Big Sam on: Sunderland
WHUFC.com
The manager talks to the press ahead of Saturday's game at Sunderland
11.12.2014
Sam Allardyce held his pre-match press conference on Thursday ahead of
Saturday's trip to Sunderland. The manager faced questions on team news, his
side's league position, the test awaiting the Hammers at the Stadium of
Light and more.
A lot of West Ham fans are getting nose bleeds at the moment, at the start
of the season did you think this was achievable?
SA: "I wouldn't have thought it was achievable before we started playing
because we had so many new players. But like I've said many times the new
players have done a particularly fantastic job. The other players have done
a job to welcome them in and make them feel comfortable. Our team spirit and
family feel has played a part and everyone is on top of their game. "I think
the Swansea performance typified that, we're a very good team character wise
as we came back from a goal down again. Our determination shone through as
did our ability and quality. We don't just play one way, we're flexible and
can adapt to the style we need to at that particular time. I think the lads
have picked up on that really well and opposition defences don't know what's
coming next. That causes unrest and I think our performance on Sunday was
the best of the season."
Fifteen games into the season, have you adjusted your expectations or
targets?
SA: "If we're still here towards the end of January then we'll reassess our
aims. By that point we'll have played 20 games, we'll have played everybody
once so we should have a good indicator of where we are. So we'll see what
everybody has got in their locker, everybody would've seen what we have in
ours so it'll be a question of whether we can carry it on. "We might have a
little worrying spell during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, that's
why I'm not prepared to do any more predictions until they come back.
It would nice to say goodbye to the Boleyn Ground with some Champions League
football?
SA: "I'm not sure about that, we don't want to get carried away. We just
want to keep on playing the football we're playing at the moment. Everyone
is enjoying themselves, there's a good buzz around the training ground which
is always a good sign. I think competition for places keeps everyone hungry,
there's quite a few disappointed players because they haven't played as much
as they wanted and that is very healthy from my point of view. It keeps them
on their toes and gets the best performances out of them."
Is Andy Carroll playing his best football in a West Ham shirt? Arguably his
career?
SA: "I think he's still getting back to full fitness and he can get better
once he's 100% ready. He's had a long layoff and only a handful of games
played. His confidence will get better the more he plays, his goals will
help that too. Certainly in the games he's played so far have been good and
I think there's more to come. "We're the third highest scorers in the
League, with nine different scorers before the Swansea game. So we're
getting goals from all over the team. With our options up front with
Valencia and Sakho back as well as Carlton Cole and Mauro Zarate it is a
very strong frontline that we can change if and when we need to."
Any injury news ahead of Sunderland?
SA: "Mark Noble is still injured with a problem with his Achilles tendon.
Other than that we don't seem to have many problems."
With an almost full squad, is it unlikely Diego Poyet will feature?
SA: "He's in the squad so he has a chance. He's had some first team football
up in Huddersfield, now's he back here, and we're happy he's back. At any
point we could pick up injuries, we played Aston Villa and picked up five
injuries that couldn't play against Everton. So having Diego back is
important."
Has he been knocking on your door asking to play this weekend against his
Dad's side?
SA: "No we haven't talked about that, he's in the squad so he's got a chance
but we haven't discussed it."
In terms of scoring more goals and playing more attacking football was that
a conscious decision?
SA: "Not really, you play the best way you can with the team you've got. We
were never short of creating chances in my time here. I wouldn't say we're
attacking more we're just scoring more goals then we did before and
converting more chances.
"We're slightly down on our clean sheet ratio so that's the only bit of
negativity. If we continue to score the goals then it won't matter as much."
A quick word on Sunderland, how do you rate them as opponents?
SA: "There hugely difficult at home, playing them away has been tough for
us. They've been struggling for goals recently, I think Connor Wickham and
Steven Fletcher would've wanted a few more goals than they've got and if
they had they would have converted their draws to wins. Hopefully we can
keep those guys quiet on Saturday and deliver another good away
performance."
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Six of the best - Sunderland
WHUFC.com
A look back at six West Ham United wins over Sunderland
11.12.2014
The Hammers travel to Sunderland on Saturday looking to record a fourth
straight victory. Here whufc.com takes a look back at six memorable wins
over the Mackems.
Sunderland 0-1 West Ham United
Premier League
23 November 2008
The Hammers won at the Stadium of Light in November 2008 as the first part
of a double over the Black Cats. Valon Behrami notched the only goal of the
game as the Londoners kept a second successive clean sheet. They went on to
finish ninth in the Premier League, while Sunderland were down in 16th, just
two points clear of relegation.
Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United
Championship
4 December 2004
West Ham were en route to promotion when they made the long journey to
Sunderland in December 2004. It was a successful trip as Alan Pardew's side
notched twice without reply to take all three points. A red card to the
hosts' Steven Caldwell helped West Ham on their way, and they took the lead
on 59 minutes through Marlon Harewood. Teddy Sheringham's final minute goal
sealed the victory.
West Ham United 2-0 Sunderland
Premier League
22 March 2003
West Ham moved out of the bottom three for the first time in four months
with a much needed victory at home to Sunderland. The attacking trio of
Jermain Defoe, Frederic Kanoute and Les Ferdinand gave the Mackems defence
the run around as the Hammers took all three points.
Defoe got the first midway through the opening period when he swivelled and
placed a shot past Thomas Sorensen. Kanoute replaced the injured Ferdinand
at half-time and put the game to bed with a cool finish.
West Ham United 6-0 Sunderland
First Division
11 October 1992
A brace from Mark Robson inspired West Ham to a thumping win over Sunderland
in 1992. There were also goals for Alvin Martin, Martin Allen, Trevor Morley
and Kevin Keen as the Wearsiders left east London empty handed. The emphatic
win sent the Hammers up to fifth in the table in a season which they went
onto finish second in the league, gaining promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham United 5-0 Sunderland
Second Division
18 October 1989
Eamonn Dolan was the catalyst for a big home win over the Mackems as the
Hammers continued their good early season form. A crowd of just over 20,000
turned up to see Dolan net twice, half of his tally for the season, with
three of his teammates also getting in on the act.
Kevin Keen, Martin Allen and Stuart Slater scored a goal apiece to round off
a miserable day for their visitors from the North East.
Eamon Dolan
West Ham United 8-0 Sunderland
First Division
19 October 1968
Geoff Hurst ran riot against The Black Cats, netting an incredible double
hat-trick as the Hammers recorded a huge win. Hurst stole the show with six
goals of his own but Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore also managed to get
their names on the scoresheet. The striker's haul helped to take him to an
impressive 31 goals by the end of the season as he helped fire West Ham to
an eighth place finish whilst Sunderland were well below them finishing
17th.
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Burke - 'We were better than them'
WHUFC.com
U18's captain Reece Burke believes he side should have beaten Southampton
10.12.2014
West Ham United U18's captain Reece Burke said he believes his side were
good enough to beat Southampton in the FA Youth Cup Third Round on Tuesday
evening. The Hammers took an early lead when Josh Pask diverted Djair
Parfitt-Williams' corner past Harry Isted. However the Saints rallied as Dan
Demkiv equalised as he ran onto to Josh Sims sublime through ball. Into the
second half and the Hammers' task was made much harder when Manny Onariase
was sent off for fouling the on rushing striker. The Saints took the lead
through Callum Slattery's blistering effort as he beat Sam Howes from 25
yards out. Speaking after the game, Burke said: "I thought we started the
game really well. The first 20 minutes we had opportunities to go at least
2-0 and maybe 3-0 ahead. We conceded a sloppy goal to let them back into the
game. Going down to ten men didn't help either. Once they scored the second
goal it was very hard to get back into the game. "Credit to Southampton,
they're a good team. But the team we brought today was much better than
them. Going out today I thought we would win. "I thought I did well today. I
tried to get the boys going. Obviously you need some leaders out there, I
tried to do my bit but you need everyone to be a leader particularly when
you go down to ten men."
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Mediawatch - 11 December
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
11.12.2014
The Evening Standard carries an article asking Hammers fans to share
memories of their favourite kits in readiness for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground.
In the Daily Mirror, former Hammers man Slaven Bilic says his old team could
go on to claim a Champions League place.
The Mail Online says West Ham are keeping tabs on Valencia midfielder Javi
Fuego.
In the Daily Star, Modibo Maiga's future at Metz is discussed.
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Sam Allardyce considers setting West Ham new target for season
BBc.co.uk
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce says he is prepared to reassess his
side's target of a top-10 Premier League finish, provided the club are still
going strong at the end of January. The Hammers sit fourth having taken 27
points from 15 league games and beat Swansea 3-1 last time out. Allardyce
told West Ham's website: "If we're still here towards the end of January
we'll reassess our aims. "We'll have played 20 games, we'll have played
everybody once. "So we should have a good indicator of where we are. "We'll
see what everybody has in their locker, everybody would've seen what we have
so it'll be a question of whether we can carry it on."
Allardyce said the setting of a loftier target would depend on how those
players due to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations coped.
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce "I think Andy Carroll's still getting
back to full fitness and he can get better once he's 100% ready.
"His confidence will get better the more he plays, his goals will help too."
Senegal pair Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate, along with Cameroon
midfielder Alex Song could all be missing next month. "We might have a
little worrying spell during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, that's
why I'm not prepared to do any more predictions until they come back,"
Allardyce said. Striker Andy Carroll, 25, scored two goals in the 3-1 win at
home to Swansea and appears to have put his injury problems behind him.
Allardyce added: "I think Andy's still getting back to full fitness and he
can get better once he's 100% ready. "He's had a long layoff and only a
handful of games played.
"His confidence will get better the more he plays, his goals will help too.
"Certainly the games he's played so far have been good and I think there's
more to come."
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Allardyce fears Song and Sakho departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 11th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce says he is delighted with his team's current form - but
slightly concerned about the effect the African Cup of Nations will have on
his team. Chiek Kouyate, Diafra Sakho (both Senegal) and Alex Song
(Cameroon) will almost certainly be involved in the tournament, which begins
in Equatorial Guinea on 17 January with the Final taking place in Bata on 8
February. And that is bad news for Big Sam and West Ham, for whom the trio
of new signings have been a major part of this season's success. "We might
have a little worrying spell during the Africa Cup of Nations in January,"
he told the media this morning. "That's why I'm not prepared to do any
predictions until they come back. "The new players have done a particularly
fantastic job. The other players have done a job to welcome them in and make
them feel comfortable. Our team spirit and family feel has played a part and
everyone is on top of their game. "I think the Swansea performance typified
that, we're a very good team character-wise as we came back from a goal down
again. Our determination shone through as did our ability and quality."
Despite the team's sterling start to the season, Allardyce was in no mood to
entertain talk of Champions League qualification either - as hinted at by
one journalist at this morning's pre-match press conference. "We don't want
to get carried away," he added. We just want to keep on playing the football
we're playing at the moment. Everyone is enjoying themselves, there's a good
buzz around the training ground which is always a good sign. I think
competition for places keeps everyone hungry. "If we're still here towards
the end of January then we'll reassess our aims. By that point we'll have
played 20 games, we'll have played everybody once so we should have a good
indicator of where we are. "So we'll see what everybody has got in their
locker, everybody would've seen what we have in ours so it'll be a question
of whether we can carry it on."
West Ham face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
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Diego Poyet hoping West Ham win at Sunderland, managed by father Gus
Last Updated: 10/12/14 12:47pm
Diego Poyet will be at Sunderland cheering against his dad Gus on Saturday,
even if he fails to make the West Ham squad. The 19-year-old is back at the
Boleyn after a short loan spell at Huddersfield and is available for
selection this weekend's game against the side managed by Poyet Snr. West
Ham go to Wearside on the back of three straight Premier League wins and
Poyet, who has started just once since joining from Charlton in the summer,
will have his work cut out to earn a place in Saturday's 18-man squad. But
family loyalty will come second to club commitments anyway, and the
midfielder told West Ham's website: "Even if I'm not involved, I'll still
try and make the journey to support the boys. Hopefully we'll get another
three points. "I'd love to be play in the game against Sunderland. The squad
is pretty much all fit at the moment so it will be difficult but I'd love to
be part of it. "I've never played against a team my dad's managed, he'd left
Brighton by the time I was playing for Charlton so we haven't crossed paths
just yet. "We're both looking forward to it happening one day, we've been
joking about it recently. We won't talk about it this week, after the game
I'm sure whoever wins will have something to say."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce warns Sunderland there's more to come from Andy
Carroll
Last Updated: 11/12/14 3:42pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he is happy with Andy Carroll's return
from injury which leaves him with an array of talented striking options.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has warned Sunderland there is more to come
from Andy Carroll after the England forward's man-of-the-match display last
time out. The former Newcastle and Liverpool striker scored twice in the 3-1
home win over Swansea to lift the Hammers to fourth in the Premier League
table. The goals were the first of the campaign for Carroll who had been
sidelined for four months after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.
Allardyce said: "I don't think he is as good as he can be, on the back of a
long lay-off and a handful of games back in the team. "The overall
performance first and foremost and, more importantly, the goals will give
him a massive boost in confidence. "I think we're the third highest
goalscorers in the league at the minute. Let's keep doing that. Whoever
scores them, let's keep scoring them. "I said, before Andy scored, the last
nine goals had nine different goalscorers, prior to the Swansea game, so
there are a lot of goals being shared all over. "There is also Enner
Valencia, with the likes of Andy and Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole and Mauro
Zarate. It's a very, very good strong front line."
Allardyce admitted a spot in the top-four was beyond his wildest
expectations at the start of the season and added: "I wouldn't have thought
it was achievable before we started playing because we had so many new
players. "But like I've said many times the new players have done a
particularly fantastic job. The other players have done a job to welcome
them in and make them feel comfortable. Our team spirit and family feel has
played a part and everyone is on top of their game."
The Englishman revealed, however, that he had not begun to envisage leaving
the Boleyn Ground for the Olympic Stadium next season with Champions League
qualification secured. He said: "If we're still here towards the end of
January then we'll reassess our aims. By that point we'll have played 20
games, we'll have played everybody once so we should have a good indicator
of where we are. "We'll see what everybody has got in their locker,
everybody would've seen what we have in ours so it'll be a question of
whether we can carry it on.
"We might have a little worrying spell during the Africa Cup of Nations in
January, that's why I'm not prepared to do any more predictions until they
come back."
Sunderland are next up for West Ham on Saturday afternoon, with only
midfielder Mark Noble still struggling to be fit due an ongoing Achilles
tendon injury. Allardyce said: "They're hugely difficult at home, playing
them away has been tough for us. They've been struggling for goals recently,
I think Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher would've wanted a few more goals
than they've got and if they had they would have converted their draws to
wins. "Hopefully we can keep those guys quiet on Saturday and deliver
another good away performance."
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STEWART DOWNING IS A DIAMOND
By Iain Dale 11 Dec 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Neil Clack
UPDATE: I owe Neil an apology. I forgot to put his name to this article when
it was put up. More haste, less speed, as my mother used to day. I'm very
sorry.
Be honest. Who thought at the time Stewart Downing was not a good signing
for West Ham? Many of us felt we desperately needed another striker with the
last of that summer's transfer budget, rather than spend the 5 million on a
29-year-old underperforming winger. David Sullivan even went public, wishing
to make it perfectly clear that the signing of Downing was Sam's decisión,
and not the board's – it looked like the beginning of some tension between
the two men (one that manifested itself last May when the owners deliberated
over whether to sack Sam or not – personally, I reckon the reports that they
were divided, with Sullivan wanting him out, and Gold and Brady sticking up
for the manger are not far from the truth).
It was a gamble by Sam, putting all the eggs in one Andy Carroll-laden
basket, and it nearly cost us relegation, but we survived, and are now
reaping the benefits of the multi-functional Downing, and finally having a
big squad – we've gone from one extreme to the other as far as striking
options are concerned!
And what a revelation Downing is proving to be, in his new position at the
point of the diamond in a 4-3-1-2 formation. It makes you wonder if perhaps
he's been held back all his career, stuck out wide by Steve McClaren, Martin
O'Neill, and Kenny Dalglish in rigid 4-4-2 systems. Brendan Rodgers even had
him playing at left back! (Downing had 0 goals and 0 assists in the season
before we signed him!)
Downing's delivery of corners and free kicks has been superb lately too. How
is it that by playing in a new position, a player even manages to deliver
better set pieces? – it can only be confidence and momentum, I guess?
The diamond formation, as it's dubbed in England, requires a 'number 10' at
the point of the diamond, with the other three midfielders tucked in more
central. Downing has thrived in this role. The width is provided by the two
forwards, and, of course, the number 10, who pull out wide whenever they
feel it's required, and that calls for a good understanding between the
three of them, aswell as a good reading of the game. Downing, Sakho, and
Valencia pulled it off to a tee in the home victories over Liverpool and Man
City.
When Sakho went wide, either to the left or the right, Valencia moved into
the centre more, and vice-versa. At times, it can look as if you're playing
without a centre forward, and then suddenly you have 3 in the centre forward
position – a nightmare for central defenders, especially for some British
defenders, who haven't been brought up to face such mobility.
In the diamond formation, the full backs, with no wide midfielders/wingers
in front of them, also have a lot more room to push forward and link up with
the forwards or the number 10 down the wing, and that's why the formation
can be a very attacking one – full backs playing almost like wing backs.
Some of us wondered whether And Carroll would fit into 4-3-1-2; whether he
had enough tactical nous or mobility to pull out into those wide areas and
open up the space in the middle for the number 10 to move into, and it was
noticable that when Carroll first returned, against Newcastle, Sam changed
the system. playing Jarvis and Downing on the wings.
And it was very much 4-4-2 first half at West Brom – the Carroll/Zarate
partnership clearly needs a bit of working on – and then we went 3-5-2 in
the second half (or 5-3-2 more like) to stem the flow as West Brom began to
over-run our Song & Noble-less central midfield.
The great thing about the win over Swansea last Sunday though, is that even
with Carroll in the team, we successfully played the diamond formation and
continued to get the best out of Downing, while also playing to Carroll's
strengths.
Carroll's never looked that great on the floor, but in the air, he's
probably one of the best in the world at the moment? As long as we don't
become dependent on the long ball upto Carroll then having that option is
fine. Geoff Hurst, David Cross and John Hartson were also great in the air,
but played in good West Ham passing teams – the ball in the air was just one
option. Carroll can also take heart that both Hurst and Cross improved
immensely as all-round players during their time at West Ham.
Jacob Steinberg, the Guardian's West Ham correspondent, described the way
the team played, and Allardici's tactics, as thoroughly modern after the win
v Man City. He s right in terms of British football, although 4-3-2-1 has
been the main formation used in Argentina, and also often in Italy, Spain,
and Germany too, for the last 30 years. As Steinburg pointed out, at times,
it looks like the team is playing without strikers, such is the
interchanging, roaming, and pulling out wide of the front free. That's the
beauty of the system.
With three central midefielders behind him, the player at the point of the
diamond is not required to track back as much as midfielders in 4-4-2,
something which British fans have had problems understanding, or adjusting
too – the number 10 is the thinking player, the one who should be postioning
himself as an outlet when his team are not in possession, ready to receive
the ball when they regain it, in any space he sees opening up, rather than
thinking about defensive duties.
The problem with the defintion of the 'Number 10' position in England is
that, unlike other countries, British football vernacular has never had a
proper name for the role, mainly because the position never really existed
here until recently. Some pundits, wrongly in my opinión, refer to 2nd
strikers like Rooney or Sheringham as playing in the number 10 position, but
that's not what we're talking about here.
Abroad, it's a clearly defined role, the attacking midfielder, at the point
of the diamond, who playes in a free role. It got dubbed 'number 10' in
other countries because invariably those players, like Riquelme, Baggio,
Totti, Socrates, Zico, Zidane tended to wear that shirt, but there are
proper terms for the position abroad eg, 'Enganche' in Spanish,
'Trequartista' in Italian, which are as much part of their football parlance
as full back or centre forward.
One wonders how much English players like John Barnes and Chris Waddle were
held back, especially at international level, where they were pigeon-holed
as wingers, and instructed to stick to the flanks?
In 1991, England manager Graham Taylor said he had sat down with Barnes, and
was fascinated by his knowledge of international football. Barnes had
pointed out that all the most skillful and creative players at international
level operated from more central positions, so, as a result, Taylor tried
Barnes in the number 10 role for a friendly v USSR in May 91, but he
reverted back to 4-4-2 at half time, and never varied from it again,
claiming the rest of the team didn't understand what was required.
