Alpari (UK) Limited statement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United has issued a statement in relation to Alpari (UK) Limited's
situation
16.01.2015
West Ham United has enjoyed a good working relationship with Alpari (UK)
Limited since 2011 and is therefore saddened by today's news that it has
entered into insolvency. The Club would like to offer its sympathies to any
Alpari staff affected by the announcement, particularly those that have
worked closely with us over the past few years.
The Board would like to reassure supporters that Alpari (UK) Limited's
situation will have no impact on West Ham United. The Club remains in a
strong financial position and just last month published accounts showing
record revenues and a group profit of £10.3m before tax.
The Club has received huge interest and is already in advanced discussions
with potential new shirt sponsors for next year.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
James Collins blogs for whufc.com on the excitement of Tuesday and Sunday's
game against Hull
16.01.2015
Hello everyone,
Tuesday was a great game to be involved in. It was a typical FA Cup game
which you saw a lot when I was growing up, but not so much anymore. To be
involved in one at Upton Park was great and to get the win after penalties
made it extra-special. I'm not good at watching penalties, even when Nobes
takes them in normal play I don't tend to look at them because I do get a
bit nervous, but I had every faith in the lads. Adrian's very good at saving
penalties and he showed that he can score them as well. The boys who took
them, all took them very well under such pressure. I would never have had
Stewart Downing to miss, I think I said at the time I would have had my life
on him, but we got through and everyone who stepped up did very well. The
changing room was buzzing after the game and the Gaffer said going into
extra-time that we've come so far that to go out would be a real shame. We
had to dig in with them going 2-1 up, but we've had a good couple of days of
recovery and we're looking forward to Hull now.
I wasn't going to play on Tuesday initially as I was suffering with a little
calf injury from Swansea, but with Winston being injured we had a few
discussions with the medical staff and the Gaffer and we decided to give it
a go. Luckily it was the right decision because I've come through it
unscathed and it's okay now to go for the weekend. I was happy with the way
I played, although he did score again. Lukaku's got a great record against
us and it was a shame when he did score because we spoke about it
beforehand. Sunday is a massive game for us. I think they're struggling with
a few injuries but we're looking strong and with the crowd behind us we'll
be looking to get the three points with a good performance.
We'll be looking to get back to winning ways in the league and hopefully the
confidence we'll take from Tuesday will help us do that.
See you on Sunday
Ginge
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Big Sam on: Hull City
WHUFC.com
The manager speaks to the press ahead of Sunday's game against Hull City
16.01.2015
Sam Allardyce is expecting a stern examination of his side's credentials
from Hull City on Sunday, despite the Tigers' struggles this season. The
Hammers battled out a 2-2 draw at the KC Stadium in September, but this time
Big Sam has his eyes firmly on three points this time. He faced the media in
his weekly press conference on Friday, answering questions on Hull, injury
news and more.
On Sunday's game, what are you expecting from Hull? They've lost a couple of
strikers to injury, how do you think they will set out their stall?
SA: "It's difficult to say at the moment because when a team is struggling
and when you've got so many injuries, you try different ways of playing with
the players you have available. I'm not so sure whether Steve will favour a
back three or a back four, we'll have to wait and see. "He's had some great
success with a back three, especially last season, and away from home it can
be difficult to break down, so perhaps that might be the way he goes. Based
on the players he has available and the injuries, we're not so sure which
way he'll go but as always, even though they're struggling, like any Premier
League game it'll be a difficult football match. "I think he'll be very
disappointed that last week he went to West Brom and a silly back pass to
the goalkeeper has cost him the game, otherwise he would have got a precious
point. It shows how difficult they will be to break down and defeat."
Sam, it's been a little while since you've won a league game. Is that a
concern?
SA: "It is. I think it's our lack of defensive unity or whatever you want to
call it, but we've lost our clean sheet ratio. We've been free-scoring and
right at the top end in the goals we've scored, but we've only got four
clean sheets and because of that it's cost us the 1-0 wins you look for when
the games are tight. We've been leading against West Brom, we've been
leading against Swansea and you'd have expected at least one of those would
have ended in a 1-0 victory. "If we're going to start winning football
matches again, we can't rely on needing to score more than once. It's the
difference between us and Southampton - they've got eleven clean sheets but
we only have four."
Is a home match against Hull one of those games you look at and say you
should be winning?
SA: "You always target the teams below you to do our very best to try and
win, and if you can't make sure you don't lose. At this moment in time the
only team we've lost to under us is Everton. Hopefully by the end of Sunday
that will be the same, and we would have gained hopefully three points.
"Everyone expects us to win because of how well we're playing at home, but
the Premier League is very unpredictable and if at any stage we're not at
100 per cent top form it will be difficult to beat Hull."
You were without Winston Reid on Tuesday, is he available?
SA: "Winston and Guy Demel have started light training so at the moment it
looks like they have a chance of being available and I'll know more tomorrow
morning."
When you saw James Tomkins and Mark Noble have their disagreement on
Tuesday, secretly deep down do you like that as a manager as it shows how
much they care?
SA: "I think you have to be careful in today's world, where people frown
upon something which, let's face it, was just a scuffle. If it was in rugby
it would be laughable, but in football it goes almost as far as should they
get banned? "It was a disagreement between two players, the emotion of the
evening was very high and they had a little bit of a scuffle. They are two
lads who have grown up together at West Ham, are West Ham through and
through and that'll be the end of it. They've probably had a laugh and a
joke about it the last couple of days."
Everyone goes transfer-mad this month. Are there any updates on Winston
Reid's situation?
SA: "I've had no conversation with the Chairmen regarding any progress on
that one way or another, so his situation stays the same."
Who would you have voted for in the Ballon D'Or?
SA: "I think I probably would have voted for Ronaldo. It was nice to see
Neuer nominated and I wouldn't have been too disappointed had he won it
based on a goalkeeper rarely has the chance to win it. He had such a great
year, as the ultimate goalkeeper. He's an outfield player outside the box
and he's an unbelievable goalkeeper when he's inside his penalty area."
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Cullen: "It's great to be back"
WHUFc.com
Development Squad midfielder Josh Cullen was delighted to return to action
against Everton
16.01.2015
West Ham United Development Squad midfielder Josh Cullen said it was good to
be back playing again after several months out due to a serious ankle
injury. The 2-0 defeat by Everton was the 18-year-old's first game since
picking up the injury against Fulham in September.
The Blues secured the victory with second half goals from Conor McAleny and
Callum Connolly. Speaking after the match, Cullen said: "It's a great
feeling to be back playing. It's a shame about the result but for me
personally I've spent a lot of time in the gym getting back to fitness. It's
a positive to get 30 minutes under my belt and come through it without any
problems. "My ankle felt ok, I've been training properly for about a week
and a half now. To be back in the squad and playing felt good."
Cullen came on in place of fellow midfielder Kieran Bywater who was replaced
after being on the end of a hefty challenge. Prior to his ankle injury,
Cullen, the Republic of Ireland U18 international, had started every game
for the Dev Squad. "Obviously everyone is down. The message at half time was
to try and keep a clean sheet but we came out and conceded early on which
made it difficult. They came on strong and made the most of the wind which
made it very difficult for us. "Everton are a good side, every time I've
played them they've been decent. They played well in the second half, I
think they used the wind better than we did. Their first goal is a shot from
range which the wind has got behind and it flies in. I think had we been on
our game we would have won."
Up next for the Dev Squad is a tough home game against Chelsea at Rush Green
on Friday 23 January. Looking ahead to the London derby, Cullen said:
"Chelsea are one of the best sides in the country, and it'll be one of the
toughest games we play all season. But there's not a better game to go out
and get a result because that will give us a lot of confidence. If we do
that, then things will change."
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Westley disappointed with defeat
WHUFc.com
Academy Director Terry Westley was disappointed with the Dev Squad's 2-0
defeat
15.01.2015
West Ham United Academy Director Terry Westley was disappointed with the
Development Squad's performances as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat away at
Everton on Thursday 15 January. In a goalless first half, the Dev Squad
started the stronger yet they couldn't find a way through a resolute Everton
backline. Striker Conor McAleny opened the scoring for the Blues on 50
minutes as his shot from the edge of the box beat West Ham goalkeeper
Raphael Spiegel. The victory was sealed just a few minutes later as Callum
Connolly's shot was adjudged to have gone over the line despite replays
suggesting otherwise. Speaking after the game, Westley said: "It was a tough
game, it was made even harder by the conditions. Everton are never easy to
play against, especially away from home. "They are a strong side and the
conditions made it even harder. That's not an excuse as they had to deal
with the same conditions but we had to be more competitive. "The second goal
was disappointing because at 1-0 you are always in it. For their second goal
the linesman has said it was over the line, after looking at the DVD you can
see it's not over the line. "Putting that to one side, collectively and
individually we haven't done enough tonight. You have to be competitive to
make a living in this game, you have to show real commitment and desire.
Those are the things that should be guaranteed every time we walk out onto
the pitch. For the first time tonight I didn't feel we got that."
Despite the result there were several positives for the Hammers including
midfielder Josh Cullen's return to action after several months out with an
ankle injury. Another plus was new signing Doneil Henry who impressed in his
first 65 minutes in a Claret and Blues shirt. As Westley continued: "On the
positives, Elliot Lee played 65 minutes. Doneil Henry played at the back for
the first time for us and Josh Cullen has come back into the team."
The Dev Squad's next game is at home to Chelsea on Friday 23 January, kick
off is 7pm at Rush Green.
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West Ham v Hull
KO 13:30
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian
16 January 2015
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 18 January
TEAM NEWS
Alex Song overcame illness to play in West Ham's FA Cup win over Everton and
is set to return to league action. Winston Reid and Guy Demel are back in
training after injury and could be involved on Sunday.
Hull are hopeful of having Gaston Ramirez and Sone Aluko fit to play, with
the pair returning to training on Friday morning. Abel Hernandez and Nikica
Jelavic both limped off during last week's defeat by West Brom and face
lengthy spells out.
MATCH PREVIEW
It could have been worse, Adrian might have lofted his penalty over the bar
and West Ham could have lost, but two hours of thrilling cup football and a
shoot-out against Everton is not ideal preparation for a Premier League game
which the Hammers will feel they should win.
They're due a win too; that penalty shoot-out success is the Hammers' only
victory since Christmas. Defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal were hardly
unexpected, but taking only two points from games against West Brom and
Swansea is disappointing for a side whose aspirations have been completely
transformed. This time 12 months ago Sam Allardyce was the object of
derision from West Ham fans after cup thrashings at the hands of Nottingham
Forest and Manchester City and the owners deserve credit for not bowing to
the intense pressure to sack him. Their reward has been a much better brand
of football and a genuine push for European football, which they last
experienced at the Boleyn Ground in 2006. "Injuries to Nikica Jelavic and
Abel Hernandez mean Hull are short of strikers. The Tigers will still be
very competitive but you cannot see where their goals are going to come from
without that pair."
Hull's first ever European adventure seems a long time ago now. The Tigers
defeat over two legs to Belgian side Lokeren has set the tone for an
immensely disappointing campaign so far. Abel Hernandez, Mohamed Diame,
Gaston Ramirez, Hatem Ben Arfa, Robert Snodgrass and Thomas Ince were all
signings designed to make Hull an attacking force to be reckoned with. It
hasn't worked, with Hull failing to score in ten of their last 14 games in
league and cup. Ben Arfa has left, Ramirez has played 90 minutes only once,
Diame and Snodgrass are injured, Ince has been out on loan and Hernandez has
faltered and now got injured after a bright start. Throw in an injury to
Nikica Jelavic and suddenly Hull are looking terribly vulnerable. This is
all very hard on Steve Bruce, who guided Hull from the Championship to the
top flight and the FA Cup final, but that's football. Like Allardyce a year
ago, Bruce is a manager hoping his bosses have nerves of steel.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won the last five league meetings at Upton Park.
Hull have recorded just a single victory in the last eight encounters home
and away.
West Ham United
West Ham are winless in four league games (D2, L2), having won four of the
previous five.
The Hammers have taken the lead in each of their last four league and cup
games but failed to win any of them (excluding a penalty shootout).
They have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League
matches.
Stewart Downing has been involved in as many Premier League goals this
season (11 - four goals and seven assists) as he managed in his previous
three campaigns combined.
Hull City
Hull will be without their top three scorers this season, with Nikica
Jelavic (6), Mohamed Diame (4) and Abel Hernandez (3) all out injured.
Defender James Chester (2) is the next top scorer.
The Tigers have recorded just two victories in their last 14 league games
(D4, L8).
They have never scored a Premier League away goal in January, losing seven
of eight games on the road in that month.
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Alpari UK currency broker folds over Swiss franc turmoil
BBC.co.uk
West Ham football club sponsor and currency broker Alpari has shut its UK
arm following the Swiss National Bank's decision to end its capping of the
Swiss franc against the euro. The foreign exchange broker said in a
statement that the move had created "exceptional volatility and extreme lack
of liquidity". As a result, the majority of Alpari clients had "sustained
losses". The euro rose 1.2% on Friday to buy 0.9869 Swiss francs. Thursday's
euro-franc close was 0.9755, well above its lowest point of 0.85 following
the sudden removal of the cap. "Where a client cannot cover this loss, it is
passed on to us," it said. "This has forced Alpari (UK) Limited to confirm
today that it has entered into insolvency." The Financial Conduct Authority
said it was "working closely" with the company. West Ham said Alpari's
collapse would not affect the club, which was in talks with potential new
shirt sponsors for next year. The SNB shocked markets on Thursday by
reversing a three-year-old policy. The bank had previously capped the value
of the franc at 1.20 per euro.
FXCM shares suspended
At one point on Thursday, following the decision to abandon the cap, the
franc soared more than 30% against the euro. Derek Halpenny, a currency
strategist at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, described the currency move as
"unprecedented". The euro regained some ground on Friday, rising 2.5% to
1.01 francs. Alpari, which signed a £3m, three-year deal with West Ham in
2013, is one of a number of companies to be affected by the volatility
caused by the SNB's action. Shares in US forex trading group FXCM were
suspended shortly before trading began in New York on Friday after the stock
plunged by 90% in pre-market dealing. FXCM said on Thursday it might not be
able to meet certain regulatory capital requirements due to "unprecedented
volatility" after clients suffered losses of $225m. The US market regulator,
the National Futures Association, said it was in "constant contact" with
FXCM. "We've been watching the volatility in light of the activities that
occurred early yesterday morning, so we are monitoring all of our firms," a
NFA spokesperson said.
The Swiss National Bank's decision on Thursday to abandon attempts to fix
the Swiss Franc against the euro resulted in the "Swissie" rising by 30%. It
was probably the largest one-day movement by a major currency since the
First World War. The reasoning for the move were fears that the eurozone
will soon start printing money. That is almost certain to cut the value of
the euro and boost that of safe haven currencies, such as the franc. In
short, the Swiss could no longer afford to hold the line. The consequences
are just beginning to be felt. Alpari, one foreign exchange broker, has gone
bust, while another has lost £30m. Yet it is the Swiss who have lost most,
as the cost of their exports will now soar. If you were thinking of treating
yourself to a nice Swiss watch for the new year, you might want to check
your bank balance first. It is likely to be 15% more expensive than it was
on Wednesday.
New Zealand foreign exchange dealer Global Brokers NZ was also forced to
close due to hefty losses incurred from the currency turmoil.
Following the closure, New Zealand's Financial Market Authority said it
would "be seeking assurances that the client funds have been protected and
segregated." Other forex companies also suffered losses. IG Index said it
would lose some £30m following the turmoil. CMC Markets also recorded
losses, but chief executive Peter Cruddas said the overall impact had not
materially affected the group. "It's business as usual," he said.
