results."
Sakho was missing last week, is he back for this one?
SA: "He's training on Thursday for this first time, and Winston Reid will do some light training too. We'll wait and see how the session goes and the final decisions will be made on Friday as to who is available for selection."
Has Stewart Downing done enough, in your eyes, to get back in the England squad?
SA: "I think it's about position now. We've changed Stewart's position and it seems to have allowed him to flourish more in an attacking formation. Whether Roy sees if he's done enough in that new position to combine with the players he's got there will be interesting to see. "Certainly in terms of experience and football, he's on top of his game and playing exceptionally well at the moment, He's already scored two goals this season, which is one more than last year, so he's not only creating and assisting more, but getting more opportunities to score."
In terms of this weekend's game, you're up against a team who are going through a pretty tough time. Do you have sympathy for Paul Lambert there?
SA: "Always, because there's a huge pressure that comes upon you when you lose so many games on the trot. He must be wondering what he's doing wrong at the moment, because I watched the game against Tottenham last Sunday and thought how unlucky he was that he lost that game one to a sending off, and two to a deflected free-kick. That seems to happen when things aren't going for you. "You have to believe in yourself and your team, which he does, to come back. We have to make sure we try and continue their poor run. He'll remember when they pulled off a result at Liverpool and say that's what they're capable of, so I'd imagine it'll be a very difficult game in terms of trying to break them down and we'll have to be really aware of not leaving too many spaces to let them play that good counter-attacking game that they seem to adapt to well away from home."
Some comments from the Joint-Chairman this week seemed to suggest that Winston Reid was still a little way off agreeing a contract. Are you still hopeful that those talks can get back on track?
SA: "Well I haven't given up because I feel that we're progressing very nicely and that we can give Winston what he wants if he stays with us. We're building our Club slowly at the moment, but our ultimate goal is to be as ambitious as we can and if we can carry on building slowly but surely we can all achieve that goal. If Winston is impatient and sees it somewhere else, we'll have to wait and see."
Expectations among the fans have risen. Have your targets changed?
SA: "Not yet. Only ten games in it's too early [to do that]. Look at Aston Villa's start and everybody was going on about what a fantastic start they had - I think it was ten points in their first four games - and how quickly it can turn. It's far too early for us to start changing where and what we want to do. Our big test comes at the end of November and December when the games come thick and fast.
"I believe this time around, if we keep the squad fit, we will have a much better November and December than we've had in recent years. That's been our bad couple of months or our bad six weeks ever since I've been here. Until we get to the end of that, we're not going to change any areas we try and hit."
How much of a challenge is it for you to manage the players when they're fighting for their places?
SA: "I have to manage the disappointment and I have to look at the individuals and try and make sure they stay focused. The biggest problem you have with a fully-fit squad is making sure you keep the focus and concentration of that player. However long it might be that they feel they're not getting back in the team, it can change in a split second and if they're not physically and mentally ready and prepared to step into the team then we all suffer, particularly them. "That's their responsibility, but my responsibility is to keep them focused and as fit as possible, eager waiting for that opportunity. Recently we've had quite a few changes, and since players have stepped in like Carl Jenkinson and James Collins, they haven't lost their places. At the moment that's where we're at and the players who are waiting patiently for an opportunity have to make sure they're fit enough physically and mentally to play their very best, help the team win and say 'I expect to keep my place.'"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewie's delight at England return
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing is looking forward to another opportunity to impress for his country
06.11.2014
Stewart Downing is determined to impress after earning a recall to the England squad. Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, the in-form midfielder expressed his delight at being included in Roy Hodgson's 26-man group for the Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Slovenia and friendly international in Scotland. Downing, who earned the last of his 34 caps in May 2012, put his outstanding recent form and return to the England stage largely down to a change to a new central role. Now, he hopes to be deployed in the same position for his country.
"I'm obviously over the moon," he began. "If I was being honest I didn't think I'd get picked, so to get picked is obviously a big thing for. I just need to keep playing well for West Ham and hopefully I'll get a couple more caps when I get away. "These are very big games. Slovenia is a qualifier and you could say Scotland is a friendly, but I don't think we'll class it as a friendly. It'll be a tough game, but is one we want to win. I'm looking forward to being involved. I want to be involved, get a few more caps and put some performances in.
"I think a few players will think they deserved a call-up, including a few of the lads here who have been playing well. It's obviously difficult for the England manager to pick 20-odd players out of the whole country and I understand that. "The way I've been playing and performing, I thought I was in with a chance and credit to the manager because he has picked me. He has obviously been watching our games and now I just need to put a performance in and stay in the squad, really."
While Downing has always played as a winger on his previous appearances for England, but he hopes to play in the middle this time around. So, how much does the midfielder put his recall down to the change to a role at the attacking tip of the diamond? "Probably all of it! Credit to the manager for changing it up. Playing in new and different positions can help and that's probably why I've been picked. Where Roy sees me playing I don't know but I'll find out when I get there. "I'm enjoying playing in the middle, so if he plays me there and I can carry on my form I've been producing at West Ham, hopefully that'll be good enough."
Now he is back in the fold, Downing is aiming to remain in the squad and stay there for a potential third major tournament at Euro 2016.
"That's the aim. First and foremost, I need to do well when I get the chance because there will be other players looking to get into that 23 and it will be difficult to stay in there. I've got to give Roy something to think about by playing well and taking my chance.
"I can play in a few positions so hopefully that will help my cause."
Now Downing has himself been called-up, he hopes his West Ham team-mates can also win international recognition for their own fine starts to the season - the likes of Carl Jenkinson, James Tomkins, Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell. "I think it's a bonus for the others as they can see that players from this club will be picked and it's not just a small group of clubs from whom players are picked. "A few of our players must have been in Roy's thinking for this squad. Jenko has been picked before and is starting to hit a run of form now he has got over his injury, Mark Noble has consistently played well and Aaron has come in and done well too. James Tomkins was also very unlucky to be left out considering his form. "It should give our players confidence that they can get picked."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Elliot Lee injured 95 minutes into Southend United loan
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Elliot Lee has returned to his parent club after getting injured just 95 minutes into his Southend United loan spell.
The 19-year-old, son of former England player Rob Lee, tore a hamstring in his first Shrimpers training session. Southend boss Phil Brown told BBC Essex: "The paperwork was done at 9:30 on Friday morning. "We started the session at 10:30 - and at five past 11 he pulled up with a hamstring injury."
Southend boss Phil Brown : "We've mutually agreed to cancel the loan. But come January or February, it is certainly one we would revisit."
Lee has made two substitute appearances for the Hammers and scored once in four games during a loan spell at Colchester United last season. "It's a real unfortunate situation. It sometimes happens in football," said Brown. "We've had good conversations with the West Ham staff. It's just a very unfortunate situation. "It's a real bad hamstring tear. He'll be out for 10 or 12 weeks. "We've mutually agreed to cancel the loan. But come January or February, it is certainly one we would revisit."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Cup: East Thurrock United travel in West Ham coach
FA CUP FIRST ROUND
Venue: Victoria Park Date: Saturday, 8 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
BBC.co.uk
East Thurrock United boss John Coventry hopes his players get a taste of professionalism by using West Ham's coach for their Hartlepool FA Cup trip. The Ryman Premier side are still reaping the benefits of their run to the first round three years ago. "It's a little bit of luxury - that's where some of the money is going to go," Coventry told BBC Essex. "We're trying to give our players an experience like they were a pro player just for this weekend."