Waddle, as a radio pundit, has always been scathing in his criticisms of
English football, especially the national team. He found a new lease of
life, playing in the number 10 role at Marseille, and has been ranting away
about the inflexibility of British football, and British managers, ever
since.
No one could deny that Joe Cole's career hasn't been a success (Premier
league titles, Fa Cup and Carling Cup winners medals, 56 England caps), but
personally I think he was unlucky in that his main managers, at the peak of
his career, at both club and international level (Mourinho, Eriksson,
Hodgson, were all defensive-minded, who saw him as a left midfielder,
requiring him to change his natural game and track back. If Joe Cole had
been in Argentinian, he would have been give the number 10 shirt, and told
to dribble and roam wherever he sees fit. I still can't help feeling that
Joe Cole could have been an even greater player than he was.
(There's an article on Joe Cole by Sam Wallace in the Independent here, in
which Cole himself says he always felt his best position was in the centre).
Who wouldn't have liked to have been a fly on the wall, during those
discussions between Sam and the board back in May. I would have loved to
have heard the tactical debate; how they proposed to provide the fans with
more attacking and entertaining football this season, but I doubt there are
any of us who envisaged the result would be 4-3-1-2, with Downing at the
point of the diamond?
Whether it happened by plan or accident – I think the late signing of Song
on the last day of the transfer window, to add to Kayoute & Noble in central
midfield, providing a platform for the number 10 to perform, has facilitated
the system enormously – credit must be given to Sam Allardidi, that most
thoroughly sophisticated of modern managers.
And what a great signing Downing has turned out to be. A bargain for 5
million!
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Arsenal and Liverpool transfers: Winston Reid stays at West Ham unless I'm
offered £20m warns Allardyce
Dec 11, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
Premier League heavyweights are being linked with defender set to be a free
agent next summer but Hammers boss insists they won't sell him cheap in
January
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has claimed it will take a bid of £20million for West Ham to
sell Winston Reid in January. And Allardyce, the Hammers' manager, insisted
they would rather keep the Kiwi defender to help their unexpected bid for a
Champions League place than sell him on the cheap next month. Reid, 26,
joined the Upton Park club in 2010 and signed a two-year contract extension
in 2013 after winning their Hammer of the Year award. However, the New
Zealand captain is set to be out of contract next summer after declining to
sign a new deal and he has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United and
Liverpool this season. But Allardyce, whose side sit fourth in the Premier
League after three consecutive wins, stated bluntly: "He ain't going
anywhere. "He is not going anywhere unless someone bids £20m or something
like that. There is obviously not a lot I can do about that. "If somebody
flirts around with a measly offer because he is in the last year of his
contract, we would make more money by keeping him and finishing where we are
in the league than selling him and putting our good season in jeopardy.
"Because replacing him in January - replacing anybody in January - is a very
difficult job indeed."
Reid, who has bizarrely finished runner-up to world champion woodchopper
Jason Wynyard in the Maori Sportsman of the Year Award voting, is a
first-team regular at Upton Park - and if he was to move to a club above
West Ham in the Premier League table then, as things stand, he'd only have
three options. "In the end, I just hope what is happening this season here
and what is happening with us now has a telling factor on the decision that
he makes and it is not just [about making more] money," Allardyce added. "I
just hope that the phone call is a yes when the chairman rings me up at some
stage. At the moment, it is neither a positive nor a negative. It is neither
a yes or a no from Reidie at the moment. "But it is today's football. It has
been on the news today that Raheem Sterling has been refusing to sign a new
contract with Liverpool. So, that happens in the world of football because
everybody want the big bucks, don't they? "If they don't think the big bucks
[they are already on] is good enough, they think they can get it somewhere
else, they will just wait now, they will just ride it out. That's life."
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Sam Allardyce urges West Ham to keep feet on the ground despite stunning
start to the season
Dec 11, 2014 11:59 By Neil McLeman
After Sunday's win over Swansea the Hammers are sitting fourth in the league
table but Allardyce isn't getting ahead of himself
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has insisted West Ham's season should not be judged until
January. The Hammers sit fourth in the Premier League - above Arsenal and
Tottenam - after three consecutive wins. But the Irons boss, who aimed for a
top 10 finish at the start of the season. said he will not reassess the
club's targets for the season until after the busy Christmas period and the
African Nations' Cup. "We will change our aims at the end of January if we
are still in this position," he said. "That will be 20 games in and more
than half the games played.
"We we would have played everyone by Christmas and the New Year and we will
see what everyone has got in their locker and everyone will see how much we
have got in our locker. And a little worrying factor is the African Nations
Cup in January. That is why I won't be making any predictions until
January."
Alex Song, Diafra Sakho and Cheikh Kouyate could all be missing next month
on international duty. But before Saturday's visit to Sunderland, Allardyce
insisted Andy Carroll will only get better as he regains form and fitness
following his ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season. The England
striker scored his first two goals of the season against Swansea on Sunday.
"I don't think he is as good as he can be yet," said the West Ham manager.
"He is coming back after a long layoff and he has just had a handful of
games back in the team. His performance and his goals will give him a
massive boost. "We are the joint third highest scorers in the Premier League
- let's keep that going."
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£4m West Ham summer target available for free; should Allardyce try again?
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham's summer target Ivan Strinic will soon be available on a free
transfer. Virtually all of West Ham's summer signings have impressed this
season, with great displays from the likes of Carl Jenkinson, Alex Song,
Cheikhou Kouyate, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia.
Yet some fans may argue that Aaron Cresswell has been their best signing,
with the left back adjusting to the Premier League seamlessly since his move
from Ipswich Town. The 24-year-old should be West Ham's first choice left
back for years to come, but West Ham need to add depth and support behind
him - something that manager Sam Allardyce tried to do in the summer.
Reports just months ago suggested that the Hammers were close to securing a
£4m deal to sign Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk left back Ivan Strinic, but the move
fell apart late in July.
Now though, we're approaching the January transfer window, and with the
Hammers eyeing up a Champions League place, more spending could be granted
next month, and adding another left back could be something for Allardyce to
consider once again. However, West Ham could now land Strinic for nothing -
and here's why. The Croatian international will be out of contract at the
end of this season, meaning that the 27-year-old can sign a pre-contract
agreement when the transfer window opens again. If Allardyce was willing to
fork out £4m to land him less than six months ago, then the prospect of
adding him for free should be something that 'Big Sam' is interested in.
Napoli are also reportedly interested in adding Strinic for a knockdown
price, but the instability of manager Rafael Benitez means that a switch to
Italy could be risky - and West Ham are a club moving in the right
direction. Factor in that his former Croatia boss Slaven Bilic was a West
Ham hero, and maybe the former Hammer could help persuade Strinic to make
the move to Upton Park, keeping Cresswell on his toes in the process.
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No apologies…Afcon is a problem!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Earlier today ClaretandHugh nailed its colours to the mast and took plenty
of stick for doing so! Twas ever thus. We have always believed the African
Nations Cup is played at the wrong time of the year and some may argue that
given the ebola outbreak it may have been better to cancel or postpone it.
We are told it is now being played in a safe environment and all is well.
Let's pray so! West Ham face four games in nine days between the end of
December and early January after which Alex Song, Cheik Kouyate and Diafra
Sakho could be missing until February.
Sam Allardyce and the rest of the club believe our season could be derailed
by the event. It would be a super optimist who would disagree.
In our earlier piece on the subject we suggested that fans made their
feelings known whenever they met the players, wrote to them at the club or
even let them know from the terraces – via a chant – they would prefer them
to remain at Upton Park. This brought an "outraged" and "disgusted" reaction
from one kind soul who suggested I was either drunk when I wrote it or had
the mentality of a six year old who forgotten to hit the delete button. I
remain unapologetic despite arguments that the club knew what it was doing
when buying the Africans in a year when the tournament was being held. Err,
did anyone expect Sakho to be doing so ….!? I'm not a great lover of
international football at the best of times. Indeed I can't remember the
last time I watched England over 90 minutes. I do, however, love West Ham
United with a passion and care very much indeed how we perform for the rest
of the season in league and FA Cup. Sorry Senegal and Cameroon but I feel no
allegiance to you whatsoever.
Maybe I'm digging an even bigger hole for myself here but you know what – I
really don't care because even though my truth may be unpalatable to some,
it remains my truth. The injury suffered by Diafra on a Senegal treatment
table during his last trip on international duty was quite shocking and will
almost certainly mean our own medics will travel to the tournament with him
and Kouyate. Should the duo and Alex Song wish to represent their countries
they will and that's an end to the matter but please, let nobody start
claiming the moral high ground because some of us put our club before
countries with which we have no connection whatsoever. If the fans choose to
see the boys off in silence, no problem, but I for one believe this
tournament is ill timed and as a result tend to put my club first.
No apologies …no retractions!
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Hammers still paying huge Maiga price
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are still paying a massive price for their Modibo Maiga nightmare!
The super-flop striker – who went AWOL from Metz when named as a sub for the
match against Marseilles at the weekend – is facing a disciplinary hearing
at the French club as a result. But as we reported this morning Hammers
officials claim there is no chance of him returning to Upton Park on the
basis of him having broken his contract. And we have discovered that Maiga's
move to Metz was of little help in offloading much of his £38k a week wages.
We were told that we are continuing to pay him £33k a week as Metz were only
prepared to put up £5k of the centre forward's weekly wage. He has managed
only four goals this season and has hardly made much of the shop window
offered to him after he was offered a pay off deal in the summer. However,
we were told the player wanted 100 per cent of the £38k a week for two years
– a total of around £3.6 million.
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Friday, December 12
Thursday, December 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th December 2014
Poyet ready for Son-derland
WHUFc.com
Diego Poyet is back at West Ham and could face his Dad's Sunderland this Saturday
10.12.2014
West Ham United's Diego Poyet is relishing the prospect of playing against his Dad - Gus Poyet - when the Hammers travel to Wearside to play Sunderland on Saturday. The tenacious midfielder has recently returned to the Club following a short-term loan spell at Sky Bet Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, where he was reunited with manager Chris Powell. The two had previously worked together at Charlton Athletic. Poyet was back in the iconic Claret and Blue shirt on Monday night as he played the full 90 minutes as the Development Squad lost 3-2 to Fulham at Rush Green. Speaking after the game, he said: "I'd love to be play in the game against Sunderland. The squad is pretty much all fit at the moment so it will be difficult but I'd love to be part of it. "I've never played against a team my Dad's managed, he'd left Brighton by the time I was playing for Charlton so we haven't crossed paths just yet. "We're both looking forward to it happening one day, we've been joking about it recently. We won't talk about it this week, after the game I'm sure whoever wins will have something to say!"
With the Hammers sitting in fourth in the Premier League table, Poyet is hoping the team can maintain their good run of form and extend their winning run to four games come Saturday. "We're absolutely flying, the boys are buzzing and they deserve it. Everyone's worked hard this season, we deserve everything we've got and hopefully that continues, the performances and the results. "Even if I'm not involved I'll still try and make the journey to support the boys and hopefully we'll get another three points. "I had a good time away but I'm happy to be back. I was at the ground on Sunday which was obviously another great result. I asked the staff if I could play on Monday and get a run out which was good for me. I had a run of games at Huddersfield so to continue that was good."
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Sav hails Hammers revival
WHUFC.com
Former Leicester player and BBC pundit Robbie Savage has backed Big Sam's work at the Hammers
10.12.2014
Former player turned pundit Robbie Savage reckons his former employers David Sullivan and David Gold are doing a fantastic job at a Club he's always had a soft spot for - West Ham United! The former Leicester City, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder is one of the game's biggest love/hate figures and speaking to ClaretandHugh, he declared: "The two Davids are great characters and are doing a brilliant job with Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. "That club was deep in debt when they arrived and now they are flying and showing incredible ambition. It's no surprise to me because when I was with Birmingham their desire was obvious. "For me when they arrived at the club they love and have supported all their lives it was always gonna be a success - their commitment is total. Football and West Ham in particular consumes them. It's a great club and one I've always had a soft spot for."
'Sav' didn't believe that Allardyce would get the chop at the end of last season and says that the three men will have come closer together in the summer when bringing in their new signings. He said: "It's a very strong squad indeed and possibly even one that can finish in the top seven. It's harder maintaining the position than it is getting there as we may be seeing with Southampton. "But the turnaround from last season is amazing and it will be interesting to see whether Sam is offered a new deal. He's done everything that's been asked of him so why not."
This article first appeared on ClaretandHugh.
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The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll says West Ham United can challenge at the top of the Barclays Premier League
09.12.2014
Andy Carroll believes the new-look West Ham United can challenge at the very top of the Barclays Premier League. The No9 is part of a strong and confident squad that sits in the top four as the 2014/15 season approaches its halfway stage. Having returned from ankle surgery last month and netted his first goals in eight months in Sunday's 3-1 win over Swansea City, the 25-year-old is excited to be part of a squad that boasts a host of outstanding players in all positions. With the summer signings quickly settling in alongside a spine of long-serving Hammers, Carroll is setting no limits to what West Ham can achieve.
Andy, congratulations on returning to the scoresheet!
AC: "Yeah, it is a great feeling for any striker to get a goal or two. It is important to stay fit, which I have done and now the goals have come, which I think we deserved. "Obviously the full-backs and the wingers have been throwing some great crosses into the box and I've managed to get my head on two of them really well. "Obviously I have been out for a while. In the last couple of games I have played here I haven't been fully fit. But there were a lot of other injuries to Enner and Diafra and I was put in a little unexpectedly really. Now I am feeling really strong after playing the last three games. I was feeling good and was able to put myself about a bit more and that is why I was put the defenders under pressure on Sunday."
The squad appears to have so much strength in depth, so you've got to keep performing and keep scoring to keep your place?
AC: "We have got a lot more players in there. We have a big squad and a great squad to be involved in. We are all fighting for a place in the first XI and that makes the team a lot better."
That's two games in a row where we have come from behind to win - proof of the spirit in the squad?
AC: "Yeah, obviously it is disappointing going 1-0 down to anybody, but we have shown real fight in the last two games to come back. We showed against Swansea again the fight and the strength we have got in the team to fight back once and it was a fantastic result."
We are in the top four after 15 games, which is no fluke. So how far can we go this season?
AC: "I think there is no limit. We can go all the way to the top. We have a great squad and I couldn't say we are going to give up now we are in the top three or four. We have got a great team and we can go all the way. "I think it is the manager we have got and the way we are playing at the moment, the coaching is superb and we have a great team and the depth in the squad is fantastic, so I don't see us giving this up at all."
You have had three strike partners in the last two games - Mauro Zarate against West Bromwich Albion and then Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho against Swansea. How did you enjoy playing with Valencia and then Sakho?
AC: "Both of them are great players as they have shown from the start of the season. Both of them have got goals in them. Diafra has come off the bench and got one and he could have had another one potentially on another day. They are both great players and it is fantastic to see them fit again and both back on the pitch. "Sakho has been a fantastic signing. The manager has brought in a lot of great signings. He is also capable of keeping everybody happy which is a hard thing, but he has managed it. Everyone is really happy."
Sakho might have been a great signing, but you didn't look too happy when he didn't cross the ball for your potential hat-trick goal!
AC: "I didn't hold back on what I thought when we got in the dressing room (laughs) but hopefully next time he will put me in. The important thing was the three points."
Has their form taken the pressure of you to lead the line and contribute to the majority of our goals?
AC: "It is always easier when you have got a big squad. You are not relying on one or two players. We have so many quality players who can come in and do a job and that is why the players who aren't playing are disappointed, the players in don't want to lose their places."
What has Alex Song brought to the team?
AC: "Every game he has played he has been fantastic. He just slows the game to his tempo which is a benefit for us if he can slow the game down when it needs to be. At 1-0 down we weren't going gung-ho. He just held it together and passed it nicely for us to counter."
We go to Sunderland on Saturday, where you scored in a victory last season. Half your family are Sunderland fans, so can you expect a few boos from them?!
AC: "I think they will all be cheering me even if they are Sunderland fans! It is another tough game to go up there and we just have to carry on the run that we have got going on now and hopefully we will play as well as we did today and in the last couple of weeks and get the three points."
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Potts disappointed by defeat
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts believes his side had the chances to beat Southampton
10.12.2014
West Ham United U18s manager Steve Potts said he was disappointed at losing 2-1 to Southampton in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup at St Mary's Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Hammers took an early lead through Josh Pask as he flicked Djair Parfitt-Williams' inswinging corner past Harry Isted. The Saints responded through Dan Demkiv's composed finish as he ran on to Josh Sims' defence splitting ball.
The Hammers started the second half on the front foot, however the game's momentum changed when Manny Onariase was sent off for bringing down the striker as he was clean through on goal.
The Saints took the lead through 15-year-old Callum Slattery, who scored from a wonderfully struck 25-yard strike which gave Howes no chance of saving. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "Obviously the initial reaction is disappointment. The first 20 minutes I thought we were so comfortable. We went in front after about ten minutes and we had chances to extend our lead. "It came down to that old saying that if you don't get the second goal then you open yourself up to be punished. They got into the game and then shortly afterwards there was the sending off which made it very difficult for us. "I thought we did well enough with ten men, I don't think Sam Howes has had a save to make. It was one of those nights really where if we had put the ball away when we had our chances in the first half, we would have been comfortable winners."
The defeat sees the U18s knocked out of the FA Youth Cup in the third round for the second consecutive year. Potts continued to say: "I don't have any complaints with the red card. As soon as it happened you feared red. As soon as the ref had given the free kick he had to go really. "Southampton are a good team but I think we're the better side and we had the chances to win, it was just shame that we didn't. We kept them limited to very few chances considering we were a man down. "It was a great experience for them. We just wanted more for them, to get through would've been great because you have another game like this with a crowd and a stadium. It just wasn't to be."
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Yes, Virgil: Hammers join defender hunt
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 10th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have entered the race to sign Celtic's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk. The 23-year-old central defender has proved a huge hit in Scotland since moving to Celtic from Groningen in June of last year and was the subject of a failed £8million bid from Southampton during the summer. Tottenham, Swansea, Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City are all said to be monitoring van Dijk's situation, as are West Ham, who are in the hunt for a new central defender with uncertainly still surrounding Winston Reid's situation. The Hammers are also reported to be keeping tabs on Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou. The 24-year-old Cameroon international has been with the Ligue 1 club since moving from Monaco in 2011.
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West Ham eye Johnson return
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 10th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are interested in bringing former Hammer Glen Johnson back to east London. Having started his career at West Ham, the 30-year-old Greenwich-born right back has spent the last five years at Liverpool but is out of contract next summer. One of the hottest prospects in England football little more than a decade ago, West Ham were forced to cash in on the full back following relegation in 2003. At the time, Johnson - who expressed a desire to remain at West Ham before being sold to Chelsea for £6million - had made just 15 first team appearances for the Hammers. Since then, he has made more than 250 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Portsmouth and Liverpool and won 54 England caps. Liverpool are already preparing for life with Johnson, with Uruguayan right-back Maxi Pereira high on their list of replacements. West Ham have also made enquiries with view to signing Carl Jenkinson on a permanent basis, but have baulked at Arsenal's valuation of £8-10million.
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Diego Poyet hoping West Ham win at Sunderland, managed by father Gus
Last Updated: 10/12/14 12:47pm
SSN
Diego Poyet will be at Sunderland cheering against his dad Gus on Saturday, even if he fails to make the West Ham squad. The 19-year-old is back at the Boleyn after a short loan spell at Huddersfield and is available for selection this weekend's game against the side managed by Poyet Snr. West Ham go to Wearside on the back of three straight Premier League wins and Poyet, who has started just once since joining from Charlton in the summer, will have his work cut out to earn a place in Saturday's 18-man squad. But family loyalty will come second to club commitments anyway, and the midfielder told West Ham's website: "Even if I'm not involved, I'll still try and make the journey to support the boys. Hopefully we'll get another three points. "I'd love to be play in the game against Sunderland. The squad is pretty much all fit at the moment so it will be difficult but I'd love to be part of it. "I've never played against a team my dad's managed, he'd left Brighton by the time I was playing for Charlton so we haven't crossed paths just yet. "We're both looking forward to it happening one day, we've been joking about it recently. We won't talk about it this week, after the game I'm sure whoever wins will have something to say."
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SHOULD WINSTON REID BE GIVEN A DEADLINE?