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Alpari enters insolvency, West Ham lose another sponsor
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
One of West Ham United's key financial partners, Alpari (UK), has entered
into insolvency following an unexpected surge on the Swiss Franc. It was
revealed on the KUMB Forum this morning that huge losses sustained by the FX
trader within the last 24 hours has caused the firm to file for insolvency.
A statement released later in the morning on the company's website confrimed
the news. "The recent move on the Swiss franc caused by the Swiss National
Bank's unexpected policy reversal of capping the Swiss franc against the
euro has resulted in exceptional volatility and extreme lack of liquidity,"
it read. "This has resulted in the majority of clients sustaining losses
which has exceeded their account equity. Where a client cannot cover this
loss, it is passed on to us. "This has forced Alpari (UK) Limited to
confirm today, 16/01/15, that it has entered into insolvency. Retail client
funds continue to be segregated in accordance with FCA rules."
Hundreds of millions of pounds of losses were incurred in the financial
markets yesterday. KUMB member Iron George, who works as a trader, said: "It
was totally bonkers yesterday - the busiest five hours I can remember in my
31 years in this game." Yesterday the Euro, to which the Swiss Franc was
previously linked, sustained a major fall in relative value. This led the
Swiss National Bank to 'decouple' itself from the currency, which
subsequently led to the Franc soaring in value - a decision Alpari Chief
Market Analyst James Hughes described as "irresponsible".
Whilst that in itself was great news for those holding Swiss Francs, it was
the opposite scenario for traders who has previously purchased future
options to sell the currency at it's old rate. For Alpari, who are
resposible for its clients debts, this meant curtains.
Or, as in the words of another trader posting on KUMB this morning:
"Basically people had taken a punt and lost big time. " The immediate effect
on West Ham United is that all contracts between Alpari and the club will
become void. The two parties entered into a three-year, multimillion-pound
deal in February 2013. This means that as per with XL Holidays back in 2008,
when they too folded almost overnight, West Ham are likely to be without a
short sponsor for the rest of the current season. Meanwhile the company's
association with the Boleyn Ground's West Stand is also likely to end.
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Sam pleads poverty
WHUFC.com
Filed: Friday, 16th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
In the same year that West Ham United received circa £75 million from TV
companies as part of the new Premier League sponsorship deal, Sam Allardyce
has revealed that the club are unable to spend in the January transfer
window. West Ham may have received the bumper increase in funding last
season, allowing the club to report a profit in last month's annual accounts
- but manager Allardyce is unlikely to see any of it until the summer, at
least. That, according to Allardyce, is the result of the Financial Fair
Play (FFP) ruling that limits West Ham's wage bill to a sustainable figure,
according to UEFA. Responding to a question regarding the possibility of
making Alex Song's season-long loan deal permanent, Big Sam replied:
"There's a considerable amount of funds available next season. "They can't
be spent this season because we're at the extreme of that budget, but next
year is a completely new budget. We're Financially Fair Played with no money
available at the moment. What money we do have available is only for wages.
"If a player pops up within that wage structure and we feel it's somebody
who could have an immediate impact on the team then we will pursue it, but
we think that's highly unlikely in this window. "You never know what turns
up. We will never say never, but it's probably highly unlikely."
FFP Q&A
What is FFP?
FFP was introduced by UEFA to prevent member clubs from spending beyond
their means, which many within the game feel is an unsustainable practice
which leads to the closure of some clubs.
How limited are West Ham by FFP?
The initial FFP ruling was based upon club's accounts for the financial
years 2011/12 and 2012/13. Each club is allowed to increase their spending
by $5million (£3.9million) per year. Clubs are now assessed over a rolling
three-year period.
What is covered by FFP?
All football-related expenditure - the largest component of which is wages.
In their latest accounts, released last month, West Ham's wage bill was
circa £64million - up from £56.5million in 2013.
What happens to clubs in breach of FFP?
Clubs can be hit by a number of sanctions including a ban on player trading,
warnings, fines, withholding prize money and points deductions.
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Ex-Academy star makes Tractor Boys switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 16th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Freddie Sears has joined Championship club Ipswich Town for an
undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old emerged from the junior ranks at the
Academy to score on his first team debut for West Ham United against
Blackburn Rovers in 2008, under the stewardship of Alan Curbishley. However
he was sold to Colchester United in the summer of 2012 having failed to make
the breakthrough at the Boleyn, despite being given numerous opportunities
to do so. Although his first season with the U's was fairly uneventful -
eight goals in 37 appearances being little to write home about - Sears
improved the following season (12 in 32) before averaging a goal a game in
the opening half of the current campaign (14 from 29).
And with Colchester having failed to offer him a new contract, Sears has
decided to move a few miles up the A12 to Championship side Ipswich having
put pen to paper on a two-year deal. "Mick McCarthy has added to his squad
with the signing of Freddie Sears from Colchester for an undisclosed fee,"
read a brief statement on itfc.co.uk. "The 25-year-old striker has put pen
to paper on a contract that will keep him at Portman Road until June 2017
and will travel with the Town squad to Millwall for Saturday's game."
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West Ham host Hull City at Upton Park live on Super Sunday.
Last Updated: 16/01/15 4:30pm
SSN
West Ham welcome Hull City to Upton Park hoping to get back to winning ways
in the Premier League. Sam Allardyce's side have gone four games without a
win in the league which has seen them drop down to seventh in the table.
However, the Hammers will be confident of victory back in front of their own
fans – they have lost just one of their last nine at Upton Park - and
against a Hull side they have won their last five home matches against.
Steve Bruce's Hull have suffered differing fortunes to West Ham so far this
season and find themselves in the relegation zone, just two points off the
bottom. Bruce's injury-hit side have struggled on the road, winning just one
of their last 10 league matches away from the KC Stadium and face an uphill
battle for a positive result bearing in mind their dismal record in east
London.
Team news
Allardyce is hoping for a double defensive fitness boost ahead of the visit
of Hull. Hull manager Steve Bruce says that he made an enquiry about
Blackburn striker Remy Gestede, but that the deal is a 'non starter'.
Winston Reid (ankle) missed the FA Cup third-round replay win over Everton
on Tuesday but is now back in training, as is full-back Guy Demel who has
been sidelined since the turn of the year with a muscle problem. That means
only top-scorer Diafra Sakho (back) and Cheikhou Kouyate (international
duty) are definite absentees. Hull are hoping Gaston Ramirez and Sone Aluko
will be fit to play some part, with the pair returning to training on
Friday morning. Abel Hernandez and Nikica Jelavic limped off during last
week's defeat to West Brom and both face lengthy spells on the sidelines.
Opta stats
West Ham have won five and lost just one of the last eight league meetings
with Hull City.
Hull have cleared seven shots off the line in the Premier League this
season, more than any other side.
The Hammers have scored the most headed goals in the Premier League this
season (14).
Only Aston Villa (56) have fired in fewer shots on target this season than
Hull City (61).
Allardyce's side have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier
League matches, but they have also only failed to score once during this
run.
Hull have conceded eight goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches, more
than any other team.
Merson's prediction
I worry for Hull. They weren't letting in any goals last season. They were
solid. But I look at them now and they don't look like scoring goals - Bruce
has got two forwards out for six weeks. They're another team who I thought
would have gone for Jermain Defoe. I don't know if it was the money or the
wages but they need a goalscorer and I don't see them beating West Ham. If
they lose another game and the teams around them win, they'll be deeper into
that bottom three. I think West Ham are a decent team, and they've been
under-rated to be fair and they went through in the FA Cup against Everton.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (Sky Bet odds 6/1)
Super Sunday: West Ham v Hull City.
West Ham are odds-on with Sky Bet to see off 4/1 shots Hull in Super
Sunday's early kick-off. The Hammers (7/10) will be looking to get back to
winning ways after successive league draws with West Brom and Swansea,
having drifted out to 11/2 to secure a top-six finish this term. Allardyce's
side also have a great record against the Tigers and won the last two
meetings at Upton Park 2-1, a 13/2 shot this time. The in-form Andy Carroll
is 4/1 to net the opener, while the visitors could struggle for goals
without injured strikers Jelavic and Hernandez, making the Hammers to win to
nil attractive at 7/4.
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Sam Allardyce confident West Ham can afford to sign Alex Song
Last Updated: 16/01/15 5:14pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is confident West Ham will be in a position to
sign on-loan Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a permanent deal this summer.
The 27-year-old has established himself as a key player in West Ham's
midfield after joining on a season-long loan at the beginning of the season.
Song is thought to be attracting interest from Liverpool and former club
Arsenal, but Allardyce is hopeful West Ham will be able to conclude a deal
for the Cameroon international. "I think that next year is next year's
budget and there's a considerable amount of fund available next season," he
said when asked if West Ham could be priced out of a move. "So, affordable?
It depends on what Barcelona are looking for and what Alex is looking for,
that negotiation will happen at some stage in or around that period." "They
can't be spent this season because we're at the extreme of that budget but
next year is a completely new budget. "So, affordable? It depends on what
Barcelona are looking for and what Alex is looking for, that negotiation
will happen at some stage in or around that period."
'Available'
Allardyce casted doubt on any potential incomings at West Ham during the
January transfer window as the club tries to comply with Financial Fair Play
regulations. "We're Financial Fair Played with no money available at the
moment," he said. "I think what money we do have available is only wages so
if a player pops up within that wage structure with what we've got left with
financial fair play - and we feel it's somebody who could have an immediate
impact on the team – then we will pursue it but we think that's highly
unlikely in this window. "But you never know what turns up in the next two
or three weeks. We will never say never but probably highly unlikely." A
shoulder injury sustained by Arsenal's Mathieu Debuchy last weekend has
prompted speculation the Gunners may try and recall Carl Jenkinson from his
loan spell at West Ham. But Allardyce does not believe Arsenal can recall
the player under the terms of his season-long agreement. "I'm 99 per cent
sure he's ours for the season to be fair," he said. "I don't think there is
a call back clause in this month."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham confident Liverpool transfer target Alex Song WILL opt to make
Hammers loan permanent
Jan 15, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Barcelona midfielder has a deal on the table at Upton Park but Reds hope
to exploit his desire to play in the Champions League next season
The Mirror
West Ham are confident that Liverpool will not beat them to the signing of
Alex Song. The 27-year-old midfielder - who spoke earlier this season of
growing up idolising Kop hero Steven Gerrard - has been hugely impressive
since moving to Upton Park on loan from Barcelona in the summer. So much so
that the Hammers already have a lucrative deal on the table to entice him to
commit his future to the club. Song, however, wants to play in the Champions
League next season and is delaying his decision until the end of the current
campaign. That has allowed the Anfield giants to express their interest.
West Ham are four points off the top four in seventh with Liverpool a point
behind them. But the Londoners remain confident - despite their recent dip
in League form - that they will be able to sustain a challenge. They are
also heartened by the fact that Song enjoys living in London and that his
wife is also happy in the capital.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll: officially TWICE as good in the air as any other Premier
League player
Jan 16, 2015 15:50 By Richard Innes
You might know that Andy Carroll is good at heading. But until you see these
stats, you won't know just how much better than everyone else
The Mirror
Saying Andy Carroll is good in the air is a bit like saying Floyd Mayweather
is half-decent at boxing, or Cristiano Ronaldo isn't too bad at football. In
short, the West Ham centre-forward knows a thing or two about heading a
ball. Even so, we have found some stats on the ponytailed Geordie's aerial
prowess which make pretty remarkable reading. If you measure the aerial
duels won by every Premier League player this season, it's not that
surprising to see Peter Crouch and Carroll topping the list. But a closer
look at the numbers is very revealing. The player in 10th wins 4.2 aerial
duels per game. The player in second (Crouch) wins 5.7. Carroll wins an
astonishing 9.2.
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No return for Jenkinson
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham chairman David Gold has been quick to rule out a January recall for
Carl Jenkinson to Arsenal after the news that Gunner Mathieu Debuchy is out
injured for up to three months. Speculation started after Jenkinson himself
admitted to Sky Sports he didn't know the details of his own loan deal to
West Ham. David Gold quickly took to twitter when asked by West Ham fan Ray
Stokes "Can Arsenal take Jenkinson back this month, after injury to Debuchy'
replying "No, he's contracted to us till the end of the season. dg" The
right back has made 14 full appearances, 3 substitutions and two FA Cup
appearances for West Ham including two assists this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Legend Parksey: "Adrian has much to learn"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's former goalkeeping legend Phi Parkes has told current hero
Adrian: "You still have much to learn." Parkesy enjoyed our Spanish
stopper's penalty taking effort as much as anyone on Tuesday night but said:
"It was just as well because the Everton goal from the free kick was down to
him. "He was worrying too much about a cross and left far too much space for
Kevin Miralles to score. He will have known he got it all wrong but I'm
really glad for him that he made up for him later. "I think we all need to
remember that he's 28 but has only had around 49 games for us and about 40
for the Betis first team so he's really still a novice at the highest level.
He will get better and better. He has a lot of attributes but like most
Premier League goalkeepers he doesn't come for crosses and that's something
he needs to add to his game. "Having said all that, he is strong and getting
better. I believe he could be in line for an international call-up and I see
no reason why they shouldn't play him in a friendly."
Parkes does not see a win against Hull City as a given on Sunday declaring:
"They are scrapping for their lives and it won't be easy. We have to get a
win from somewhere or life could get tricky. "Personally I want to see
Valencia with Sakho again when the two are available. That's what brought us
all our early success and it's inevitable if you are going to play Andy
Carroll every week then our game will go longer."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alpari crash: Irons talk to possible new backers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham United are already talking to three potential new sponsors
following the collapse of Alpari. The company's crash has created a £4
million hole in the club's finances but that could quickly be replaced. The
club's success on the field and progress in the FA Cup is a boost to finding
new backers. ClaretandHugh was told this morning that discussions are
underway with three companies to replace Alpari as shirt sponsor for next
season. A well placed club insider said: 'It will cost the club £4m, but it
is already in discussion with three companies to replace Alpari for next
season. Sadly, however, we'll lose out on unpaid money this season" Alpari
signed a new three-year in February 2013. The agreement added to the
existing naming rights of the Alpari Stand (West Stand) and branding at the
Boleyn. Alpari initially became a sponsor of West Ham in 2011, before
extending their relationship to the current level.
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Davids celebrate five years in charge on Monday
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold and David Sullivan celebrate their fifth anniversary as West
Ham's owners on Monday and a win against Hull City on Sunday would be the
perfect way to celebrate. And as the pair come close to their January 19
takeover day both spoke exclusively to ClaretandHugh about their feelings as
owners and their plans for the future. Sullivan said: "The five years have
absolutely flown. We did plan not plan on relegation but we think we have
got things back on track "We are very optimistic for the future. Our aim,
and we know it's a tough target, is Champions League football." And David
Gold agreed saying: "Has it really been five years? Doesn't seem possible.
The ownership of West Ham is the greatest achievement of my business life.
"Relegation meant we had to plunge a lot more money than we would have
expected into the club but despite that all the 'hard' debt is gone and we
are back on track. "The biggest high of our time in charge was our return to
the Premier League. It wasn't just about money but the pride felt by
everybody particularly out supporters." He added: "For me and David to be
West Ham's owners is an emotional experience. We are from the area and long
term supporters. We love this club with a passion and to own it is the
culmination of our business careers." Takeovers are never straightforward
but the rescue mission they mounted on behalf of the club was brought about
by a lifelong love of the club which had made it a near inevitability. They
had taken on £105 million debt from Icelandic owners who had taken the club
close to the knackers yard. At the time Sullivan said: "We are deeply and
passionately involved in West Ham. It is where I have wanted to be for 20
years. "We have done [what we have done] in a way that is good for
Birmingham and we have got the club we wanted. Over the next seven years we
will spend a lot of money." And even back then he knew where he was going
with the cash strapped club adding: "Sullivan said that move from Upton Park
to the Olympic Stadium was part of their future adding: "It is the natural
home for West Ham. Sullivan and Gold became the favourites to buy the east
London club after their rival Tony Fernandes, chief executive of AirAsia
pulled out of the race. The former Birmingham City owner said: "West Ham is
a bigger club with bigger aspirations and I appreciate that we have to
achieve a lot more.