Premier League side West Ham are at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, meaning the Hammers' usual coach for away trips was available to hire. South Essex side East Thurrock have only reached the first round once before, when they were beaten at home by then-League Two Macclesfield in 2011, but have benefitted from a period of financial stability provided by that run. The Rocks have secured a four-figure shirt sponsorship deal with a betting firm ahead of the trip to Victoria Park. And they have also negotiated a bit of help from a friend in the Football League. "My assistant Joe Keith is talking to Phil Parkinson at Bradford City and I think he's been kind enough to offer their training facilities, which we can use on the Friday on the way up," said Coventry. "It covers up the fact you're sitting on a coach for five or six hours."
East Thurrock currently play in Corringham but want to sell their Rookery Hill ground for housing and move to a site in Stanford Le Hope to create a sports hub, although they have faced opposition from local residents. "We've been in the Ryman Premier now for four years. The club had never stabilised at that level for that length of time before," said Coventry. "We almost got promoted two years ago but the thought of going into the Conference South at the time was quite daunting financially. "I don't think we can afford to compete at the next level. If we were to relocate, all of a sudden the picture changes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Haycock fired, Potts promoted
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Steve Potts is set to be confirmed as the new Development Squad manager after Nick Haycock was dismissed earlier in the day. Haycock, who joined West Ham five years ago as Under 18s coach was promoted to the Development Squad three years later. However his time at the club ended today after he departed under something of a cloud. As a result of Haycock's expulsion Potts, who made 399 appearances for West Ham in central defence between 1985 and 2001 is poised to replace Haycock. Additionally, KUMB can reveal Under 18s coach Mark Phillips is set to be confirmed as Potts' replacement as Under 18s manager. We'll have more for you on this as it happens.
mark Adam Phillips @markphillipswhu
Goodbye 2 Nick Haycock thanks mate u taught me a lot,top coach.COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to face Millwall
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Batten down the hatches ... West Ham have been drawn against local rivals Millwall in the next round of the Under 21s Cup. For what will almost certainly be the last time before West Ham move to Stratford in 2016, a Millwall team will provide the opposition at the Boleyn Ground on Monday, 24 November. The two bitter rivals were paired in the next stage of the tournament after the Lions beat Colchester United in the previous stage of the competition.
Despite having been fierce opponents for the last century or so (mostly off the field of play), the two teams have only met on 26 occasions in their history at first team level. West Ham have won 10 of those meetings, Millwall five with the remaining 11 drawn. The most recent meeting, which took place in February 2012 at the Boleyn ended 2-1 in West Ham's favour, thanks to Winston Reid's second half winner.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee's loan the shortest? Not quite!
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Elliot Lee's ill-fated loan at Southend lasted approximately one hour of one training session before he sustained a hamstring injury.
The 19-year-old striker is likely to be out of action for between six to eight weeks as a result of the injury sustained on his first day of training with the Shrimpers. However his loan spell was far from the shortest involving West Ham United. Back in January 2004, Alan Pardew signed Anthony Barness on a month-long loan from (Sam Allardyce's) Bolton Wanderers. Yet before he even had the chance to kick a ball with his new team mates, Barness was recalled to the Reebok Stadium as the result of an injury crisis. Speaking at the time, Bolton boss Allardyce said: "I tried all week to bring in a defender. Unfortunately, I have not been able to do that."
Former Hammer Robert Hall, now at Bolton was likewise denied the opportunity to join his new team mates when he was recalled from a 2011 loan at Oxford just 24 hours after agreeing to extend a month-loan loan spell at the Kassam Stadium, as the result of an injury crisis at the Boleyn. However the title of shortest permanent signing almost certainly belongs to Argentine defender Mauricio Taricco, who terminated his contract with West Ham by mutual consent just six days after joining the club from Tottenham in 2004. Having started the first game to be played since joining West Ham - a 1-0 defeat at Millwall - Taricco lasted just 27 minutes before pulling up with torn hamstring. He subsequently agreed for his contract to be terminated and immediately retired from professional football.
Oh won't you stay, just a little bit longer? The shortest stays
1. Anthony Barness (Bolton to West Ham, loan)
Barness was recalled 24 hours after leaving Bolton.
2. Robert Hall (West Ham to Oxford, loan)
Recalled to West Ham 24 hours after extending an existing loan agreement.
3. Elliot Lee (West Ham to Southend, loan)
Broke down less than an hour into his first training session.
4. Mauricio Taricco (Spurs to West Ham)
Played for 27 minutes before tearing a hamstring.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: we haven't given up on Reid yet
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admitted today that his chances of retaining the services of Winston Reid were diminishing - but insisted that the club are doing all they can to agree a new contract. The Kiwi centre half is out of contract next summer and has thus far refused all offers of a new deal. However Allardyce, who inherited Reid as part of his first team squad when joining the club in the summer of 2011 believes that all hope is not lost yet. "I haven't given up because I feel that we're progressing very nicely and that we can give Winston what he wants if he stays with us," said Allardyce. "We're building our club slowly at the moment, but our ultimate goal is to be as ambitious as we can and if we can carry on building slowly but surely we can all achieve that goal. "If Winston is impatient and sees it somewhere else, we'll have to wait and see."
Reid moved to West Ham in a £4million switch from Danish club Midtjylland in 2010, following a successful World Cup campaign during which he scored for New Zealand. Having initially struggled to hold a first team place down, following the departure of Avram Grant he became a staple in Allardyce's defence and has gone on to make 114 appearances for West Ham. In recent months he has been linked with a string of top tier clubs and despite having been offered improved terms to extend his stay, had refused to sign a new deal with West Ham. It is rumoured that Reid is seeking circa £80,000 per week; West Ham's most recent offer is said to be worth in the region of £75,000 per week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll touch and go for Villa clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll could play a part in this weekend's match against Aston Villa, according to Sam Allardyce. The striker made his first tentative steps towards a return to competitive football yesterday when he was part of a West Ham XI that faced Southend in a specially-arranged 60-minute match at Chadwell Heath. And according to Allardyce, a decision on whether to include Carroll in this weekend's 18-man match day squad will be taken sometime tomorrow. "It depends how he feels this morning and how he trains on Friday," confirmed Allardyce, speaking to the media at this morning's pre-match press conference. "That will be the deciding factor on whether he gets into the squad or not. "If he continues the way he is, if not this weekend, then by the end of the international break he should be okay and ready to join the squad."
Allardyce also confirmed that both Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid will face late fitness tests to determine whether or not they will be fit enough to be involved. "He [Sakho] is training on Thursday for this first time, and Winston Reid will do some light training too," confirmed Big Sam. "We'll wait and see how the session goes and the final decisions will be made on Friday as to who is available for selection."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren the Baron
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's vice chairman Karren Brady was inducted to the House of Lords earlier today. 45-year-old Brady, who had been vice chair at West Ham for the last four years will now be known as Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge after she was formerly confirmed as the latest member of the Conservative party to be awarded a Peerage in a swanky ceremony at the House of Lords earlier today. Accompanied by husband Paul Peschisolido and two teenage children, Brady was cheered by other peers in the Hall as she signed the Lords' code of conduct before being officially confirmed as Baroness Brady, of Knightsbridge in our city of Westminster'.