By Iain Dale 10 Dec 2014 at 17:33
West Ham Till I Die
Like many of you I am getting very frustrated by Winston Reid's refusal to sort out his contract situation. We took a real risk on him when we signed him in 2010. We paid a big fee of £4 million on an unproven player on the basis of his performances in the 2010 World Cup for New Zealand. I well remember his first few matches. He was pants. A shadow of the player he has become. He should realise that he owes us just as much as West Ham owes him. I want him to stay, but I don't want him to stay at all costs. He is replaceable and he ought to realise that. He has chance of becoming something big. We're about to move to the Olympic Stadium. Our team is playing better than at any time during his time with us. Surely it can't all be about money. Can it? Really?
If Reid intends to go in the January transfer window he should surely tell the club now, so they have time to recruit a replacement. Doesn't he owe us that?
Winston, if you read this, I can't imagine a single person on this site wants you to leave. You've become a first class defender. You're now in a first class team, and in less than two years you'll be in a first class stadium.
Stay. You know it makes sense.
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KEEPING HIGHFLYING HAMMERS HAPPY
By HamburgHammer 10 Dec 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
In a week where West Ham have reached their highest league placing in 15 years you see a lot of smiling faces in and around the Boleyn. Fans, the manager, the board, most players all wearing a massive grin on their boats these days that make a Cheshire cat look sullen in comparison. But with the lofty heights we find ourselves in this season comes a whole new set of challenges and very unfamiliar problems. Suddenly other clubs appear very much interested to sign up several of our players, not just one or two, and rightly so.
As soon as a team dares to enter the rich hunting grounds at the top of the table other clubs are bound to look to dismantle a team that is clicking as well as ours.
I'll just say I hope our board stay true to their word that West Ham is no longer a selling club.
If we want to continue growing as a club and become bigger ourselves just as we are about to move into the OS we must hang onto the spine of our team, keeping players like Tomkins, Cresswell, Song, Kouyate, Sakho, Carroll and Valencia at this club. Offers from bigger clubs for sure are just around the corner, but the board should be very careful about who they're letting go. As far as I know our debt is pretty much under control prior to our move to the OS after which we only have to pay a relatively low rent for the OS, so on paper we may not actually have to sell players for financial reasons for a change.
Another massive and unfamiliar problem that comes with our current territory is keeping the spirits in our dresing room high. Which sounds easy enough to do on the back of three league wins in a row. But with a big and talented squad like ours there is a catch: Even a West Ham team can only field eleven starters and name seven substitutes.
Competition for places is something new at West Ham and most fans love it for obvious reasons. The downside is that it leaves quite a few players on the bench or even in the stands who are itching to play and would probably be starters in a lot of Premier League clubs below us in the table.
I am sure players like Zarate, Amalfitano, Jarvis, Cole and Valencia would love to start more games, young Diego Poyet too, having just returned from his loan spell at Huddersfield. All of these players have individual qualities and skills to offer, but they share in their current fate of having to play the waiting game.
This is where Sam Allardyce has to do a tough job handling players' egos and keeping our players happy in a way they can perform to the best of their ability once they are being called into action. We've all heard the rumours about Zarate considering a transfer to Italy in January to get more playing time.
Of course our rarely used players will get their chances again. There will be injuries, there is the African Cup of Nations coming up, the busy Christmas/New Year schedule and the FA Cup as well. We will need our big squad soon enough, but it must be a nightmare (while being a nice problem to have at the same time) to have so many players at your disposal who are all quality players that could easily be regular starters.
Some of them might need an arm around their shoulders at times or a nice word of encouragement into their ears occasionally, our coaching staff hopefully know how to handle these players.
There are no easy answers here. Do you put more emphasis on keeping those players happy who have been here for many years and give the likes of Noble, Nolan, Carroll and Cole more playing time ? Do you try to play the new signings like Zarate or Amalfitano as often as possible in order to keep them happy, not creating a situation where they get desperate enough to leave the club ? Or do you simply focus on performances during games or in training to choose your starters and bench players ?
I love watching our current team celebrating their goals on the pitch and the bench (thank God there are many reasons to have those celebrations this season!) as it shows the current good spirit and harmony within our squad. I'd like to see this spirit continue to thrive, not being disrupted by unhappy squad members.
Am I overthinking this probably and will things take care of themselves over the course of the season ? Or is it just par for the course for a team like West Ham improving its performances and status in the league as we speak ?
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West Ham old boy Slaven Bilic backing the Hammers to nail down a Champions League place
Dec 10, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
Ex-Irons defender and Besiktas boss fancies their chances of hanging on to their current top 4 position - and admits he'd like to manage in England
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has claimed his old club West Ham can get into the Champions League next season. Besiktas coach Bilic, a Hammers defender for 18 months from January 1996, says current boss Sam Allardyce can pull off a miracle and upset the Premier League big guns by finishing in the top four. Bilic's side host Tottenham in a dead-rubber Europa League group game in Istanbul on Thursday this evening, and believes the fourth-placed Irons can finish ahead of their London neighbours. Echoing West Ham striker Andy Carroll's comments after Sunday's defeat of Swansea, Bilic said: "I hope so. Still, there is a long way to go. But you can't talk about 'early days' today. There are enough games.
"They are also doing well at Southampton. I think one of them can make it. Especially because those clubs, they are improving a lot. West Ham were struggling last year, okay, but they were very good in the [summer] market, bought good players and kept good players. And it clicked. "Big Sam knows the league like this, from Bolton and Blackburn. He was under pressure. But he got used to pressure. He never doubts himself. Because he has done it in past. "It is a big advantage if you feel something like deja-vu - you have been there."
Bilic still has a big connection with English football because of his time at Upton Park and Everton - as well as being the man who brought the downfall of Steve McClaren as England boss. McClaren was tagged the "wally with the brolly" after a Bilic-coached Croatia side knocked them out of the Euro 2008 qualifying, and the 46-year-old revealed that he still feels bad - but says he is happy he weathered the storm that rainy night at Wembley. Bilic, who admits he would like to manage in the Premier League in the future, said: "The umbrella didn't help, of course. I got really wet! "I respect him big time. I felt really sorry for him. Treat the guy with respect. Steve did really well in his career. He knows football, very polite and we played QPR last year in pre-season. I'm glad he's doing great."
The former Hajduk Split and Lokomotiv Moscow boss, whose Istanbul side drew the reverse fixture with Spurs 1-1 in October, added: "Managing in the Premier League is a question I get asked, not only about England - but mostly - and whatever you say, it sounds not fair to someone. I really like it here at Besiktas, I like this job, it's a massive club. "I'm enjoying it big time. But, of course, I would say that, one day, I would be interested in England, of course I would. "I've been there, I've played there, l liked it there - wherever I go there. Okay, I'm not a huge star, but I feel people like me there and I spent my best years - and not only in football - there. "It's also the Premier League. If we have dinner, and there are big screens to watch, and there is no Turkish game, then we watch Premier League. That is the league that is most followed. "Take away Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, that's two clubs. People know the line-ups of Southampton. Do they know the line-up of Getafe or Levante? I'm not sure."
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West Ham and Big Sam kept faith with Andy Carroll - now it's time to pay them back
Dec 10, 2014 10:00
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
The £15million striker scored twice Swansea on Sunday and proved Allardyce was right to stick by him, writes Steve Stammers
The Mirror
No-one has shown more faith in Andy Carroll than Sam Allardyce. Now it is payback time. Through all his injury problems since he came to West Ham, Carroll has been able to rely on his manager Allardyce for support. Allardyce was insistent that Carroll would be a huge asset to the club – and now Carroll has the opportunity to prove that. Against Aston Villa as a substitute, Carroll made an impact. Against Newcastle he was a handful. Against Swansea last Sunday, he was immense. It was the Carroll of old – imperious in the air, impossible to intimidate physically and a constant handful for a Swansea central defence that is not renowned for taking prisoners. Two magnificent headed goals and the final whistle could not come quick enough for Ashley Williams and Kyle Bartley. There is no question, no debate that a fit and firing Andy Carroll will have a huge part to play if West Ham are to maintain their pre-Christmas surge in the Premier League. Especially next month.
That is when Allardyce will lose key players to the African Cup of Nations – including front man Diafra Sakho. Sakho has been lethal this season and there will be a huge void in the West Ham front line when he reports for duty with Senegal. But what is possible in his absence was on view at Upton Park on Sunday. On his return from injury, Sakho was confined the bench and Carroll led the line to quite stunning effect. Swansea could not handle him. And when the Senegalese international is absent, Carroll is more than capable of playing his part in making sure that West Ham are still a top six outfit when Sakho returns. Allardyce never lost belief in the man that he persuaded the West Ham board was worth a £15 million transfer fee from Liverpool. A great time for Carroll to show that belief was not mis-placed.
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David Gold: West Ham United want to sign Alex Song from Barcelona on permanent contract
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
David Gold has made it clear that West Ham United want to sign former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song on a permanent contract from Barcelona.
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has given the strongest indication yet that the club want to sign Alex Song on a permanent contract. The Cameroon international joined the Hammers on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Song, a former Arsenal star, has been a huge success at West Ham so far this campaign, his impressive performances in midfield proving key in the side's rise up the Premier League table. In nine league appearances, the 27-year-old has created 10 chances, won 50% of his duels, and has a pass accuracy of 79%. Gold has now made it clear that West Ham want to sign Song on a permanent deal. West Ham are currently fourth in the Premier League table with 27 points from 15 matches.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
"@debmcc1: @davidgold Will we be putting in an offer for Song?
We would like Alex to join us on a permanent basis. dg
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Irons fear Arsenal move for Song
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh readers will have known several days ago that the Irons were moving heaven and earth to bring Alex Song to the club on a permanent deal. We reported on Monday that our sources reckoned we had a 50/50 chance of landing a player who is our No 1 priority target next summer. Now Irons co chairman David Gold has confirmed our story on Twitter when declaring:" "We would like Alex to join us on a permanent basis." Since DG made the announcement we have discovered that the Irons are ready to go to £15 million plus to land Song and may be prepared to pay in excess of £80k a week on personal terms. However, the big worry isn't Galatasaray – who have been linked with the Barcelpona star since he decided to come to the east end – but Arsenal. We were told: "Alex is enjoying life with us but there's a feeling that he may believe there's unfinished business in north London. We just have everything crossed that we keep the field to ourselves as there's no way he will play outside of the capital. His wife Olivia loves the city. "In the end he will go to the club that offers him the best deal – it's a very simple world really!".
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Reid's London property deal "means nothing"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Highly placed West Ham sources have dashed hopes that Winston Reid's decision to become involved in a London property owning venture necessarily means he has decided to commit to a new long term deal at the club. The central defender was last night reported as having become a co owner of the Lincoln Plaza development on Canary Wharf. And that immediately sparked optimistic discussion across the forums that he had decided to perhaps accept the six year deal put in front of him by the Hammers board. But a club source told ClaretandHugh: "Winston sees property owning as sensible investment and unfortunately nobody should read nothing into this at all. "I can't see it meaning that he has necessarily made up his mind to stay. He can own property as a commercial venture and play his football anywhere. "It would be foolish for anyone to get their hopes up on the basis of this particular story. In itself it means nothing"
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Hammers talk on Fuego link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham made it crystal clear again today that there is little money in the wage pot to fund January raids on players as speculation arose that we are eyeing Valencia midfielder Javi Fuego. According to Spanish newspaper Marca the Irons are looking hard at the 30 year old and that he was watched in his club's recent Copa del Rey victory over Rayo Vallecano. Fuego has become a key player for Valencia in recent months, and the former Spanish youth international has featured in every one of their La Liga games this season which suggests it would be hard to prise him out of the club anyway. However, a source told ClaretandHugh this afternoon: "We fully expect to be linked with anybody and everybody over the next few weeks with the window approaching but with wages as they are people will have to leave for us to bring any in. "We are strong in midfield and that would not be a key area should we manage to get into the market so this looks a bit of a longshot at best."
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WHUFc.com
Diego Poyet is back at West Ham and could face his Dad's Sunderland this Saturday
10.12.2014
West Ham United's Diego Poyet is relishing the prospect of playing against his Dad - Gus Poyet - when the Hammers travel to Wearside to play Sunderland on Saturday. The tenacious midfielder has recently returned to the Club following a short-term loan spell at Sky Bet Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, where he was reunited with manager Chris Powell. The two had previously worked together at Charlton Athletic. Poyet was back in the iconic Claret and Blue shirt on Monday night as he played the full 90 minutes as the Development Squad lost 3-2 to Fulham at Rush Green. Speaking after the game, he said: "I'd love to be play in the game against Sunderland. The squad is pretty much all fit at the moment so it will be difficult but I'd love to be part of it. "I've never played against a team my Dad's managed, he'd left Brighton by the time I was playing for Charlton so we haven't crossed paths just yet. "We're both looking forward to it happening one day, we've been joking about it recently. We won't talk about it this week, after the game I'm sure whoever wins will have something to say!"
With the Hammers sitting in fourth in the Premier League table, Poyet is hoping the team can maintain their good run of form and extend their winning run to four games come Saturday. "We're absolutely flying, the boys are buzzing and they deserve it. Everyone's worked hard this season, we deserve everything we've got and hopefully that continues, the performances and the results. "Even if I'm not involved I'll still try and make the journey to support the boys and hopefully we'll get another three points. "I had a good time away but I'm happy to be back. I was at the ground on Sunday which was obviously another great result. I asked the staff if I could play on Monday and get a run out which was good for me. I had a run of games at Huddersfield so to continue that was good."
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Sav hails Hammers revival
WHUFC.com
Former Leicester player and BBC pundit Robbie Savage has backed Big Sam's work at the Hammers
10.12.2014
Former player turned pundit Robbie Savage reckons his former employers David Sullivan and David Gold are doing a fantastic job at a Club he's always had a soft spot for - West Ham United! The former Leicester City, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder is one of the game's biggest love/hate figures and speaking to ClaretandHugh, he declared: "The two Davids are great characters and are doing a brilliant job with Sam Allardyce at Upton Park. "That club was deep in debt when they arrived and now they are flying and showing incredible ambition. It's no surprise to me because when I was with Birmingham their desire was obvious. "For me when they arrived at the club they love and have supported all their lives it was always gonna be a success - their commitment is total. Football and West Ham in particular consumes them. It's a great club and one I've always had a soft spot for."
'Sav' didn't believe that Allardyce would get the chop at the end of last season and says that the three men will have come closer together in the summer when bringing in their new signings. He said: "It's a very strong squad indeed and possibly even one that can finish in the top seven. It's harder maintaining the position than it is getting there as we may be seeing with Southampton. "But the turnaround from last season is amazing and it will be interesting to see whether Sam is offered a new deal. He's done everything that's been asked of him so why not."
This article first appeared on ClaretandHugh.
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The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll says West Ham United can challenge at the top of the Barclays Premier League
09.12.2014
Andy Carroll believes the new-look West Ham United can challenge at the very top of the Barclays Premier League. The No9 is part of a strong and confident squad that sits in the top four as the 2014/15 season approaches its halfway stage. Having returned from ankle surgery last month and netted his first goals in eight months in Sunday's 3-1 win over Swansea City, the 25-year-old is excited to be part of a squad that boasts a host of outstanding players in all positions. With the summer signings quickly settling in alongside a spine of long-serving Hammers, Carroll is setting no limits to what West Ham can achieve.
Andy, congratulations on returning to the scoresheet!
AC: "Yeah, it is a great feeling for any striker to get a goal or two. It is important to stay fit, which I have done and now the goals have come, which I think we deserved. "Obviously the full-backs and the wingers have been throwing some great crosses into the box and I've managed to get my head on two of them really well. "Obviously I have been out for a while. In the last couple of games I have played here I haven't been fully fit. But there were a lot of other injuries to Enner and Diafra and I was put in a little unexpectedly really. Now I am feeling really strong after playing the last three games. I was feeling good and was able to put myself about a bit more and that is why I was put the defenders under pressure on Sunday."
The squad appears to have so much strength in depth, so you've got to keep performing and keep scoring to keep your place?
AC: "We have got a lot more players in there. We have a big squad and a great squad to be involved in. We are all fighting for a place in the first XI and that makes the team a lot better."
That's two games in a row where we have come from behind to win - proof of the spirit in the squad?
AC: "Yeah, obviously it is disappointing going 1-0 down to anybody, but we have shown real fight in the last two games to come back. We showed against Swansea again the fight and the strength we have got in the team to fight back once and it was a fantastic result."
We are in the top four after 15 games, which is no fluke. So how far can we go this season?
AC: "I think there is no limit. We can go all the way to the top. We have a great squad and I couldn't say we are going to give up now we are in the top three or four. We have got a great team and we can go all the way. "I think it is the manager we have got and the way we are playing at the moment, the coaching is superb and we have a great team and the depth in the squad is fantastic, so I don't see us giving this up at all."
You have had three strike partners in the last two games - Mauro Zarate against West Bromwich Albion and then Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho against Swansea. How did you enjoy playing with Valencia and then Sakho?
AC: "Both of them are great players as they have shown from the start of the season. Both of them have got goals in them. Diafra has come off the bench and got one and he could have had another one potentially on another day. They are both great players and it is fantastic to see them fit again and both back on the pitch. "Sakho has been a fantastic signing. The manager has brought in a lot of great signings. He is also capable of keeping everybody happy which is a hard thing, but he has managed it. Everyone is really happy."
Sakho might have been a great signing, but you didn't look too happy when he didn't cross the ball for your potential hat-trick goal!
AC: "I didn't hold back on what I thought when we got in the dressing room (laughs) but hopefully next time he will put me in. The important thing was the three points."
Has their form taken the pressure of you to lead the line and contribute to the majority of our goals?
AC: "It is always easier when you have got a big squad. You are not relying on one or two players. We have so many quality players who can come in and do a job and that is why the players who aren't playing are disappointed, the players in don't want to lose their places."
What has Alex Song brought to the team?
AC: "Every game he has played he has been fantastic. He just slows the game to his tempo which is a benefit for us if he can slow the game down when it needs to be. At 1-0 down we weren't going gung-ho. He just held it together and passed it nicely for us to counter."
We go to Sunderland on Saturday, where you scored in a victory last season. Half your family are Sunderland fans, so can you expect a few boos from them?!
AC: "I think they will all be cheering me even if they are Sunderland fans! It is another tough game to go up there and we just have to carry on the run that we have got going on now and hopefully we will play as well as we did today and in the last couple of weeks and get the three points."
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Potts disappointed by defeat
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts believes his side had the chances to beat Southampton
10.12.2014
West Ham United U18s manager Steve Potts said he was disappointed at losing 2-1 to Southampton in the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup at St Mary's Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Hammers took an early lead through Josh Pask as he flicked Djair Parfitt-Williams' inswinging corner past Harry Isted. The Saints responded through Dan Demkiv's composed finish as he ran on to Josh Sims' defence splitting ball.
The Hammers started the second half on the front foot, however the game's momentum changed when Manny Onariase was sent off for bringing down the striker as he was clean through on goal.
The Saints took the lead through 15-year-old Callum Slattery, who scored from a wonderfully struck 25-yard strike which gave Howes no chance of saving. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "Obviously the initial reaction is disappointment. The first 20 minutes I thought we were so comfortable. We went in front after about ten minutes and we had chances to extend our lead. "It came down to that old saying that if you don't get the second goal then you open yourself up to be punished. They got into the game and then shortly afterwards there was the sending off which made it very difficult for us. "I thought we did well enough with ten men, I don't think Sam Howes has had a save to make. It was one of those nights really where if we had put the ball away when we had our chances in the first half, we would have been comfortable winners."
The defeat sees the U18s knocked out of the FA Youth Cup in the third round for the second consecutive year. Potts continued to say: "I don't have any complaints with the red card. As soon as it happened you feared red. As soon as the ref had given the free kick he had to go really. "Southampton are a good team but I think we're the better side and we had the chances to win, it was just shame that we didn't. We kept them limited to very few chances considering we were a man down. "It was a great experience for them. We just wanted more for them, to get through would've been great because you have another game like this with a crowd and a stadium. It just wasn't to be."
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Yes, Virgil: Hammers join defender hunt
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 10th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have entered the race to sign Celtic's Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk. The 23-year-old central defender has proved a huge hit in Scotland since moving to Celtic from Groningen in June of last year and was the subject of a failed £8million bid from Southampton during the summer. Tottenham, Swansea, Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City are all said to be monitoring van Dijk's situation, as are West Ham, who are in the hunt for a new central defender with uncertainly still surrounding Winston Reid's situation. The Hammers are also reported to be keeping tabs on Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou. The 24-year-old Cameroon international has been with the Ligue 1 club since moving from Monaco in 2011.