"It will be an immense privilege to lead this great football club and more
importantly its supporters."
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Saturday, January 17
Friday, January 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th January 2015
Mediawatch - 15 January
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
15.01.2015
In the Daily Mirror, David Gold talks about the FA Cup and his hopes for
West Ham in the competition this season.
According to The Sun (£), Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race for Hammers
centre back Winston Reid.
Adrian tells The Sun (£) that the penalty he took in Tuesday's FA Cup replay
against Everton was the first of his career.
An article in the Telegraph suggests that a first call-up to the Spanish
national team is not far away for Adrian.
talkSPORT suggest that Liverpool are ready to battle the Hammers for the
signature of Alex Song at the end of the season.
The Mail says that Lazio are ready to sign Ravel Morrison on a pre-contract
ahead of a move this summer.
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Andy delighted for strike partner Enner
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was thrilled to see Enner Valencia net his first Boleyn Ground
goal on Tuesday
14.01.2015
Andy Carroll showed he can play provider as well as goalscorer by laying on
Enner Valencia's strike against Everton in Tuesday's FA Cup replay success.
After scoring in spectacular fashion at Swansea City at the weekend, he
showed his creator's touch when playing a pass through to his strike-partner
to touch beyond Toffees defender John Stones and finish across Joel Robles.
It was a piece of fine interplay between the strikers and a sign, for
Carroll, that their new partnership is beginning to flourish. "It's good for
Enner's confidence to score," he explained. "He hadn't scored for a while so
it's nice to get him on the scoresheet again. "I thought he played
absolutely brilliantly on Tuesday, as did all of the lads. We fought to the
end and to carry on going to fight back shows our fitness is very high.
"There's been a few changes in the way the way the system has been working
and I feel we can only get only get stronger the more me and Enner play up
top."
Tuesday's game was drama-drenched, as first the Hammers led, then trailed,
before eventually prevailing 9-8 on penalties. Carroll loved every minute.
It was a good game and I really enjoyed it," he said. "It was end-to-end and
obviously we got the win which I think we deserved. "It was great to see the
pens go all the way because it means there were quality pens being taken.
Then it was great to see Adrian finish it for us. "It was a good battle up
against Jagielka and Stones at the back for them. They are two tough
defenders and it's great to play against players like that. "They've given
us enough knocks in the past and I've given them a few on Tuesday. "It would
be great to build a Cup run now. We've got Bristol City away now and it will
be a tough game. We won't go there [just] thinking we're going to win,
hopefully we can get through it and have a good run. "The lads have all been
talking about a Cup run and as you can see with the fight and desire we had
on Tuesday, that's what we're going for."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pair go out on loan
WHUFC.com
Paul McCallum and Ben Marlow have joined Portsmouth and Bishop's Stortford
respectively
15.01.2015
Paul McCallum has joined Sky Bet League Two club Portsmouth on loan until
the end of the 2014/15 season. The 21-year-old has linked up with Andy
Awford's squad as Pompey attempt to make a late-season push towards the
Play-Offs. McCallum has scored goals regularly at League Two level
previously, netting 12 times in 23 appearances during previous loan spells
with AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot and Torquay United. The former Dulwich Hamlet
youngster was also loaned to then-Scottish Premiership club Heart of
Midlothian last season, making seven appearances for the Jam Tarts.
McCallum's Portsmouth career could begin in a home match with Jimmy Floyd
Hasselbaink's title-chasing Burton Albion on Saturday 17 January.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder Ben Marlow has joined Vanarama South club
Bishop's Stortford on a youth loan until 15 February 2015.
Marlow will join fellow Academy of Football graduates Ashley Miller and
Declan Hunt at Woodside Park, where former Development Squad coach Nick
Haycock is now assistant manager.
Elsewhere, Sean Maguire is on loan at Accrington Stanley, Modibo Maiga is
with FC Metz, while youngsters Tim Brown and Taylor Tombides are on work
experience at Concord Rangers and Canvey Island respectively.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul McCallum: Portsmouth sign West Ham striker on loan
BBC.co.uk
Portsmouth have signed West Ham's Paul McCallum on loan for the rest of the
season with fellow striker David Connolly leaving by mutual consent.
McCallum, 21, has had several previous loan spells in League Two with AFC
Wimbledon, Aldershot and Torquay. The 37-year-old Connolly made 38
appearances for the club after signing on a free transfer from Southampton
in January 2013, scoring 12 goals. The former Republic of Ireland striker
has not played for Pompey this season. Connolly spent the second half of
last season on loan at Oxford United. Pompey boss Andy Awford said the
willingness of McCallum, who is yet to appear in the West Ham first team, to
make a series of loan moves was a positive sign. "He's prepared to go out
and play football," Awford told BBC Radio Solent. "A lot of young lads are
happy to sit around in a Premier League reserve side, talk to their agents
and wait for a big move which very rarely happens. "He's gone out and played
football and he's scored goals wherever he's played and I'm looking forward
to working with him." McCallum has also played in the Scottish Premier
League, in a loan spell with Hearts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United footballer Ravel Morrison cleared of assault
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United footballer Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all charges of
assaulting his former girlfriend and her mother. The Crown Prosecution
Service dropped the allegations after CCTV footage showed he had not hit
Reah Mansoor, 19, outside a Manchester nightclub in July. She also withdrew
a claim that he attacked her outside her Salford home. Her mother Parveen
Mansoor was said to be "reluctant" to pursue the claim she was also
assaulted by the 21-year-old. In November, Mr Morrison, who is from
Manchester, was cleared of threatening to throw acid in the face of his
ex-girlfriend, have her killed and blow up her house. At the time, the Crown
Prosecution Service (CPS) also withdrew the allegation he harassed Miss
Mansoor over four years.
Fell not assaulted
The player, who is back with West Ham after a loan spell with Cardiff City,
was due to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court later this month on the
remaining three charges of assault, which he denied. Guy Mathieson,
prosecuting, told the court the charges had been withdrawn after Morrison's
defence team recovered footage of the first alleged assault outside the One
Central nightclub. It showed the footballer had not hit his ex-girlfriend
despite her claim. "She's seen falling, or slumping to the ground, remaining
there for a minute or two before, quite clearly, the defendant and her
friend come to her assistance, trying to get her to stand up." She was then
"put, bundled or half-carried into (Morrison's) car and she's then taken
home", he added. "It's quite clear from that CCTV footage there's no assault
at that stage," he said.
Lazio rumour
The prosecutor told the court that, in light of the CCTV footage, the CPS
were offering no evidence and no longer proceeding with the remaining
allegations. "Clearly Reah Mansoor's credibility, accuracy perhaps more
appropriately, is somewhat called into question by the contents of the
CCTV," he said. Mr Morrison, who has four England Under-21 caps, played for
Manchester United before former manager Sir Alex Ferguson sold him to West
Ham for £650,000 in January 2012. He was later loaned to Birmingham, Queens
Park Rangers and Cardiff City and is reported to be on the verge of a move
to Italian club Lazio.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McCallum heads to Portsmouth
Last Updated: 15/01/15 1:55pm
SSN
Portsmouth have signed rookie striker Paul McCallum on loan from West Ham
for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old joined the Hammers from
non-league Dulwich Hamlet in 2011 and has previously had loan spells with
Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot, Torquay and Hearts. Pompey boss Andy
Awford told the club's official website: "Paul has scored goals at this
level before and gives us more striking options. "I'm looking forward to
working with him here and would like to thank West Ham for their
assistance." McCallum could make his Pompey debut against Burton on
Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has assault charges dropped
Last Updated: 15/01/15 12:45pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all charges of
assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother. The 21-year-old was accused of
hitting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39, after a night
out at a nightclub in his home city of Manchester last July 24. He was due
to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court later this month but the charges
were dropped by the prosecution on Thursday and Morrison, who was not in
court, was found not guilty. Guy Mathieson, prosecuting, told the court the
charges had been withdrawn after Morrison's defence team recovered CCTV
footage of the first alleged assault outside the One Central nightclub, in
Manchester city centre. It showed that Morrison had not hit his ex, as was
alleged, and she had "slumped" to the floor on her own. The ex-girlfriend
also withdrew her statement alleging Morrison later assaulted her outside
her home when he dropped her off and there was "reluctance" from her mother
to proceed with the alleged assault on her. All three charges of assault
were withdrawn.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PURPLE REIGN
By Bianca Westwood 15 Jan 2015 at 10:00
West Ham Till I Die
Hello again!
I know it's been a while since my last blog. Huge apologies. Was I missed at
all?? Shameless fishing expedition for compliments there haha! I do have a
good excuse for my absence though. It's been a relentless run of filming
interviews, shooting and editing features, match-reporting & a dollop of FA
cup magic along the way. I've been from Sky HQ to West Brom, from
Southampton (twice) to Wrexham, from Cardiff to Bournemouth, from Ipswich
back to Bournemouth and, last but not least, to my old wind-swept and wet
stomping ground Dagenham. Quite a few miles clocked up there. No complaints
from me though…I love it! The festive period is my favourite time of year
for work. Really! It's non-stop but it's exciting and it saves me from
sitting in front of the TV all day filling my face. I do that enough anyway!
Unfortunately for us our Christmas and New Year league games are probably
best forgotten. Until Tuesday night it had been a relatively indifferent and
dour affair. What began with so much promise at home with victory against
Leicester and a top four slot then dissolved into virtual apathy against
Chelsea, a spirited but ultimately fruitless fightback against Arsenal and
then a hugely disappointing point at home against the Albion.
Tuesday night when Lukaku put the Toffees ahead I was mentally preparing to
write my first negative blog of the season and I wasn't happy about it! It's
probably too late now to go over all my salient arguments but things that
stick in the memory include…not starting with Song and Sakho at Stamford
Bridge (I don't care who we're playing at home in the next game we should
ALWAYS go into matches starting our best eleven). The travelling fans
deserved a lot better that day and the manner of that defeat really annoyed
me. It was such a contrast to the fight and desire that have characterised
our performances this season that it left a bitter taste in the mouth when
you know we're capable of so much more now. Sam is right when he says that
Chelsea are such a potent force that they can stop you from playing and
drive you out of the game but from what I could tell Mourinho's men weren't
even in full attack mode. We rolled over a bit there.
There was a welcome shift against the Gunners in terms of adopting a more
positive and urgent approach and, but for a questionable decision that
denied Alex Song a goal against his former employers, we could easily have
got more out of that game. We had enough chances but made it too simple for
them in the end and Welbeck's tap in was a bad goal to concede. I think we
really missed Jenks and it proved further just how vital he has been and
will continue to be for us this season.
I was expecting so much more against the Baggies but a team eager to impress
a new manager is always a going to be a difficult prospect. We got caught
out. Again, too easily. Cress did his best to get our noses in front again
but the beans on toast kept it at level terms. As New Years days go it was a
bit of a damp squib (or squid if you're Chris Kamara!)
So, all in all not great. Yes, since the turn of the year we've had moments
of brilliance (AC proving once more he can score with his feet, and in
spectacular fashion!) but we've also gone into four consecutive games and
taken the lead and failed to win (I'm including Tuesday night in this as it
was a draw at full time). If Adrian hadn't been in such superior form over
the last few weeks it could have looked a lot worse. Admittedly it was
always going to be difficult to retain the intensity of those earlier
performances and sustain that high energy play over a prolonged period, all
teams endure a tough spell, but I felt a lot of the time ours seemed
unnecessary and largely avoidable.
The chances have been there, the ideas and the creativity have been there
but we've found it more difficult to break teams down of late; we've been
playing with less pace, for some reason there's been less quality in the
final third, productivity and chance conversion has decreased and that
killer pass from central areas that splits defences has sometimes gone
missing where we've perhaps been relying too heavily on the full backs
getting in crosses from the flanks. I felt we were becoming a little
predictable again just in a different way. I know I am being extremely
critical here but when you're a good team, a team that is strong and a team
that can win things…then you've got to kill games off when you're in front,
not sit back and defend your position. No-one enjoys being on the ropes.
You've got to have that ruthless streak, you've got to roll with the punches
and come out swinging. I believe we can and we should. I believe we're good
enough.
On the flip side, we have played against a decent calibre of opposition so a
dip is permitted. We've come up against some impressive defensive displays
and some superior acrobatics in goal (see Joel Robles). Plus our execution
hasn't been as precise and, although I vehemently refute the claim we've
completely reverted back to type since the re-introduction of Carroll, there
has been a slight tendency to go more direct when there is perhaps an
alternative option. But hey, you've got to play to the guy's strengths and
Everton fans are complaining that their manager's steadfast refusal to adapt
to different opposition and adopt a different style (ie lump it to the big
lump up front) is ruining their season. You can't please all of the fans all
of the time I suppose!
Despite the absence of a win I wasn't overly concerned. Although I was
dazzled by our lofty league position I had no delusions of grandeur or
demands to stay there. I just didn't want a slippery slope to become a
slide. Plus, don't shoot me, but I'm actually not desperate to finish in the
European spots (ask Stoke, Swansea, Hull, Everton and Spurs how league life
is during their Europa seasons). I'd love a little continental jaunt, don't
get me wrong, I just don't want to try and run before we can walk.
Especially during our final swansong at the Boleyn. Let's face it, finishing
sixth would be great, awesome, brilliant, but does it give you an historic
day at Wembley (or, ahem, the millennium stadium?) where the spine-tingling
memories never leave you? Win or lose?
I want a cup run. At least. Hell, I'm just going to say it, I want us to win
the FA cup!
So there I was Tuesday night, in the press box, a little deflated, trying to
remain dispassionate and unruffled, attempting in vain keep my involuntary
squeaks and shouts to a bare minimum. 2-1 down against 10 men, hearing the
faint sound of metaphorical knives being sharpened ready for Sam at full
time of extra time.
And then there he was…saving the day, as he has done so often in the past. I
wasn't overly enthused when Carlton entered the fray because I truly thought
our bogey team had outdone us yet again…but I should have "always believed"
in Cole. First touch…two all!
My nerves were already shredded way before the spot kicks. My friend
Claire-Louise, an Everton fan, was in the away end with her dad and a few
texts flew back and forth. She was enjoying being entertained by the local
"comedy" next to her over in the Chicken Run but even she wasn't overly
confident in her team at this stage. I certainly wasn't feeling massively
upbeat. I still have nightmares about the last time we departed this beloved
competition in a shootout. I was up, I was down, I can't look, but I must!
I felt dead proud of all those who stepped up (including Downing who up
until then had had a good night), all efforts taken with real confidence and
gusto. But the final penalty was despatched by the man who has now really
cemented himself into Hammers folklore. Aaaaaaaadriaaaaaaaaaan!!!
The gloves came off, the gauntlet was thrown, it ends here! And it did. Cue
the mass celebrations. It was a night our players, who work so hard for each
other, fully deserved. I might have been on the verge of giving up but
thankfully they didn't. They battled to the very end.
It was an exhilarating, thrilling, enthralling cup-tie. Not a game for the
football purists but it was frenzied and unpredictable and hard-fought. It
showed just how much both teams valued the tournament. We go again.
The purple strip gets another outing and so do we! To Ashton Gate!
Come on you Irons!