An often controversial figure at West Ham, Brady first incurred the wrath of United supporters when revoking the free season tickets previously awarded to John Lyall's wife Yvonne and son Murray due to cost-cutting measures. She later fell foul of fans when referring to the East End of being "a hotbed of racism", before being accused of spreading false information regarding impending season ticket price rises.
Last year Brady was awarded a £1.5million bonus for securing the Olympic Stadium on behalf of West Ham. The club will sell their current Boleyn Ground home in order to take a 99-year lease at the Stratford stadium in 2016. She was praised recently for standing firm on the issue of ground-sharing, when dashing Tottenham 's hopes of sharing the Olympic Stadium whilst their White Hart Lane ground is being redeveloped.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing thanks Allardyce for England call-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing has been called up to the England squad for the first time since May 2012. The in-form winger became the first Hammer to receive a call-up for the national side since Andy Carroll was included in the team that beat San Marino in October 2012, when he was named in the 26-man squad to face Scotland and Slovenia later this month. A delighted Downing told whufc.com: "If I was being honest I didn't think I'd get picked, to get picked is obviously a big thing for me. I just need to keep playing well for West Ham and hopefully I'll get a couple more caps when I get away. "The way I've been playing and performing, I thought I was in with a chance and credit to the manager because he has picked me. He has obviously been watching our games and now I just need to put a performance in and stay in the squad, really."
And the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough midfielder also had a special word of praise for current manager Sam Allardyce, who Downing believes put him back in contention for an England spot having tasked him with a new central role, in which he has excelled in recent weeks. "Credit to the manager for changing it up," said the 30-year-old. "Playing in new and different positions can help and that's probably why I've been picked. Where Roy sees me playing I don't know but I'll find out when I get there. "I'm enjoying playing in the middle, so if he plays me there and I can carry on my form I've been producing at West Ham, hopefully that'll be good enough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE WONDER OF WHU
By Bianca Westwood 6 Nov 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
I've got a little soft spot for that 'not-so-small-anymore' club in Staffordshire. I've done a lot of features and interviews in Stoke-on-Trent over the years. Under Tony Pulis I saw the Potters get to an FA cup final at Wembley, one goal denying them the chance of winning their first major trophy since 1972; the following season for their first foray into Europe for 40 years, I travelled with the fans to Switzerland for the win against FC Thun (with Stokies having fun at my expense forever recorded in the internet ether on a highly embarrassing YouTube video); I went to sunny Valencia with them where they were narrowly beaten at the Mestalla to end their Europa league dream and, just like the Dagenham debacle but with snow instead of rain, I got caught in a blizzard at the Britannia filming Take It Like A Fan.
Good times. Well, it's a good club. Professionally and carefully run, with a good chairman who is cautiously ambitious but with high hopes, plus it has a diehard fan base. They don't call them the 12th Man for nothing. Their move to a new stadium was the dawn of a new era for them. It kickstarted a period of steady success and development that now places them in the 'solid Premier League outfit' bracket. You never see them as relegation favourites and, considering where they've come from and how, relatively speaking, little cash they spend, it's a tremendous achievement.
A couple of seasons ago I'd have said I'd like to emulate their progress. Now I think we can do better.
It has to be said…sorry-not-sorry Stokies! I was totally 'stoked' (pun intended) that they threw away their lead last Saturday. The victory against Manchester City at Upton Park left us euphoric but for me last weekend was just as significant a moment, if not more so, in our metamorphosis. A year ago, at 2 nil down away to Stoke City we'd have crumbled quicker than you can say Why Delilah! In fact, we didn't pick up a single point from a losing position away from home last season. Times are a-changing!
I don't know whether my entire way of thinking has altered or if I just have a renewed sense of faith in this particular West Ham team but, honest to God, even after their second went in I thought to myself 'this isn't over'.
What's happened to me?? This is no typical Hammers thought process! Has this happened to you too?
Afterwards I read what David Hautzig said in his match report on here about having no hope in the second half but at the time, somehow I knew the fat lady hadn't sung. I'm not lying! I wasn't actually watching the game I was on the gantry at Charlton so that might be one reason I still believed. But no it was more than that. I was expecting some sort of comeback.
So yes times are definitely changing.
I feel like I'm boring everyone with my constant declarations of adoration for Stewart Downing this season but seriously, his pass to Valencia for our first was something to behold. Exquisite. Then he topped the point, and the day, off with a nicely taken goal of his own. Well deserved. Usually I'm the kiss of death for any player transferred into my Fantasy FC team but he hasn't let me down yet. He's still standing, and impressing. We can only hope for his sake Hodgson makes a little transfer of his own. We'll see.
So going back to my earlier point, if we continue in this vein we can not just mimic but surpass the recent achievements of Stoke City. A new stadium, a strong and consistent squad, a good cup run, hell maybe even some silverware, and how nice would a West Ham jolly-boys-outing in Europe be? We're a work in progress that got the likes of Alex Song to sit up and take notice. The 'project' was a huge part of the reason the Cameroonian decided to join and I'm hoping, with a successful mid table finish, he'll have no qualms about staying in the East End.
Now, I know you all adore a Big Sam love-in, but, after speaking to the man himself last week for Soccer Saturday I'm utterly convinced we have an intriguing and bubbling future. I openly admit I have had my doubts about him in the past. Not when he was appointed, I knew he'd be the right fit for a promotion. Yes I was disappointed we didn't end up in the automatic places, I had even booked my post-season summer holiday to Vegas early in the smug confidence we'd finish in the top two, until Reading stole a march on the Championship! But it gave you lot a good day out at Wembley, and me something to do at the hotel pool bar, whilst still hammered (pun intended) from the night before.
The rest has been discussed and discussed again. Until we're claret and blue in the face. First season back in the top flight, great. 10th, that'll do nicely. Second season, not so much a syndrome as a winter blip. We got through it. Yet we all knew, the gaffer included, that something had to give. I was annoyed with our lack of signings, I was sick of hearing people inside and outside the club bemoaning our style. The same pundits who are currently lauding over Allardyce's turnaround and asking "where are the Big Sam Out fans now?" were the same ones who were sitting smugly on their high horses week in week out last season, relentlessly analysing how dire our football was.
A treble over Spurs, although glorious, was not enough. We wanted real cup finals. And we wanted to do it The West Ham Way.
This season was make or break. And, to his credit, Sam is pulling it off. So far!
No-one could have predicted it. Least of all Allardyce himself. He told me they'd taken some calculated risks in their purchases but they didn't expect them ALL to pay off in the manner that they have. He was eager to tell me that that the signings were not the sole labours of David Sullivan, it was a team effort. He was categorical that he'd never been told to play more entertaining football. There was no such ultimatum. And he revealed that if The West Ham Way means, spirit, bravery, commitment, pride and passion for the shirt with a dash of flair thrown in, then he believes in it.
He was at pains to tell me that, although it wasn't some grand masterplan he'd concocted, there was always an intention to grow and develop the team. "Getting in the Premier League, staying in the Premier League and now getting better in the Premier League." was the primary focus, but they always had evolution in mind. It's progress. A process. It's a steady advance and now he's got the quality players to play the quality football.