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West Ham eye Johnson return
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 10th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are interested in bringing former Hammer Glen Johnson back to east London. Having started his career at West Ham, the 30-year-old Greenwich-born right back has spent the last five years at Liverpool but is out of contract next summer. One of the hottest prospects in England football little more than a decade ago, West Ham were forced to cash in on the full back following relegation in 2003. At the time, Johnson - who expressed a desire to remain at West Ham before being sold to Chelsea for £6million - had made just 15 first team appearances for the Hammers. Since then, he has made more than 250 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Portsmouth and Liverpool and won 54 England caps. Liverpool are already preparing for life with Johnson, with Uruguayan right-back Maxi Pereira high on their list of replacements. West Ham have also made enquiries with view to signing Carl Jenkinson on a permanent basis, but have baulked at Arsenal's valuation of £8-10million.
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Diego Poyet hoping West Ham win at Sunderland, managed by father Gus
Last Updated: 10/12/14 12:47pm
SSN
Diego Poyet will be at Sunderland cheering against his dad Gus on Saturday, even if he fails to make the West Ham squad. The 19-year-old is back at the Boleyn after a short loan spell at Huddersfield and is available for selection this weekend's game against the side managed by Poyet Snr. West Ham go to Wearside on the back of three straight Premier League wins and Poyet, who has started just once since joining from Charlton in the summer, will have his work cut out to earn a place in Saturday's 18-man squad. But family loyalty will come second to club commitments anyway, and the midfielder told West Ham's website: "Even if I'm not involved, I'll still try and make the journey to support the boys. Hopefully we'll get another three points. "I'd love to be play in the game against Sunderland. The squad is pretty much all fit at the moment so it will be difficult but I'd love to be part of it. "I've never played against a team my dad's managed, he'd left Brighton by the time I was playing for Charlton so we haven't crossed paths just yet. "We're both looking forward to it happening one day, we've been joking about it recently. We won't talk about it this week, after the game I'm sure whoever wins will have something to say."
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SHOULD WINSTON REID BE GIVEN A DEADLINE?
By Iain Dale 10 Dec 2014 at 17:33
West Ham Till I Die
Like many of you I am getting very frustrated by Winston Reid's refusal to sort out his contract situation. We took a real risk on him when we signed him in 2010. We paid a big fee of £4 million on an unproven player on the basis of his performances in the 2010 World Cup for New Zealand. I well remember his first few matches. He was pants. A shadow of the player he has become. He should realise that he owes us just as much as West Ham owes him. I want him to stay, but I don't want him to stay at all costs. He is replaceable and he ought to realise that. He has chance of becoming something big. We're about to move to the Olympic Stadium. Our team is playing better than at any time during his time with us. Surely it can't all be about money. Can it? Really?
If Reid intends to go in the January transfer window he should surely tell the club now, so they have time to recruit a replacement. Doesn't he owe us that?
Winston, if you read this, I can't imagine a single person on this site wants you to leave. You've become a first class defender. You're now in a first class team, and in less than two years you'll be in a first class stadium.
Stay. You know it makes sense.
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KEEPING HIGHFLYING HAMMERS HAPPY
By HamburgHammer 10 Dec 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
In a week where West Ham have reached their highest league placing in 15 years you see a lot of smiling faces in and around the Boleyn. Fans, the manager, the board, most players all wearing a massive grin on their boats these days that make a Cheshire cat look sullen in comparison. But with the lofty heights we find ourselves in this season comes a whole new set of challenges and very unfamiliar problems. Suddenly other clubs appear very much interested to sign up several of our players, not just one or two, and rightly so.
As soon as a team dares to enter the rich hunting grounds at the top of the table other clubs are bound to look to dismantle a team that is clicking as well as ours.
I'll just say I hope our board stay true to their word that West Ham is no longer a selling club.
If we want to continue growing as a club and become bigger ourselves just as we are about to move into the OS we must hang onto the spine of our team, keeping players like Tomkins, Cresswell, Song, Kouyate, Sakho, Carroll and Valencia at this club. Offers from bigger clubs for sure are just around the corner, but the board should be very careful about who they're letting go. As far as I know our debt is pretty much under control prior to our move to the OS after which we only have to pay a relatively low rent for the OS, so on paper we may not actually have to sell players for financial reasons for a change.
Another massive and unfamiliar problem that comes with our current territory is keeping the spirits in our dresing room high. Which sounds easy enough to do on the back of three league wins in a row. But with a big and talented squad like ours there is a catch: Even a West Ham team can only field eleven starters and name seven substitutes.
Competition for places is something new at West Ham and most fans love it for obvious reasons. The downside is that it leaves quite a few players on the bench or even in the stands who are itching to play and would probably be starters in a lot of Premier League clubs below us in the table.
I am sure players like Zarate, Amalfitano, Jarvis, Cole and Valencia would love to start more games, young Diego Poyet too, having just returned from his loan spell at Huddersfield. All of these players have individual qualities and skills to offer, but they share in their current fate of having to play the waiting game.
This is where Sam Allardyce has to do a tough job handling players' egos and keeping our players happy in a way they can perform to the best of their ability once they are being called into action. We've all heard the rumours about Zarate considering a transfer to Italy in January to get more playing time.
Of course our rarely used players will get their chances again. There will be injuries, there is the African Cup of Nations coming up, the busy Christmas/New Year schedule and the FA Cup as well. We will need our big squad soon enough, but it must be a nightmare (while being a nice problem to have at the same time) to have so many players at your disposal who are all quality players that could easily be regular starters.
Some of them might need an arm around their shoulders at times or a nice word of encouragement into their ears occasionally, our coaching staff hopefully know how to handle these players.
There are no easy answers here. Do you put more emphasis on keeping those players happy who have been here for many years and give the likes of Noble, Nolan, Carroll and Cole more playing time ? Do you try to play the new signings like Zarate or Amalfitano as often as possible in order to keep them happy, not creating a situation where they get desperate enough to leave the club ? Or do you simply focus on performances during games or in training to choose your starters and bench players ?
I love watching our current team celebrating their goals on the pitch and the bench (thank God there are many reasons to have those celebrations this season!) as it shows the current good spirit and harmony within our squad. I'd like to see this spirit continue to thrive, not being disrupted by unhappy squad members.
Am I overthinking this probably and will things take care of themselves over the course of the season ? Or is it just par for the course for a team like West Ham improving its performances and status in the league as we speak ?
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West Ham old boy Slaven Bilic backing the Hammers to nail down a Champions League place
Dec 10, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
Ex-Irons defender and Besiktas boss fancies their chances of hanging on to their current top 4 position - and admits he'd like to manage in England
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic has claimed his old club West Ham can get into the Champions League next season. Besiktas coach Bilic, a Hammers defender for 18 months from January 1996, says current boss Sam Allardyce can pull off a miracle and upset the Premier League big guns by finishing in the top four. Bilic's side host Tottenham in a dead-rubber Europa League group game in Istanbul on Thursday this evening, and believes the fourth-placed Irons can finish ahead of their London neighbours. Echoing West Ham striker Andy Carroll's comments after Sunday's defeat of Swansea, Bilic said: "I hope so. Still, there is a long way to go. But you can't talk about 'early days' today. There are enough games.
"They are also doing well at Southampton. I think one of them can make it. Especially because those clubs, they are improving a lot. West Ham were struggling last year, okay, but they were very good in the [summer] market, bought good players and kept good players. And it clicked. "Big Sam knows the league like this, from Bolton and Blackburn. He was under pressure. But he got used to pressure. He never doubts himself. Because he has done it in past. "It is a big advantage if you feel something like deja-vu - you have been there."
Bilic still has a big connection with English football because of his time at Upton Park and Everton - as well as being the man who brought the downfall of Steve McClaren as England boss. McClaren was tagged the "wally with the brolly" after a Bilic-coached Croatia side knocked them out of the Euro 2008 qualifying, and the 46-year-old revealed that he still feels bad - but says he is happy he weathered the storm that rainy night at Wembley. Bilic, who admits he would like to manage in the Premier League in the future, said: "The umbrella didn't help, of course. I got really wet! "I respect him big time. I felt really sorry for him. Treat the guy with respect. Steve did really well in his career. He knows football, very polite and we played QPR last year in pre-season. I'm glad he's doing great."
The former Hajduk Split and Lokomotiv Moscow boss, whose Istanbul side drew the reverse fixture with Spurs 1-1 in October, added: "Managing in the Premier League is a question I get asked, not only about England - but mostly - and whatever you say, it sounds not fair to someone. I really like it here at Besiktas, I like this job, it's a massive club. "I'm enjoying it big time. But, of course, I would say that, one day, I would be interested in England, of course I would. "I've been there, I've played there, l liked it there - wherever I go there. Okay, I'm not a huge star, but I feel people like me there and I spent my best years - and not only in football - there. "It's also the Premier League. If we have dinner, and there are big screens to watch, and there is no Turkish game, then we watch Premier League. That is the league that is most followed. "Take away Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, that's two clubs. People know the line-ups of Southampton. Do they know the line-up of Getafe or Levante? I'm not sure."
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West Ham and Big Sam kept faith with Andy Carroll - now it's time to pay them back
Dec 10, 2014 10:00
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
The £15million striker scored twice Swansea on Sunday and proved Allardyce was right to stick by him, writes Steve Stammers
The Mirror
No-one has shown more faith in Andy Carroll than Sam Allardyce. Now it is payback time. Through all his injury problems since he came to West Ham, Carroll has been able to rely on his manager Allardyce for support. Allardyce was insistent that Carroll would be a huge asset to the club – and now Carroll has the opportunity to prove that. Against Aston Villa as a substitute, Carroll made an impact. Against Newcastle he was a handful. Against Swansea last Sunday, he was immense. It was the Carroll of old – imperious in the air, impossible to intimidate physically and a constant handful for a Swansea central defence that is not renowned for taking prisoners. Two magnificent headed goals and the final whistle could not come quick enough for Ashley Williams and Kyle Bartley. There is no question, no debate that a fit and firing Andy Carroll will have a huge part to play if West Ham are to maintain their pre-Christmas surge in the Premier League. Especially next month.
That is when Allardyce will lose key players to the African Cup of Nations – including front man Diafra Sakho. Sakho has been lethal this season and there will be a huge void in the West Ham front line when he reports for duty with Senegal. But what is possible in his absence was on view at Upton Park on Sunday. On his return from injury, Sakho was confined the bench and Carroll led the line to quite stunning effect. Swansea could not handle him. And when the Senegalese international is absent, Carroll is more than capable of playing his part in making sure that West Ham are still a top six outfit when Sakho returns. Allardyce never lost belief in the man that he persuaded the West Ham board was worth a £15 million transfer fee from Liverpool. A great time for Carroll to show that belief was not mis-placed.
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David Gold: West Ham United want to sign Alex Song from Barcelona on permanent contract
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
David Gold has made it clear that West Ham United want to sign former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song on a permanent contract from Barcelona.
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has given the strongest indication yet that the club want to sign Alex Song on a permanent contract. The Cameroon international joined the Hammers on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Song, a former Arsenal star, has been a huge success at West Ham so far this campaign, his impressive performances in midfield proving key in the side's rise up the Premier League table. In nine league appearances, the 27-year-old has created 10 chances, won 50% of his duels, and has a pass accuracy of 79%. Gold has now made it clear that West Ham want to sign Song on a permanent deal. West Ham are currently fourth in the Premier League table with 27 points from 15 matches.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
"@debmcc1: @davidgold Will we be putting in an offer for Song?
We would like Alex to join us on a permanent basis. dg
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Irons fear Arsenal move for Song
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh readers will have known several days ago that the Irons were moving heaven and earth to bring Alex Song to the club on a permanent deal. We reported on Monday that our sources reckoned we had a 50/50 chance of landing a player who is our No 1 priority target next summer. Now Irons co chairman David Gold has confirmed our story on Twitter when declaring:" "We would like Alex to join us on a permanent basis." Since DG made the announcement we have discovered that the Irons are ready to go to £15 million plus to land Song and may be prepared to pay in excess of £80k a week on personal terms. However, the big worry isn't Galatasaray – who have been linked with the Barcelpona star since he decided to come to the east end – but Arsenal. We were told: "Alex is enjoying life with us but there's a feeling that he may believe there's unfinished business in north London. We just have everything crossed that we keep the field to ourselves as there's no way he will play outside of the capital. His wife Olivia loves the city. "In the end he will go to the club that offers him the best deal – it's a very simple world really!".
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Reid's London property deal "means nothing"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Highly placed West Ham sources have dashed hopes that Winston Reid's decision to become involved in a London property owning venture necessarily means he has decided to commit to a new long term deal at the club. The central defender was last night reported as having become a co owner of the Lincoln Plaza development on Canary Wharf. And that immediately sparked optimistic discussion across the forums that he had decided to perhaps accept the six year deal put in front of him by the Hammers board. But a club source told ClaretandHugh: "Winston sees property owning as sensible investment and unfortunately nobody should read nothing into this at all. "I can't see it meaning that he has necessarily made up his mind to stay. He can own property as a commercial venture and play his football anywhere. "It would be foolish for anyone to get their hopes up on the basis of this particular story. In itself it means nothing"
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Hammers talk on Fuego link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham made it crystal clear again today that there is little money in the wage pot to fund January raids on players as speculation arose that we are eyeing Valencia midfielder Javi Fuego. According to Spanish newspaper Marca the Irons are looking hard at the 30 year old and that he was watched in his club's recent Copa del Rey victory over Rayo Vallecano. Fuego has become a key player for Valencia in recent months, and the former Spanish youth international has featured in every one of their La Liga games this season which suggests it would be hard to prise him out of the club anyway. However, a source told ClaretandHugh this afternoon: "We fully expect to be linked with anybody and everybody over the next few weeks with the window approaching but with wages as they are people will have to leave for us to bring any in. "We are strong in midfield and that would not be a key area should we manage to get into the market so this looks a bit of a longshot at best."
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Wednesday, December 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th December 2014
Big Sam reacts to FA Cup draw
WHUFc.com
Sam Allardyce believes West Ham United can win at Everton in the FA Cup
third round
09.12.2014
Sam Allardyce is backing his players to rise to the challenge when West Ham
United travel to Everton in the FA Cup third round. The Hammers could not
have been handed a much tougher draw than a trip to Goodison Park, where
they succumbed to a narrow 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat in November.
However, Big Sam believes his in-form side can continue their outstanding
recent run, with the likes of Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou Kouyate and Alex Song
possibly playing their final game before heading to the 2015 Africa Cup of
Nations. "It wasn't so long ago we were at Goodison Park, where we got a
disappointing result but put in what I thought was a very good performance,"
the manager began. "Obviously it will be a really tough game, our fourth
game in eight days and away from home against Premier League opposition.
"That said, if you are going to do well in the FA Cup, you need to pull off
wins over sides of a similar level to yourselves. We are in fantastic form
at the moment and hopefully by the time we get to 3 January, the injury list
won't be too big and we will still have the three players available before
they go to the African Nations Cup. "If I have a full squad available for
those four games in eight days, that will be very useful as it will give me
the opportunity to rotate the squad and continue the fantastic form we are
in at the moment. I've been changing the side on a regular basis due to
injuries and to cope with three games last week, so the squad has done
exceptionally well to achieve the results we have acquired, so I don't see
any reason why won't continue in that vein."
West Ham have met Everton eight times in the FA Cup previously, with each
club coming out on top on four occasions. The Toffees won the first four
ties, including the first-ever meeting between the pair in February 1907 and
a semi-final in March 1933. More recently, the Hammers prevailed after a
semi-final replay on their way to winning the trophy in 1980, when Frank
Lampard scored a memorable winner at Elland Road, and Stuart Slater produced
a virtuoso display in a quarter-final success in 1991. "The recent record
against Everton in the FA Cup is very good, so let's hope we can keep that
going!" said Big Sam, who has never managed against Everton in the FA Cup
himself.
The tie will see two former Everton FA Cup finalists return to Goodison Park
in the shape of assistant manager Neil McDonald, who started the 1989 defeat
by Liverpool, and goalkeeper coach Bobby Mimms, who was between the sticks
in the loss to the Reds in 1986. Ticket and fixture details for West Ham's
visit to Goodison Park on the weekend of 3 January 2015 will be confirmed
soon.
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Ben's Big Sam surprise!
WHUFC.com
Big Sam gave Hammers fan Ben Shephard a big 40th birthday surprise live on
television!
09.12.2014
Ben Shephard received the best 40th birthday gift a West Ham United
supporter could wish for - a Claret and Blue cake presented by manager Sam
Allardyce.Big Sam surprised Hammers fan Shephard live on ITV's Good Morning
Britain on Tuesday, appearing on the set to the sound of Bubbles before
handing the cake to the shocked presenter. Shephard, who knows the manager
well after playing under him in the annual Soccer Aid charity match and
presenting West Ham's annual Player Awards in recent years. As he approaches
his big milestone on Thursday, however, the popular host admits his dream of
receiving a call-up by Big Sam to pull on the famous West Ham shirt is fast
receding!
"I don't want to ever think that there is not a chance that I will see Sam
at one point and he is going to say 'Sheps, have you got your boots because
we need you this Saturday?'" he smiled. "It is getting harder and harder
every day when I get up that little bit older and that little bit creakier
to think that the dream is still alive! "Seriously, though, I get the chance
to play down at Upton Park after the end of the season and that's enough.
Besides, the way the boys are playing at the moment they don't need any help
from muppets like me!
"Sam is doing a cracking job and it's an absolute pleasure to be a West Ham
fan right now."
While his fellow hosts - Sean Fletcher, Susanna Reid and Charlotte Hawkins -
were in on the surprise, Shephard himself had no idea that he would be
joined on the sofa by the manager of his favourite football club. "I am
rubbish with surprises and Sam always gives me so much stick because I am on
the telly in the morning, then doing the quiz [Tipping Point] and then doing
Goals on Sunday with Kammy!" he continued. "I genuinely cannot believe Sam
came onto Good Morning Britain. It will be one of the most surreal but
brilliant moments of my career, him delivering my birthday cake for my 40th
birthday! "It's softened the blow of turning 40, but to be honest things are
great - West Ham are flying high in the Premier League, I've got a very
happy family and I work with some great people, so there are a few things
I'm not that concerned about and turning 40 is one of them! "Sam just
escalated my birthday to something really special by bringing my cake in!"
Focusing on football, Shephard has been hugely impressed with how the
Hammers have performed under Big Sam this season, and paid tribute to the
loyalty shown to the manager by Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David
Gold. "I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day and I said that
one of the sensational things about our recent form is the fact we have come
back to win the last few games. We have gone behind and come back to win and
we're doing really well. "To see the boys playing with confidence,
enthusiasm and energy, playing creative, exciting football is the West Ham
we all want to see and I think it bodes really, really well. "The faith that
that the Chairmen and the Club had in Sam have allowed him to prove that,
given a fit squad, he is definitely the manager want as West Ham fans to go
forward. You can see it pulsing through the team. "It's an absolute pleasure
being a West Ham fan, which is why turning 40 won't be quite so painful!"
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Cresswell's aiming high
WHUFc.com
West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell believes his team can keep on
surprising people
09.12.2014
Aaron Cresswell is loving life at the top end of the Barclays Premier League
table, just a matter of months after swapping the Championship for the top
flight. The 24-year-old defender has played a key role since arriving at the
Boleyn Ground, featuring in every minute of the season to date and helping
Sam Allardyce's men record three straight victories over the past
week-and-a-half. Now, as the Hammers head towards the busy Christmas
schedule, Cresswell believes the Londoners have the required team spirit to
keep on surprising people. "We're on a high and full of confidence," he
confirmed. "We've got a great team spirit down here and we've won three
games in a row, which is massive. "We've come from behind a few times this
season. We went 1-0 down against both West Brom and Swansea last week before
bringing the game back to win. "We're just looking forward to each game as
it comes. "At the start of the season the aim was top ten, and if we can
finish anything above top ten, of course we'd like to be in Europe. We'll
see where we come at the end of the season."
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Etherington: I regret leaving West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Etherington admits that he was disappointed to leave West Ham in the
manner in which he did. The left winger spent six years at West Ham between
2003 and 2009 before being sold to Stoke City in January 2009 in a deal
worth £3million, amidst widespread rumours of off-the-field problems. Now
33, the former Spurs and Stoke player told the KUMB Podcast's Chris Scull
and James Longman that he bitterly regrets the way in which he left West Ham
- a club he still feels a great affection for. "I started off really well
under Zola and scored a few goals," he said. "He liked me as a player and I
was playing in a different position, just off the striker and it suited me
as I was getting more of the ball there. "Everyone knows about my personal
problems and it kind of got on top of me a little. That's one regret I have
about my time at West Ham, that I did leave under a little bit of a cloud. I
had such good times there and still think fondly of the club. "It's still my
team now so to leave under that little bit of a cloud left a little bit of a
bad taste in my mouth. It was my fault, no-one else's but I just wish that I
hadn't have left that way. West Ham is genuinely my team and always will be.