B x
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Irons deny Nigerian link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have responded to claims they have had a bid rejected for Nigerian
club Warri Wolves' defender Azubuike Egwuekwe by saying: We know nothing
about this." Claims the centre back has been a target of the Hammers, and
Championship side Watford is news to the club despite national reports they
have bid £1 million for the player. Warri Wolves say they had turned down a
bid and claiming a disagreement with the agent handling the issue. Egwueke
said: "Offers are coming from overseas, I have an offer from an EPL club,
the Championship and from Russia. But a well placed Hammers source said:
"Sorry, but we know absolutely nothing about how this originated. we are not
involved."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG opens up on Ravel disappointment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has admitted his near despair at not being able to make a
breakthrough into Ravel Morrison's life and show him the "wonderful Hammers
opportunity" he's allowed to pass him by. The co chairman has regularly
attempted to help Morrison over the past 18 months as his Hammers career has
tottered from crisis to loan spells and back again. And he told
ClaretandHugh in an exclusive interview: "I can't tell you how disappointed
I am that the young man has allowed it all to slip by him at Upton Park."
With Lazio reportedly close to agreeing a deal with the 21 year old Gold
said: "Wherever he goes I wish him well and genuinely hope he finds himself
and shows the world what a talent he is. "I have constantly encouraged him,
gone out of my way to tell him how well he's done after a good game, have
had regular chats with him and put an arm around his shoulder when he hasn't
been picked. "He takes being dropped harder than anyone I've known – he
appears to take it personally. But dealing with all that is part of the
game. After all he's not Ronaldo but I really do wish him well wherever he
goes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Love him or hate him let's wish Ravel well
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
We should all – from a humanitarian point of view – be very pleased that
Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all criminal charges and that he will no
longer have to appear in court. Sadly the 21st century Twitter phenomenon
allows is a very clear insight into the mindsets of a few who it seems
would love to have seen him done for the most minor offences – of which it
seems there are none.
Even had he "pushed" anybody, this is a minor offence of assault and would
be very unlikely to have carried a custodial sentence so a few out there in
the often offensive world of Twitter would have been disappointed. In
reality it makes not a a ha'porth of difference to his West Ham situation
where the lad has totally burned his bridges. Indeed it seems that's the
situation across the Premier League where there has apparently been no
interest in handing him a chance to resurrect his career in England.
If – as has been said many times – our three most experienced coaches,
Ferguson, Allardyce and Redknapp, can't get to grips with him – you wonder
if any will. Lazio's Stefano Pioli apparently believes he can as I was told
just a few minutes ago that move is now looking likely. The thought of Ravel
settling down to life in Rome takes a little imagination but if that is to
be the case I wish him well. Some will believe we should bad mouth him and
will no doubt use the worst language they can find to do so. Others will
want to thank him for some moments of great magic whilst others will simply
wanted to wish a troubled soul well, I'm in the latter group. I hope it
works for him. Italian football is almost certain to suit him better but
whether he can settle into such an entirely different lifestyle should he
make the move is a question we wait to see answered.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG: 'On the box at Bristol City but no shocks'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will again be performing in front of the TV cameras when they visit
on Bristol City on Sunday January 25 for the fourth round FA Cup tie. The
game is scheduled to be shown on BBC 1 on the basis of course that there
may be a shock on the cards – such is the way these things work! But co
chairman David Gold doesn't see any chance of a surprise from the League One
team – despite them sitting proudly on top of their division. He said: "They
have all the attributes of a Championship side and although these are very
tough games we have a squad of absolute professionals and they won't do
anything other than afford them great respect. "It's good that it's on TV
because once again we can show everybody what we are about and it gives our
more distant supporters the opportunity of getting regular looks at us. "But
we are not intending to get involved in any shock results. I genuinely do
believe we are more professional than that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid for Spurs link "highly unlikely"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Winston Reid is today being linked with a move to Spurs – the third club in
as many months! Nothing has ever been very clear in this saga but
ClaretandHugh has learned that it may be an unlikely story as the North
Londoners aren't noted for paying the highest wages and have 14 defenders on
their books already. A leading agent told us today: "The top whack at white
Hart Lane is about £62k a week unless you are Gareth Bale! They'd have to
rate him very highly to go there. It looks highly unlikely" "I think there
was some interest when Tim Sherwood was in charge but it seems unlikely now.
They do after all have 14 defenders! The Mirror is reporting that Spurs
"have made a stunning offer" for the 26 year old and are hopeful of tying up
a summer deal when he is on a free transfer. However, we were immediately
told by a top Hammers source " There has been no bid for him from anywhere.
It's news to us!" Slowly, it seems, the odds may be shortening on him
signing a new deal with the Irons!
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WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
15.01.2015
In the Daily Mirror, David Gold talks about the FA Cup and his hopes for
West Ham in the competition this season.
According to The Sun (£), Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race for Hammers
centre back Winston Reid.
Adrian tells The Sun (£) that the penalty he took in Tuesday's FA Cup replay
against Everton was the first of his career.
An article in the Telegraph suggests that a first call-up to the Spanish
national team is not far away for Adrian.
talkSPORT suggest that Liverpool are ready to battle the Hammers for the
signature of Alex Song at the end of the season.
The Mail says that Lazio are ready to sign Ravel Morrison on a pre-contract
ahead of a move this summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy delighted for strike partner Enner
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was thrilled to see Enner Valencia net his first Boleyn Ground
goal on Tuesday
14.01.2015
Andy Carroll showed he can play provider as well as goalscorer by laying on
Enner Valencia's strike against Everton in Tuesday's FA Cup replay success.
After scoring in spectacular fashion at Swansea City at the weekend, he
showed his creator's touch when playing a pass through to his strike-partner
to touch beyond Toffees defender John Stones and finish across Joel Robles.
It was a piece of fine interplay between the strikers and a sign, for
Carroll, that their new partnership is beginning to flourish. "It's good for
Enner's confidence to score," he explained. "He hadn't scored for a while so
it's nice to get him on the scoresheet again. "I thought he played
absolutely brilliantly on Tuesday, as did all of the lads. We fought to the
end and to carry on going to fight back shows our fitness is very high.
"There's been a few changes in the way the way the system has been working
and I feel we can only get only get stronger the more me and Enner play up
top."
Tuesday's game was drama-drenched, as first the Hammers led, then trailed,
before eventually prevailing 9-8 on penalties. Carroll loved every minute.
It was a good game and I really enjoyed it," he said. "It was end-to-end and
obviously we got the win which I think we deserved. "It was great to see the
pens go all the way because it means there were quality pens being taken.
Then it was great to see Adrian finish it for us. "It was a good battle up
against Jagielka and Stones at the back for them. They are two tough
defenders and it's great to play against players like that. "They've given
us enough knocks in the past and I've given them a few on Tuesday. "It would
be great to build a Cup run now. We've got Bristol City away now and it will
be a tough game. We won't go there [just] thinking we're going to win,
hopefully we can get through it and have a good run. "The lads have all been
talking about a Cup run and as you can see with the fight and desire we had
on Tuesday, that's what we're going for."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pair go out on loan
WHUFC.com
Paul McCallum and Ben Marlow have joined Portsmouth and Bishop's Stortford
respectively
15.01.2015
Paul McCallum has joined Sky Bet League Two club Portsmouth on loan until
the end of the 2014/15 season. The 21-year-old has linked up with Andy
Awford's squad as Pompey attempt to make a late-season push towards the
Play-Offs. McCallum has scored goals regularly at League Two level
previously, netting 12 times in 23 appearances during previous loan spells
with AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot and Torquay United. The former Dulwich Hamlet
youngster was also loaned to then-Scottish Premiership club Heart of
Midlothian last season, making seven appearances for the Jam Tarts.
McCallum's Portsmouth career could begin in a home match with Jimmy Floyd
Hasselbaink's title-chasing Burton Albion on Saturday 17 January.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder Ben Marlow has joined Vanarama South club
Bishop's Stortford on a youth loan until 15 February 2015.
Marlow will join fellow Academy of Football graduates Ashley Miller and
Declan Hunt at Woodside Park, where former Development Squad coach Nick
Haycock is now assistant manager.
Elsewhere, Sean Maguire is on loan at Accrington Stanley, Modibo Maiga is
with FC Metz, while youngsters Tim Brown and Taylor Tombides are on work
experience at Concord Rangers and Canvey Island respectively.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul McCallum: Portsmouth sign West Ham striker on loan
BBC.co.uk
Portsmouth have signed West Ham's Paul McCallum on loan for the rest of the
season with fellow striker David Connolly leaving by mutual consent.
McCallum, 21, has had several previous loan spells in League Two with AFC
Wimbledon, Aldershot and Torquay. The 37-year-old Connolly made 38
appearances for the club after signing on a free transfer from Southampton
in January 2013, scoring 12 goals. The former Republic of Ireland striker
has not played for Pompey this season. Connolly spent the second half of
last season on loan at Oxford United. Pompey boss Andy Awford said the
willingness of McCallum, who is yet to appear in the West Ham first team, to
make a series of loan moves was a positive sign. "He's prepared to go out
and play football," Awford told BBC Radio Solent. "A lot of young lads are
happy to sit around in a Premier League reserve side, talk to their agents
and wait for a big move which very rarely happens. "He's gone out and played
football and he's scored goals wherever he's played and I'm looking forward
to working with him." McCallum has also played in the Scottish Premier
League, in a loan spell with Hearts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United footballer Ravel Morrison cleared of assault
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United footballer Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all charges of
assaulting his former girlfriend and her mother. The Crown Prosecution
Service dropped the allegations after CCTV footage showed he had not hit
Reah Mansoor, 19, outside a Manchester nightclub in July. She also withdrew
a claim that he attacked her outside her Salford home. Her mother Parveen
Mansoor was said to be "reluctant" to pursue the claim she was also
assaulted by the 21-year-old. In November, Mr Morrison, who is from
Manchester, was cleared of threatening to throw acid in the face of his
ex-girlfriend, have her killed and blow up her house. At the time, the Crown
Prosecution Service (CPS) also withdrew the allegation he harassed Miss
Mansoor over four years.
Fell not assaulted
The player, who is back with West Ham after a loan spell with Cardiff City,
was due to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court later this month on the
remaining three charges of assault, which he denied. Guy Mathieson,
prosecuting, told the court the charges had been withdrawn after Morrison's
defence team recovered footage of the first alleged assault outside the One
Central nightclub. It showed the footballer had not hit his ex-girlfriend
despite her claim. "She's seen falling, or slumping to the ground, remaining
there for a minute or two before, quite clearly, the defendant and her
friend come to her assistance, trying to get her to stand up." She was then
"put, bundled or half-carried into (Morrison's) car and she's then taken
home", he added. "It's quite clear from that CCTV footage there's no assault
at that stage," he said.
Lazio rumour
The prosecutor told the court that, in light of the CCTV footage, the CPS
were offering no evidence and no longer proceeding with the remaining
allegations. "Clearly Reah Mansoor's credibility, accuracy perhaps more
appropriately, is somewhat called into question by the contents of the
CCTV," he said. Mr Morrison, who has four England Under-21 caps, played for
Manchester United before former manager Sir Alex Ferguson sold him to West
Ham for £650,000 in January 2012. He was later loaned to Birmingham, Queens
Park Rangers and Cardiff City and is reported to be on the verge of a move
to Italian club Lazio.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McCallum heads to Portsmouth
Last Updated: 15/01/15 1:55pm
SSN
Portsmouth have signed rookie striker Paul McCallum on loan from West Ham
for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old joined the Hammers from
non-league Dulwich Hamlet in 2011 and has previously had loan spells with
Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot, Torquay and Hearts. Pompey boss Andy
Awford told the club's official website: "Paul has scored goals at this
level before and gives us more striking options. "I'm looking forward to
working with him here and would like to thank West Ham for their
assistance." McCallum could make his Pompey debut against Burton on
Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has assault charges dropped
Last Updated: 15/01/15 12:45pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all charges of
assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother. The 21-year-old was accused of
hitting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39, after a night
out at a nightclub in his home city of Manchester last July 24. He was due
to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court later this month but the charges
were dropped by the prosecution on Thursday and Morrison, who was not in
court, was found not guilty. Guy Mathieson, prosecuting, told the court the
charges had been withdrawn after Morrison's defence team recovered CCTV
footage of the first alleged assault outside the One Central nightclub, in
Manchester city centre. It showed that Morrison had not hit his ex, as was
alleged, and she had "slumped" to the floor on her own. The ex-girlfriend
also withdrew her statement alleging Morrison later assaulted her outside
her home when he dropped her off and there was "reluctance" from her mother
to proceed with the alleged assault on her. All three charges of assault
were withdrawn.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PURPLE REIGN
By Bianca Westwood 15 Jan 2015 at 10:00
West Ham Till I Die
Hello again!
I know it's been a while since my last blog. Huge apologies. Was I missed at
all?? Shameless fishing expedition for compliments there haha! I do have a
good excuse for my absence though. It's been a relentless run of filming
interviews, shooting and editing features, match-reporting & a dollop of FA
cup magic along the way. I've been from Sky HQ to West Brom, from
Southampton (twice) to Wrexham, from Cardiff to Bournemouth, from Ipswich
back to Bournemouth and, last but not least, to my old wind-swept and wet
stomping ground Dagenham. Quite a few miles clocked up there. No complaints
from me though…I love it! The festive period is my favourite time of year
for work. Really! It's non-stop but it's exciting and it saves me from
sitting in front of the TV all day filling my face. I do that enough anyway!
Unfortunately for us our Christmas and New Year league games are probably
best forgotten. Until Tuesday night it had been a relatively indifferent and
dour affair. What began with so much promise at home with victory against
Leicester and a top four slot then dissolved into virtual apathy against
Chelsea, a spirited but ultimately fruitless fightback against Arsenal and
then a hugely disappointing point at home against the Albion.
Tuesday night when Lukaku put the Toffees ahead I was mentally preparing to
write my first negative blog of the season and I wasn't happy about it! It's
probably too late now to go over all my salient arguments but things that
stick in the memory include…not starting with Song and Sakho at Stamford
Bridge (I don't care who we're playing at home in the next game we should
ALWAYS go into matches starting our best eleven). The travelling fans
deserved a lot better that day and the manner of that defeat really annoyed
me. It was such a contrast to the fight and desire that have characterised
our performances this season that it left a bitter taste in the mouth when
you know we're capable of so much more now. Sam is right when he says that
Chelsea are such a potent force that they can stop you from playing and
drive you out of the game but from what I could tell Mourinho's men weren't
even in full attack mode. We rolled over a bit there.
There was a welcome shift against the Gunners in terms of adopting a more
positive and urgent approach and, but for a questionable decision that
denied Alex Song a goal against his former employers, we could easily have
got more out of that game. We had enough chances but made it too simple for
them in the end and Welbeck's tap in was a bad goal to concede. I think we
really missed Jenks and it proved further just how vital he has been and
will continue to be for us this season.
I was expecting so much more against the Baggies but a team eager to impress
a new manager is always a going to be a difficult prospect. We got caught
out. Again, too easily. Cress did his best to get our noses in front again
but the beans on toast kept it at level terms. As New Years days go it was a
bit of a damp squib (or squid if you're Chris Kamara!)
So, all in all not great. Yes, since the turn of the year we've had moments
of brilliance (AC proving once more he can score with his feet, and in
spectacular fashion!) but we've also gone into four consecutive games and
taken the lead and failed to win (I'm including Tuesday night in this as it
was a draw at full time). If Adrian hadn't been in such superior form over
the last few weeks it could have looked a lot worse. Admittedly it was
always going to be difficult to retain the intensity of those earlier
performances and sustain that high energy play over a prolonged period, all
teams endure a tough spell, but I felt a lot of the time ours seemed
unnecessary and largely avoidable.