I hadn't interviewed him for a long time. I'd always liked him as a man, now I remembered why I liked him as a manager. His successes over the years have been no accident. He is charismatic, brutally honest and direct (no I don't just mean in his football!) I've heard him called arrogant, he's not, he's just tremendously confident in his own ability. He's not a dinosaur, he was a pioneer of sports psychology in football, he studies every aspect of his players' performances, analyses data, knows the game inside out and is one of the best man managers there is. The players love him. Ok maybe Ra'vel isn't big on Big Sam but that's another story.
If he was a presidential candidate he'd have got my vote. I was sold. There was no smarm or spin. He cares for the club and he cares for the team. He says he doesn't have anything to prove anymore but I got the impression he'd love to take this club to new heights. The Olympic Stadium will give him the right platform. We talked of the inhabitants of the Britannia, St Mary's, the Emirates and the Etihad. All clubs that have moved home and moved up. In more ways than one.
Now all we have to do is keep the ball rolling. We have that winning feeling. The encounter with Villa is another crucial yard-stick for how far we've come. We can't afford to slip up. We have to kill them off. Sharpen our ruthless edge. Like the Hammers team that would have choked away from home at Stoke last season, we used to be the team that would choke against a club on a winless run. Instead we need to put them in a choke hold. But do it nicely…you know, The West Ham Way.
Come On You Irons!
B x
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll must change fearless playing style to stay injury free, claims Sam Allardyce
Nov 06, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The newly engaged England striker could return to the West Ham squad tomorrow after coming through a closed-door friendly with Southend
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce wants Andy Carroll to change his "fearless" playing style to avoid getting injured. The newly engaged England striker could return to the West Ham squad this weekend after coming through a closed-door friendly with Southend. The Hammers boss has urged the club's record signing, who has been out all season with an ankle injury, to maintain extra training to continue to build up his fitness.
But Allardyce also wants Carroll to "modify his game" to keep out of the treatment room. "I think he is so brave and fearless that I fear that some of the injuries actually come from that," he said. "He doesn't fear any situation. But sometimes he goes into those areas with no fear and it can be a little dangerous in terms of injuries. "That comes with more experience I think. He is a whole-hearted, committed player. "I cannot tell him to pull out of challenges. I think that with experience, you just know what you can win and what you definitely might not be able to win. That might steer him clear of an injury or two that might occur." Allardyce urged Carroll to also take responsibility for his conditioning. "I think Andy has got to manage himself," he said. "His big responsibility is to himself now. It is the old adage: we can lead Andy to water but we cannot make him drink." Carroll, 25, announced his engagement to former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow this week - and his boss approves. "I always think it can be very good for a footballer when they settle down more off the field," Allardyce said. "It can be a very lonely city if you are sat in your apartment on your own every single night. It is obviously going to encourage you to go out and maybe, maybe stay out that little bit too late. But I think this can only be good for Andy and his football."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham could lose rising academy star Reece Oxford at the end of the season
Nov 05, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The highly-rated centre half is keen to stay at Upton Park, but talks over a professional contract between the two parties are at a stalemate
The Mirror
West Ham are set to gamble on starlet Reece Oxford leaving the club next summer with talks over a professional deal at a stalemate.
The Hammers have been in well-documented talks to keep the 6ft 3in centre-half at the club with a number of the Premier League's big clubs interested. Oxford, 16 in December, captained England's U-17s in the summer and was an unused substitute in their Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield United in September. His contract expires at the end of the season and he has so far indicated he is keen to stay at Upton Park to continue his education. Oxford, likened to Rio Ferdinand because of his ball-playing abilities, is keen to emulate the former England defender who came through the West Ham academy and broke into the first team before moving on. Agreement over elements of the new contract put to him, however, have yet to be reached with little chance of any movement. It is also understood that West Ham have high hopes for another two defensive prospects, Reece Burke and Josh Pask, both of whom have signed their first pro deals. It means the east Londoners are running the risk of Oxford being poached just as central midfielder Ben Sheaf was by Arsenal in the summer. Earlier this year West Ham supremo David Sullivan admitted to Mirror Sport he was frustrated at seeing his rising academy stars spirited away.
Sullivan said: "Its a joke that they can just come in and nick your best players for just £250,000. Our academy costs just under £4million a year to run. Up until this season you could nick a 15-year-old for about £50,000. "I think they are going to change it now and there is going to be some retrospective compensation. So you'll probably get £250,000. "If you lose someone for a few hundred thousand quid its nothing when the academy costs £4million to run."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mystery as Haycock leaves Hammers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham Under 21 Development manager Nick Haycock has left the club with immediate effect in mysterious circumstances. The shock news was confirmed by the reliable @EXWHUEmployee on twitter this evening and has come as a surprise to many as he was a very popular figure at the club. No reasons – official or unofficial – have been given for the departure of a coach who joined the club five years ago when he looked after the under 18s before stepping up to look after the under-21s three years later. Speculation suggests that Under 18 manager Steve Potts will step up into the U21 hot seat. Under 18 assistant manager Mark Phillips is rumoured to taking the Under 18 manager role.
Haycock was absent from the under 21 game against Norwich today which the Under 21′s lost 1-0 after going down to ten men when Lewis Page was sent off early in the match. Mystery surrounds the reasons behind Nick's departure but Terry Westley will use the opportunity to make some changes in the set-up he inherited from Tony Carr
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan "anticipated" Downing call-up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan is entirely unsurprised by Stewart Downing's England call-up But he is delighted that the man he believes is currently the best midfielder in the Premier League has been rewarded with a Three Lions return. Downing has been inspiring in the team's new diamond formation and looks all set to gain his 35th and possibly 36th caps against Slovenia and Scotland. Sullivan – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – declared: It was anticipated. His stats re assists show he's possibly the best midfielder in the PL at the moment. Stats don't lie ! All the WHU family wish him will with his new England career."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons issue OS job assurances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are understood to have come to an arrangement with the London Legacy Development Corporation that all their employees will receive job interviews when the club moves from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium. We reported last night that the stadium operator – strongly fancied to be French firm Vinci – will become responsible for virtually every area of operation at the OS. And it is they who are set to employ staff to fill jobsin stewarding, security, maintenance, catering roles and other areas of operation. That had led to fears of possible job losses among the present part time and possibly full time staff but we have learned that absolutely every employee will get an interview. We were told by a highly placed Boleyn source source: "There have been talks with the LLDC and the aim has always been to take our people with us – they will all get interviews if they want one. "Given the size and scope of the new operation we would imagine there will be even more jobs available. We would hope to work with the stadium operator on these issues."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
The manager speaks to the media ahead of Saturday's game against Aston Villa
06.11.2014
Sam Allardyce is happy to see the treatment room emptying as West Ham United prepare to face Aston Villa on Saturday. Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid could return after suffering injuries, while Andy Carroll continues his rehabilitation in promising fashion. The manager spoke to the media ahead of his team's weekend assignment, with team selection at the top of the agenda.
Good morning Sam. First of all, can I ask about Andy Carroll? He played a behind closed doors game in the week, how did it go and will be be able to take part this weekend?
SA: "It depends how he feels this morning and how he trains on Friday - that will be the deciding factor on whether he gets into the squad or not. If he continues the way he is, if not this weekend, then by the end of the international break he should be okay and ready to join the squad."