I had such great times at the club; it was brilliant."
Despite leaving the BG in less than happy circumstances, Etherington is
determined to visit the club as much as possible in future. A close friend
of central defender James Collins, the former winger has been very impressed
by the current West Ham team. "I speak to Ginge every day, we're really
close," he added. "He's loving it though he's not too happy at the minute
because he's not playing! "The competition they've got there now for places
is frightening, really. You've you Sakho, Carroll and Valencia up front;
Downing, Amalfitano and players like that. Then you've got Nobes and Song
vying for position in centre midfield. "The competition for places there is
looking really strong. I watched the game on Sunday and they played
fantastic. Ginge has got a box so I'm definitely going to get down there now
I've retired towards the end of the season and watch a few games."
And with view to how he'll fill his time having hung up his boots,
Etherington - whose pro career began 17 years ago at Peterborough United -
believes a little downtime is required before he makes a decision on to his
future. "I'll play plenty of golf and look after my daughter!" he laughed.
"I'm going to do my badges but won't go into coaching for another couple of
years. "Maybe I'll do a bit of media work here or there but I just want to
enjoy myself for a couple of years, chill out and see my little girl grow
up. Then we'll take it from there."
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Winston Reid buys London apartment
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid looks set to remain in London on a long-term basis after the
central defender purchased a property in the city. KUMB has learned that
Reid, who is out of contract with West Ham next summer, is the new co-owner
of a property in Canary Wharf's exclusive Lincoln Plaza development. The new
development - which is described as "one of the most prestigious and
sophisticated new landmarks on Canary Wharf's iconic skyline" - boasts 31
floors, in comprised of two main towers and comes complete with a 100-suite
hotel, 24-hour concierge and a winter garden 'sky lounge'. Reid - who joined
West Ham from Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2011 - has consistently refused
to sign a contract extension at West Ham with the likes of Arsenal and
Manchester United said to be monitoring his situation. Should he continue to
refuse to sign a new deal West Ham are left with the option of keeping Reid
until June, when he can leave the club on a free transfer, or sell him for a
reduced fee in the January transfer window.
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Most impressive, Sam
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is the manager who has most impressed in the Premier League so
far this season - according to a BBC poll. The Hammers boss polled more than
a third of the votes cast by general football fans in the weekend vote,
narrowly beating Southampton manager Ronald Koeman into second place.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho came in third behind Messrs Allardyce and
Koeman - whilst Quens Park Rangers' Harry Redknapp came last, having failed
to accrue a single vote.
Sportsday Top Three - as Voted for by BBC Readers
1. Sam Allardyce 35.6%
2. Ronald Koeman 32.0%
3. Jose Mourinho 10.3%
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West Ham eye Merseyside double
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will be hoping to pull off a January Merseyside double having been
drawn away to Everton in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. The Hammers face the
Toffees at Goodison Park on the weekend of January 3/4 before returning to
Liverpool to do battle with their Stanley Park neighbours at Anfield, a
stone's throw from Goodison four weeks later in the Premier League. Despite
having a poor recent record at Goodison Park - where they haven't won a
league match since 2005 - West Ham's FA Cup record against the Blues is
rather more impressive with United unbeaten by Everton in the competition
since 1957, since when five meetings have been held with the Hammers winning
four and drawing one. Despite that poor recent record, it isn't a trip that
necessarily phases Sam Allardyce, who was naturally slightly disappointed
with the draw yet positive about the team's chances of progressing to the
next stage. "It will be a really tough game, our fourth game in eight days
and away from home against Premier League opposition," he told whufc.com.
"That said, if you are going to do well in the FA Cup, you need to pull off
wins over sides of a similar level to yourselves. "We are in fantastic form
at the moment and hopefully by the time we get to January, the injury list
won't be too big and we will still have the three players available before
they go to the African Nations Cup. "If I have a full squad available for
those four games in eight days, that will be very useful as it will give me
the opportunity to rotate the squad and continue the fantastic form we are
in at the moment. "I've been changing the side on a regular basis due to
injuries and to cope with three games last week, so the squad has done
exceptionally well to achieve the results we have acquired, so I don't see
any reason why won't continue in that vein."
Having tackled Everton in the FA Cup, West Ham return to Merseyside on 31
January when they attempt once again to break their Anfield hoodoo. It's now
51 years since Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst scored the goals in a 2-1 win
at Liverpool to record United's most recent win there.
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Diego returns to West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Diego Poyet has returned to West Ham after his loan spell at Huddersfield
Town came to an end. The 19-year-old midfielder made just two appearances
for the Terriers during his month-long spell at the John Smith's Stadium.
He played for a full 90 minutes in the goalless draw with Sheffield
Wednesday and a further 76 minutes in a 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers, the
weekend before last. Poyet's return coincides with the start of a hectic
Christmas period that will see West Ham play five times in 15 days - meaning
that the former Charlton youngster will almost certainly be involved at some
stage. He is also likely to feature in the first team squad during the
African Cup of Nations when the Hammers will lose the likes of Cheik Kouyate
and Diafra Sakho for up to a month.
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West Ham forward Andy Carroll is plotting an unlikely title tilt
Last Updated: 09/12/14 6:58am
SSN
West Ham forward Andy Carroll says there is no reason why the in-form London
side cannot launch a surprise Premier League title challenge.
The Hammers beat Swansea 3-1 on Sunday at Upton Park to make it three wins
in nine days and they are currently fourth in the table, nine points behind
leaders Chelsea. West Ham have been boosted by the return to fitness of
England international Carroll, who bagged his first two goals of the season
with a pair of trademark headers against the Swans. And although many
pundits expect the east Londoners to drop down the table a little as the
season goes on, Carroll does not think a title challenge is totally out of
the question. "We have a great squad and I can't say we are going to give
up, now we are in the top four. We have got a great team and we can go all
the way."
Asked how high he thought the Hammers could finish, the 25-year-old said: "I
think there is no limit, we can go all the way to the top.
"We have a great squad and I can't say we are going to give up, now we are
in the top four. We have got a great team and we can go all the way. "I
think with the team we have got and the manager, the way he is playing and
coaching everyone, it is fantastic and I don't think we will be giving up at
all."
Ahead of Sunday's match, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce spoke about how he
decided to sign Carroll rather than prolific Swansea forward Wilfried Bony
in the summer of 2013. And although Bony scored on Sunday and has been a key
figure since joining Swansea, Carroll's brace suggested his manager may yet
be proved right in the long term. Asked about Allardyce's comments, Carroll
said: "I've not seen anything about it but he chose the right one didn't he?
"I have been out for a long time and the last couple of games I've been
playing, I haven't been fully fit. "There have been a lot of injuries and I
was put in unexpectedly really and played a couple of 90 minutes before I
was fully fit. Now, I'm feeling good and strong, and I can put myself about
a bit more."
Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho performed well in attack during Carroll's
absence and the England man thinks West Ham's strength in depth will serve
them well. "It is always easier to come back when you have got a big squad,"
he said. "You are not relying on one player. "We have a big squad and
quality players that can come in. "That is why the players who are not
playing are disappointed and the players who are in are putting in the
performances to not be left out."
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Sullivan exclusive: "This nine day madness"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has blasted as "madness" West Ham's Christmas and New Year
fixture pile up which will see the team facing four games in nine days! Sam
Allardyce's men confront Chelsea, Arsenal, West Brom and Everton in an FA
Cup third round clash between Boxing Day and January 3. The Hammers boss
himself called for a midwinter break over the weekend and now the club's
chief shareholder and co chairman has waded in on the issue. In an exclusive
interview with ClaretandHugh he snapped: "I've been in horse racing for 30
years and we don't ask racehorses to run to that sort of schedule. "Very few
players could play 90 minutes in all four games without seriously injuring
or over stressing their bodies. How can clubs treat the FA Cup seriously
when they have played a league game 48 hrs earlier.
There is nothing we can do, we'll have a very fatigued squad then two days
later three players leave for the African Nations ! "We do our best to win
every game, but we so much wanted a Cup run, its not easy with a tough away
game 2 days after we've played WBA, but we'll do our best."
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Doubts over third kit for Everton Cup tie
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Big doubts over whether the Irons can use their third kit for the Third
Round FA Cup tie at Everton are arising. There's now heavy speculation that
the purple strip is too close to Everton's home blue to be used, but the FA
will make the final decision. Earlier in the week the club heavily marketed
the third shirt claiming it would be worn for FA Cup matches. In small
lettering on the emailed advert it was stated the third kit would be worn
for all home and away FA Cup matches where there is no kit clash. Whether we
get to see it now may depend entirely on the outcome of the Goodison Park
match. The club claim they have sold more than 2,000 of the 4,000 third kits
available.
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WHUFc.com
Sam Allardyce believes West Ham United can win at Everton in the FA Cup
third round
09.12.2014
Sam Allardyce is backing his players to rise to the challenge when West Ham
United travel to Everton in the FA Cup third round. The Hammers could not
have been handed a much tougher draw than a trip to Goodison Park, where
they succumbed to a narrow 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat in November.
However, Big Sam believes his in-form side can continue their outstanding
recent run, with the likes of Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou Kouyate and Alex Song
possibly playing their final game before heading to the 2015 Africa Cup of
Nations. "It wasn't so long ago we were at Goodison Park, where we got a
disappointing result but put in what I thought was a very good performance,"
the manager began. "Obviously it will be a really tough game, our fourth
game in eight days and away from home against Premier League opposition.
"That said, if you are going to do well in the FA Cup, you need to pull off
wins over sides of a similar level to yourselves. We are in fantastic form
at the moment and hopefully by the time we get to 3 January, the injury list
won't be too big and we will still have the three players available before
they go to the African Nations Cup. "If I have a full squad available for
those four games in eight days, that will be very useful as it will give me
the opportunity to rotate the squad and continue the fantastic form we are
in at the moment. I've been changing the side on a regular basis due to
injuries and to cope with three games last week, so the squad has done
exceptionally well to achieve the results we have acquired, so I don't see
any reason why won't continue in that vein."
West Ham have met Everton eight times in the FA Cup previously, with each
club coming out on top on four occasions. The Toffees won the first four
ties, including the first-ever meeting between the pair in February 1907 and
a semi-final in March 1933. More recently, the Hammers prevailed after a
semi-final replay on their way to winning the trophy in 1980, when Frank
Lampard scored a memorable winner at Elland Road, and Stuart Slater produced
a virtuoso display in a quarter-final success in 1991. "The recent record
against Everton in the FA Cup is very good, so let's hope we can keep that
going!" said Big Sam, who has never managed against Everton in the FA Cup
himself.
The tie will see two former Everton FA Cup finalists return to Goodison Park
in the shape of assistant manager Neil McDonald, who started the 1989 defeat
by Liverpool, and goalkeeper coach Bobby Mimms, who was between the sticks
in the loss to the Reds in 1986. Ticket and fixture details for West Ham's
visit to Goodison Park on the weekend of 3 January 2015 will be confirmed
soon.
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Ben's Big Sam surprise!
WHUFC.com
Big Sam gave Hammers fan Ben Shephard a big 40th birthday surprise live on
television!
09.12.2014
Ben Shephard received the best 40th birthday gift a West Ham United
supporter could wish for - a Claret and Blue cake presented by manager Sam
Allardyce.Big Sam surprised Hammers fan Shephard live on ITV's Good Morning
Britain on Tuesday, appearing on the set to the sound of Bubbles before
handing the cake to the shocked presenter. Shephard, who knows the manager
well after playing under him in the annual Soccer Aid charity match and
presenting West Ham's annual Player Awards in recent years. As he approaches
his big milestone on Thursday, however, the popular host admits his dream of
receiving a call-up by Big Sam to pull on the famous West Ham shirt is fast
receding!
"I don't want to ever think that there is not a chance that I will see Sam
at one point and he is going to say 'Sheps, have you got your boots because
we need you this Saturday?'" he smiled. "It is getting harder and harder
every day when I get up that little bit older and that little bit creakier
to think that the dream is still alive! "Seriously, though, I get the chance
to play down at Upton Park after the end of the season and that's enough.
Besides, the way the boys are playing at the moment they don't need any help
from muppets like me!
"Sam is doing a cracking job and it's an absolute pleasure to be a West Ham
fan right now."
While his fellow hosts - Sean Fletcher, Susanna Reid and Charlotte Hawkins -
were in on the surprise, Shephard himself had no idea that he would be
joined on the sofa by the manager of his favourite football club. "I am
rubbish with surprises and Sam always gives me so much stick because I am on
the telly in the morning, then doing the quiz [Tipping Point] and then doing
Goals on Sunday with Kammy!" he continued. "I genuinely cannot believe Sam
came onto Good Morning Britain. It will be one of the most surreal but
brilliant moments of my career, him delivering my birthday cake for my 40th
birthday! "It's softened the blow of turning 40, but to be honest things are
great - West Ham are flying high in the Premier League, I've got a very
happy family and I work with some great people, so there are a few things
I'm not that concerned about and turning 40 is one of them! "Sam just
escalated my birthday to something really special by bringing my cake in!"
Focusing on football, Shephard has been hugely impressed with how the
Hammers have performed under Big Sam this season, and paid tribute to the
loyalty shown to the manager by Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David
Gold. "I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day and I said that
one of the sensational things about our recent form is the fact we have come
back to win the last few games. We have gone behind and come back to win and
we're doing really well. "To see the boys playing with confidence,
enthusiasm and energy, playing creative, exciting football is the West Ham
we all want to see and I think it bodes really, really well. "The faith that
that the Chairmen and the Club had in Sam have allowed him to prove that,
given a fit squad, he is definitely the manager want as West Ham fans to go
forward. You can see it pulsing through the team. "It's an absolute pleasure
being a West Ham fan, which is why turning 40 won't be quite so painful!"
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Cresswell's aiming high
WHUFc.com
West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell believes his team can keep on
surprising people
09.12.2014
Aaron Cresswell is loving life at the top end of the Barclays Premier League
table, just a matter of months after swapping the Championship for the top
flight. The 24-year-old defender has played a key role since arriving at the
Boleyn Ground, featuring in every minute of the season to date and helping
Sam Allardyce's men record three straight victories over the past
week-and-a-half. Now, as the Hammers head towards the busy Christmas
schedule, Cresswell believes the Londoners have the required team spirit to
keep on surprising people. "We're on a high and full of confidence," he
confirmed. "We've got a great team spirit down here and we've won three
games in a row, which is massive. "We've come from behind a few times this
season. We went 1-0 down against both West Brom and Swansea last week before
bringing the game back to win. "We're just looking forward to each game as
it comes. "At the start of the season the aim was top ten, and if we can
finish anything above top ten, of course we'd like to be in Europe. We'll
see where we come at the end of the season."
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Etherington: I regret leaving West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Etherington admits that he was disappointed to leave West Ham in the
manner in which he did. The left winger spent six years at West Ham between
2003 and 2009 before being sold to Stoke City in January 2009 in a deal
worth £3million, amidst widespread rumours of off-the-field problems. Now
33, the former Spurs and Stoke player told the KUMB Podcast's Chris Scull
and James Longman that he bitterly regrets the way in which he left West Ham
- a club he still feels a great affection for. "I started off really well
under Zola and scored a few goals," he said. "He liked me as a player and I
was playing in a different position, just off the striker and it suited me
as I was getting more of the ball there. "Everyone knows about my personal
problems and it kind of got on top of me a little. That's one regret I have
about my time at West Ham, that I did leave under a little bit of a cloud. I
had such good times there and still think fondly of the club. "It's still my
team now so to leave under that little bit of a cloud left a little bit of a
bad taste in my mouth. It was my fault, no-one else's but I just wish that I
hadn't have left that way. West Ham is genuinely my team and always will be.
I had such great times at the club; it was brilliant."
Despite leaving the BG in less than happy circumstances, Etherington is
determined to visit the club as much as possible in future. A close friend
of central defender James Collins, the former winger has been very impressed
by the current West Ham team. "I speak to Ginge every day, we're really
close," he added. "He's loving it though he's not too happy at the minute
because he's not playing! "The competition they've got there now for places
is frightening, really. You've you Sakho, Carroll and Valencia up front;
Downing, Amalfitano and players like that. Then you've got Nobes and Song
vying for position in centre midfield. "The competition for places there is
looking really strong. I watched the game on Sunday and they played
fantastic. Ginge has got a box so I'm definitely going to get down there now
I've retired towards the end of the season and watch a few games."
And with view to how he'll fill his time having hung up his boots,
Etherington - whose pro career began 17 years ago at Peterborough United -
believes a little downtime is required before he makes a decision on to his
future. "I'll play plenty of golf and look after my daughter!" he laughed.
"I'm going to do my badges but won't go into coaching for another couple of
years. "Maybe I'll do a bit of media work here or there but I just want to
enjoy myself for a couple of years, chill out and see my little girl grow
up. Then we'll take it from there."
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Winston Reid buys London apartment
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid looks set to remain in London on a long-term basis after the
central defender purchased a property in the city. KUMB has learned that
Reid, who is out of contract with West Ham next summer, is the new co-owner
of a property in Canary Wharf's exclusive Lincoln Plaza development. The new
development - which is described as "one of the most prestigious and
sophisticated new landmarks on Canary Wharf's iconic skyline" - boasts 31
floors, in comprised of two main towers and comes complete with a 100-suite
hotel, 24-hour concierge and a winter garden 'sky lounge'. Reid - who joined
West Ham from Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2011 - has consistently refused
to sign a contract extension at West Ham with the likes of Arsenal and
Manchester United said to be monitoring his situation. Should he continue to
refuse to sign a new deal West Ham are left with the option of keeping Reid
until June, when he can leave the club on a free transfer, or sell him for a
reduced fee in the January transfer window.
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Most impressive, Sam
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce is the manager who has most impressed in the Premier League so
far this season - according to a BBC poll. The Hammers boss polled more than
a third of the votes cast by general football fans in the weekend vote,
narrowly beating Southampton manager Ronald Koeman into second place.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho came in third behind Messrs Allardyce and
Koeman - whilst Quens Park Rangers' Harry Redknapp came last, having failed
to accrue a single vote.
Sportsday Top Three - as Voted for by BBC Readers
1. Sam Allardyce 35.6%
2. Ronald Koeman 32.0%
3. Jose Mourinho 10.3%
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West Ham eye Merseyside double
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham will be hoping to pull off a January Merseyside double having been
drawn away to Everton in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. The Hammers face the
Toffees at Goodison Park on the weekend of January 3/4 before returning to
Liverpool to do battle with their Stanley Park neighbours at Anfield, a
stone's throw from Goodison four weeks later in the Premier League. Despite
having a poor recent record at Goodison Park - where they haven't won a
league match since 2005 - West Ham's FA Cup record against the Blues is
rather more impressive with United unbeaten by Everton in the competition
since 1957, since when five meetings have been held with the Hammers winning
four and drawing one. Despite that poor recent record, it isn't a trip that
necessarily phases Sam Allardyce, who was naturally slightly disappointed
with the draw yet positive about the team's chances of progressing to the
next stage. "It will be a really tough game, our fourth game in eight days
and away from home against Premier League opposition," he told whufc.com.
"That said, if you are going to do well in the FA Cup, you need to pull off
wins over sides of a similar level to yourselves. "We are in fantastic form
at the moment and hopefully by the time we get to January, the injury list
won't be too big and we will still have the three players available before
they go to the African Nations Cup. "If I have a full squad available for
those four games in eight days, that will be very useful as it will give me
the opportunity to rotate the squad and continue the fantastic form we are
in at the moment. "I've been changing the side on a regular basis due to
injuries and to cope with three games last week, so the squad has done
exceptionally well to achieve the results we have acquired, so I don't see
any reason why won't continue in that vein."
Having tackled Everton in the FA Cup, West Ham return to Merseyside on 31
January when they attempt once again to break their Anfield hoodoo. It's now
51 years since Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst scored the goals in a 2-1 win
at Liverpool to record United's most recent win there.
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Diego returns to West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 9th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Diego Poyet has returned to West Ham after his loan spell at Huddersfield
Town came to an end. The 19-year-old midfielder made just two appearances
for the Terriers during his month-long spell at the John Smith's Stadium.