The chances have been there, the ideas and the creativity have been there
but we've found it more difficult to break teams down of late; we've been
playing with less pace, for some reason there's been less quality in the
final third, productivity and chance conversion has decreased and that
killer pass from central areas that splits defences has sometimes gone
missing where we've perhaps been relying too heavily on the full backs
getting in crosses from the flanks. I felt we were becoming a little
predictable again just in a different way. I know I am being extremely
critical here but when you're a good team, a team that is strong and a team
that can win things…then you've got to kill games off when you're in front,
not sit back and defend your position. No-one enjoys being on the ropes.
You've got to have that ruthless streak, you've got to roll with the punches
and come out swinging. I believe we can and we should. I believe we're good
enough.
On the flip side, we have played against a decent calibre of opposition so a
dip is permitted. We've come up against some impressive defensive displays
and some superior acrobatics in goal (see Joel Robles). Plus our execution
hasn't been as precise and, although I vehemently refute the claim we've
completely reverted back to type since the re-introduction of Carroll, there
has been a slight tendency to go more direct when there is perhaps an
alternative option. But hey, you've got to play to the guy's strengths and
Everton fans are complaining that their manager's steadfast refusal to adapt
to different opposition and adopt a different style (ie lump it to the big
lump up front) is ruining their season. You can't please all of the fans all
of the time I suppose!
Despite the absence of a win I wasn't overly concerned. Although I was
dazzled by our lofty league position I had no delusions of grandeur or
demands to stay there. I just didn't want a slippery slope to become a
slide. Plus, don't shoot me, but I'm actually not desperate to finish in the
European spots (ask Stoke, Swansea, Hull, Everton and Spurs how league life
is during their Europa seasons). I'd love a little continental jaunt, don't
get me wrong, I just don't want to try and run before we can walk.
Especially during our final swansong at the Boleyn. Let's face it, finishing
sixth would be great, awesome, brilliant, but does it give you an historic
day at Wembley (or, ahem, the millennium stadium?) where the spine-tingling
memories never leave you? Win or lose?
I want a cup run. At least. Hell, I'm just going to say it, I want us to win
the FA cup!
So there I was Tuesday night, in the press box, a little deflated, trying to
remain dispassionate and unruffled, attempting in vain keep my involuntary
squeaks and shouts to a bare minimum. 2-1 down against 10 men, hearing the
faint sound of metaphorical knives being sharpened ready for Sam at full
time of extra time.
And then there he was…saving the day, as he has done so often in the past. I
wasn't overly enthused when Carlton entered the fray because I truly thought
our bogey team had outdone us yet again…but I should have "always believed"
in Cole. First touch…two all!
My nerves were already shredded way before the spot kicks. My friend
Claire-Louise, an Everton fan, was in the away end with her dad and a few
texts flew back and forth. She was enjoying being entertained by the local
"comedy" next to her over in the Chicken Run but even she wasn't overly
confident in her team at this stage. I certainly wasn't feeling massively
upbeat. I still have nightmares about the last time we departed this beloved
competition in a shootout. I was up, I was down, I can't look, but I must!
I felt dead proud of all those who stepped up (including Downing who up
until then had had a good night), all efforts taken with real confidence and
gusto. But the final penalty was despatched by the man who has now really
cemented himself into Hammers folklore. Aaaaaaaadriaaaaaaaaaan!!!
The gloves came off, the gauntlet was thrown, it ends here! And it did. Cue
the mass celebrations. It was a night our players, who work so hard for each
other, fully deserved. I might have been on the verge of giving up but
thankfully they didn't. They battled to the very end.
It was an exhilarating, thrilling, enthralling cup-tie. Not a game for the
football purists but it was frenzied and unpredictable and hard-fought. It
showed just how much both teams valued the tournament. We go again.
The purple strip gets another outing and so do we! To Ashton Gate!
Come on you Irons!
B x
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Irons deny Nigerian link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have responded to claims they have had a bid rejected for Nigerian
club Warri Wolves' defender Azubuike Egwuekwe by saying: We know nothing
about this." Claims the centre back has been a target of the Hammers, and
Championship side Watford is news to the club despite national reports they
have bid £1 million for the player. Warri Wolves say they had turned down a
bid and claiming a disagreement with the agent handling the issue. Egwueke
said: "Offers are coming from overseas, I have an offer from an EPL club,
the Championship and from Russia. But a well placed Hammers source said:
"Sorry, but we know absolutely nothing about how this originated. we are not
involved."
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DG opens up on Ravel disappointment
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has admitted his near despair at not being able to make a
breakthrough into Ravel Morrison's life and show him the "wonderful Hammers
opportunity" he's allowed to pass him by. The co chairman has regularly
attempted to help Morrison over the past 18 months as his Hammers career has
tottered from crisis to loan spells and back again. And he told
ClaretandHugh in an exclusive interview: "I can't tell you how disappointed
I am that the young man has allowed it all to slip by him at Upton Park."
With Lazio reportedly close to agreeing a deal with the 21 year old Gold
said: "Wherever he goes I wish him well and genuinely hope he finds himself
and shows the world what a talent he is. "I have constantly encouraged him,
gone out of my way to tell him how well he's done after a good game, have
had regular chats with him and put an arm around his shoulder when he hasn't
been picked. "He takes being dropped harder than anyone I've known – he
appears to take it personally. But dealing with all that is part of the
game. After all he's not Ronaldo but I really do wish him well wherever he
goes."
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Love him or hate him let's wish Ravel well
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
We should all – from a humanitarian point of view – be very pleased that
Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all criminal charges and that he will no
longer have to appear in court. Sadly the 21st century Twitter phenomenon
allows is a very clear insight into the mindsets of a few who it seems
would love to have seen him done for the most minor offences – of which it
seems there are none.
Even had he "pushed" anybody, this is a minor offence of assault and would
be very unlikely to have carried a custodial sentence so a few out there in
the often offensive world of Twitter would have been disappointed. In
reality it makes not a a ha'porth of difference to his West Ham situation
where the lad has totally burned his bridges. Indeed it seems that's the
situation across the Premier League where there has apparently been no
interest in handing him a chance to resurrect his career in England.
If – as has been said many times – our three most experienced coaches,
Ferguson, Allardyce and Redknapp, can't get to grips with him – you wonder
if any will. Lazio's Stefano Pioli apparently believes he can as I was told
just a few minutes ago that move is now looking likely. The thought of Ravel
settling down to life in Rome takes a little imagination but if that is to
be the case I wish him well. Some will believe we should bad mouth him and
will no doubt use the worst language they can find to do so. Others will
want to thank him for some moments of great magic whilst others will simply
wanted to wish a troubled soul well, I'm in the latter group. I hope it
works for him. Italian football is almost certain to suit him better but
whether he can settle into such an entirely different lifestyle should he
make the move is a question we wait to see answered.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG: 'On the box at Bristol City but no shocks'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will again be performing in front of the TV cameras when they visit
on Bristol City on Sunday January 25 for the fourth round FA Cup tie. The
game is scheduled to be shown on BBC 1 on the basis of course that there
may be a shock on the cards – such is the way these things work! But co
chairman David Gold doesn't see any chance of a surprise from the League One
team – despite them sitting proudly on top of their division. He said: "They
have all the attributes of a Championship side and although these are very
tough games we have a squad of absolute professionals and they won't do
anything other than afford them great respect. "It's good that it's on TV
because once again we can show everybody what we are about and it gives our
more distant supporters the opportunity of getting regular looks at us. "But
we are not intending to get involved in any shock results. I genuinely do
believe we are more professional than that."
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Reid for Spurs link "highly unlikely"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 15, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Winston Reid is today being linked with a move to Spurs – the third club in
as many months! Nothing has ever been very clear in this saga but
ClaretandHugh has learned that it may be an unlikely story as the North
Londoners aren't noted for paying the highest wages and have 14 defenders on
their books already. A leading agent told us today: "The top whack at white
Hart Lane is about £62k a week unless you are Gareth Bale! They'd have to
rate him very highly to go there. It looks highly unlikely" "I think there
was some interest when Tim Sherwood was in charge but it seems unlikely now.
They do after all have 14 defenders! The Mirror is reporting that Spurs
"have made a stunning offer" for the 26 year old and are hopeful of tying up
a summer deal when he is on a free transfer. However, we were immediately
told by a top Hammers source " There has been no bid for him from anywhere.
It's news to us!" Slowly, it seems, the odds may be shortening on him
signing a new deal with the Irons!
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Thursday, January 15
Daily WHUFC News - Morrison
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has assault charges dropped
Last Updated: 15/01/15 12:45pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all charges of
assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother. The 21-year-old was accused of
hitting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39, after a night
out at a nightclub in his home city of Manchester last July 24. He was due
to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court later this month but the charges
were dropped by the prosecution on Thursday and Morrison, who was not in
court, was found not guilty. Guy Mathieson, prosecuting, told the court the
charges had been withdrawn after Morrison's defence team recovered CCTV
footage of the first alleged assault outside the One Central nightclub, in
Manchester city centre. It showed that Morrison had not hit his ex, as was
alleged, and she had "slumped" to the floor on her own. The ex-girlfriend
also withdrew her statement alleging Morrison later assaulted her outside
her home when he dropped her off and there was "reluctance" from her mother
to proceed with the alleged assault on her. All three charges of assault
were withdrawn.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
avel Morrison cleared of attacking ex-girlfriend and her mother after
contradictory evidence
Jan 15, 2015 11:59 By Chris Osuh
The Premier League star, 21, was accused of assaulting Rhea Mansoor, then
19, and her mother Parveen Mansoor, then 39, back in July
The Mirror
West Ham United player Ravel Morrison has been cleared of attacking his
ex-girlfriend and her mother, reports Manchester Evening News.
The Manchester United academy product was accused of assaulting Rhea
Mansoor, then 19, and her mother Parveen Mansoor, then 39, last July.
Morrison was due to go on trial on January 26, facing charges of actual
bodily harm and assault by beating against Rhea Mansoor, and assault by
beating against her mother. But, at a Manchester Crown Court hearing, which
Mr Morrison did not attend, prosecutor Guy Mathieson revealed the charges
were not being pursued after CCTV contradicted the account. Verdicts of 'not
guilty' were formally recorded on the direction of Judge David Stockdale QC.
Morrison was arrested in the early hours of July 27 following reports that
Rhea Mansoor, 19, had been assaulted outside a nightclub in Manchester city
centre and at an address in Salford. Her 39-year-old mother also claimed she
had been attacked. Mr Morrison was accused of harassing Reah Mansoor over a
four-and-a-half year period, by threatening to throw 'acid in her face and
to pay £10,000 to have her murdered' but that charge was dropped in November
and a formal verdict of 'not guilty' was entered. The talented midfielder
has been capped at international level. He moved to West Ham from Manchester
United in 2012.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Last Updated: 15/01/15 12:45pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been cleared of all charges of
assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her mother. The 21-year-old was accused of
hitting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39, after a night
out at a nightclub in his home city of Manchester last July 24. He was due
to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court later this month but the charges
were dropped by the prosecution on Thursday and Morrison, who was not in
court, was found not guilty. Guy Mathieson, prosecuting, told the court the
charges had been withdrawn after Morrison's defence team recovered CCTV
footage of the first alleged assault outside the One Central nightclub, in
Manchester city centre. It showed that Morrison had not hit his ex, as was
alleged, and she had "slumped" to the floor on her own. The ex-girlfriend
also withdrew her statement alleging Morrison later assaulted her outside
her home when he dropped her off and there was "reluctance" from her mother
to proceed with the alleged assault on her. All three charges of assault
were withdrawn.
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avel Morrison cleared of attacking ex-girlfriend and her mother after
contradictory evidence
Jan 15, 2015 11:59 By Chris Osuh
The Premier League star, 21, was accused of assaulting Rhea Mansoor, then
19, and her mother Parveen Mansoor, then 39, back in July
The Mirror
West Ham United player Ravel Morrison has been cleared of attacking his
ex-girlfriend and her mother, reports Manchester Evening News.
The Manchester United academy product was accused of assaulting Rhea
Mansoor, then 19, and her mother Parveen Mansoor, then 39, last July.
Morrison was due to go on trial on January 26, facing charges of actual
bodily harm and assault by beating against Rhea Mansoor, and assault by
beating against her mother. But, at a Manchester Crown Court hearing, which
Mr Morrison did not attend, prosecutor Guy Mathieson revealed the charges
were not being pursued after CCTV contradicted the account. Verdicts of 'not
guilty' were formally recorded on the direction of Judge David Stockdale QC.
Morrison was arrested in the early hours of July 27 following reports that
Rhea Mansoor, 19, had been assaulted outside a nightclub in Manchester city
centre and at an address in Salford. Her 39-year-old mother also claimed she
had been attacked. Mr Morrison was accused of harassing Reah Mansoor over a
four-and-a-half year period, by threatening to throw 'acid in her face and
to pay £10,000 to have her murdered' but that charge was dropped in November
and a formal verdict of 'not guilty' was entered. The talented midfielder
has been capped at international level. He moved to West Ham from Manchester
United in 2012.
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Wednesday, January 14
Daily WHUFC News - 15th January 2015
Dev Squad set for Toffees test
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad play Everton away tomorrow evening, kick off is 7pm
14.01.2015
The West Ham United Development Squad travel to Merseyside on Thursday 15
January looking for their second win in a fortnight when they play Everton.
The Hammers got 2015 off to a winning start when they beat Leicester City
1-0 through striker Djair Parfitt-Williams' first goal for the U21s. The win
came at a crucial time for the Dev Squad as they sit at the foot of the
Barclays U21 Premier League table.
In a busy fixture schedule, the Dev Squad then lost 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur
four days later Friday 9 January. In a tight game, the Hammers conceded from
two carbon copy deflected free kicks from Grant Ward while Ravel Morrison
netted an equaliser in the first half.
The Hammers were lifted by the return to action from Elliot Lee after a
lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Lee played his first 45 minutes
in three months and Academy Director Terry Westley hinted he would get more
game time against the Toffees. "It was good to see Lee back on the pitch, we
knew at the start it would only be 45 minutes, but he played well and didn't
have any problems with the injury. He had a great go and he'll ready to go
again against Everton."
The 20-year-old striker is the Dev Squad's top goalscorer this season with
five goals to his name in nine starts. As for opponents Everton, they
currently sit in sixth with four wins and four loses apiece from their eight
league games. With 12 points they are only four ahead of the Hammers,
however with two games in hand over most rivals, they would go top should
they win both games. Last time out, Everton lost 1-0 to Leicester City on 12
January 2015 as Chris Wood's late strike sealed the win for the Foxes.
The Development Squad face Everton tomorrow at Southport FC, kick off is
7pm. You can follow live updates on whufc.com and our twitter
@whufc_official.
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Enner eyes epic cup run
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia enjoyed Tuesday evening's FA Cup drama and now wants a whole
lot more of it
14.01.2015
Though the marathon third round tie against Everton was Enner Valencia's
very first taste of the FA Cup, the Ecuadorian likes what he sees and is now
setting his sights on a successful cup run, all the way to the final, if he
has his way. When the 25-year-old opened the scoring with his maiden home
goal for West Ham United on Tuesday evening, little did he envisage the
pulsating, topsy-turvy contest that was to follow.
Prior to Adrian's penalty heroics, the Hammers had been just seven minutes
from exiting the competition and, at 2-1 down, Valencia conceded that he had
feared the worst. "It was very, very emotional," he told West Ham TV. "At
one point the game was going away from us and we really didn't deserve to
lose on Tuesday. Then at the end, winning with Adrian on penalties. He's
having a great season!
"I think we had a great game, all my teammates put in a great effort. We
deserved to win during the 90 minutes but football is like that. It was a
very exciting game and at the end we got the win." While Valencia's 51st
minute strike broke the deadlock, he might have opened the scoring much
earlier. The No31 was foiled by a fine Joel Robles save after just ten
minutes and Valencia was determined to make up for that missed opportunity.