He has been out for a while. In his absence others have come in and done well - how much of a challenge does he face to get himself back in there?
SA: "Everybody faces a bigger challenge than they did last season because the strength in depth of the squad has been proven to be very strong up to now. Even my trusted captain has found it difficult to break his way back into the side, so he's frustrated as are other players like Matt Jarvis, Ricardo Vaz Te and Joey O'Brien. These were my regular players last season but because the players have done so well when they've not been available, it's difficult for me to put them back in based on the performances and results."
Sakho was missing last week, is he back for this one?
SA: "He's training on Thursday for this first time, and Winston Reid will do some light training too. We'll wait and see how the session goes and the final decisions will be made on Friday as to who is available for selection."
Has Stewart Downing done enough, in your eyes, to get back in the England squad?
SA: "I think it's about position now. We've changed Stewart's position and it seems to have allowed him to flourish more in an attacking formation. Whether Roy sees if he's done enough in that new position to combine with the players he's got there will be interesting to see. "Certainly in terms of experience and football, he's on top of his game and playing exceptionally well at the moment, He's already scored two goals this season, which is one more than last year, so he's not only creating and assisting more, but getting more opportunities to score."
In terms of this weekend's game, you're up against a team who are going through a pretty tough time. Do you have sympathy for Paul Lambert there?
SA: "Always, because there's a huge pressure that comes upon you when you lose so many games on the trot. He must be wondering what he's doing wrong at the moment, because I watched the game against Tottenham last Sunday and thought how unlucky he was that he lost that game one to a sending off, and two to a deflected free-kick. That seems to happen when things aren't going for you. "You have to believe in yourself and your team, which he does, to come back. We have to make sure we try and continue their poor run. He'll remember when they pulled off a result at Liverpool and say that's what they're capable of, so I'd imagine it'll be a very difficult game in terms of trying to break them down and we'll have to be really aware of not leaving too many spaces to let them play that good counter-attacking game that they seem to adapt to well away from home."
Some comments from the Joint-Chairman this week seemed to suggest that Winston Reid was still a little way off agreeing a contract. Are you still hopeful that those talks can get back on track?
SA: "Well I haven't given up because I feel that we're progressing very nicely and that we can give Winston what he wants if he stays with us. We're building our Club slowly at the moment, but our ultimate goal is to be as ambitious as we can and if we can carry on building slowly but surely we can all achieve that goal. If Winston is impatient and sees it somewhere else, we'll have to wait and see."
Expectations among the fans have risen. Have your targets changed?
SA: "Not yet. Only ten games in it's too early [to do that]. Look at Aston Villa's start and everybody was going on about what a fantastic start they had - I think it was ten points in their first four games - and how quickly it can turn. It's far too early for us to start changing where and what we want to do. Our big test comes at the end of November and December when the games come thick and fast.
"I believe this time around, if we keep the squad fit, we will have a much better November and December than we've had in recent years. That's been our bad couple of months or our bad six weeks ever since I've been here. Until we get to the end of that, we're not going to change any areas we try and hit."
How much of a challenge is it for you to manage the players when they're fighting for their places?
SA: "I have to manage the disappointment and I have to look at the individuals and try and make sure they stay focused. The biggest problem you have with a fully-fit squad is making sure you keep the focus and concentration of that player. However long it might be that they feel they're not getting back in the team, it can change in a split second and if they're not physically and mentally ready and prepared to step into the team then we all suffer, particularly them. "That's their responsibility, but my responsibility is to keep them focused and as fit as possible, eager waiting for that opportunity. Recently we've had quite a few changes, and since players have stepped in like Carl Jenkinson and James Collins, they haven't lost their places. At the moment that's where we're at and the players who are waiting patiently for an opportunity have to make sure they're fit enough physically and mentally to play their very best, help the team win and say 'I expect to keep my place.'"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewie's delight at England return
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing is looking forward to another opportunity to impress for his country
06.11.2014
Stewart Downing is determined to impress after earning a recall to the England squad. Speaking exclusively to West Ham TV, the in-form midfielder expressed his delight at being included in Roy Hodgson's 26-man group for the Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Slovenia and friendly international in Scotland. Downing, who earned the last of his 34 caps in May 2012, put his outstanding recent form and return to the England stage largely down to a change to a new central role. Now, he hopes to be deployed in the same position for his country.
"I'm obviously over the moon," he began. "If I was being honest I didn't think I'd get picked, so to get picked is obviously a big thing for. I just need to keep playing well for West Ham and hopefully I'll get a couple more caps when I get away. "These are very big games. Slovenia is a qualifier and you could say Scotland is a friendly, but I don't think we'll class it as a friendly. It'll be a tough game, but is one we want to win. I'm looking forward to being involved. I want to be involved, get a few more caps and put some performances in.
"I think a few players will think they deserved a call-up, including a few of the lads here who have been playing well. It's obviously difficult for the England manager to pick 20-odd players out of the whole country and I understand that. "The way I've been playing and performing, I thought I was in with a chance and credit to the manager because he has picked me. He has obviously been watching our games and now I just need to put a performance in and stay in the squad, really."
While Downing has always played as a winger on his previous appearances for England, but he hopes to play in the middle this time around. So, how much does the midfielder put his recall down to the change to a role at the attacking tip of the diamond? "Probably all of it! Credit to the manager for changing it up. Playing in new and different positions can help and that's probably why I've been picked. Where Roy sees me playing I don't know but I'll find out when I get there. "I'm enjoying playing in the middle, so if he plays me there and I can carry on my form I've been producing at West Ham, hopefully that'll be good enough."
Now he is back in the fold, Downing is aiming to remain in the squad and stay there for a potential third major tournament at Euro 2016.
"That's the aim. First and foremost, I need to do well when I get the chance because there will be other players looking to get into that 23 and it will be difficult to stay in there. I've got to give Roy something to think about by playing well and taking my chance.
"I can play in a few positions so hopefully that will help my cause."
Now Downing has himself been called-up, he hopes his West Ham team-mates can also win international recognition for their own fine starts to the season - the likes of Carl Jenkinson, James Tomkins, Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell. "I think it's a bonus for the others as they can see that players from this club will be picked and it's not just a small group of clubs from whom players are picked. "A few of our players must have been in Roy's thinking for this squad. Jenko has been picked before and is starting to hit a run of form now he has got over his injury, Mark Noble has consistently played well and Aaron has come in and done well too. James Tomkins was also very unlucky to be left out considering his form. "It should give our players confidence that they can get picked."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Elliot Lee injured 95 minutes into Southend United loan
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Elliot Lee has returned to his parent club after getting injured just 95 minutes into his Southend United loan spell.
The 19-year-old, son of former England player Rob Lee, tore a hamstring in his first Shrimpers training session. Southend boss Phil Brown told BBC Essex: "The paperwork was done at 9:30 on Friday morning. "We started the session at 10:30 - and at five past 11 he pulled up with a hamstring injury."
Southend boss Phil Brown : "We've mutually agreed to cancel the loan. But come January or February, it is certainly one we would revisit."