He played for a full 90 minutes in the goalless draw with Sheffield
Wednesday and a further 76 minutes in a 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers, the
weekend before last. Poyet's return coincides with the start of a hectic
Christmas period that will see West Ham play five times in 15 days - meaning
that the former Charlton youngster will almost certainly be involved at some
stage. He is also likely to feature in the first team squad during the
African Cup of Nations when the Hammers will lose the likes of Cheik Kouyate
and Diafra Sakho for up to a month.
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West Ham forward Andy Carroll is plotting an unlikely title tilt
Last Updated: 09/12/14 6:58am
SSN
West Ham forward Andy Carroll says there is no reason why the in-form London
side cannot launch a surprise Premier League title challenge.
The Hammers beat Swansea 3-1 on Sunday at Upton Park to make it three wins
in nine days and they are currently fourth in the table, nine points behind
leaders Chelsea. West Ham have been boosted by the return to fitness of
England international Carroll, who bagged his first two goals of the season
with a pair of trademark headers against the Swans. And although many
pundits expect the east Londoners to drop down the table a little as the
season goes on, Carroll does not think a title challenge is totally out of
the question. "We have a great squad and I can't say we are going to give
up, now we are in the top four. We have got a great team and we can go all
the way."
Asked how high he thought the Hammers could finish, the 25-year-old said: "I
think there is no limit, we can go all the way to the top.
"We have a great squad and I can't say we are going to give up, now we are
in the top four. We have got a great team and we can go all the way. "I
think with the team we have got and the manager, the way he is playing and
coaching everyone, it is fantastic and I don't think we will be giving up at
all."
Ahead of Sunday's match, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce spoke about how he
decided to sign Carroll rather than prolific Swansea forward Wilfried Bony
in the summer of 2013. And although Bony scored on Sunday and has been a key
figure since joining Swansea, Carroll's brace suggested his manager may yet
be proved right in the long term. Asked about Allardyce's comments, Carroll
said: "I've not seen anything about it but he chose the right one didn't he?
"I have been out for a long time and the last couple of games I've been
playing, I haven't been fully fit. "There have been a lot of injuries and I
was put in unexpectedly really and played a couple of 90 minutes before I
was fully fit. Now, I'm feeling good and strong, and I can put myself about
a bit more."
Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho performed well in attack during Carroll's
absence and the England man thinks West Ham's strength in depth will serve
them well. "It is always easier to come back when you have got a big squad,"
he said. "You are not relying on one player. "We have a big squad and
quality players that can come in. "That is why the players who are not
playing are disappointed and the players who are in are putting in the
performances to not be left out."
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Sullivan exclusive: "This nine day madness"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has blasted as "madness" West Ham's Christmas and New Year
fixture pile up which will see the team facing four games in nine days! Sam
Allardyce's men confront Chelsea, Arsenal, West Brom and Everton in an FA
Cup third round clash between Boxing Day and January 3. The Hammers boss
himself called for a midwinter break over the weekend and now the club's
chief shareholder and co chairman has waded in on the issue. In an exclusive
interview with ClaretandHugh he snapped: "I've been in horse racing for 30
years and we don't ask racehorses to run to that sort of schedule. "Very few
players could play 90 minutes in all four games without seriously injuring
or over stressing their bodies. How can clubs treat the FA Cup seriously
when they have played a league game 48 hrs earlier.
There is nothing we can do, we'll have a very fatigued squad then two days
later three players leave for the African Nations ! "We do our best to win
every game, but we so much wanted a Cup run, its not easy with a tough away
game 2 days after we've played WBA, but we'll do our best."
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Doubts over third kit for Everton Cup tie
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Big doubts over whether the Irons can use their third kit for the Third
Round FA Cup tie at Everton are arising. There's now heavy speculation that
the purple strip is too close to Everton's home blue to be used, but the FA
will make the final decision. Earlier in the week the club heavily marketed
the third shirt claiming it would be worn for FA Cup matches. In small
lettering on the emailed advert it was stated the third kit would be worn
for all home and away FA Cup matches where there is no kit clash. Whether we
get to see it now may depend entirely on the outcome of the Goodison Park
match. The club claim they have sold more than 2,000 of the 4,000 third kits
available.
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Tuesday, December 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th December 2014
Diafra keeps the run going
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho returned to his pre-injury form straight away by scoring
against Swansea City
08.12.2014
Diafra Sakho continued from where he left off in scoring West Ham United's
third goal in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Swansea City. The Senegal striker
missed three games after suffering a back injury in the November
international break, but returned with a bang from the bench against the
Swans, rifling home with three minutes left to seal victory. It took his run
of scoring to eight goals in his last nine games and this strike was
especially poignant as he showed in his celebration, revealing a t-shirt
with an image of his relative Amy, who sadly died the previous week. He told
whufc.com: "I always feel good scoring here, because my objective since
arriving at West Ham was to help the team by scoring goals. "Sunday was a
special day for me. I wanted to come back because my relative Amy passed
away last Saturday and so I wanted to pay tribute to her. Even though I
wasn't at the funeral, I wanted to show to everyone the support I had for
her. "For a forward it's always important to score, but for me the most
important thing was the team. If I can help the team to win by scoring
goals, I'll try to do my all to make that happen."
The victory was West Ham's fifth in the last six home matches and Sakho is
keen to build a fortress at the Boleyn Ground. He explained: "It's very
important to command respect at home, because the target is always to win,
but in a manner at home. "I think we've shown everyone here that to come
here is not easy, even to take just one point." Sakho combined with Andy
Carroll to devastating effect on Sunday, with Carroll notching twice and
then supplying the No15 with his goal as the Hammers moved up to third in
the table. He said: "It's always great to play with someone of his
[Carroll's] calibre. I'd watched him on the television and to play with him
on Sunday makes me proud. It motivates me to give even more to help
everyone. "It's a lofty place in the league, but we've not stolen it, we've
worked to be there. Now we know that to remain there we have work to harder
than the others, because whether we're at home or away, being in third,
fourth or fifth, they're going to try to beat us and it's for us to earn
respect."
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Hammers draw Everton in FA Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been paired with Everton in the third round of the FA
Cup
08.12.2014
West Ham United have been handed an away draw against fellow Barclays
Premier League side Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. Monday
evening's draw gives Sam Allardyce's men a trip to Goodison Park for the
second time in as many months, following the narrow 2-1 defeat on Merseyside
in November. The Hammers have been paired with the Toffees on eight previous
occasions in the FA Cup, with each side having won four of those ties. Their
last FA Cup meeting came in 1991, when the Hammers triumphed 2-1 in a sixth
round clash. Eleven years earlier, West Ham saw off Everton after a
semi-final replay before defeating Arsenal in the final. In fact, West Ham
have won the last four ties against Everton, in a run stretching back to
1963. The east Londoners have a proud history in this competition, having
lifted the trophy in 1964. 1975 and 1980. The tie will be played on the
weekend beginning 3 J anuary and full fixture and ticketing details will
follow in due course. For this season's FA Cup campaign, apart from when
there is a kit clash, the Hammers will be clad in their smart purple, gold
and black third kit, which is available from Club Stores and online now.
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AC thrilled with Swans double
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll notched his first goals of the season in Sunday's 3-1 victory
over Swansea City
07.12.2014
Andy Carroll's first and second goals of the season helped West Ham United
maintain their fine form with a 3-1 victory over Swansea City at the Boleyn
Ground on Sunday afternoon. It was the third win of a highly-productive week
and the three-point haul lifted the Hammers to the lofty heights of third in
the Barclays Premier League. Carroll was thrilled to play his part by
hitting the net for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in the
summer with two towering headers. "It's a great feeling to be back on the
scoresheet," he admitted.
"Getting as many games as I have in the last couple of weeks has been great
for my fitness. I'm feeling as fit as ever and it's shown in the two goals
today. "It was a great cross in from Jenks for the first and that's what
he's there for. It was an absolutely fantastic cross right where I wanted it
and I lost my man to get on the end of it. "For the second one I gave a
little bit of movement off the corner, it's gone in the space where I wanted
and the movement let me get on the end of it. "It was nearly cleared off the
line, but there was too much power on it!"
Carroll celebrated his second goal, which put the Hammers 2-1 up, by running
over to the bench and he revealed it was to demonstrate his thanks for the
behind-the-scenes work of the Club's backroom staff. He added: "I ran over
to celebrate with the bench because the staff had been behind me all the
way. It's been a long injury and it has been tough. "They've pushed me as
hard as they could to get me back fit. They've done everything right and
everything that needed to be done - especially when I didn't feel like doing
it when it's been sore and painful and I've been down. "They pushed me
through and helped me through it, so it was just to say thank you to them.
When you've got people like that looking after you it's a great feeling."
Diafra Sakho came off the bench at the break and he also marked his return
from injury with a goal and Carroll said he enjoyed partnering the No15,
even if he might have squared one opportunity to give him a hat-trick!
Carroll said: "I would have passed it [when Sakho hit the post], but it was
a great effort and he's a striker as well who wants to get on the
scoresheet. "I did tell him as soon as I went in that next time he better
pass! "It was great to play with him. When he came on we had a little word
about what was going to happen - where I was going to go and where he was
going to be - and it was a great little piece of movement for his goal as
well."
With three straight wins, Carroll says confidence in the camp is sky high
and the players have the belief their run can keep rolling on.
"We've gone behind in the last two games but pulled it back with two great
performances," he explained, "The lads are buzzing to be winning and buzzing
to be in the top three. "I think we can keep doing it all season. We've got
the great players, we've got the manager, the team's just fantastic at the
minute and we've just got to continue the way we are."
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Potts - 'We must take the opportunity'
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts is looking forward to his side's game with
Southampton
08.12.2014
West Ham United U18s manager Steve Potts says his players must take their
opportunity in the FA Youth Cup when they face Southampton at St Mary's
Stadium on Tuesday. The Hammers last won the historic tournament in 1999
when a team including Michael Carrick and Joe Cole beat Coventry City 9-0
over two legs. Tuesday's match will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel
so tune in from 7pm! Speaking ahead of the cup tie, Potts said: "We're
hoping for a good run. It's a great tournament and a great cup for the boys
to play in. "To play at St Mary's Stadium, hopefully in front of a crowd
will be a good experience. If they can handle that sort of situation that's
great because they need to get used to playing like that every Saturday or
Sunday."
For Potts, who played in the tournament as a youngster, there is an element
of unfinished business about Tuesday's fixture. "It was a cup I was
desperate to do well in. I played in a good side alongside players such as
Paul Ince and Kevin Keen among others. I felt we had a real good chance. We
went to Swindon away and somehow we lost, we got beat convincingly.
Everything went wrong that night."
The Hammers go into the match buoyed by their 4-2 victory over West Bromwich
Albion last weekend, which saw Potts' side climb to fourth in the U18
Premier League South table. "Overall I was very pleased. After a sloppy
start we let in a goal from a corner but we gradually got going in the first
half. "In the second half we played some really good stuff. We got one and I
thought we'd go on from there but we let another one in with about ten
minutes to go. Thankfully we began to put the ball in the back of the net
with three in the last few minutes. I was pleased with how we played."
The Hammers have already played the Saints once this season, coming back
from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 after goals from Jahmal Hector-Ingram, Jordan
Brown and Kieran Bailey. "That's a side of our game that we really need to
improve on. We can't keep going behind and expecting to win football
matches. "Southampton are a good team and a good club. So it's a real tough
draw for us, away from home. You couldn't get much tougher in the
competition, I think it's a plum draw so it's a real good test for us. "The
occasion is a test in itself. It's up to players to say yeah I'm ready for
this sort of game. It's not so much the technical ability but how handle the
occasion as well."
The West Ham United U18s play Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Tuesday 9
December, kick off is at 7pm.
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U21s set for cup clash
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad take on Fulham in their final U21 Premier League
International Cup group stage match on Monday
08.12.2014
West Ham United U21s take on Fulham on Monday evening to close the group
stage of their U21 Premier League International Cup campaign.
Having defeated Jong PSV and been edged out by Athletic Bilbao, the Hammers
can still progress should they see off Fulham at Rush Green.
The Development Squad gave a fine performance to defeat Dutch giants PSV in
their last outing. The Hammers have already taken on Fulham in league action
this season, registering a 1-1 draw at the Cottagers' Motspur Park home in
September. Kick-off at Rush Green is at 7pm, with admission free for Season
Ticket Holders and £3 adults, £1 concessions. whufc.com will bring you live
text commentary, as well as exclusive reaction and highlights.
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U16s host International Cup
WHUFC.com
The Academy hosted some of European football's top U16 squads over the
weekend
08.12.2014
West Ham United had the honour of hosting some of the biggest names in
European football at the Academy of Football over the weekend. The West Ham
International Cup saw the Under-16 sides from six clubs battle it out over
two days of fantastic competition at Rush Green Stadium. After picking up an
impressive draw with Italian champions Juventus on Saturday afternoon, the
Hammers suffered a 3-1 defeat against Belgian outfit Club Brugge later that
evening before losing out to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the 5th/6th
place play-off on Sunday morning. It was Liverpool who came out on top
overall, beating Juventus in the final on Sunday afternoon to take the
trophy back to Merseyside. The Hammers had a wealth of talent on show over
the weekend, but they were without some key members of the side, including
Reece Oxford and Tunji Akinola, who are preparing for Tuesday's FA Youth Cup
tie at Southampton. Before each fixture throughout the weekend, both teams
posed for a mixed photograph to remember the World War One heroes as part of
the Premier League's #FootballRemembers weekend.
Two pitches were used during the weekend. The first being inside the main
arena, whilst a training pitch on the Rush Green site was also used for
fixtures happening simultaneously. The weekend opened on Saturday morning
when Sam Shajhoud, Keanan Bennetts and David Ajiboye all got their names on
the scoresheet as a dominant Tottenham Hotspur saw off Bilbao 4-1. It was
then time for the Hammers to face Juventus and the competition hosts started
the brighter out of the two teams. Anthony Scully, who has recently returned
from a long term injury, put the Hammers 1-0 up with a powerful effort into
the top corner from 20 yards, before Gianmarco Scapin fired a low free-kick
straight into the bottom corner of the net. In game three, Spurs were
looking to add to their earlier victory against Liverpool and it looked
likely when Abdi Sharif was punished for a defensive mistake by Spurs' John
Dizesni when the 14-year-old lashed a shot into the top corner. It was not
to last, though, as Liverpool's Toni Gomes latched onto a lofted through
ball to confidently finish into the net.
With Spurs then finished for the day after their two fixtures, the Hammers
took part in their second game against Club Brugge. Brandon Baiye finished
very well early into the game to give the Belgians the lead, before Conor
Coventry's deflected effort pulled the Hammers level, only for second half
goals from Senne Lynen and Ward Verwerft to secure Brugge a 3-1 victory.
The fifth game on Saturday afternoon saw Bilbao suffer a second defeat of
the day when Liverpool came from behind to win 4-1. Keenan Mendibelzua kept
his composure when through on goal to put the Spanish side ahead, before
goals from Gomes, Paul Glatzel and Herbie Kane helped Liverpool end the day
on a high. With just one game left on the opening day, Juventus in their
florescent green away kit faced Club Brugge in an equally colourful orange
strip. Federico Mastropietro put the Old Lady ahead with a fantastic direct
free-kick, before Fererico Naimo doubled their lead from close range. Jules
Vanhaecke pulled one back in superb fashion before Mastropietro grabbed his
second goal of the game to regain the two-goal lead. Two late goals from
Scapin gave Juventus a 5-1 victory and took them directly into Sunday's
final.
The second day of the event started with a penalty shootout between Spurs
and Liverpool to decide who would face Juventus in the final, after both
sides won 4-1 and drew 1-1 the previous day. Liverpool prevailed on
penalties and to reach the final, whilst Spurs would have to settle with a
tie against Brugge for 3rd/4th place.
With the fixtures then decided, West Ham suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat
to Bilbao on pitch two. David Nates put the Spanish side ahead with a
deflected effort, before Idris Kanu (pictured) rounded Sergio Garcia to
bring the Hammers back into the match. Second half goals from Benat
Andonegui and Javier Rudy helped Los Leones to finish in fifth position,
while the Hammers had to settle for sixth.
On pitch one at the same time, Tottenham shrugged aside the disappointment
of losing the penalty shootout to win 3-1 against Brugge, meaning the
Londoners finished in third place and the Belgians ended in fourth.
The competition ended with a thoroughly entertaining final between Juventus
and Liverpool, with the Italians falling behind early on after Rhian
Brewster played in Gomes to smash into the net. Both sides had several
opportunities to secure the result throughout the rest of the match, but
Liverpool managed to hold on to take the crown. The match ended with
Liverpool captain Kane and Juventus' Edouardo Bianchi being given straight
red cards for an altercation after the Italians reacted to a bit of
time-wasting in the final few minutes. Despite the poor discipline at the
end, the competition was enjoyed by all the teams and West Ham's Academy
Director Terry Westley closed the tournament by thanking all teams for their
participation and congratulating all for their performances.
West Ham United U16 squad: Tyler Forde, Matthew Campbell, Mason Barrett,
Conor Coventry, Thomas Carlton, Ben Wells, Malyk Hamilton, Alfie Lewis,
Idris Kanu, Anthony Scully, Joe Powell, Charlie Seaman, Mitchell Ware,
Abdoulahi Diallo, Eliot Capel, Ben Johnson, Reece Hannam, Korrey Henry.
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FA Cup third round draw - it's Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will face Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. West
Ham's number 42 ball was paired with Everton's 16 by local coach Paul
Adamson and former England international Alan Shearer. The two sides will
meet on the weekend of January 3/4 at Goodison Park.
The full draw is as follows. Premier League clubs in bold:
Arsenal (2) v Hull City (19)
Southampton (35) v Ipswich Town (20)
Stoke City (36) v Wrexham (47)
Charlton Athletic (12) v Blackburn Rovers (5)
Dover Athletic (61) v Crystal Palace (14)
AFC Wimbledon (50) v Liverpool (23)
Manchester City (24) v Sheffield Wednesday (34)
Aldershot or Rochdale (64) v Nottingham Forest (30)
West Bromwich Albion (41) v Gateshead (55)
Blyth Spartans (52) v Birmingham City (4)
Aston Villa (3) v Blackpool (6)
Rotherham United (33) vs AFC Bournemouth (1)
Huddersfield United (18) vs Reading (32)
Oxford or Tranmere Rovers (45) v Swansea City (38)
Cardiff City (11) v Colchester United (49)
Bolton Wanderers (7) v Wigan Athletic (43)
Sunderland (37) v Leeds United (21)
Burnley (10) v Tottenham Hotspur (39)
Millwall (27) v Bradford City (59)
Derby County v Southport (54)
Brentford (8) v Brighton & Hove Albion (9)
Fulham (17) v Wolves (44)
Leicester City (22) v Newcastle United (28)
Scunthorpe or Worcester City (39) v Chesterfield (53)
Everton (16) v West Ham United (42)
Cambridge or Mansfield v Bury or Luton(46)
Chelsea (13) v Watford (14)
Barnsley or Chester v Middlesbrough (56)
Queens Park Rangers (31) v Sheffield United (60)
Accrington or Yeovil (51) v Manchester United (25)
Preston North End (57) v Norwich City (29)
Doncaster Rovers v Bristol City (63)
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Moody Maiga dumped by Metz
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Modibo Maiga could be on his way back to England after falling out with Metz
coach Albert Cartier. According to reports in the French media, Maiga was
informed on Thursday that he was being dropped by Cartier for the weekend's
trip to Ligue 1 leaders Marseille. The 27-year-old striker - who has scored
four goals in his 11 appearances for the newly promoted side since moving to
Stade Saint-Symphorien on a season-long loan - is said to have reacted
angrily to the news. And his omission did little to help Les Grenats as they
went down 3-1 at Marseille yesterday, with Metz's consolation coming from
former Chelsea forward Florent Malouda. Despite having apparently cleared
the air with Cartier since, Maiga did not travel to Marseille with the rest
of the (17-man) squad, prompting speculation that he may demand a return to
London before the season is out. However there is little chance of the
£4.5million striker ever appearing for West Ham again with the likes of Andy
Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia having been in such sparkling form
in recent weeks - form that according to BetBright, is the result of gradual
evolution at the Club. Maiga's current club are currently 13th in Ligue 1
having accrued 19 points from their first 17 fixtures. They are currently
four points clear of the relegation zone. The striker is contracted to West
Ham United until the summer of 2016.
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Monk on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Not to be confused with OLAS legend Harry, a spiky Garry Monk felt his team
were a long way short of 'reaching their levels' whilst being beaten 3-1 by
West Ham on Sunday lunchtime. His full post match presser, exclusively here.