He continued: "I had a great chance to score in the first half and
unfortunately I couldn't finish. I've been training very hard and practicing
my finishing in training and thankfully I had that second chance later on
and I knew I couldn't miss. I had to score that one. That's my first home
goal and I'm very happy."
Ecuador's World Cup hero was every bit as delighted for his colleague
Adrian, who tucked away the decisive 20th spot-kick as if it were the most
normal thing in the world. Not that the 'keeper is unaccustomed to being in
the opposition penalty box, having repeatedly piled forward in the dying
minutes of the Hammers' 1-1 New Year's Day draw against West Bromwich
Albion.
"After the game against West Brom he [Adrian] told me, 'mate, I almost
scored, I was almost there!' He's a great guy and we're good friends. He's
going through a great season and I'm happy for him."
Reflecting on some 210 minutes against the Toffees, Valencia felt his side
had faced the sternest of tests, but having come through it, just, he hopes
the Hammers can kick on in the competition. He may not know a great deal
about fourth round opponents Bristol City, but he knows more than enough
about English football to expect a rough ride at Ashton Gate.
"We got drawn against a Everton who are a tough side and it was very
difficult, both games. But hopefully we can continue on this path why not
make it all the way to the final. "To be honest, I don't know much about
them [Bristol City]. I watch a lot of English football and I think at every
level here it's very competitive. We have to take this next game very
seriously and hopefully we'll be able to go through."
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WHAT WEST HAM CAN LEARN FROM BAYERN MUNICH
By HamburgHammer 14 Jan 2015 at 14:33
West Ham till I Die
Let me make one thing very clear right from the start: I hate Bayern Munich
and most of their fans with every fibre of my being. I hate their dominance
in German football and the way they are signing key players from most other
clubs in Germany, not necessarily to improve their own team (as usually they
end up warming a place on the Bayern bench occupied by other superstars
already) but rather to weaken those teams that could seriously start
challenging Bayern for domestic titles.I hate the way they attract plastic
fans a la Chelsea, people who claim to be fans, but have never seen Bayern
Munich play at home or have any kind of attachment to Bavaria or Munich for
that matter.
But there is one thing I seriously admire them for: And that is the way they
are catering for their most loyal fans and their families by making sure
there are affordable tickets on offer. And when I say affordable I mean
extremly cheap, compared to Premier League and especially West Ham ticket
prices. The following examples are no typos by the way. I'll start with the
most expensive season tickets for us normal folk for the current season (no
corporate boxes including free food, drink and halftime entertainment). It's
580 pounds for an adult and 290 pounds for children up to and including the
age of 13. Again, that's the most expensive seats. At the other end of the
scale you have the season tickets in the safe standing areas: Tighten your
seatbelts! 108 pounds for both adults and children.
That's the season ticket covering 19 Bundesliga home games. That's just 5.68
pounds a game! Not quite kids for a quid, but remember, this is for a season
ticket, so most people can afford not only to still go and watch the
football, they can also afford to take their wife and kids if they are so
inclined. Of course there are medium priced tickets available that give you
a better view while still being reasonably cheap.
The thing is: Bayern could charge a lot more for their tickets and the
Allianz Arena would still be packed to the rafters. Former Bayern president
Uli Hoeness (currently let out of prison on parole after being jailed for
tax evasion, he still has to return to prison at night) has a very clear
stance on ticket pricing.
Quote: "We could charge more. Let's say we charged £300 (for the cheapest
season ticket). We'd get £2m more in income but what's £2m to us? In a
transfer discussion you argue about that sum for five minutes. But the
difference between £108 and £300 is huge for the fan.
We do not think the fans are like cows, who you milk. Football has got to be
for everybody. That's the biggest difference between us and England."
I know that Bayern's finances are far removed from our current position
whatwith the debt and Bayern having played in the Champions League for
dozens of seasons. But I think the principal approach alluded to in the
above quote also applies to a certain degree to English clubs, West Ham
included. The big money in football is no longer made from the ticket sales.
It's mainly coming from massive TV deals, from sponsorship, merchandise
sales and catering. The counter argument seems to be that our club could be
losing out on transfer targets if we charge significantly less for tickets
than other clubs. Which doesn't really explain why West Ham tickets at this
point in time are among the most expensive in Britain.
I still think it is overall a good concept and could eventually even improve
West Ham's financial status. First of all affordable tickets would allow
more of the normal football fans back into the stadium, them and their kids
(it's always good to get 'em hooked early). At that point the club loses a
bit of money due to the cheaper tickets.
But the money making machinery starts once those fans (including kids) are
through the turnstiles, food, drinks, a programme, a Sakho shirt for the
dad, a scarf for the wife, Adrian style goalkeeping gloves for the junior
and the West Ham till goas ka-ching! I have no doubt that people spend more
money on these things when actually attending games instead of watching the
game at home or in a pub.
Filling the ground to the rafters and generating subsequent income from
catering and merchandise will become more difficult, yet more important once
we are in the OS. The TV money is likely to become even a bigger part of a
club's income, so West Ham should seriously reconsider their ticket pricing
policy. They don't necessarily have to do a Bayern there – but it should be
possible to make West Ham ticket prices average again compared to other
teams in the Premier League. West Ham tickets among the most expensive in
the country ? It doesn't fit our heritage and needs to change.
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Tottenham in for Arsenal transfer target Winston Reid as a summer free agent
Jan 14, 2015 22:30 By John Cross
Gunners won't meet West Ham's valuation to buy the defender this month but
Spurs are understood to be ready to pay £60k a week and £1m signing-on fee
The Mirror
Tottenham have made a stunning offer to beat bitter rivals Arsenal to
Winston Reid. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is hopeful of tying up a summer
deal for West Ham defender Reid when he becomes a free agent. Reid, 26,
wants £60,000-a-week and a £1million signing-on fee and it is understood the
White Hart Lane club are ready to pay that to get their man. West Ham
believe Reid has already secretly agreed a deal with a club to move in the
summer, when the New Zealand centre-half knows he can get a more lucrative
contract as a free transfer. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen on signing
Reid this month to try to solve his defensive injury problems - but now
could miss out.
The Gunners are understood to have enquired about Reid as they were hoping
to do a bargain £3m deal. But West Ham are quoting £7m for a January sale
and Arsenal will not meet that valuation - and now could miss out in the
summer as well. Meanwhile, Spurs are ready to listen to offers for their
club captain Younes Kaboul in January. Turkish club Besiktas have had an
offer for the French defender turned down but Spurs are still ready to sell
at the right price.
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West Ham chief David Gold: FA Cup MUST be a priority for us this season
Jan 14, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Joint-chairman challenges manager Allardyce to keep fielding his best
players in the competition - like he did in thrilling third round win over
Everton
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has been told to continue sending out strong sides in the FA
Cup. The request has come from the Upton Park hierarchy, who see the
competition as a high priority. Mirror Sport understands Big Sam was
informed before the original third round tie against Everton two weeks ago
that the club want to do as much as possible to give fans a trip to Wembley.
The dramatic shoot-out win over the Toffees in the replay sealed a fourth
round tie against League One Bristol City. But it was only the second time
in six seasons that the Hammers have cleared the first hurdle in the world's
oldest Cup competition. Speaking before Tuesday's classic, joint-chairman
David Gold told fans site Claret and Hugh: "I was [at the FA Cup Final] in
1964, 1975 and 1980 and we need to be there again. I fancy us and I want to
go back with West Ham while I'm still young enough to enjoy the
experience!".
There was disappointment at the club that they were beaten early in the
Capital One Cup by Sheffield United, as it was felt that the squad is good
enough to have gone much further. Last season, as they battled relegation, a
shadow Hammers side were slaughtered 5-0 in the third round of the FA Cup at
Championship Nottingham Forest, heaping pressure on Allardyce. The feeling
around Upton Park is much different this season, highlighted by the
goalscoring keeper Adrian has revealed he had never previously taken a
penalty before the spot-kick which sealed the victory over Everton. Adrian
hurriedly removed his gloves before shooting past Joel Robles - the Everton
keeper who had just missed his own kick in the epic 9-8 shoot-out success,
which earned the Hammers a fourth-round trip to League One high flyers
Bristol City.
The Spanish stopper, who celebrated his winner with a flamboyant knee-slide,
said: "I never took a penalty before - only in training for a joke, not
serious. Never in life had I struck a penalty in an important game. "In that
moment, I felt so quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I thought
'I'll take off my gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball. "I took
my gloves off so quickly because I was worried that the referee might blow
his whistle and give me a yellow card for time-wasting!"
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Ravel Morrison to sign Lazio deal in next 48 hours ahead of summer move
Jan 14, 2015 18:37 By John Cross
West Ham want the midfielder out and he is set to try his luck in Italy
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison will sign a pre-contract with Lazio in the next 48 hours. The
West Ham midfielder, 21, is a free agent in the summer and will join the
Italian club on a two year contract. Morrison has gained a reputation as one
of England's most naturally gifted players but off-the-field problems have
blown his career off course. But Lazio are ready to take a chance on the
former Manchester United trainee and the hope is that going to Italy and
getting a change of scenery will get him focused. The Rome outfit are
currently flying high in Serie A, and Ravel will become their second-ever
Englishman after Paul Gascoigne.
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Heated Hammers: West Ham team-mates Mark Noble and James Tomkins almost
FIGHT against Everton
Jan 14, 2015 16:31 By Aaron Flanagan
The pair were involved in a heated exchange, in which Tomkins shoved his
team-mate in the face after reacting unhappily to Noble's criticisms
The Mirror
West Ham team-mates Mark Noble and James Tomkins almost ended up scrapping
during the Hammers' win in Tuesday night's FA Cup third round replay. The
duo were involved in a heated exchange and had to be separated by team
captain Kevin Nolan as they squared up to each other on the Upton Park
pitch. With West Ham trailing 2-1 in extra-time to Everton, who previously
had Aiden McGeady dismissed for a second bookable offence, Noble appeared to
question Tomkins' defensive mindset as the Toffees launched a
counter-attack. And the centre-back was not happy with the criticism,
shoving Noble in the face, before Nolan played peace-maker.
However, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was quick to play down the
altercation after the match, branding the incident as just "handbags".
He said: "It was handbags. Obviously one opinion was disagreed with by the
other one. "I've no idea what it was about but there will be no hangovers
after we have won." West Ham recovered to draw 2-2 with a Carlton Cole
equaliser, before goalkeeper Adrian bagged the winning penalty in a 9-8
shoot-out win. The incident brought back memories of the infamous scrap
between Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer in 2005, where the two Newcastle
midfielders were sent off for brawling on the pitch. Dyer recently opened up
about the incident, saying that a personal insult aimed at Bowyer's lack of
ability pushed his team-mate over the edge.
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Sullivan: "Most exciting game in my 22 years"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has declared last night's epic Third Round FA Cup replay at
Upton Park as "the most exciting match I've seen in my 5 years at West Ham
United and my 22 years in football." In a game that was almost beyond
unbelievable, the co chairman and chief shareholder said that the match
showed how a competition which some think has been devalued over recent
years retains its importance.
But he remains concerned over the team's inability to close down a game that
looked there for the taking after we had gone one up and Everton having
Aiden McGeady sent off. Speaking exclusively to Claretandhugh, the
co-chairman said: In the cold light of day it was the fourth game in a row
we scored first and only drawn after 90 minutes. "So my brain says we have
to improve on that. My heart says it was the most exciting match I've seen
in my 5 years at WHU and my 22 years in football. "It was a real roller
coaster and showed how much both clubs and both sets of supporters cared
about the FA Cup, to West Ham United its an enormously important
competition. "Bristol City are undefeated in 11 or 12 games now, all wins
except 2 draws, so we can't take the next round too lightly."
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Irons confirm new Adrian talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Heroic Hammers goalkeeper Adrian will hold talks with the Hammers about a
new long term deal at the end of the season. AdrianjenksThe FA Cup
replay-winning Irons stopper's iconic status went to a new level as he
contemptuously threw away his gloves before pumping the winning spot kick
past fellow Spaniard Joel Robles. The psyching-out process was magnificent
given that the Everton stopper had just missed his spot kick to set the
shoot-out up for the Irons. Adrian is in magnificent form and has already
drawn the inquiry from Spanish team Vincent Del Bosque as to why nobody is
talking about the former Real Betis keeper. And this morning the club
revealed that they will be holding talks about a contract extension at the
end of the campaign. ClaretandHugh was told by a top club insider: "Hes got
three years left on his contract, but we'll be holding discussion with him
at the end of the season."
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Young Lions captain signs first pro deal at West Ham
The FA.com
By Gary Stonehouse
Staff Writer
14 Jan 2015
England U17s captain Reece Oxford committed his future to West Ham United on
Tuesday when he penned a new deal at the club.
The defender signed a new long-term contract out on the pitch at the Boleyn
Ground at half time as the Hammers defeated Everton on penalties in The FA
Cup. The 16-year-old has already sat on the first team bench after being
called into the squad for the League Cup clash with Sheffield United in
August. And despite his tender years, he has become a regular for the club's
U21 side, and his form has seen him rewarded with his first professional
contract. 'It's great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now'
The club's academy manager Terry Westley was delighted to have secured the
youngster's signature, saying: "This makes a statement to other clubs out
there that we're not going to let our best players leave and go elsewhere to
ply their trade. "We look at it like the Olympics, in four-year cycles. You
finish London, then you look at Rio and you want to become a Gold medalist
in those four years. The Gold medal for us is them playing for West Ham
United in the Olympic Stadium in four years' time."
And speaking of the club's new stadium, Oxford is already thinking about
rewarding the loyal following he has received with some performances of the
highest calibre once there. "Hopefully I can get my first-team debut there
[at the new Stadium]," said Oxford.
"It's great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now and get into
the first team. The fans are committed to me, they really wanted me to sign.
They love their players here."
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West Ham plan to offload Ravel Morrison hit by Lazio's Bosman plan
Lazio want wayward midfielder to sign pre-contract agreement for end of
season – depending on outcome of court case – rather than take him off West
Ham's hands now
Much travelled: Lazio could give Ravel Morrison a chance to resurrect his
career Photo: PA
By Matt Law7:57PM GMT 14 Jan 2015
Telegraph.co.uk
Lazio want Ravel Morrison to sign a pre-contract agreement to join the
Italian club at the end of the season. Morrison's West Ham United contract
expires in the summer and the Hammers want to get him off the wage bill
immediately. The Professional Footballers' Association were called into to
settle a pay dispute between West Ham and Morrison over his £15,000-a-week
wages after he was repeatedly fined.
West Ham have looked into terminating the 21-year-old's contract this month
if no club is willing to sign him and take on his salary.
Lazio's interest does not solve West Ham's problem, as the Serie A side are
proposing signing Morrison on a Bosman transfer at the end of his current
deal. Morrison is due to stand trial at Manchester Crown Court on January 26
on charges of assaulting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor,
39, in the early hours of July 24, having been cleared of threatening to
throw acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend and have her killed. The
midfielder could not move abroad until his remaining charges are dealt with,
but Lazio are willing to agree a summer deal on the proviso that he is
cleared. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Morrison
as the most talented young player he had ever worked with. At West Ham,
Morrison has showed flashes of brilliance – culminating in a superb goal
against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last season. He has made four
appearances for England Under-21s, scoring two goals, and netted a superb
backheel volley in training that became and internet sensation. But
disciplinary issues have dogged Morrison through his early career and he is
not wanted by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Morrison spent the second half
of last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship and had a
spell at Cardiff City this term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Proof that West Ham are now a corporate 'monster'
Date: 14th January 2015 at 8:41 pm
Written by: Richard Maher | ForeverWestHam.com
When the home side emerged from the tunnel wearing purple, Everton and
attending fans may well have needed to double-check they were in the right
place when they visited Upton Park on Tuesday night. Yes, West Ham United
were wearing purple at home.