Lee has made two substitute appearances for the Hammers and scored once in four games during a loan spell at Colchester United last season. "It's a real unfortunate situation. It sometimes happens in football," said Brown. "We've had good conversations with the West Ham staff. It's just a very unfortunate situation. "It's a real bad hamstring tear. He'll be out for 10 or 12 weeks. "We've mutually agreed to cancel the loan. But come January or February, it is certainly one we would revisit."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Cup: East Thurrock United travel in West Ham coach
FA CUP FIRST ROUND
Venue: Victoria Park Date: Saturday, 8 November Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
BBC.co.uk
East Thurrock United boss John Coventry hopes his players get a taste of professionalism by using West Ham's coach for their Hartlepool FA Cup trip. The Ryman Premier side are still reaping the benefits of their run to the first round three years ago. "It's a little bit of luxury - that's where some of the money is going to go," Coventry told BBC Essex. "We're trying to give our players an experience like they were a pro player just for this weekend."
Premier League side West Ham are at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, meaning the Hammers' usual coach for away trips was available to hire. South Essex side East Thurrock have only reached the first round once before, when they were beaten at home by then-League Two Macclesfield in 2011, but have benefitted from a period of financial stability provided by that run. The Rocks have secured a four-figure shirt sponsorship deal with a betting firm ahead of the trip to Victoria Park. And they have also negotiated a bit of help from a friend in the Football League. "My assistant Joe Keith is talking to Phil Parkinson at Bradford City and I think he's been kind enough to offer their training facilities, which we can use on the Friday on the way up," said Coventry. "It covers up the fact you're sitting on a coach for five or six hours."
East Thurrock currently play in Corringham but want to sell their Rookery Hill ground for housing and move to a site in Stanford Le Hope to create a sports hub, although they have faced opposition from local residents. "We've been in the Ryman Premier now for four years. The club had never stabilised at that level for that length of time before," said Coventry. "We almost got promoted two years ago but the thought of going into the Conference South at the time was quite daunting financially. "I don't think we can afford to compete at the next level. If we were to relocate, all of a sudden the picture changes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Haycock fired, Potts promoted
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Steve Potts is set to be confirmed as the new Development Squad manager after Nick Haycock was dismissed earlier in the day. Haycock, who joined West Ham five years ago as Under 18s coach was promoted to the Development Squad three years later. However his time at the club ended today after he departed under something of a cloud. As a result of Haycock's expulsion Potts, who made 399 appearances for West Ham in central defence between 1985 and 2001 is poised to replace Haycock. Additionally, KUMB can reveal Under 18s coach Mark Phillips is set to be confirmed as Potts' replacement as Under 18s manager. We'll have more for you on this as it happens.
mark Adam Phillips @markphillipswhu
Goodbye 2 Nick Haycock thanks mate u taught me a lot,top coach.COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to face Millwall
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Batten down the hatches ... West Ham have been drawn against local rivals Millwall in the next round of the Under 21s Cup. For what will almost certainly be the last time before West Ham move to Stratford in 2016, a Millwall team will provide the opposition at the Boleyn Ground on Monday, 24 November. The two bitter rivals were paired in the next stage of the tournament after the Lions beat Colchester United in the previous stage of the competition.
Despite having been fierce opponents for the last century or so (mostly off the field of play), the two teams have only met on 26 occasions in their history at first team level. West Ham have won 10 of those meetings, Millwall five with the remaining 11 drawn. The most recent meeting, which took place in February 2012 at the Boleyn ended 2-1 in West Ham's favour, thanks to Winston Reid's second half winner.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee's loan the shortest? Not quite!
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Elliot Lee's ill-fated loan at Southend lasted approximately one hour of one training session before he sustained a hamstring injury.
The 19-year-old striker is likely to be out of action for between six to eight weeks as a result of the injury sustained on his first day of training with the Shrimpers. However his loan spell was far from the shortest involving West Ham United. Back in January 2004, Alan Pardew signed Anthony Barness on a month-long loan from (Sam Allardyce's) Bolton Wanderers. Yet before he even had the chance to kick a ball with his new team mates, Barness was recalled to the Reebok Stadium as the result of an injury crisis. Speaking at the time, Bolton boss Allardyce said: "I tried all week to bring in a defender. Unfortunately, I have not been able to do that."
Former Hammer Robert Hall, now at Bolton was likewise denied the opportunity to join his new team mates when he was recalled from a 2011 loan at Oxford just 24 hours after agreeing to extend a month-loan loan spell at the Kassam Stadium, as the result of an injury crisis at the Boleyn. However the title of shortest permanent signing almost certainly belongs to Argentine defender Mauricio Taricco, who terminated his contract with West Ham by mutual consent just six days after joining the club from Tottenham in 2004. Having started the first game to be played since joining West Ham - a 1-0 defeat at Millwall - Taricco lasted just 27 minutes before pulling up with torn hamstring. He subsequently agreed for his contract to be terminated and immediately retired from professional football.
Oh won't you stay, just a little bit longer? The shortest stays
1. Anthony Barness (Bolton to West Ham, loan)
Barness was recalled 24 hours after leaving Bolton.
2. Robert Hall (West Ham to Oxford, loan)
Recalled to West Ham 24 hours after extending an existing loan agreement.
3. Elliot Lee (West Ham to Southend, loan)
Broke down less than an hour into his first training session.
4. Mauricio Taricco (Spurs to West Ham)
Played for 27 minutes before tearing a hamstring.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: we haven't given up on Reid yet
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admitted today that his chances of retaining the services of Winston Reid were diminishing - but insisted that the club are doing all they can to agree a new contract. The Kiwi centre half is out of contract next summer and has thus far refused all offers of a new deal. However Allardyce, who inherited Reid as part of his first team squad when joining the club in the summer of 2011 believes that all hope is not lost yet. "I haven't given up because I feel that we're progressing very nicely and that we can give Winston what he wants if he stays with us," said Allardyce. "We're building our club slowly at the moment, but our ultimate goal is to be as ambitious as we can and if we can carry on building slowly but surely we can all achieve that goal. "If Winston is impatient and sees it somewhere else, we'll have to wait and see."
Reid moved to West Ham in a £4million switch from Danish club Midtjylland in 2010, following a successful World Cup campaign during which he scored for New Zealand. Having initially struggled to hold a first team place down, following the departure of Avram Grant he became a staple in Allardyce's defence and has gone on to make 114 appearances for West Ham. In recent months he has been linked with a string of top tier clubs and despite having been offered improved terms to extend his stay, had refused to sign a new deal with West Ham. It is rumoured that Reid is seeking circa £80,000 per week; West Ham's most recent offer is said to be worth in the region of £75,000 per week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll touch and go for Villa clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Andy Carroll could play a part in this weekend's match against Aston Villa, according to Sam Allardyce. The striker made his first tentative steps towards a return to competitive football yesterday when he was part of a West Ham XI that faced Southend in a specially-arranged 60-minute match at Chadwell Heath. And according to Allardyce, a decision on whether to include Carroll in this weekend's 18-man match day squad will be taken sometime tomorrow. "It depends how he feels this morning and how he trains on Friday," confirmed Allardyce, speaking to the media at this morning's pre-match press conference. "That will be the deciding factor on whether he gets into the squad or not. "If he continues the way he is, if not this weekend, then by the end of the international break he should be okay and ready to join the squad."