How do you feel after that?
How do I feel? Great. We've just lost the game, so obviously not happy.
Where do you think it was won and lost?
I just don't think we ever reached the levels that we have done this season.
It's the first time I can actually say that in all the games we played, we
were nowhere near the level - especially with the ball. We didn't make
enough correct decisions, not enough quick, sharp decisions. The only time
we did that we scored a goal.
We moved the ball very quickly, one and two touch which we've been doing
this season and we showed the damage we can cause. We just didn't do that
enough today and some of the defending for some of the goals, we gifted it
to them on a plate really, to be honest with you.
So no complaints with the result, we didn't deserve anything from the game.
You seemed to have your best spell just after the red card. Do you think
that sparked you, or made them angry?
No, I think you're right - we probably had our best spell when we went down
to ten men but it shouldn't take a situation like that for us to play our
best football. We've been performing very well in all the games this season
and that's the first time I can genuinely say that we haven't got anywhere
near the levels that we have done.
For me, we gifted the goals to them today. For the first goal - Andy
Carroll's first goal - I thought yeah, it was a good header and a good cross
into the box but we could have done better with it. The second goal from
Carroll, we were man marking in the box and he loses the marker, gets half a
yard and a free header, which is unacceptable. Then the third one was poor
defending from us. We kind of gave them an early Christmas present, I think.
A lot of people will talk about Carroll's record against Swansea. Do you
think, the way you played you would have lost against anybody today?
Yeah. Like I said, I just don't think we reached the levels that we have
been. At times we did, we had our chances. At one-all Bony hit the bar; if
that goes in without playing particularly well we could have got something
from the game. So that's a sort of positive for me, for us to play that
poorly - or not to those levels.
I don't think we were poor, but I don't think we were good. To play to those
levels and still realistically could have got something from the game it
shows the players that if they reach anywhere near their levels they'll be
able to come to places like this and get points.
Was it a red card?
Well, it was because he gave it. If you look at the build-up to it he knocks
the ball past the 'keeper with his hand. I don't think we dealt with the
situation leading up to that point very well. I think Ashley makes a
mistake, gets caught the wrong side of the player but actually before
Fabianski makes any contact whatsoever the player knocks it past with his
left hand, clearly.
So realistically it should be hand ball to us. It wasn't a clear goalscoring
opportunity either. You can see from the way it played out that he hit the
post so it obviously wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity. Ash was getting
back in, Jazz Richards was making his way back in so in terms of the red
card, when you look at it with the replays and everything then no, it's not.
Will you appeal?
Well you'd think so. Like I said, with the whole cold-hearted facts of what
it is when you have the benefit or replays and everything it should be hand
ball and a free kick to us. But obviously it's a red card so hopefully yeah,
we will appeal it.
Have you had an explanation from the referee about it?
No. I'll go and see him, speak to him now and see what he says.
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West Ham's Andy Carroll tipped for England consideration
Last Updated: 08/12/14 12:07pm
SSN
Andy Carroll's form for third-placed West Ham has put the striker back in
contention for a place in the England side, says former Manchester United
assistant manager Steve Round. Carroll's two goals against Swansea, his
first goals for nine months, have proven the striker's aerial prowess and
could prove to be the missing ingredient for the England side. Round told
the Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ that Carroll's goals undoubtedly put
the striker in the view of England manager Roy Hodgson "He will be looking
at him for sure," said Round. "He gives him a different option, he gives him
a plan B, he gives him something that you can launch a ball into the box,
you can cross it into the box, and you have a presence there on the end of
it. "He is exceptional in the air, and that's the one thing we're lacking a
little bit in English football at the minute. "West Ham now have got a
different style of play: they can play great football going through you,
over the top with the pace… or they can go round you to cross it for Carroll
to head it in there."
Former Southampton captain Francis Benali said Carroll's aerial strength was
a key part of West Ham's recent success. "He's a tough player to play
against when he's on his form," he said. "West Ham have great home form now,
which is crucial and an important element to any side being successful and
doing well. "I think it's Big Sam just sticking with it. He's been given
time to work in the job as well, and I think we're seeing the fruition of
that now."
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Liverpool and Arsenal transfer target Winston Reid's West Ham wage demands
make exit almost certain
Dec 08, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
Defender who has been key for the resurgent Hammers is out of contract in
the summer wants a huge pay-day to stay - will he now be sold in January?
The Mirror
Winston Reid wants a huge pay day which will almost certainly see him leave
West Ham. Hammers defender Reid, a key figure in their remarkable start to
the campaign, wants £60,000 a week and a £1million signing-on fee. They are
the figures being quoted to interested clubs and they are likely to price
West Ham out of keeping the 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer.
But it will not deter Arsenal or Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, who are both
keen on New Zealand international Reid and may even see whether they can get
him on the cheap in January. We revealed last month that Arsenal will bid
for Ipswich's young defender Tyrone Mings in January, but they are looking
for a more experienced player as well. Liverpool are also watching
developments closely and know that West Ham may consider selling in January
rather than risk him walking out for free next summer. West Ham have not
given up on keeping Reid and insist that they are hopeful that he will stay
at the Upton Park club, especially after their great start to the campaign
which has left them dreaming of European football next season. But West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce, yet to start talking about his own new deal, has
admitted that he fears Reid could leave.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll tells Sam Allardyce there was no need for Wilfried Bony
• Striker scored two against Swansea after Bony's opener
• Allardyce had been watching Ivorian striker at Vitesse
• Andy Carroll's headed double powers West Ham to victory
Lawrence Ostlere
The Guardian, Monday 8 December 2014 22.30 GMT
Andy Carroll believes he has vindicated Sam Allardyce's decision to sign him
rather than Wilfried Bony last summer after his contribution to West Ham's
victory against Swansea City on Sunday. The striker scored two towering
headers to drive his side to their third win in a week and third place in
the Premier League. Allardyce revealed last week that he had been tracking
Bony's prolific goalscoring for Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 when the
opportunity arose to sign the on-loan Carroll on a permanent basis, and said
the club could not afford both. Asked whether his manager made the right
decision, Carroll said: "[I haven't] seen anything about it but he chose the
right one, didn't he?"
Carroll's first league goals of the season were a well-timed reminder of his
qualities and reinforced the return to fitness of the forwards Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho, the club's top scorer this term. Both summer
recruits have impressed in Carroll's absence – Sakho came off the bench
against Swansea to score his eighth in all competitions – but Carroll said
West Ham's newfound strength in depth can only be positive.
"Both of them are great players as they have shown at the start of the
season," he said. "Both have got goals in them and Diafra has come off the
bench and got one and could have had another. He is a fantastic signing."
The 25-year-old Carroll has waited a long time after injury delayed his
season's start but said the pressure on his comeback had been eased by his
team-mates' success. "It is always easier when you have a big squad,"
Carroll said. "You are not relying on one player. We have a big squad and
all quality players that can come in. That is why the players who are not
playing are disappointed."
Carroll also had special praise for another new addition Alex Song. The
midfielder arrived on a season-long loan from Barcelona in the summer and
has not ruled out extending his stay in east London, having already cemented
his place at the heart of the side.
"Every game he has played he has been fantastic," Carroll said. "He is just
so comfortable on the ball and slows the game to his own tempo. Even when we
were one down we didn't go gung-ho. He still held it for us and was our
anchor really."
Next up for West Ham is a visit to Sunderland and Carroll is wary of the
threat carried by the club that his family support. "It is a tough game
going up there. I think [my family] will all be cheering me, even though
they are Sunderland fans."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham icon: Diafra Sakho is worth £25m amid Liverpool speculation
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham notched up their third win in eight days on Sunday, beating Swansea
City 3-1. The star of the show was Andy Carroll, but substitute Diafra Sakho
made his return to the side with a bang, scoring the third goal to take his
tally for the season to eight in all competitions. The Senegal international
has been out of action lately through injury, but showed that he should
still be considered as West Ham's top striker with a superb cameo against
the Swans. Sakho, 24, has been a revelation this season, and his goalscoring
exploits have reportedly attracted the interest of Liverpool, who need
attacking reinforcements in January. The Hammers would surely resist any
temptation to sell, and their former striker Leroy Rosenior told Claret &
Hugh that Sakho is 'amazing', and worth at least £25m - despite West Ham
paying just £3.5m for him in August. "It really doesn't matter who he plays
with, he has an instinctive understanding of the game and goes to exactly
the right positions," said Rosenior. "He came back after an absence and
looked as though he'd never been away and with a new strike partner.
Staggering." "He's so good running off the ball and he has excellent touch
and is one of the best strikers I've seen in several years. He's an amazing
player," he added. "Obviously we are judging things on how they look right
bow in the present vein of form but for me – at this moment – Diafra is
worth £25 million minimum. For me there isn't a better striker in the
country," exclaimed Rosenior. A £25m price tag would surely be enough to put
any suitors off a bid for Sakho - particularly Liverpool, who forked out
£16m for Mario Balotelli this summer.
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Hammers top FA Cup record against Toffees
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
So we're off to Everton in the Third Round of the FA Cup which at first
glance isn't the best draw in the world!Everton However, look a little bit
deeper and you discover that The Toffees have failed to beat us in the
competition since 1957. The two sides last met in 1991 at the Boleyn when we
won 2-1 and in 1980 at Goodison we came out 2-1 winners of a replay after
drawing with The Toffeess 1-1 four days earlier. In 1963 we scored a 1-0 win
over them having suffered our last loss against them 57 years ago at
Goodison 2-1.Quite apart from that there are quite a few scores left up at
Goodison to be sorted after the bad tempered League clash and James Tomkins
in particular may feel he has a point to prove. Holders Arsenal will host
Hull City in a repeat of May's Wembley final. Their meeting is one of four
all Premier League ties as Burnley host Tottenham, we are off to Goodison
and Newcastle United visit Leicester City.
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No humble pie – just enjoy the Irons and new Sam
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By Nigel Kahn
With the fantastic way we have gone about this season West Ham fans have
many reasons to be cheerful. Yet across some social media platforms I am
beginning to see fans commenting on how their position on Sam has changed
from last season. That is natural. Sam has changed to an attacking style
Clean sheet football is not on the agenda it seems and more and more fans
are saying: "Last season I wanted Sam gone but I'm eating humble pie now"
whilst praising the owners for keeping their nerve. I don't get that. Last
season when those fans wanted Sam out it was with good reason as for at
that time, and for the previous couple of years, the football had been
dreadful. The only way out of it for many was for Sam to sling his hook or
have it slung. So there is no reason now for those fans that voted for him
to go , or booed his teams off, or held up that banner at West Brom, to feel
foolish or that they have to eat their words. Hindsight is a wonderful thing
so it is very easy to look back now and say they were wrong, but that is to
ignore everything else that was happening at the time.
Imagine if last season was the last on Sam's contract! Who really believes
that he would have got another contract when he walked into the end of
season meeting at Dave Sullivan's house. Last season he did achieved what
was asked of him, but the club was in open revolution at the way he
achieved it. The owners without having to pay him off would have thanked him
for his services and bid him farewell. Luckily, or not depends where you sit
on the subject, he did have another year left, and waving him goodbye would
have cost three million pounds to do so. Money that was put to good use, by
DS, in his transfer dealings that have helped bring in the players to propel
us to a position not seen for nearly a generation. So I say to those fans
that feel they are choking on their 'Sam Out' stance of last season to choke
no more, keep humble pie off the Christmas menu this season and just enjoy
the resurgence of West Ham and in a way Big Sam, as I never thought he had
it in him.
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Maiga mystery deepens
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have heard nothing of Modibo Maiga since he was reported as having
gone missing from the Metz squad which was beaten 3-1 by Marseilles at the
weekend. Reports in France claim the player could be on his way back to
London but West Ham sources told ClaretandHugh within the last few minutes:
"We know nothing about his wherabouts at all. He added: "We had noticed
that Metz only had the six subs and that Maiga wasn't on the bench but the
rest of it is news to us. "We've heard nothing from the player. He's on a
season loan and it can't be broken, though with our approval he could move
to a different club in January." Maiga's absence has not been explained by
coach Albert Cartier who remains tight lipped. But according to L'Equipe,
the relationship between the coach and on loan striker has broken down. It
is claimed the two men had words at training on Thursday when Maiga realized
he would not start at the Velodrome. He has scored four goals in 10 games
since the start of the season.
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WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho returned to his pre-injury form straight away by scoring
against Swansea City
08.12.2014
Diafra Sakho continued from where he left off in scoring West Ham United's
third goal in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Swansea City. The Senegal striker
missed three games after suffering a back injury in the November
international break, but returned with a bang from the bench against the
Swans, rifling home with three minutes left to seal victory. It took his run
of scoring to eight goals in his last nine games and this strike was
especially poignant as he showed in his celebration, revealing a t-shirt
with an image of his relative Amy, who sadly died the previous week. He told
whufc.com: "I always feel good scoring here, because my objective since
arriving at West Ham was to help the team by scoring goals. "Sunday was a
special day for me. I wanted to come back because my relative Amy passed
away last Saturday and so I wanted to pay tribute to her. Even though I
wasn't at the funeral, I wanted to show to everyone the support I had for
her. "For a forward it's always important to score, but for me the most
important thing was the team. If I can help the team to win by scoring
goals, I'll try to do my all to make that happen."
The victory was West Ham's fifth in the last six home matches and Sakho is
keen to build a fortress at the Boleyn Ground. He explained: "It's very
important to command respect at home, because the target is always to win,
but in a manner at home. "I think we've shown everyone here that to come
here is not easy, even to take just one point." Sakho combined with Andy
Carroll to devastating effect on Sunday, with Carroll notching twice and
then supplying the No15 with his goal as the Hammers moved up to third in
the table. He said: "It's always great to play with someone of his
[Carroll's] calibre. I'd watched him on the television and to play with him
on Sunday makes me proud. It motivates me to give even more to help
everyone. "It's a lofty place in the league, but we've not stolen it, we've
worked to be there. Now we know that to remain there we have work to harder
than the others, because whether we're at home or away, being in third,
fourth or fifth, they're going to try to beat us and it's for us to earn
respect."
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Hammers draw Everton in FA Cup
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have been paired with Everton in the third round of the FA
Cup
08.12.2014
West Ham United have been handed an away draw against fellow Barclays
Premier League side Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. Monday
evening's draw gives Sam Allardyce's men a trip to Goodison Park for the
second time in as many months, following the narrow 2-1 defeat on Merseyside
in November. The Hammers have been paired with the Toffees on eight previous
occasions in the FA Cup, with each side having won four of those ties. Their
last FA Cup meeting came in 1991, when the Hammers triumphed 2-1 in a sixth
round clash. Eleven years earlier, West Ham saw off Everton after a
semi-final replay before defeating Arsenal in the final. In fact, West Ham
have won the last four ties against Everton, in a run stretching back to
1963. The east Londoners have a proud history in this competition, having
lifted the trophy in 1964. 1975 and 1980. The tie will be played on the
weekend beginning 3 J anuary and full fixture and ticketing details will
follow in due course. For this season's FA Cup campaign, apart from when
there is a kit clash, the Hammers will be clad in their smart purple, gold
and black third kit, which is available from Club Stores and online now.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AC thrilled with Swans double
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll notched his first goals of the season in Sunday's 3-1 victory
over Swansea City
07.12.2014
Andy Carroll's first and second goals of the season helped West Ham United
maintain their fine form with a 3-1 victory over Swansea City at the Boleyn
Ground on Sunday afternoon. It was the third win of a highly-productive week
and the three-point haul lifted the Hammers to the lofty heights of third in
the Barclays Premier League. Carroll was thrilled to play his part by
hitting the net for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in the
summer with two towering headers. "It's a great feeling to be back on the
scoresheet," he admitted.
"Getting as many games as I have in the last couple of weeks has been great
for my fitness. I'm feeling as fit as ever and it's shown in the two goals
today. "It was a great cross in from Jenks for the first and that's what
he's there for. It was an absolutely fantastic cross right where I wanted it
and I lost my man to get on the end of it. "For the second one I gave a
little bit of movement off the corner, it's gone in the space where I wanted
and the movement let me get on the end of it. "It was nearly cleared off the
line, but there was too much power on it!"
Carroll celebrated his second goal, which put the Hammers 2-1 up, by running
over to the bench and he revealed it was to demonstrate his thanks for the
behind-the-scenes work of the Club's backroom staff. He added: "I ran over
to celebrate with the bench because the staff had been behind me all the
way. It's been a long injury and it has been tough. "They've pushed me as
hard as they could to get me back fit. They've done everything right and
everything that needed to be done - especially when I didn't feel like doing
it when it's been sore and painful and I've been down. "They pushed me
through and helped me through it, so it was just to say thank you to them.
When you've got people like that looking after you it's a great feeling."
Diafra Sakho came off the bench at the break and he also marked his return
from injury with a goal and Carroll said he enjoyed partnering the No15,
even if he might have squared one opportunity to give him a hat-trick!
Carroll said: "I would have passed it [when Sakho hit the post], but it was
a great effort and he's a striker as well who wants to get on the
scoresheet. "I did tell him as soon as I went in that next time he better
pass! "It was great to play with him. When he came on we had a little word
about what was going to happen - where I was going to go and where he was
going to be - and it was a great little piece of movement for his goal as
well."
With three straight wins, Carroll says confidence in the camp is sky high
and the players have the belief their run can keep rolling on.
"We've gone behind in the last two games but pulled it back with two great
performances," he explained, "The lads are buzzing to be winning and buzzing
to be in the top three. "I think we can keep doing it all season. We've got
the great players, we've got the manager, the team's just fantastic at the
minute and we've just got to continue the way we are."
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Potts - 'We must take the opportunity'
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts is looking forward to his side's game with
Southampton
08.12.2014
West Ham United U18s manager Steve Potts says his players must take their
opportunity in the FA Youth Cup when they face Southampton at St Mary's
Stadium on Tuesday. The Hammers last won the historic tournament in 1999
when a team including Michael Carrick and Joe Cole beat Coventry City 9-0
over two legs. Tuesday's match will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel
so tune in from 7pm! Speaking ahead of the cup tie, Potts said: "We're
hoping for a good run. It's a great tournament and a great cup for the boys
to play in. "To play at St Mary's Stadium, hopefully in front of a crowd
will be a good experience. If they can handle that sort of situation that's
great because they need to get used to playing like that every Saturday or
Sunday."
For Potts, who played in the tournament as a youngster, there is an element
of unfinished business about Tuesday's fixture. "It was a cup I was
desperate to do well in. I played in a good side alongside players such as
Paul Ince and Kevin Keen among others. I felt we had a real good chance. We
went to Swindon away and somehow we lost, we got beat convincingly.
Everything went wrong that night."
The Hammers go into the match buoyed by their 4-2 victory over West Bromwich
Albion last weekend, which saw Potts' side climb to fourth in the U18
Premier League South table. "Overall I was very pleased. After a sloppy
start we let in a goal from a corner but we gradually got going in the first
half. "In the second half we played some really good stuff. We got one and I
thought we'd go on from there but we let another one in with about ten
minutes to go. Thankfully we began to put the ball in the back of the net
with three in the last few minutes. I was pleased with how we played."
The Hammers have already played the Saints once this season, coming back
from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 after goals from Jahmal Hector-Ingram, Jordan
Brown and Kieran Bailey. "That's a side of our game that we really need to
improve on. We can't keep going behind and expecting to win football
matches. "Southampton are a good team and a good club. So it's a real tough
draw for us, away from home. You couldn't get much tougher in the
competition, I think it's a plum draw so it's a real good test for us. "The
occasion is a test in itself. It's up to players to say yeah I'm ready for
this sort of game. It's not so much the technical ability but how handle the
occasion as well."
The West Ham United U18s play Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Tuesday 9
December, kick off is at 7pm.
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U21s set for cup clash
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad take on Fulham in their final U21 Premier League
International Cup group stage match on Monday
08.12.2014
West Ham United U21s take on Fulham on Monday evening to close the group
stage of their U21 Premier League International Cup campaign.
Having defeated Jong PSV and been edged out by Athletic Bilbao, the Hammers
can still progress should they see off Fulham at Rush Green.
The Development Squad gave a fine performance to defeat Dutch giants PSV in
their last outing. The Hammers have already taken on Fulham in league action
this season, registering a 1-1 draw at the Cottagers' Motspur Park home in
September. Kick-off at Rush Green is at 7pm, with admission free for Season
Ticket Holders and £3 adults, £1 concessions. whufc.com will bring you live
text commentary, as well as exclusive reaction and highlights.