The news was delivered to the fans via an online message which claims the
Hammers will be wearing it for the entire FA Cup campaign. This is quickly
followed by a desperate link to 'BUY YOUR THIRD KIT NOW'.
I wonder how many begrudging dads, who thought the reasonably priced tickets
for the replay would be a cheap night for him and his son, will be trekking
to the club shop after the final whistle.
Every Hammers fan has been crying out for a cup run to spice life up over
the past few years. I still sit there and revel in the 2006 campaign from
time-to-time – I'm not sure I'd be able to stomach looking back and watching
the DVDs of us playing in this monstrosity.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sam Allardyce rolled out in it himself before the
match, looking like a washed up Barney the dinosaur, with a megaphone
calling all fans to rush to the 'megastore' after the game to get their
hands on the 'limited edition kit'.
This news comes just after I received a swanky brochure about the Olympic
Stadium. Needless to say it is plastered with the new badge, which looks
like something the club nicked from a local secondary school's graphic
design class.
Fans have consistently been told that prices for the new stadium would be
cheaper due to the extra capacity – that the move would result in football
being given back to the community. Now the line is that 'the Club can
confirm they will be comparable with prices for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground'.
Prices for the final season at the Boleyn are yet to be released but as the
Right Honourable Baroness Brady CBE has already informed us that: 'After
last year's price freeze across the board, I am pleased we have been able to
once again freeze prices for junior supporters', it's fair to say we can
expect at least a 5% hike in prices for the other age categories.
Further taking advantage of loyal fans' wishes to be at the final season at
Upton Park, the club are asking season-ticket holders who want to renew to
lay down a £75 deposit by April, which is certain to be tough for those who
save up and pay for their ticket in the Summer, or for those who use the
finance scheme.
A trip to the 'Reservation Centre' in Westfield, Stratford is also on the
agenda for season-ticket holders who can thereby get a virtual view of their
seat at the new stadium. It all sounds good except for the fact that, just
before you leave, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable 25% of the
season-ticket price. It all seems to be playing on fans' fears that if they
don't cough up, they will lose their spot.
Featured in the new brochure was also a plug for the newly announced 'Boleyn
Bar'. Being named after the old ground and with a menu featuring the likes
of pie and mash with liquor, it gives the illusion of a nostalgia-trip for
long-time supporters. But you'll have to lay out a £500 joining fee plus
monthly payments of £140! And that excludes VAT! So much for the community.
To add insult to injury, the seats purchased in conjunction with the bar
membership are either side of the tunnel. Have we not learned from the
disastrous 'Club Wembley'? The second-half will consistently begin half
empty as those who can afford the bar, assumedly close relatives of Roy
Keane's infamous 'prawn sandwich brigade', make the most of their 'free
half-time drinks' (yes, despite the enormous membership fee, the club are
describing these drinks as 'free').
I've always been a fan of David Sullivan and David Gold, thinking they had
the club and its fans at heart. I'd still like to believe that but events
over the past few days looks like we are well and truly moving away from
being a community football club and are becoming a corporate monster.
The players change, the stadium is changing, the badge is changing and now
even the home colours are getting a makeover for games in what is the oldest
association football competition in the world. Is nothing sacred? It is hard
to cling on to what you are even supporting any more, apart from a mere name
which will undoubtedly also be open to sponsorship soon.
The nightmare vision of West Ham United PLC, or some derivation of it,
playing in a half-empty soulless bowl with a red and yellow kit (following a
'McDonalds' takeover) is really beginning to worry me. I've trusted Sullivan
and Gold to oversee the greatest overhaul in the club's history but it seems
that, in light of recent days, they are losing sight of what makes West Ham
special to so many people.
The owners know that West Ham's claret and blue army (no, not purple) are
fiercely loyal and look set to continue to buy into the club despite radical
changes, but there is real danger of a total identity loss in the not too
distant future.
And no Mr Sullivan, wedging a picture of Bobby Moore in every artist's
impression of the corporate future does not make it all OK.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Akhisar loan West Ham Forward Ricardo Vaz Te
Posted by: Eren Sarigul January 14, 2015
www.turkish-football.com
Akhisar Belediyespor have completed the loan signing of Ricardo Vaz Te from
West Ham according to the Turkish newspaper Fanatik. Vaz Te recently handed
in a transfer request after failing to break into the Hammers first team.
Ricardo Vaz Te is expected to meet with Akhisar manager Roberto Carlos and
the rest of the squad in Antalya this week. The Portugal U23 international
has signed a deal keeping him at the Turkish Super League club until the end
of the season. Vaz Te has made just four Premier League appearances for West
Ham this season.
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Ravel Morrison set for West Ham exit as Lazio plan to sign midfielder on
pre-contract
Italian side Lazio want to sign Ravel Morrison in the summer
Morrison has been told he can quit West Ham United by the club
21-year-old has not played for the Hammers since August 31
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 14 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:31, 14 January 2015
Lazio want to sign Ravel Morrison on a pre-contract for the summer. The
Italians have been offered the West Ham midfielder, as reported by
Sportsmail, but are aware they cannot buy him now owing to UEFA regulations.
Morrison has played for West Ham and Cardiff and would not be allowed to
sign for a club in another country during this window. West Ham have
considered cancelling his contract if no club comes forward with a
legitimate offer but wanted a percentage sell-on if he moved. Morrison is
due in court later this month which could further complicate discussions.
The 21-year-old has not played for West Ham since their 3-1 defeat at Upton
Park against Southampton back on August 31.
RAVEL MORRISON - A TIMELINE OF THE MIDFIELDER'S INDISCRETIONS
February 2011
Morrison receives a 12-month referral order after admitting to threatening a
mugging victim in order to stop them from giving evidence.
May 2011
The midfielder appears in court accused of attacking his girlfriend. The
charges were later dropped.
January 31, 2012
Morrison signs for West Ham from Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson tells
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce: '(Morrison is) a brilliant footballer. Brilliant
ability. Top-class ability. Needs to get away from Manchester and start a
new life.'
February 2012
West Ham starlet fined £7,000 by the Football Association and warned as to
his future conduct after making homophobic remarks on Twitter.
September 2012
While on loan at Birmingham City, problems with Morrison's attitude in
training leads Blues boss Lee Clark to contemplate terminating the deal.
Eventually he fought his way back into the side and was an influential
member of the team.
July 2014
Morrison arrested on suspicion of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her
mother.
November 2014
The midfielder is cleared in court of threatening to throw acid in
ex-girlfriend's face.
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WHUFC.com
The Development Squad play Everton away tomorrow evening, kick off is 7pm
14.01.2015
The West Ham United Development Squad travel to Merseyside on Thursday 15
January looking for their second win in a fortnight when they play Everton.
The Hammers got 2015 off to a winning start when they beat Leicester City
1-0 through striker Djair Parfitt-Williams' first goal for the U21s. The win
came at a crucial time for the Dev Squad as they sit at the foot of the
Barclays U21 Premier League table.
In a busy fixture schedule, the Dev Squad then lost 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur
four days later Friday 9 January. In a tight game, the Hammers conceded from
two carbon copy deflected free kicks from Grant Ward while Ravel Morrison
netted an equaliser in the first half.
The Hammers were lifted by the return to action from Elliot Lee after a
lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. Lee played his first 45 minutes
in three months and Academy Director Terry Westley hinted he would get more
game time against the Toffees. "It was good to see Lee back on the pitch, we
knew at the start it would only be 45 minutes, but he played well and didn't
have any problems with the injury. He had a great go and he'll ready to go
again against Everton."
The 20-year-old striker is the Dev Squad's top goalscorer this season with
five goals to his name in nine starts. As for opponents Everton, they
currently sit in sixth with four wins and four loses apiece from their eight
league games. With 12 points they are only four ahead of the Hammers,
however with two games in hand over most rivals, they would go top should
they win both games. Last time out, Everton lost 1-0 to Leicester City on 12
January 2015 as Chris Wood's late strike sealed the win for the Foxes.
The Development Squad face Everton tomorrow at Southport FC, kick off is
7pm. You can follow live updates on whufc.com and our twitter
@whufc_official.
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Enner eyes epic cup run
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia enjoyed Tuesday evening's FA Cup drama and now wants a whole
lot more of it
14.01.2015
Though the marathon third round tie against Everton was Enner Valencia's
very first taste of the FA Cup, the Ecuadorian likes what he sees and is now
setting his sights on a successful cup run, all the way to the final, if he
has his way. When the 25-year-old opened the scoring with his maiden home
goal for West Ham United on Tuesday evening, little did he envisage the
pulsating, topsy-turvy contest that was to follow.
Prior to Adrian's penalty heroics, the Hammers had been just seven minutes
from exiting the competition and, at 2-1 down, Valencia conceded that he had
feared the worst. "It was very, very emotional," he told West Ham TV. "At
one point the game was going away from us and we really didn't deserve to
lose on Tuesday. Then at the end, winning with Adrian on penalties. He's
having a great season!
"I think we had a great game, all my teammates put in a great effort. We
deserved to win during the 90 minutes but football is like that. It was a
very exciting game and at the end we got the win." While Valencia's 51st
minute strike broke the deadlock, he might have opened the scoring much
earlier. The No31 was foiled by a fine Joel Robles save after just ten
minutes and Valencia was determined to make up for that missed opportunity.
He continued: "I had a great chance to score in the first half and
unfortunately I couldn't finish. I've been training very hard and practicing
my finishing in training and thankfully I had that second chance later on
and I knew I couldn't miss. I had to score that one. That's my first home
goal and I'm very happy."
Ecuador's World Cup hero was every bit as delighted for his colleague
Adrian, who tucked away the decisive 20th spot-kick as if it were the most
normal thing in the world. Not that the 'keeper is unaccustomed to being in
the opposition penalty box, having repeatedly piled forward in the dying
minutes of the Hammers' 1-1 New Year's Day draw against West Bromwich
Albion.
"After the game against West Brom he [Adrian] told me, 'mate, I almost
scored, I was almost there!' He's a great guy and we're good friends. He's
going through a great season and I'm happy for him."
Reflecting on some 210 minutes against the Toffees, Valencia felt his side
had faced the sternest of tests, but having come through it, just, he hopes
the Hammers can kick on in the competition. He may not know a great deal
about fourth round opponents Bristol City, but he knows more than enough
about English football to expect a rough ride at Ashton Gate.
"We got drawn against a Everton who are a tough side and it was very
difficult, both games. But hopefully we can continue on this path why not
make it all the way to the final. "To be honest, I don't know much about
them [Bristol City]. I watch a lot of English football and I think at every
level here it's very competitive. We have to take this next game very
seriously and hopefully we'll be able to go through."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHAT WEST HAM CAN LEARN FROM BAYERN MUNICH
By HamburgHammer 14 Jan 2015 at 14:33
West Ham till I Die
Let me make one thing very clear right from the start: I hate Bayern Munich
and most of their fans with every fibre of my being. I hate their dominance
in German football and the way they are signing key players from most other
clubs in Germany, not necessarily to improve their own team (as usually they
end up warming a place on the Bayern bench occupied by other superstars
already) but rather to weaken those teams that could seriously start
challenging Bayern for domestic titles.I hate the way they attract plastic
fans a la Chelsea, people who claim to be fans, but have never seen Bayern
Munich play at home or have any kind of attachment to Bavaria or Munich for
that matter.
But there is one thing I seriously admire them for: And that is the way they
are catering for their most loyal fans and their families by making sure
there are affordable tickets on offer. And when I say affordable I mean
extremly cheap, compared to Premier League and especially West Ham ticket
prices. The following examples are no typos by the way. I'll start with the
most expensive season tickets for us normal folk for the current season (no
corporate boxes including free food, drink and halftime entertainment). It's
580 pounds for an adult and 290 pounds for children up to and including the
age of 13. Again, that's the most expensive seats. At the other end of the
scale you have the season tickets in the safe standing areas: Tighten your
seatbelts! 108 pounds for both adults and children.
That's the season ticket covering 19 Bundesliga home games. That's just 5.68
pounds a game! Not quite kids for a quid, but remember, this is for a season
ticket, so most people can afford not only to still go and watch the
football, they can also afford to take their wife and kids if they are so
inclined. Of course there are medium priced tickets available that give you
a better view while still being reasonably cheap.
The thing is: Bayern could charge a lot more for their tickets and the
Allianz Arena would still be packed to the rafters. Former Bayern president
Uli Hoeness (currently let out of prison on parole after being jailed for
tax evasion, he still has to return to prison at night) has a very clear
stance on ticket pricing.
Quote: "We could charge more. Let's say we charged £300 (for the cheapest
season ticket). We'd get £2m more in income but what's £2m to us? In a
transfer discussion you argue about that sum for five minutes. But the
difference between £108 and £300 is huge for the fan.
We do not think the fans are like cows, who you milk. Football has got to be
for everybody. That's the biggest difference between us and England."
I know that Bayern's finances are far removed from our current position
whatwith the debt and Bayern having played in the Champions League for
dozens of seasons. But I think the principal approach alluded to in the
above quote also applies to a certain degree to English clubs, West Ham
included. The big money in football is no longer made from the ticket sales.
It's mainly coming from massive TV deals, from sponsorship, merchandise
sales and catering. The counter argument seems to be that our club could be
losing out on transfer targets if we charge significantly less for tickets
than other clubs. Which doesn't really explain why West Ham tickets at this
point in time are among the most expensive in Britain.
I still think it is overall a good concept and could eventually even improve
West Ham's financial status. First of all affordable tickets would allow
more of the normal football fans back into the stadium, them and their kids
(it's always good to get 'em hooked early). At that point the club loses a
bit of money due to the cheaper tickets.
But the money making machinery starts once those fans (including kids) are
through the turnstiles, food, drinks, a programme, a Sakho shirt for the
dad, a scarf for the wife, Adrian style goalkeeping gloves for the junior
and the West Ham till goas ka-ching! I have no doubt that people spend more
money on these things when actually attending games instead of watching the
game at home or in a pub.
Filling the ground to the rafters and generating subsequent income from
catering and merchandise will become more difficult, yet more important once
we are in the OS. The TV money is likely to become even a bigger part of a
club's income, so West Ham should seriously reconsider their ticket pricing
policy. They don't necessarily have to do a Bayern there – but it should be
possible to make West Ham ticket prices average again compared to other
teams in the Premier League. West Ham tickets among the most expensive in
the country ? It doesn't fit our heritage and needs to change.
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Tottenham in for Arsenal transfer target Winston Reid as a summer free agent
Jan 14, 2015 22:30 By John Cross
Gunners won't meet West Ham's valuation to buy the defender this month but
Spurs are understood to be ready to pay £60k a week and £1m signing-on fee
The Mirror
Tottenham have made a stunning offer to beat bitter rivals Arsenal to
Winston Reid. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is hopeful of tying up a summer
deal for West Ham defender Reid when he becomes a free agent. Reid, 26,
wants £60,000-a-week and a £1million signing-on fee and it is understood the
White Hart Lane club are ready to pay that to get their man. West Ham
believe Reid has already secretly agreed a deal with a club to move in the
summer, when the New Zealand centre-half knows he can get a more lucrative
contract as a free transfer. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen on signing
Reid this month to try to solve his defensive injury problems - but now
could miss out.
The Gunners are understood to have enquired about Reid as they were hoping
to do a bargain £3m deal. But West Ham are quoting £7m for a January sale
and Arsenal will not meet that valuation - and now could miss out in the
summer as well. Meanwhile, Spurs are ready to listen to offers for their
club captain Younes Kaboul in January. Turkish club Besiktas have had an
offer for the French defender turned down but Spurs are still ready to sell
at the right price.