Allardyce also confirmed that both Diafra Sakho and Winston Reid will face late fitness tests to determine whether or not they will be fit enough to be involved. "He [Sakho] is training on Thursday for this first time, and Winston Reid will do some light training too," confirmed Big Sam. "We'll wait and see how the session goes and the final decisions will be made on Friday as to who is available for selection."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren the Baron
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's vice chairman Karren Brady was inducted to the House of Lords earlier today. 45-year-old Brady, who had been vice chair at West Ham for the last four years will now be known as Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge after she was formerly confirmed as the latest member of the Conservative party to be awarded a Peerage in a swanky ceremony at the House of Lords earlier today. Accompanied by husband Paul Peschisolido and two teenage children, Brady was cheered by other peers in the Hall as she signed the Lords' code of conduct before being officially confirmed as Baroness Brady, of Knightsbridge in our city of Westminster'.
An often controversial figure at West Ham, Brady first incurred the wrath of United supporters when revoking the free season tickets previously awarded to John Lyall's wife Yvonne and son Murray due to cost-cutting measures. She later fell foul of fans when referring to the East End of being "a hotbed of racism", before being accused of spreading false information regarding impending season ticket price rises.
Last year Brady was awarded a £1.5million bonus for securing the Olympic Stadium on behalf of West Ham. The club will sell their current Boleyn Ground home in order to take a 99-year lease at the Stratford stadium in 2016. She was praised recently for standing firm on the issue of ground-sharing, when dashing Tottenham 's hopes of sharing the Olympic Stadium whilst their White Hart Lane ground is being redeveloped.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing thanks Allardyce for England call-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 6th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Stewart Downing has been called up to the England squad for the first time since May 2012. The in-form winger became the first Hammer to receive a call-up for the national side since Andy Carroll was included in the team that beat San Marino in October 2012, when he was named in the 26-man squad to face Scotland and Slovenia later this month. A delighted Downing told whufc.com: "If I was being honest I didn't think I'd get picked, to get picked is obviously a big thing for me. I just need to keep playing well for West Ham and hopefully I'll get a couple more caps when I get away. "The way I've been playing and performing, I thought I was in with a chance and credit to the manager because he has picked me. He has obviously been watching our games and now I just need to put a performance in and stay in the squad, really."
And the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough midfielder also had a special word of praise for current manager Sam Allardyce, who Downing believes put him back in contention for an England spot having tasked him with a new central role, in which he has excelled in recent weeks. "Credit to the manager for changing it up," said the 30-year-old. "Playing in new and different positions can help and that's probably why I've been picked. Where Roy sees me playing I don't know but I'll find out when I get there. "I'm enjoying playing in the middle, so if he plays me there and I can carry on my form I've been producing at West Ham, hopefully that'll be good enough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE WONDER OF WHU
By Bianca Westwood 6 Nov 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
I've got a little soft spot for that 'not-so-small-anymore' club in Staffordshire. I've done a lot of features and interviews in Stoke-on-Trent over the years. Under Tony Pulis I saw the Potters get to an FA cup final at Wembley, one goal denying them the chance of winning their first major trophy since 1972; the following season for their first foray into Europe for 40 years, I travelled with the fans to Switzerland for the win against FC Thun (with Stokies having fun at my expense forever recorded in the internet ether on a highly embarrassing YouTube video); I went to sunny Valencia with them where they were narrowly beaten at the Mestalla to end their Europa league dream and, just like the Dagenham debacle but with snow instead of rain, I got caught in a blizzard at the Britannia filming Take It Like A Fan.
Good times. Well, it's a good club. Professionally and carefully run, with a good chairman who is cautiously ambitious but with high hopes, plus it has a diehard fan base. They don't call them the 12th Man for nothing. Their move to a new stadium was the dawn of a new era for them. It kickstarted a period of steady success and development that now places them in the 'solid Premier League outfit' bracket. You never see them as relegation favourites and, considering where they've come from and how, relatively speaking, little cash they spend, it's a tremendous achievement.
A couple of seasons ago I'd have said I'd like to emulate their progress. Now I think we can do better.
It has to be said…sorry-not-sorry Stokies! I was totally 'stoked' (pun intended) that they threw away their lead last Saturday. The victory against Manchester City at Upton Park left us euphoric but for me last weekend was just as significant a moment, if not more so, in our metamorphosis. A year ago, at 2 nil down away to Stoke City we'd have crumbled quicker than you can say Why Delilah! In fact, we didn't pick up a single point from a losing position away from home last season. Times are a-changing!
I don't know whether my entire way of thinking has altered or if I just have a renewed sense of faith in this particular West Ham team but, honest to God, even after their second went in I thought to myself 'this isn't over'.
What's happened to me?? This is no typical Hammers thought process! Has this happened to you too?
Afterwards I read what David Hautzig said in his match report on here about having no hope in the second half but at the time, somehow I knew the fat lady hadn't sung. I'm not lying! I wasn't actually watching the game I was on the gantry at Charlton so that might be one reason I still believed. But no it was more than that. I was expecting some sort of comeback.
So yes times are definitely changing.
I feel like I'm boring everyone with my constant declarations of adoration for Stewart Downing this season but seriously, his pass to Valencia for our first was something to behold. Exquisite. Then he topped the point, and the day, off with a nicely taken goal of his own. Well deserved. Usually I'm the kiss of death for any player transferred into my Fantasy FC team but he hasn't let me down yet. He's still standing, and impressing. We can only hope for his sake Hodgson makes a little transfer of his own. We'll see.
So going back to my earlier point, if we continue in this vein we can not just mimic but surpass the recent achievements of Stoke City. A new stadium, a strong and consistent squad, a good cup run, hell maybe even some silverware, and how nice would a West Ham jolly-boys-outing in Europe be? We're a work in progress that got the likes of Alex Song to sit up and take notice. The 'project' was a huge part of the reason the Cameroonian decided to join and I'm hoping, with a successful mid table finish, he'll have no qualms about staying in the East End.
Now, I know you all adore a Big Sam love-in, but, after speaking to the man himself last week for Soccer Saturday I'm utterly convinced we have an intriguing and bubbling future. I openly admit I have had my doubts about him in the past. Not when he was appointed, I knew he'd be the right fit for a promotion. Yes I was disappointed we didn't end up in the automatic places, I had even booked my post-season summer holiday to Vegas early in the smug confidence we'd finish in the top two, until Reading stole a march on the Championship! But it gave you lot a good day out at Wembley, and me something to do at the hotel pool bar, whilst still hammered (pun intended) from the night before.
The rest has been discussed and discussed again. Until we're claret and blue in the face. First season back in the top flight, great. 10th, that'll do nicely. Second season, not so much a syndrome as a winter blip. We got through it. Yet we all knew, the gaffer included, that something had to give. I was annoyed with our lack of signings, I was sick of hearing people inside and outside the club bemoaning our style. The same pundits who are currently lauding over Allardyce's turnaround and asking "where are the Big Sam Out fans now?" were the same ones who were sitting smugly on their high horses week in week out last season, relentlessly analysing how dire our football was.
A treble over Spurs, although glorious, was not enough. We wanted real cup finals. And we wanted to do it The West Ham Way.
This season was make or break. And, to his credit, Sam is pulling it off. So far!