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U16s host International Cup
WHUFC.com
The Academy hosted some of European football's top U16 squads over the
weekend
08.12.2014
West Ham United had the honour of hosting some of the biggest names in
European football at the Academy of Football over the weekend. The West Ham
International Cup saw the Under-16 sides from six clubs battle it out over
two days of fantastic competition at Rush Green Stadium. After picking up an
impressive draw with Italian champions Juventus on Saturday afternoon, the
Hammers suffered a 3-1 defeat against Belgian outfit Club Brugge later that
evening before losing out to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in the 5th/6th
place play-off on Sunday morning. It was Liverpool who came out on top
overall, beating Juventus in the final on Sunday afternoon to take the
trophy back to Merseyside. The Hammers had a wealth of talent on show over
the weekend, but they were without some key members of the side, including
Reece Oxford and Tunji Akinola, who are preparing for Tuesday's FA Youth Cup
tie at Southampton. Before each fixture throughout the weekend, both teams
posed for a mixed photograph to remember the World War One heroes as part of
the Premier League's #FootballRemembers weekend.
Two pitches were used during the weekend. The first being inside the main
arena, whilst a training pitch on the Rush Green site was also used for
fixtures happening simultaneously. The weekend opened on Saturday morning
when Sam Shajhoud, Keanan Bennetts and David Ajiboye all got their names on
the scoresheet as a dominant Tottenham Hotspur saw off Bilbao 4-1. It was
then time for the Hammers to face Juventus and the competition hosts started
the brighter out of the two teams. Anthony Scully, who has recently returned
from a long term injury, put the Hammers 1-0 up with a powerful effort into
the top corner from 20 yards, before Gianmarco Scapin fired a low free-kick
straight into the bottom corner of the net. In game three, Spurs were
looking to add to their earlier victory against Liverpool and it looked
likely when Abdi Sharif was punished for a defensive mistake by Spurs' John
Dizesni when the 14-year-old lashed a shot into the top corner. It was not
to last, though, as Liverpool's Toni Gomes latched onto a lofted through
ball to confidently finish into the net.
With Spurs then finished for the day after their two fixtures, the Hammers
took part in their second game against Club Brugge. Brandon Baiye finished
very well early into the game to give the Belgians the lead, before Conor
Coventry's deflected effort pulled the Hammers level, only for second half
goals from Senne Lynen and Ward Verwerft to secure Brugge a 3-1 victory.
The fifth game on Saturday afternoon saw Bilbao suffer a second defeat of
the day when Liverpool came from behind to win 4-1. Keenan Mendibelzua kept
his composure when through on goal to put the Spanish side ahead, before
goals from Gomes, Paul Glatzel and Herbie Kane helped Liverpool end the day
on a high. With just one game left on the opening day, Juventus in their
florescent green away kit faced Club Brugge in an equally colourful orange
strip. Federico Mastropietro put the Old Lady ahead with a fantastic direct
free-kick, before Fererico Naimo doubled their lead from close range. Jules
Vanhaecke pulled one back in superb fashion before Mastropietro grabbed his
second goal of the game to regain the two-goal lead. Two late goals from
Scapin gave Juventus a 5-1 victory and took them directly into Sunday's
final.
The second day of the event started with a penalty shootout between Spurs
and Liverpool to decide who would face Juventus in the final, after both
sides won 4-1 and drew 1-1 the previous day. Liverpool prevailed on
penalties and to reach the final, whilst Spurs would have to settle with a
tie against Brugge for 3rd/4th place.
With the fixtures then decided, West Ham suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat
to Bilbao on pitch two. David Nates put the Spanish side ahead with a
deflected effort, before Idris Kanu (pictured) rounded Sergio Garcia to
bring the Hammers back into the match. Second half goals from Benat
Andonegui and Javier Rudy helped Los Leones to finish in fifth position,
while the Hammers had to settle for sixth.
On pitch one at the same time, Tottenham shrugged aside the disappointment
of losing the penalty shootout to win 3-1 against Brugge, meaning the
Londoners finished in third place and the Belgians ended in fourth.
The competition ended with a thoroughly entertaining final between Juventus
and Liverpool, with the Italians falling behind early on after Rhian
Brewster played in Gomes to smash into the net. Both sides had several
opportunities to secure the result throughout the rest of the match, but
Liverpool managed to hold on to take the crown. The match ended with
Liverpool captain Kane and Juventus' Edouardo Bianchi being given straight
red cards for an altercation after the Italians reacted to a bit of
time-wasting in the final few minutes. Despite the poor discipline at the
end, the competition was enjoyed by all the teams and West Ham's Academy
Director Terry Westley closed the tournament by thanking all teams for their
participation and congratulating all for their performances.
West Ham United U16 squad: Tyler Forde, Matthew Campbell, Mason Barrett,
Conor Coventry, Thomas Carlton, Ben Wells, Malyk Hamilton, Alfie Lewis,
Idris Kanu, Anthony Scully, Joe Powell, Charlie Seaman, Mitchell Ware,
Abdoulahi Diallo, Eliot Capel, Ben Johnson, Reece Hannam, Korrey Henry.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Cup third round draw - it's Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will face Everton in the third round of the FA Cup. West
Ham's number 42 ball was paired with Everton's 16 by local coach Paul
Adamson and former England international Alan Shearer. The two sides will
meet on the weekend of January 3/4 at Goodison Park.
The full draw is as follows. Premier League clubs in bold:
Arsenal (2) v Hull City (19)
Southampton (35) v Ipswich Town (20)
Stoke City (36) v Wrexham (47)
Charlton Athletic (12) v Blackburn Rovers (5)
Dover Athletic (61) v Crystal Palace (14)
AFC Wimbledon (50) v Liverpool (23)
Manchester City (24) v Sheffield Wednesday (34)
Aldershot or Rochdale (64) v Nottingham Forest (30)
West Bromwich Albion (41) v Gateshead (55)
Blyth Spartans (52) v Birmingham City (4)
Aston Villa (3) v Blackpool (6)
Rotherham United (33) vs AFC Bournemouth (1)
Huddersfield United (18) vs Reading (32)
Oxford or Tranmere Rovers (45) v Swansea City (38)
Cardiff City (11) v Colchester United (49)
Bolton Wanderers (7) v Wigan Athletic (43)
Sunderland (37) v Leeds United (21)
Burnley (10) v Tottenham Hotspur (39)
Millwall (27) v Bradford City (59)
Derby County v Southport (54)
Brentford (8) v Brighton & Hove Albion (9)
Fulham (17) v Wolves (44)
Leicester City (22) v Newcastle United (28)
Scunthorpe or Worcester City (39) v Chesterfield (53)
Everton (16) v West Ham United (42)
Cambridge or Mansfield v Bury or Luton(46)
Chelsea (13) v Watford (14)
Barnsley or Chester v Middlesbrough (56)
Queens Park Rangers (31) v Sheffield United (60)
Accrington or Yeovil (51) v Manchester United (25)
Preston North End (57) v Norwich City (29)
Doncaster Rovers v Bristol City (63)
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Moody Maiga dumped by Metz
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Modibo Maiga could be on his way back to England after falling out with Metz
coach Albert Cartier. According to reports in the French media, Maiga was
informed on Thursday that he was being dropped by Cartier for the weekend's
trip to Ligue 1 leaders Marseille. The 27-year-old striker - who has scored
four goals in his 11 appearances for the newly promoted side since moving to
Stade Saint-Symphorien on a season-long loan - is said to have reacted
angrily to the news. And his omission did little to help Les Grenats as they
went down 3-1 at Marseille yesterday, with Metz's consolation coming from
former Chelsea forward Florent Malouda. Despite having apparently cleared
the air with Cartier since, Maiga did not travel to Marseille with the rest
of the (17-man) squad, prompting speculation that he may demand a return to
London before the season is out. However there is little chance of the
£4.5million striker ever appearing for West Ham again with the likes of Andy
Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia having been in such sparkling form
in recent weeks - form that according to BetBright, is the result of gradual
evolution at the Club. Maiga's current club are currently 13th in Ligue 1
having accrued 19 points from their first 17 fixtures. They are currently
four points clear of the relegation zone. The striker is contracted to West
Ham United until the summer of 2016.
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Monk on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 8th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Not to be confused with OLAS legend Harry, a spiky Garry Monk felt his team
were a long way short of 'reaching their levels' whilst being beaten 3-1 by
West Ham on Sunday lunchtime. His full post match presser, exclusively here.
How do you feel after that?
How do I feel? Great. We've just lost the game, so obviously not happy.
Where do you think it was won and lost?
I just don't think we ever reached the levels that we have done this season.
It's the first time I can actually say that in all the games we played, we
were nowhere near the level - especially with the ball. We didn't make
enough correct decisions, not enough quick, sharp decisions. The only time
we did that we scored a goal.
We moved the ball very quickly, one and two touch which we've been doing
this season and we showed the damage we can cause. We just didn't do that
enough today and some of the defending for some of the goals, we gifted it
to them on a plate really, to be honest with you.
So no complaints with the result, we didn't deserve anything from the game.
You seemed to have your best spell just after the red card. Do you think
that sparked you, or made them angry?
No, I think you're right - we probably had our best spell when we went down
to ten men but it shouldn't take a situation like that for us to play our
best football. We've been performing very well in all the games this season
and that's the first time I can genuinely say that we haven't got anywhere
near the levels that we have done.
For me, we gifted the goals to them today. For the first goal - Andy
Carroll's first goal - I thought yeah, it was a good header and a good cross
into the box but we could have done better with it. The second goal from
Carroll, we were man marking in the box and he loses the marker, gets half a
yard and a free header, which is unacceptable. Then the third one was poor
defending from us. We kind of gave them an early Christmas present, I think.
A lot of people will talk about Carroll's record against Swansea. Do you
think, the way you played you would have lost against anybody today?
Yeah. Like I said, I just don't think we reached the levels that we have
been. At times we did, we had our chances. At one-all Bony hit the bar; if
that goes in without playing particularly well we could have got something
from the game. So that's a sort of positive for me, for us to play that
poorly - or not to those levels.
I don't think we were poor, but I don't think we were good. To play to those
levels and still realistically could have got something from the game it
shows the players that if they reach anywhere near their levels they'll be
able to come to places like this and get points.
Was it a red card?
Well, it was because he gave it. If you look at the build-up to it he knocks
the ball past the 'keeper with his hand. I don't think we dealt with the
situation leading up to that point very well. I think Ashley makes a
mistake, gets caught the wrong side of the player but actually before
Fabianski makes any contact whatsoever the player knocks it past with his
left hand, clearly.
So realistically it should be hand ball to us. It wasn't a clear goalscoring
opportunity either. You can see from the way it played out that he hit the
post so it obviously wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity. Ash was getting
back in, Jazz Richards was making his way back in so in terms of the red
card, when you look at it with the replays and everything then no, it's not.
Will you appeal?
Well you'd think so. Like I said, with the whole cold-hearted facts of what
it is when you have the benefit or replays and everything it should be hand
ball and a free kick to us. But obviously it's a red card so hopefully yeah,
we will appeal it.
Have you had an explanation from the referee about it?
No. I'll go and see him, speak to him now and see what he says.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll tipped for England consideration
Last Updated: 08/12/14 12:07pm
SSN
Andy Carroll's form for third-placed West Ham has put the striker back in
contention for a place in the England side, says former Manchester United
assistant manager Steve Round. Carroll's two goals against Swansea, his
first goals for nine months, have proven the striker's aerial prowess and
could prove to be the missing ingredient for the England side. Round told
the Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ that Carroll's goals undoubtedly put
the striker in the view of England manager Roy Hodgson "He will be looking
at him for sure," said Round. "He gives him a different option, he gives him
a plan B, he gives him something that you can launch a ball into the box,
you can cross it into the box, and you have a presence there on the end of
it. "He is exceptional in the air, and that's the one thing we're lacking a
little bit in English football at the minute. "West Ham now have got a
different style of play: they can play great football going through you,
over the top with the pace… or they can go round you to cross it for Carroll
to head it in there."
Former Southampton captain Francis Benali said Carroll's aerial strength was
a key part of West Ham's recent success. "He's a tough player to play
against when he's on his form," he said. "West Ham have great home form now,
which is crucial and an important element to any side being successful and
doing well. "I think it's Big Sam just sticking with it. He's been given
time to work in the job as well, and I think we're seeing the fruition of
that now."
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Liverpool and Arsenal transfer target Winston Reid's West Ham wage demands
make exit almost certain
Dec 08, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
Defender who has been key for the resurgent Hammers is out of contract in
the summer wants a huge pay-day to stay - will he now be sold in January?
The Mirror
Winston Reid wants a huge pay day which will almost certainly see him leave
West Ham. Hammers defender Reid, a key figure in their remarkable start to
the campaign, wants £60,000 a week and a £1million signing-on fee. They are
the figures being quoted to interested clubs and they are likely to price
West Ham out of keeping the 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer.
But it will not deter Arsenal or Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, who are both
keen on New Zealand international Reid and may even see whether they can get
him on the cheap in January. We revealed last month that Arsenal will bid
for Ipswich's young defender Tyrone Mings in January, but they are looking
for a more experienced player as well. Liverpool are also watching
developments closely and know that West Ham may consider selling in January
rather than risk him walking out for free next summer. West Ham have not
given up on keeping Reid and insist that they are hopeful that he will stay
at the Upton Park club, especially after their great start to the campaign
which has left them dreaming of European football next season. But West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce, yet to start talking about his own new deal, has
admitted that he fears Reid could leave.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll tells Sam Allardyce there was no need for Wilfried Bony
• Striker scored two against Swansea after Bony's opener
• Allardyce had been watching Ivorian striker at Vitesse
• Andy Carroll's headed double powers West Ham to victory
Lawrence Ostlere
The Guardian, Monday 8 December 2014 22.30 GMT
Andy Carroll believes he has vindicated Sam Allardyce's decision to sign him
rather than Wilfried Bony last summer after his contribution to West Ham's
victory against Swansea City on Sunday. The striker scored two towering
headers to drive his side to their third win in a week and third place in
the Premier League. Allardyce revealed last week that he had been tracking
Bony's prolific goalscoring for Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 when the
opportunity arose to sign the on-loan Carroll on a permanent basis, and said
the club could not afford both. Asked whether his manager made the right
decision, Carroll said: "[I haven't] seen anything about it but he chose the
right one, didn't he?"
Carroll's first league goals of the season were a well-timed reminder of his
qualities and reinforced the return to fitness of the forwards Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho, the club's top scorer this term. Both summer
recruits have impressed in Carroll's absence – Sakho came off the bench
against Swansea to score his eighth in all competitions – but Carroll said
West Ham's newfound strength in depth can only be positive.
"Both of them are great players as they have shown at the start of the
season," he said. "Both have got goals in them and Diafra has come off the
bench and got one and could have had another. He is a fantastic signing."
The 25-year-old Carroll has waited a long time after injury delayed his
season's start but said the pressure on his comeback had been eased by his
team-mates' success. "It is always easier when you have a big squad,"
Carroll said. "You are not relying on one player. We have a big squad and
all quality players that can come in. That is why the players who are not
playing are disappointed."
Carroll also had special praise for another new addition Alex Song. The
midfielder arrived on a season-long loan from Barcelona in the summer and
has not ruled out extending his stay in east London, having already cemented
his place at the heart of the side.
"Every game he has played he has been fantastic," Carroll said. "He is just
so comfortable on the ball and slows the game to his own tempo. Even when we
were one down we didn't go gung-ho. He still held it for us and was our
anchor really."
Next up for West Ham is a visit to Sunderland and Carroll is wary of the
threat carried by the club that his family support. "It is a tough game
going up there. I think [my family] will all be cheering me, even though
they are Sunderland fans."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham icon: Diafra Sakho is worth £25m amid Liverpool speculation
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham notched up their third win in eight days on Sunday, beating Swansea
City 3-1. The star of the show was Andy Carroll, but substitute Diafra Sakho
made his return to the side with a bang, scoring the third goal to take his
tally for the season to eight in all competitions. The Senegal international
has been out of action lately through injury, but showed that he should
still be considered as West Ham's top striker with a superb cameo against
the Swans. Sakho, 24, has been a revelation this season, and his goalscoring
exploits have reportedly attracted the interest of Liverpool, who need
attacking reinforcements in January. The Hammers would surely resist any
temptation to sell, and their former striker Leroy Rosenior told Claret &
Hugh that Sakho is 'amazing', and worth at least £25m - despite West Ham
paying just £3.5m for him in August. "It really doesn't matter who he plays
with, he has an instinctive understanding of the game and goes to exactly
the right positions," said Rosenior. "He came back after an absence and
looked as though he'd never been away and with a new strike partner.
Staggering." "He's so good running off the ball and he has excellent touch
and is one of the best strikers I've seen in several years. He's an amazing
player," he added. "Obviously we are judging things on how they look right
bow in the present vein of form but for me – at this moment – Diafra is
worth £25 million minimum. For me there isn't a better striker in the
country," exclaimed Rosenior. A £25m price tag would surely be enough to put
any suitors off a bid for Sakho - particularly Liverpool, who forked out
£16m for Mario Balotelli this summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers top FA Cup record against Toffees
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
So we're off to Everton in the Third Round of the FA Cup which at first
glance isn't the best draw in the world!Everton However, look a little bit
deeper and you discover that The Toffees have failed to beat us in the
competition since 1957. The two sides last met in 1991 at the Boleyn when we
won 2-1 and in 1980 at Goodison we came out 2-1 winners of a replay after
drawing with The Toffeess 1-1 four days earlier. In 1963 we scored a 1-0 win
over them having suffered our last loss against them 57 years ago at
Goodison 2-1.Quite apart from that there are quite a few scores left up at
Goodison to be sorted after the bad tempered League clash and James Tomkins
in particular may feel he has a point to prove. Holders Arsenal will host
Hull City in a repeat of May's Wembley final. Their meeting is one of four
all Premier League ties as Burnley host Tottenham, we are off to Goodison
and Newcastle United visit Leicester City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No humble pie – just enjoy the Irons and new Sam
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
By Nigel Kahn
With the fantastic way we have gone about this season West Ham fans have
many reasons to be cheerful. Yet across some social media platforms I am
beginning to see fans commenting on how their position on Sam has changed
from last season. That is natural. Sam has changed to an attacking style
Clean sheet football is not on the agenda it seems and more and more fans
are saying: "Last season I wanted Sam gone but I'm eating humble pie now"
whilst praising the owners for keeping their nerve. I don't get that. Last
season when those fans wanted Sam out it was with good reason as for at
that time, and for the previous couple of years, the football had been
dreadful. The only way out of it for many was for Sam to sling his hook or
have it slung. So there is no reason now for those fans that voted for him
to go , or booed his teams off, or held up that banner at West Brom, to feel
foolish or that they have to eat their words. Hindsight is a wonderful thing
so it is very easy to look back now and say they were wrong, but that is to
ignore everything else that was happening at the time.
Imagine if last season was the last on Sam's contract! Who really believes
that he would have got another contract when he walked into the end of
season meeting at Dave Sullivan's house. Last season he did achieved what
was asked of him, but the club was in open revolution at the way he
achieved it. The owners without having to pay him off would have thanked him
for his services and bid him farewell. Luckily, or not depends where you sit
on the subject, he did have another year left, and waving him goodbye would
have cost three million pounds to do so. Money that was put to good use, by
DS, in his transfer dealings that have helped bring in the players to propel
us to a position not seen for nearly a generation. So I say to those fans
that feel they are choking on their 'Sam Out' stance of last season to choke
no more, keep humble pie off the Christmas menu this season and just enjoy
the resurgence of West Ham and in a way Big Sam, as I never thought he had
it in him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga mystery deepens
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 8, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have heard nothing of Modibo Maiga since he was reported as having
gone missing from the Metz squad which was beaten 3-1 by Marseilles at the
weekend. Reports in France claim the player could be on his way back to
London but West Ham sources told ClaretandHugh within the last few minutes:
"We know nothing about his wherabouts at all. He added: "We had noticed
that Metz only had the six subs and that Maiga wasn't on the bench but the
rest of it is news to us. "We've heard nothing from the player. He's on a
season loan and it can't be broken, though with our approval he could move
to a different club in January." Maiga's absence has not been explained by
coach Albert Cartier who remains tight lipped. But according to L'Equipe,
the relationship between the coach and on loan striker has broken down. It
is claimed the two men had words at training on Thursday when Maiga realized
he would not start at the Velodrome. He has scored four goals in 10 games
since the start of the season.
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