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West Ham chief David Gold: FA Cup MUST be a priority for us this season
Jan 14, 2015 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Joint-chairman challenges manager Allardyce to keep fielding his best
players in the competition - like he did in thrilling third round win over
Everton
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has been told to continue sending out strong sides in the FA
Cup. The request has come from the Upton Park hierarchy, who see the
competition as a high priority. Mirror Sport understands Big Sam was
informed before the original third round tie against Everton two weeks ago
that the club want to do as much as possible to give fans a trip to Wembley.
The dramatic shoot-out win over the Toffees in the replay sealed a fourth
round tie against League One Bristol City. But it was only the second time
in six seasons that the Hammers have cleared the first hurdle in the world's
oldest Cup competition. Speaking before Tuesday's classic, joint-chairman
David Gold told fans site Claret and Hugh: "I was [at the FA Cup Final] in
1964, 1975 and 1980 and we need to be there again. I fancy us and I want to
go back with West Ham while I'm still young enough to enjoy the
experience!".
There was disappointment at the club that they were beaten early in the
Capital One Cup by Sheffield United, as it was felt that the squad is good
enough to have gone much further. Last season, as they battled relegation, a
shadow Hammers side were slaughtered 5-0 in the third round of the FA Cup at
Championship Nottingham Forest, heaping pressure on Allardyce. The feeling
around Upton Park is much different this season, highlighted by the
goalscoring keeper Adrian has revealed he had never previously taken a
penalty before the spot-kick which sealed the victory over Everton. Adrian
hurriedly removed his gloves before shooting past Joel Robles - the Everton
keeper who had just missed his own kick in the epic 9-8 shoot-out success,
which earned the Hammers a fourth-round trip to League One high flyers
Bristol City.
The Spanish stopper, who celebrated his winner with a flamboyant knee-slide,
said: "I never took a penalty before - only in training for a joke, not
serious. Never in life had I struck a penalty in an important game. "In that
moment, I felt so quiet and relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I thought
'I'll take off my gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball. "I took
my gloves off so quickly because I was worried that the referee might blow
his whistle and give me a yellow card for time-wasting!"
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Ravel Morrison to sign Lazio deal in next 48 hours ahead of summer move
Jan 14, 2015 18:37 By John Cross
West Ham want the midfielder out and he is set to try his luck in Italy
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison will sign a pre-contract with Lazio in the next 48 hours. The
West Ham midfielder, 21, is a free agent in the summer and will join the
Italian club on a two year contract. Morrison has gained a reputation as one
of England's most naturally gifted players but off-the-field problems have
blown his career off course. But Lazio are ready to take a chance on the
former Manchester United trainee and the hope is that going to Italy and
getting a change of scenery will get him focused. The Rome outfit are
currently flying high in Serie A, and Ravel will become their second-ever
Englishman after Paul Gascoigne.
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Heated Hammers: West Ham team-mates Mark Noble and James Tomkins almost
FIGHT against Everton
Jan 14, 2015 16:31 By Aaron Flanagan
The pair were involved in a heated exchange, in which Tomkins shoved his
team-mate in the face after reacting unhappily to Noble's criticisms
The Mirror
West Ham team-mates Mark Noble and James Tomkins almost ended up scrapping
during the Hammers' win in Tuesday night's FA Cup third round replay. The
duo were involved in a heated exchange and had to be separated by team
captain Kevin Nolan as they squared up to each other on the Upton Park
pitch. With West Ham trailing 2-1 in extra-time to Everton, who previously
had Aiden McGeady dismissed for a second bookable offence, Noble appeared to
question Tomkins' defensive mindset as the Toffees launched a
counter-attack. And the centre-back was not happy with the criticism,
shoving Noble in the face, before Nolan played peace-maker.
However, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was quick to play down the
altercation after the match, branding the incident as just "handbags".
He said: "It was handbags. Obviously one opinion was disagreed with by the
other one. "I've no idea what it was about but there will be no hangovers
after we have won." West Ham recovered to draw 2-2 with a Carlton Cole
equaliser, before goalkeeper Adrian bagged the winning penalty in a 9-8
shoot-out win. The incident brought back memories of the infamous scrap
between Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer in 2005, where the two Newcastle
midfielders were sent off for brawling on the pitch. Dyer recently opened up
about the incident, saying that a personal insult aimed at Bowyer's lack of
ability pushed his team-mate over the edge.
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Sullivan: "Most exciting game in my 22 years"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan has declared last night's epic Third Round FA Cup replay at
Upton Park as "the most exciting match I've seen in my 5 years at West Ham
United and my 22 years in football." In a game that was almost beyond
unbelievable, the co chairman and chief shareholder said that the match
showed how a competition which some think has been devalued over recent
years retains its importance.
But he remains concerned over the team's inability to close down a game that
looked there for the taking after we had gone one up and Everton having
Aiden McGeady sent off. Speaking exclusively to Claretandhugh, the
co-chairman said: In the cold light of day it was the fourth game in a row
we scored first and only drawn after 90 minutes. "So my brain says we have
to improve on that. My heart says it was the most exciting match I've seen
in my 5 years at WHU and my 22 years in football. "It was a real roller
coaster and showed how much both clubs and both sets of supporters cared
about the FA Cup, to West Ham United its an enormously important
competition. "Bristol City are undefeated in 11 or 12 games now, all wins
except 2 draws, so we can't take the next round too lightly."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons confirm new Adrian talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 14, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Heroic Hammers goalkeeper Adrian will hold talks with the Hammers about a
new long term deal at the end of the season. AdrianjenksThe FA Cup
replay-winning Irons stopper's iconic status went to a new level as he
contemptuously threw away his gloves before pumping the winning spot kick
past fellow Spaniard Joel Robles. The psyching-out process was magnificent
given that the Everton stopper had just missed his spot kick to set the
shoot-out up for the Irons. Adrian is in magnificent form and has already
drawn the inquiry from Spanish team Vincent Del Bosque as to why nobody is
talking about the former Real Betis keeper. And this morning the club
revealed that they will be holding talks about a contract extension at the
end of the campaign. ClaretandHugh was told by a top club insider: "Hes got
three years left on his contract, but we'll be holding discussion with him
at the end of the season."
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Young Lions captain signs first pro deal at West Ham
The FA.com
By Gary Stonehouse
Staff Writer
14 Jan 2015
England U17s captain Reece Oxford committed his future to West Ham United on
Tuesday when he penned a new deal at the club.
The defender signed a new long-term contract out on the pitch at the Boleyn
Ground at half time as the Hammers defeated Everton on penalties in The FA
Cup. The 16-year-old has already sat on the first team bench after being
called into the squad for the League Cup clash with Sheffield United in
August. And despite his tender years, he has become a regular for the club's
U21 side, and his form has seen him rewarded with his first professional
contract. 'It's great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now'
The club's academy manager Terry Westley was delighted to have secured the
youngster's signature, saying: "This makes a statement to other clubs out
there that we're not going to let our best players leave and go elsewhere to
ply their trade. "We look at it like the Olympics, in four-year cycles. You
finish London, then you look at Rio and you want to become a Gold medalist
in those four years. The Gold medal for us is them playing for West Ham
United in the Olympic Stadium in four years' time."
And speaking of the club's new stadium, Oxford is already thinking about
rewarding the loyal following he has received with some performances of the
highest calibre once there. "Hopefully I can get my first-team debut there
[at the new Stadium]," said Oxford.
"It's great to get the deal done and I'll try to kick on now and get into
the first team. The fans are committed to me, they really wanted me to sign.
They love their players here."
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West Ham plan to offload Ravel Morrison hit by Lazio's Bosman plan
Lazio want wayward midfielder to sign pre-contract agreement for end of
season – depending on outcome of court case – rather than take him off West
Ham's hands now
Much travelled: Lazio could give Ravel Morrison a chance to resurrect his
career Photo: PA
By Matt Law7:57PM GMT 14 Jan 2015
Telegraph.co.uk
Lazio want Ravel Morrison to sign a pre-contract agreement to join the
Italian club at the end of the season. Morrison's West Ham United contract
expires in the summer and the Hammers want to get him off the wage bill
immediately. The Professional Footballers' Association were called into to
settle a pay dispute between West Ham and Morrison over his £15,000-a-week
wages after he was repeatedly fined.
West Ham have looked into terminating the 21-year-old's contract this month
if no club is willing to sign him and take on his salary.
Lazio's interest does not solve West Ham's problem, as the Serie A side are
proposing signing Morrison on a Bosman transfer at the end of his current
deal. Morrison is due to stand trial at Manchester Crown Court on January 26
on charges of assaulting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor,
39, in the early hours of July 24, having been cleared of threatening to
throw acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend and have her killed. The
midfielder could not move abroad until his remaining charges are dealt with,
but Lazio are willing to agree a summer deal on the proviso that he is
cleared. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Morrison
as the most talented young player he had ever worked with. At West Ham,
Morrison has showed flashes of brilliance – culminating in a superb goal
against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last season. He has made four
appearances for England Under-21s, scoring two goals, and netted a superb
backheel volley in training that became and internet sensation. But
disciplinary issues have dogged Morrison through his early career and he is
not wanted by West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Morrison spent the second half
of last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship and had a
spell at Cardiff City this term.
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Proof that West Ham are now a corporate 'monster'
Date: 14th January 2015 at 8:41 pm
Written by: Richard Maher | ForeverWestHam.com
When the home side emerged from the tunnel wearing purple, Everton and
attending fans may well have needed to double-check they were in the right
place when they visited Upton Park on Tuesday night. Yes, West Ham United
were wearing purple at home.
The news was delivered to the fans via an online message which claims the
Hammers will be wearing it for the entire FA Cup campaign. This is quickly
followed by a desperate link to 'BUY YOUR THIRD KIT NOW'.
I wonder how many begrudging dads, who thought the reasonably priced tickets
for the replay would be a cheap night for him and his son, will be trekking
to the club shop after the final whistle.
Every Hammers fan has been crying out for a cup run to spice life up over
the past few years. I still sit there and revel in the 2006 campaign from
time-to-time – I'm not sure I'd be able to stomach looking back and watching
the DVDs of us playing in this monstrosity.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sam Allardyce rolled out in it himself before the
match, looking like a washed up Barney the dinosaur, with a megaphone
calling all fans to rush to the 'megastore' after the game to get their
hands on the 'limited edition kit'.
This news comes just after I received a swanky brochure about the Olympic
Stadium. Needless to say it is plastered with the new badge, which looks
like something the club nicked from a local secondary school's graphic
design class.
Fans have consistently been told that prices for the new stadium would be
cheaper due to the extra capacity – that the move would result in football
being given back to the community. Now the line is that 'the Club can
confirm they will be comparable with prices for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground'.
Prices for the final season at the Boleyn are yet to be released but as the
Right Honourable Baroness Brady CBE has already informed us that: 'After
last year's price freeze across the board, I am pleased we have been able to
once again freeze prices for junior supporters', it's fair to say we can
expect at least a 5% hike in prices for the other age categories.
Further taking advantage of loyal fans' wishes to be at the final season at
Upton Park, the club are asking season-ticket holders who want to renew to
lay down a £75 deposit by April, which is certain to be tough for those who
save up and pay for their ticket in the Summer, or for those who use the
finance scheme.
A trip to the 'Reservation Centre' in Westfield, Stratford is also on the
agenda for season-ticket holders who can thereby get a virtual view of their
seat at the new stadium. It all sounds good except for the fact that, just
before you leave, you will be asked to pay a non-refundable 25% of the
season-ticket price. It all seems to be playing on fans' fears that if they
don't cough up, they will lose their spot.
Featured in the new brochure was also a plug for the newly announced 'Boleyn
Bar'. Being named after the old ground and with a menu featuring the likes
of pie and mash with liquor, it gives the illusion of a nostalgia-trip for
long-time supporters. But you'll have to lay out a £500 joining fee plus
monthly payments of £140! And that excludes VAT! So much for the community.
To add insult to injury, the seats purchased in conjunction with the bar
membership are either side of the tunnel. Have we not learned from the
disastrous 'Club Wembley'? The second-half will consistently begin half
empty as those who can afford the bar, assumedly close relatives of Roy
Keane's infamous 'prawn sandwich brigade', make the most of their 'free
half-time drinks' (yes, despite the enormous membership fee, the club are
describing these drinks as 'free').
I've always been a fan of David Sullivan and David Gold, thinking they had
the club and its fans at heart. I'd still like to believe that but events
over the past few days looks like we are well and truly moving away from
being a community football club and are becoming a corporate monster.
The players change, the stadium is changing, the badge is changing and now
even the home colours are getting a makeover for games in what is the oldest
association football competition in the world. Is nothing sacred? It is hard
to cling on to what you are even supporting any more, apart from a mere name
which will undoubtedly also be open to sponsorship soon.
The nightmare vision of West Ham United PLC, or some derivation of it,
playing in a half-empty soulless bowl with a red and yellow kit (following a
'McDonalds' takeover) is really beginning to worry me. I've trusted Sullivan
and Gold to oversee the greatest overhaul in the club's history but it seems
that, in light of recent days, they are losing sight of what makes West Ham
special to so many people.
The owners know that West Ham's claret and blue army (no, not purple) are
fiercely loyal and look set to continue to buy into the club despite radical
changes, but there is real danger of a total identity loss in the not too
distant future.
And no Mr Sullivan, wedging a picture of Bobby Moore in every artist's
impression of the corporate future does not make it all OK.
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Akhisar loan West Ham Forward Ricardo Vaz Te
Posted by: Eren Sarigul January 14, 2015
www.turkish-football.com
Akhisar Belediyespor have completed the loan signing of Ricardo Vaz Te from
West Ham according to the Turkish newspaper Fanatik. Vaz Te recently handed
in a transfer request after failing to break into the Hammers first team.
Ricardo Vaz Te is expected to meet with Akhisar manager Roberto Carlos and
the rest of the squad in Antalya this week. The Portugal U23 international
has signed a deal keeping him at the Turkish Super League club until the end
of the season. Vaz Te has made just four Premier League appearances for West
Ham this season.
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Ravel Morrison set for West Ham exit as Lazio plan to sign midfielder on
pre-contract
Italian side Lazio want to sign Ravel Morrison in the summer
Morrison has been told he can quit West Ham United by the club
21-year-old has not played for the Hammers since August 31
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 14 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:31, 14 January 2015
Lazio want to sign Ravel Morrison on a pre-contract for the summer. The
Italians have been offered the West Ham midfielder, as reported by
Sportsmail, but are aware they cannot buy him now owing to UEFA regulations.
Morrison has played for West Ham and Cardiff and would not be allowed to
sign for a club in another country during this window. West Ham have
considered cancelling his contract if no club comes forward with a
legitimate offer but wanted a percentage sell-on if he moved. Morrison is
due in court later this month which could further complicate discussions.
The 21-year-old has not played for West Ham since their 3-1 defeat at Upton
Park against Southampton back on August 31.
RAVEL MORRISON - A TIMELINE OF THE MIDFIELDER'S INDISCRETIONS
February 2011
Morrison receives a 12-month referral order after admitting to threatening a
mugging victim in order to stop them from giving evidence.
May 2011
The midfielder appears in court accused of attacking his girlfriend. The
charges were later dropped.
January 31, 2012
Morrison signs for West Ham from Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson tells
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce: '(Morrison is) a brilliant footballer. Brilliant
ability. Top-class ability. Needs to get away from Manchester and start a
new life.'
February 2012
West Ham starlet fined £7,000 by the Football Association and warned as to
his future conduct after making homophobic remarks on Twitter.
September 2012
While on loan at Birmingham City, problems with Morrison's attitude in
training leads Blues boss Lee Clark to contemplate terminating the deal.
Eventually he fought his way back into the side and was an influential
member of the team.
July 2014
Morrison arrested on suspicion of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her
mother.
November 2014
The midfielder is cleared in court of threatening to throw acid in
ex-girlfriend's face.
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