No-one could have predicted it. Least of all Allardyce himself. He told me they'd taken some calculated risks in their purchases but they didn't expect them ALL to pay off in the manner that they have. He was eager to tell me that that the signings were not the sole labours of David Sullivan, it was a team effort. He was categorical that he'd never been told to play more entertaining football. There was no such ultimatum. And he revealed that if The West Ham Way means, spirit, bravery, commitment, pride and passion for the shirt with a dash of flair thrown in, then he believes in it.
He was at pains to tell me that, although it wasn't some grand masterplan he'd concocted, there was always an intention to grow and develop the team. "Getting in the Premier League, staying in the Premier League and now getting better in the Premier League." was the primary focus, but they always had evolution in mind. It's progress. A process. It's a steady advance and now he's got the quality players to play the quality football.
I hadn't interviewed him for a long time. I'd always liked him as a man, now I remembered why I liked him as a manager. His successes over the years have been no accident. He is charismatic, brutally honest and direct (no I don't just mean in his football!) I've heard him called arrogant, he's not, he's just tremendously confident in his own ability. He's not a dinosaur, he was a pioneer of sports psychology in football, he studies every aspect of his players' performances, analyses data, knows the game inside out and is one of the best man managers there is. The players love him. Ok maybe Ra'vel isn't big on Big Sam but that's another story.
If he was a presidential candidate he'd have got my vote. I was sold. There was no smarm or spin. He cares for the club and he cares for the team. He says he doesn't have anything to prove anymore but I got the impression he'd love to take this club to new heights. The Olympic Stadium will give him the right platform. We talked of the inhabitants of the Britannia, St Mary's, the Emirates and the Etihad. All clubs that have moved home and moved up. In more ways than one.
Now all we have to do is keep the ball rolling. We have that winning feeling. The encounter with Villa is another crucial yard-stick for how far we've come. We can't afford to slip up. We have to kill them off. Sharpen our ruthless edge. Like the Hammers team that would have choked away from home at Stoke last season, we used to be the team that would choke against a club on a winless run. Instead we need to put them in a choke hold. But do it nicely…you know, The West Ham Way.
Come On You Irons!
B x
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll must change fearless playing style to stay injury free, claims Sam Allardyce
Nov 06, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The newly engaged England striker could return to the West Ham squad tomorrow after coming through a closed-door friendly with Southend
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce wants Andy Carroll to change his "fearless" playing style to avoid getting injured. The newly engaged England striker could return to the West Ham squad this weekend after coming through a closed-door friendly with Southend. The Hammers boss has urged the club's record signing, who has been out all season with an ankle injury, to maintain extra training to continue to build up his fitness.
But Allardyce also wants Carroll to "modify his game" to keep out of the treatment room. "I think he is so brave and fearless that I fear that some of the injuries actually come from that," he said. "He doesn't fear any situation. But sometimes he goes into those areas with no fear and it can be a little dangerous in terms of injuries. "That comes with more experience I think. He is a whole-hearted, committed player. "I cannot tell him to pull out of challenges. I think that with experience, you just know what you can win and what you definitely might not be able to win. That might steer him clear of an injury or two that might occur." Allardyce urged Carroll to also take responsibility for his conditioning. "I think Andy has got to manage himself," he said. "His big responsibility is to himself now. It is the old adage: we can lead Andy to water but we cannot make him drink." Carroll, 25, announced his engagement to former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow this week - and his boss approves. "I always think it can be very good for a footballer when they settle down more off the field," Allardyce said. "It can be a very lonely city if you are sat in your apartment on your own every single night. It is obviously going to encourage you to go out and maybe, maybe stay out that little bit too late. But I think this can only be good for Andy and his football."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham could lose rising academy star Reece Oxford at the end of the season
Nov 05, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The highly-rated centre half is keen to stay at Upton Park, but talks over a professional contract between the two parties are at a stalemate
The Mirror
West Ham are set to gamble on starlet Reece Oxford leaving the club next summer with talks over a professional deal at a stalemate.
The Hammers have been in well-documented talks to keep the 6ft 3in centre-half at the club with a number of the Premier League's big clubs interested. Oxford, 16 in December, captained England's U-17s in the summer and was an unused substitute in their Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield United in September. His contract expires at the end of the season and he has so far indicated he is keen to stay at Upton Park to continue his education. Oxford, likened to Rio Ferdinand because of his ball-playing abilities, is keen to emulate the former England defender who came through the West Ham academy and broke into the first team before moving on. Agreement over elements of the new contract put to him, however, have yet to be reached with little chance of any movement. It is also understood that West Ham have high hopes for another two defensive prospects, Reece Burke and Josh Pask, both of whom have signed their first pro deals. It means the east Londoners are running the risk of Oxford being poached just as central midfielder Ben Sheaf was by Arsenal in the summer. Earlier this year West Ham supremo David Sullivan admitted to Mirror Sport he was frustrated at seeing his rising academy stars spirited away.
Sullivan said: "Its a joke that they can just come in and nick your best players for just £250,000. Our academy costs just under £4million a year to run. Up until this season you could nick a 15-year-old for about £50,000. "I think they are going to change it now and there is going to be some retrospective compensation. So you'll probably get £250,000. "If you lose someone for a few hundred thousand quid its nothing when the academy costs £4million to run."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mystery as Haycock leaves Hammers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham Under 21 Development manager Nick Haycock has left the club with immediate effect in mysterious circumstances. The shock news was confirmed by the reliable @EXWHUEmployee on twitter this evening and has come as a surprise to many as he was a very popular figure at the club. No reasons – official or unofficial – have been given for the departure of a coach who joined the club five years ago when he looked after the under 18s before stepping up to look after the under-21s three years later. Speculation suggests that Under 18 manager Steve Potts will step up into the U21 hot seat. Under 18 assistant manager Mark Phillips is rumoured to taking the Under 18 manager role.
Haycock was absent from the under 21 game against Norwich today which the Under 21′s lost 1-0 after going down to ten men when Lewis Page was sent off early in the match. Mystery surrounds the reasons behind Nick's departure but Terry Westley will use the opportunity to make some changes in the set-up he inherited from Tony Carr
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan "anticipated" Downing call-up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan is entirely unsurprised by Stewart Downing's England call-up But he is delighted that the man he believes is currently the best midfielder in the Premier League has been rewarded with a Three Lions return. Downing has been inspiring in the team's new diamond formation and looks all set to gain his 35th and possibly 36th caps against Slovenia and Scotland. Sullivan – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – declared: It was anticipated. His stats re assists show he's possibly the best midfielder in the PL at the moment. Stats don't lie ! All the WHU family wish him will with his new England career."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons issue OS job assurances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are understood to have come to an arrangement with the London Legacy Development Corporation that all their employees will receive job interviews when the club moves from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium. We reported last night that the stadium operator – strongly fancied to be French firm Vinci – will become responsible for virtually every area of operation at the OS. And it is they who are set to employ staff to fill jobsin stewarding, security, maintenance, catering roles and other areas of operation. That had led to fears of possible job losses among the present part time and possibly full time staff but we have learned that absolutely every employee will get an interview. We were told by a highly placed Boleyn source source: "There have been talks with the LLDC and the aim has always been to take our people with us – they will all get interviews if they want one. "Given the size and scope of the new operation we would imagine there will be even more jobs available. We would hope to work with the stadium operator on these issues."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
